Audrey Bellamy had spent years imagining what she would say if she ever stood face-to-face with the woman who helped destroy her mother’s marriage.

On Friday morning, Julian and his private attorney, Arthur Sterling, arrived at the Bellamy executive boardroom in downtown Manhattan. Julian looked every bit the devoted fiancé, holding a massive bouquet of white peonies and a jeweler’s box containing an eight-carat replacement diamond.

“Audrey, darling,” Julian beamed, walking toward her with open arms. “I had this ring custom-designed in Antwerp to replace the one I threw away. I will spend every day making up for my temper at the pool.”

Audrey accepted the flowers with a polite smile, gesturing toward the conference table. “Thank you, Julian. But before we reschedule the ceremony, we need to settle the legal framework for the baby’s protection.”

Arthur Sterling slid a thick, leather-bound portfolio across the mahogany table.

“This is a modernized Spousal Protective Trust Agreement,” Sterling announced smoothly. “Given Mr. Mercer’s executive background and Ms. Bellamy’s upcoming maternity leave, this agreement assigns dual-signatory authority over the Bellamy Logistics Fund to Julian, ensuring smooth business continuity in the event of medical emergencies.”

Audrey flipped through the pages. Hidden deep within subsection 14-B was a clause that granted Julian unconditional management over all maritime liquid reserves, even in the event of divorce, provided a child was born of the union.

“Julian,” Audrey said softly, looking up from the contract. “You truly thought of everything.”

“Only because I want to protect our future, my love,” Julian answered, placing his hand over his heart. “I want you to be able to rest and focus on our child while I carry the burden of the business.”

“Of course,” Audrey replied. “However, my father’s trust bylaws require one mandatory procedural step before any co-trustee amendment can be legally binding.”

Julian blinked. “What step is that?”

“A certified medical verification of pregnancy submitted directly to the board of trustees,” Audrey stated calmly. “Dr. Harrison at the Presbyterian Maternal Center has scheduled my ultrasound confirmation for Monday morning at ten o'clock. Once the clinic submits the medical seal, we sign the contracts together in front of the board.”