EPISODE 4: THE TEST ## CHAPTER 1: THE ARTICLE The headline appeared two weeks after the Met Gala: "CALLAHAN'S CONTRACT BRIDE: INSIDER REVEALS $300K MARRIAGE DEAL" Elena read it three times, each time feeling her stomach drop further. The article was detailed. Horrifyingly detailed. It described the contract—the duration, the payments, the public appearance requirements. It named her father's medical bills as motivation. It even included a photo of her signing something at James's desk. "Who?" she whispered. "That's what I'm trying to determine." James's voice was ice—not directed at her, she realized, but at the situation. "Someone with access to my private documents. Someone who knew about the original terms." "Katherine?" "Never. She's been with me for seven years." His jaw tightened. "I have other suspicions." "Serena?" "She doesn't have the access. But she knows people who do." He turned to face her. "Elena, I need you to understand something. This article changes nothing between us. What we discussed on the rooftop—what we've been building—that's real." "Is it?" The words came out harder than she intended. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like I'm exactly what the article says. A woman who sold herself for money." "You saved your father's life." "By becoming a transaction." "By becoming my wife." He moved closer. "Whatever the beginning was, it's...