Page 13 of Carnal Wagers

Love having you over.

And babe?

Alizé

Yeah?

Maeve

You’ll always be my person.

Alizé

Same.

Year Five of Marriage

Dear Mr. Cillian Donal O’Leary,

I do not believe in forcing loved ones into detrimental situations, and this union between you and Alizé long ago became that. Following a recent conversation with my sister regarding your relationship, it is time to reassess the durability of the contract with the intention of finding a peaceful dissolution. However, should you disregard my request, as Alizé informs me you are apt to do, I suggest you read the following carefully.

Per our families’ contracted agreement, it is incumbent upon me to inform you of an event requiring your presence. I will be marrying Persetta Iannelli from the California Iannellis in just over a month. While the following invitation has been issued to you, I formally request that you not attend. You will not fly to France at any time in the next month. You will not send a wedding gift. What you will do is break your end of the contract, hence freeing my sister from a loveless and fruitless agreement that we have received no benefit from. Our situation no longer requires your side of the bargain to ever be fulfilled. In return for your compliance, I agree to waive the repayment of sums made as mandated by said contract.

I will leave you with this parting warning should you disregard my advice. My men and I enjoy a good hunt, especially when the target is mobile.

Sincerely,

Adrien De Villier, CEO of DV Bank and Holdings

Cillian

Take a look at this letter.

See if you can find what’s going on.

The De Villier bastard sounds too cocky.

They’re going to try something.

Brody

On it.

If I find something?

Cillian

Put a stop to it.

And get flights for us.

We’re going to that wedding.

Alizé

So, don’t tell Adrien, but husband dearest just showed up.

Three rows behind me, five seats to the left.