📖 Chapter 1: The Pact Reborn
Scene 1: Aiden Carter – The CEO in Love
Aiden’s Office – New York City – 9:30 AM
Assistant: “Mr. Carter, the Tokyo board is on line three, and Miranda left a message. Something about wedding venues?”
Aiden (barely looking up): “Postpone Tokyo. And tell Miranda I’ll take her to Paris next week... she’ll calm down.”
He leans back, fingers steepled, eyes calculating — a man who knows what he wants.
Aiden (thinking):
> I built all this for freedom. Not to be used like a pawn.
He glances at the framed photo on his desk — him and Miranda, smiling. Then his father’s old pen. Cold. Silver. Heavy with meaning.
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Scene 2: Alina Lancaster – The Fighter
Los Angeles Private School Gym 4:00 PM
Alina (instructor voice): “Okay, stance tighter! If your footwork's weak, you fall fast — and I don’t teach losers!”
Her students giggle nervously. She grins.
Later, outside the gym, she ties her black belt tighter, sweat glistening, and checks her phone. 3 missed calls from “Dad.”
Alina (sighs):
> Now what, Father? Another charity gala or another lecture on ‘Lancaster dignity’?
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Scene 3: The Invitation
Scene Split: Two cars, two cities, two families – same time.
Aiden’s Father (Richard Carter):
> “We need to talk. Come to the manor tonight. It’s about... the contract.”
Edward Lancaster (to Alina):
> “Wear something formal. We’re attending a meeting. Family matter.”
Neither Aiden nor Alina know their worlds are about to collide.
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Scene 4: First Shock – Lancaster Estate
Alina and Aiden arrive at opposite ends of the dining hall confused, surprised.
Aiden (coldly): “What is she doing here?”
Alina (frowns): “I should ask the same."
Richard Carter:
> “This isn’t a reunion, children. Twenty years ago, we made a pact. A merger through blood — through you two.”
Edward (firmly):
> “You are to be married before the fiscal year ends. Or both empires... collapse.”
