A smirk played on Blayze's lips. "If not for your actions, covertly favoring your other son, my uncle's fate could have been different."

Sierra, who had been eavesdropping from the second-floor staircase, silently retreated to her room upon hearing this exchange.

After consulting the lawyer, Bettie prepared two contracts and forwarded them to Lance for him to review. "I find your suggestion fair, and I'm on board with it. Please take a look at these two contracts. If everything Looks good, we can get them signed with the lawyer present."

Roughly ten minutes later, Lance responded, "I have a few questions. Are you available to chat now? I'd prefer we discuss this in person."

Bettie thought for a moment before responding, "Sure, head over to the coffee shop just below my apartment complex. Give me a ring when you're almost there."

"Will do."

About twenty minutes later, Bettie arrived at the coffee shop. She scanned the area but didn't see Lance yet. So, she picked a spot in the corner to sit down.

Not even two minutes had passed when a man sporting gold-rimmed glasses entered. He had an air of elegance and intelligence about him.

Pausing to look around the cafe, his gaze settled on Bettie, and he made his way over. He pulled out the chair across from her and sat down.

"So, you've made it. Have you had a chance to go through the contracts? Feel free to ask any questions," Bettie offered. She was open to discussion, though she knew there might be points she wouldn't agree with.

Seeing Bettie cut to the chase, Lance replied, "Alright, I'll be direct. The contracts say we need to act as a loving couple. What exactly does that mean? I thought it was only meant to be a sham marriage."

"It means we won't get an actual marriage certificate but will have a wedding ceremony. If needed, we could get a fake certificate."

Lance was at a loss for words. No wonder there was a_ separate contracts about property. Who put this idea in her head?

Lance stared at Bettie in silence for a moment before saying earnestly, “People will eventually find out."

“No, as long as we have the wedding ceremony, nobody will question whether we have the marriage certificate. Besides, we're going to divorce eventually, so it doesn't matter if we have the marriage certificate."

Bettie raised her eyebrows and gave Lance a look as he hesitated to speak. She then said with a slight smile, “Or are you thinking of voiding the contracts after the divorce? If that's your plan, we might as well not continue this discussion."

"Fine... Next one." Lance reluctantly gave in. "Look at this one. During the term of our contracts, I can't just walk into your bedroom, meaning we'll sleep in separate rooms, right?"

"Yes. We only need to appear affectionate in public. There's no need to keep up the act in private."

“But what if your parents find out?" Lance questioned. Even if they were to live on their own after getting married, Bettie's mother was sure to drop by for visits.

After pondering for a moment, Bettie confidently proposed, “It's no big deal. You can sleep in the guest room and just make sure to store the quilt and pillow each morning. I'll prepare two sets of toiletries just in case my mom stops by. You'll just need to tuck them away after using them in the guest room."