“This doesn’t feel right,” Bella murmured. In her world, a week was barely a blip on the radar. Wolves often marked and mated the day they met. But humans, especially those with considerable wealth and power, were nothing if not methodical. Something about this situation felt off.
In the human world, a week was far too fast for something as significant as marriage. Bella raised an eyebrow and asked bluntly, “Are you sure she’s only known him a week? Is she pregnant?” It was the only scenario she could think of that might rush two wealthy families into marriage—to avoid the scandal of a child born out of wedlock or a bitter, public custody battle that could tarnish their reputations.
Matt sighed heavily. “I asked her that very question. And let me tell you, it didn’t go over well. Dani got right up in my face, screaming that she’s still a virgin and plans to stay that way until she’s married. Apparently, he feels the same.”
Bella leaned back in her chair, her expression skeptical. “So, they’re rushing to get married just so they can have s*x? I don’t buy it.”
Matt began pacing her office, frustration etched across his face. “Neither do I. But she’s completely love-struck—obsessed, even. It’s Robyn this and Robyn that. ‘He’s so handsome, so dreamy.’ I’ve heard it all, and honestly, it’s driving me insane.”
Bella sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Alright, I can draft the prenup, but it’s not something I can whip up overnight. I’ll need every detail—the family he comes from, financial disclosures, the whole drill. I’ll have to vet them, and that’s no quick process. If they’re serious about rushing this, Robyn and his family will need to make an appointment, and they’ll probably want to bring their own lawyers. Honestly, I can’t imagine they’re in that much of a hurry.”
Matt stopped pacing and looked at her, his tone almost pleading. “I was hoping you could meet them at dinner on Friday. Two birds with one stone—you can get a feel for them, and we’ll all meet at the same time.”
Bella smiled at him reassuringly. “Of course, Matt. You didn’t even have to ask. After everything you and Nina have done for me, I’m happy to help. I’ll arrange for my nanny to watch the kids—she loves the overtime pay.”
“Thank you, Bella,” he said with relief, sinking back into his chair. “This takes a huge weight off my shoulders.” After a moment, he added, “Out of curiosity, why you? Why not the army of lawyers my family already has?”
Bella raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Matt shrugged. “Dani specifically requested you. She doesn’t like Grandpa’s ‘stuffy old lawyers.’ She says you’re closer to her age, more relatable, and that you’ll understand her needs better. Plus, when she mentioned your name to Robyn, he apparently laughed and said he’d seen you on TV and thought you’d be a perfect choice. His parents apparently love strategic, professional people and have been following your case. They’re happy to have you handle the prenup.”
Bella sighed, shaking her head. “Great. Let’s hope they’re not groupies,” she muttered under her breath. Nothing annoyed her more than unnecessary fanfare.
Matt chuckled at her remark. “I doubt that, Bella. Anyway, Nina and I will pick you up at your place Friday at 7. Robyn insists on picking Dani up himself, so we’ll meet them at the restaurant with his parents.”
“Alright,” Bella said with a nod. “Formal dress code, I assume?”
“Proper attire will be required,” Matt said with a smirk. “Nina booked a table at FourWeather.”
Bella let out a low whistle. “FourWeather, huh? That’s for the seriously wealthy. Making a statement, are we?”
“Robyn told her to book anywhere she wanted. His parents are footing the bill, so yes, we’re making a statement. It’s going to cost them a small fortune.”
Bella laughed. “Well then, I suggest you order the priciest thing on the menu and really make them pay for it.”
The idea of Nina booking FourWeather amused her. Bella could easily imagine Nina pulling strings to secure a table there on such short notice. The restaurant was owned by the Jacobson Foundation and notoriously booked out all year. But as the heiress to the Hill Foundation, Nina likely just had to make one call—or more likely, her father did—to make it happen. The Hill Foundation’s influence was vast, with connections spanning industries and continents.
“7 p.m. it is. I’ll dress to impress,” Bella said with a cheeky grin.
“Just no short skirts, Bella,” Matt teased as he headed for the door. Then, as he opened it, he added with an air of mock seriousness, “Oh, and if that dumbass’s men give you any trouble, I can always have Old Man Hill send some goons.”
He said it loudly enough for Beta Benzy and Gamma Macky to hear, a deliberate jab. Bella could see the humor in his theatrics. Old Man Hill’s “goons” would stand no chance against wolves, but she appreciated the gesture—and the show he was putting on.
Smiling, Bella replied, “Sure thing. Tell Grandpa Hill I said hi.” She waved him off, suppressing a laugh. Matt could be utterly hilarious when he wanted to be.
As he disappeared down the hall, Bella leaned against the doorframe, her smile lingering. ‘Dani’s influence,’ Tyler, her wolf, remarked dryly.
‘Definitely,’ Bella agreed. ‘Goon squad’ was exactly the sort of term Dani would throw around.
The bit about opening the door so Benzy and Macky could hear his comment? Unnecessary. With their wolf hearing, they’d caught every word of the conversation through the closed door. Bella knew they were lingering outside, likely sent to spy because their Alpha couldn’t—or wouldn’t—come himself.
As for Matt’s “no short skirts” comment, she chuckled to herself. He knew her too well. Short skirts were practically her signature. She loved the reactions they provoked in her professional circles. Other lawyers often underestimated her, mistaking her style for superficiality. While they ogled her legs or got distracted by trying to sneak a glance at something else, Bella was busy slipping in airtight loopholes and safeguards for her clients, ensuring they came out ahead.
Underestimating her was always their first mistake.
