No Boss of Mine

The Price of Power

Ashley took a deep breath. I've just bailed out of prison, and now I'm dealing with someone even tougher. Finn's mother, Helan, sat across from her, an elegant smile playing on her lips that made Ashley feel small in comparison.

"I hope you don't mind me being blunt, dear," Helan began, her voice smooth but cutting. "We all know this is a sham marriage."

Helan's words were sharp enough to slice through the tension, and Ashley felt her heart pound in response. Before she could muster a reply, Helan continued, her smile unwavering.

"And just to be clear, you will not receive a penny more than what the agreement states."

Finn interjected, "Jesus, Mom!"

Ashley glanced at him, her eyes pleading for support, but when she saw the storm brewing in his gaze, she knew he wasn't going to back down from this confrontation. He met her gaze and gave her a subtle nod—his way of telling her to carry on.

Helan raised her voice slightly, her authority filling the space between them. "Ashley, are we clear?"

Without missing a beat, Ashley squared her shoulders and met Helan's gaze head-on. "Helan, I am not for sale," she stated, her voice firm. "And while there's at least one loophole in the paperwork which I could exploit—"

"I beg your pardon?" Helan's tone snapped like a whip, her eyes narrowing with indignation.

Ashley held her ground. "I'm going along with this agreement only because the money will help so many people. I have no intention of trying to get a penny more than what our contract stipulates."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Helan's expression softened, as though she had gained some new respect for Ashley. "I'm glad we're all on the same page," she said, her voice once again controlled. She turned to the waiter with a sudden burst of cheerfulness. "Waiter! Bring a bottle of your finest champagne."

Ashley exhaled, the weight of the conversation still lingering. She glanced over at Finn, who gave her a small, encouraging smile. But the moment was far from over. Helan, ever prepared, pulled out a huge binder from her crocodile-skin Birkin bag and placed it on the table with a thud.

"It's totally up to you," Finn murmured, but Ashley knew there was no real choice involved.

Helan had already opened the binder and was flipping through the pages. "You can choose from a cathedral wedding, a location wedding, or—there's Melbourne Hall. Of course, we'd be more than happy to host the wedding at our house."

Helan smiled at Finn as she spoke, clearly relishing in the planning. Finn added, "It's where I grew up. I used to climb that tree over there as a kid."

Helan didn't pause for Ashley's thoughts as she turned the page. Her hands moved gracefully, as if she was planning a grand ball rather than a contractual arrangement.

Ashley finally found her voice. "Helan, may I say something?"

Helan looked up from the binder, her smile still intact. "Of course, dear."

"Well, it's just... isn't this too elaborate for a fake wedding?" Ashley asked carefully.

Helan's smile didn't waver, but her eyes gleamed with something sharper. "Young lady, I'm going along with this to make Finn happy, but that doesn't mean I'm going to allow the two of you to make a mockery of me among my friends." Her voice grew colder, more commanding. "Your wedding will be every bit as grand as it would be if this were all real. Understood?"

Before Ashley could respond, Finn interrupted the rising tension. "Ladies, the champagne is here."

Helan's demeanor shifted once again, and her smile returned. "Wonderful. Now, a toast—to all our happiness."

They all raised their glasses and took a sip, but the air was still thick with unspoken conflict. Helan went on with her meal, seemingly satisfied that she had made her point.

After a few moments, Helan stood. "I have to run, Finn," she said, pulling him into a hug. Her gaze flicked to Ashley as she pulled away. "I like you, dear. I look forward to meeting your parents."

Helan air-kissed Ashley's cheek and, with a final wave, made her exit.