The Contract With Her Father's Billionaire Rival-Chapter 37. His Reputation On The Line.

Alaric adjusted his cufflinks as he admired himself in the mirror.

Today was his wedding day.

The day that changed everything.

Relief washed over him, mingling with excitement. He couldn’t wait to release the pictures and rebuild his reputation.

He was Alaric Allens—the billionaire, the innovator. Not the man who took advantage of a woman. Not the one the media lied about.

He couldn’t wait for everything to fall in place. Yes. Once this marriage hit the news, he knew it would be the talk of the town. Everyone would want to work with him again, and he could finally fulfill his CEO duties, taking his father’s business to new heights just like he had done with his business in Australia.

But beneath all the dreams, the desire, the excitement, anticipation was building inside him.

He couldn’t wait to kiss Nicolette, to officially make her his. To find legal excuses to touch her, to possess her, to do every naughty thing his mind could make up.

His heart tightened with desire as his dick throbbed. He could feel the rush and it thrilled him.

She had been so mean when he saw her earlier. He had waited for her to ask him about his night, so he could vent about Violet’s seduction. Anything to get back into her good graces despite how she had humiliated him by calling another man’s name.

"Get a hold of yourself," he said to his reflection, watching as his jaw tightened with longing.

His door opened behind him without a knock and Richard walked in, holding Suzie’s son. Richard was dressed in a black tailored suit, looking sharp and comfortable.

"The groom himself," Richard said with a wide grin. "Hey Bagel," he added, bending to rub Bagel’s head.

"Doggy!" Walter exclaimed, pointing at Bagel.

"Yes, doggy," Richard replied enthusiastically.

Alaric chuckled at Richard’s expression. "You look pathetic."

"Says the man who has never been around children," Richard shot back with a laugh.

Alaric rolled his eyes, turning back to the mirror. "You only taught for two months."

"Which is more than you can say for yourself, right?" Richard countered, amusement deepening his voice.

He wasn’t winning this argument, so he gave up.

He took his tie and began knotting it around his neck.

"Let me help you with that," Richard offered, moving closer. "So, how do you feel? Jitters? Cold feet?"

"None," Alaric replied firmly. "I’m excited. Happy."

Richard cocked his head as he worked on the tie. "That’s weird. I was expecting you to be grumpy as usual."

"I was grumpy this morning," Alaric admitted. "And last night. Your aunt brought Violet to my house and she tried to seduce me." Fresh anger surged through him as he remembered.

Richard dropped his hand, his eyes widening. "Tell me that’s a joke. Why would you agree to that?"

Alaric sighed and moved to sit on his bed. Walter and Bagel ran in circles around the room.

"It was a terrible decision, I know. But it was the only way to get her and my father to attend the wedding."

Richard frowned. "That’s just weird."

"Tell me about it," Alaric muttered.

"Aunt Clara hates this marriage," Richard said, rubbing his chin. "And she’s not even hiding it."

Alaric’s fist clenched as his mind drifted to his mother’s actions. Right now, the only thing he could hope for was that she wouldn’t get any ideas from this—finding more ways to threaten him before actually helping, just because it worked this one time.

"And Violet?" Richard asked.

Alaric tilted his head. "What about her?"

"Did you...?" Richard winked.

Alaric sprang to his feet, his face twisted with disgust. "You’re disgusting."

Richard threw his head back in laughter. "I mean... didn’t you even think about it?"

"Hell no," Alaric snapped. "Why would I want to do anything with an unhinged woman? I already sent her away this morning."

Richard’s eyebrows shot up. "Before the wedding?"

"The deal was for her to stay overnight, not attend the ceremony," Alaric said, pressing his lips into a thin line.

He remembered how disheveled Violet had looked when he had sent her out. Her plan had failed. He saw how angry she had been with the unexpected action.

He stepped in front of the mirror again and Richard joined him. "It was a stupid deal—one that’s never happening again."

Richard began to knot the tie again. "At least you can tell Aunt Clara you obeyed her once. She should be okay with that."

"I hope so," Alaric replied as Richard finished the tie.

Richard took a step back to admire Alaric, his mouth curved into a satisfied smile. "Looking sharp."

Alaric admired his reflection, nodding with satisfaction as well. "Yes," he said, then his thoughts shifted to Nicolette. "Let me go check up on Nicolette."

"Alright. We’ll be out," Richard said, nodding toward Walter and Bagel who were still playing.

Alaric left the room and made his way to Nicolette’s. He sighed, hoping she would be delighted to see Suzie and that she loved her dress.

But when he pushed the door open, he froze at the chaos inside.

Suzie was on the floor, fiddling with a dress—he couldn’t tell if she was fixing or taking it apart.

Stelle was at the foot of the bed, crying her eyes out.

Nicolette was in front of the mirror, her hair standing as if she had been electrocuted, while Anna hovered behind her, trying to console her.

His stomach sank.

"What’s going on?"

They all jolted and turned toward him but said nothing. He stepped closer, scanning the messy room.

Colored threads littered the floor.

Beads.

Shiny things.

More shiny things scattered around like confetti.

"Would someone care to explain?" he asked, looking at all of them before his eyes settled on Nicolette.

Her shoulders slumped as she turned toward him, and he gasped.

It wasn’t because she was crying, but because her face was covered in mismatched colors, like she had been made up by a party clown.

"It’s a disaster, Mr. Allens," she said. Despite the tears, her voice was steady.

His heart tugged with concern at the defeat in her eyes. He wanted to reach her, to console her, but stopped because of the others.

"The dresses are ruined, and Suzie is trying to fix one we bought off the rack," she said, pointing to the dress on the floor.

His brow furrowed in confusion. "I thought Stelle brought two?"

"She did," Nicolette replied, hugging herself. "Both of them are ruined."

"Maybe we should postpone the wedding?" Suzie suggested.

"No," he said quickly, and they all shot him a look. He cleared his throat. "No," he repeated, quieter this time. "We’ll work something out."

There was no way he was stopping this wedding.

So much had been put in place, so quickly, so efficiently, for this day to happen.

His reputation was on the line.

He couldn’t give up like that.

Think of a plan.

Quick.

He racked his brain, head swirling with options. And then it clicked.

"I’ll be right back," he said, locking eyes with Nicolette. "I’ll fix this." Then he turned to Stelle, "Come with me."

Stelle stood quickly, wiping her eyes with her sleeves.

Alaric glanced around once more, a smile spreading across his face. "I have everything under control."

Nicolette’s eyes shimmered with doubt, but she nodded slowly. "Okay."

"Good." He left the room with Stelle. In the hallway, he faced her. "Get in touch with every top stylist in the country as soon as possible. I want Nicolette ready for today."

Stelle sniffled, nodding. "Alright, sir."

Once she left, he pulled out his phone and dialed his mother’s personal assistant.

"Hey, Miles. I need you to bring my mother’s wedding gown to my venue. Immediately."

Miles sounded confused. "Her wedding gown? Did she—"

"It’s a surprise," Alaric interrupted him, his voice laced with annoyance. "I’m trying to surprise her. Can you do it or not?"

"Right away... Mr Allens. I’ll be there in five," Miles replied before ending the call.

Alaric straightened up, amusement dancing in his eyes. Clara’s dress was the only worthy outfit that could be used so quickly for today.

There was no way Nicolette would settle for something off the rack. Not with reporters around. And definitely not on her special day.

Clara wouldn’t mind. It’s not like she was saving it for another wedding or another child.

With excitement in his veins, Alaric adjusted his jacket and proceeded outside.

Time to meet his guests.

He scanned the venue and spotted his family at the center table. His mother, his father, his uncle Gerald, Richard, and then...

"What the fuck?" he said aloud.

Violet was sitting with them. Laughing. Sipping wine.

And she was wearing a white wedding gown.

Alaric saw red.