Contract Marriage With My Billionaire Boss (Venus and Aaron) novel Chapter 26

**Chapter 26**

**AARON**

“Looks like I’ll be relying on my memory for this one,” I remarked with a calm demeanor, trying to mask the tension bubbling beneath the surface. “Do your best to keep up.”

I launched into my presentation about the cutting-edge AI technology I had been tirelessly crafting over the past several months. The pitch would have had a far greater impact had I been able to showcase the meticulously designed slides I had spent countless nights refining, but alas, I had to make do with the resources at hand.

Just a few minutes into my spiel, a sharp knock echoed through the air, followed by the entrance of Jane—the ever-efficient receptionist.

“We’re currently in the middle of a shareholders’ meeting—” Caroline interjected, her tone already grating against the fragile patience I had left.

What was her role as a shareholder again?

Ah, right.

Richard.

Jane had been around long enough to understand the unspoken rules of our meetings, so whatever she had to say must have been of significant importance. She might be a nightmare in heels, but she was reliable—she would do.

“It’s fine. Just give me a moment,” I said, straightening my posture and brushing off Caroline’s disapproving glare as I stepped outside the boardroom.

And there she stood.

The source of my constant frustration and the woman I was set to marry in less than a week—Venus Astor. She held a laptop and a folder, looking both determined and slightly anxious.

“Venus?” I questioned, a hint of surprise lacing my voice.

“You left this behind,” she replied, stepping forward, her voice steady yet tinged with an undercurrent of nervousness. “I know you don’t go into meetings without it. I tried calling, but—never mind. It seemed like you had everything under control.”

She attempted to sound nonchalant, but I could detect the concern that lay just beneath the surface. She genuinely cared, even in this moment.

I didn’t respond verbally; I simply accepted the items from her hands.

It was thoughtful of her—unexpected, especially considering the way I had treated her during her time working for me. Most individuals would have shrugged it off, but she had gone out of her way to bring them.

“Thank you,” I finally managed to say, the weight of the moment settling in.

Then, without truly thinking it through, I added, “Jane will guide you to my office. Please wait for me there.”

She blinked in surprise. “What? I didn’t—”

But I was already retreating back into the boardroom, firing up the projector and seamlessly resuming my pitch. With the visuals to back up my words, I felt the tide turning in my favor. They asked insightful questions, I challenged their perspectives, and by the time we wrapped up, the term “impressed” barely scratched the surface of their reactions.

Not that I was particularly invested in Richard or his wife’s approval.

Once the meeting concluded, I made my way to my office, already rehearsing what I would say to Venus. I needed to express something more meaningful than just a simple “thank you.” I wanted to convey that I recognized her effort.

Before I could finalize my thoughts, Connor sauntered in. He praised Venus for “saving the day” and congratulated me on the pitch before disappearing just as quickly as he had arrived.

Venus and I departed together, the day stretching into evening, and I felt utterly drained.

“How about dinner before we head to the penthouse?” I suggested, hoping to ease the day’s tension.

She nodded in agreement. I retrieved my discarded suit jacket, slinging it over my shoulder, and wrapped my arm around her waist as we walked out together. We were in public, and people would undoubtedly talk. It was best to sell the story we were crafting.

Besides, I didn’t mind the feeling of her warmth beside me—it had a peculiar way of grounding me amidst the chaos.

Connor had forewarned us about Richard and Caroline waiting in the lobby.

Of course, they were.

There it was—the game.

Push the right buttons, watch me unravel, draw the audience in. The perfect family drama unfolding right under the harsh fluorescent lights.

I could feel the blood boiling in my veins, a simmering rage threatening to erupt.

Venus shifted beside me, sensing my tension. My grip on her waist had tightened unconsciously, and when she winced slightly, I loosened my hold but didn’t let go. I needed that connection, more than I was willing to admit.

Because if I released her, I would snap.

He wanted a show; I was prepared to give him a blackout.

But Venus, with her gentle strength, stepped in just at the right moment.

“Let’s go, babe,” she said, her voice firm yet measured—a soothing balm and a spark of defiance all at once.

I nodded once in agreement. “Yeah. We’re done here.”

We began to walk away, but then—

“Aaron,” Richard called out, his voice loud and pointed, cutting through the air like a knife.

I didn’t stop. I didn’t flinch.

Because if I turned around now…

I wouldn’t just burn the bridge.

I’d set the whole damn match ablaze.