He Wants An Open Marriage? Done!

Roxanne stood near the glass paneling of the main lobby, watching through the floor-to-ceiling windows as the grand entrance cleared.

Outside, the media circus broke down. Sound technicians wrapped heavy cables around their elbows, while camera crews stowed gear into news vans before pulling away from the curb.

Near the reception desk, a wall-mounted television screen flickered with live coverage. Roxanne let out a quiet breath as a red banner flashed across the lower third of the display.

"BREAKING NEWS. Former executive of Vance Enterprises, Christian Westbrook, taken into federal custody—" The anchor’s voice carried softly across the floor, detailing the rapid collapse of Christian’s public defense.

Below the primary headline, a second chyron scrolled into view. Vance Enterprises exposes massive internal embezzlement scheme, clearing executive leadership of all wrongdoing.

"Let us head back upstairs, Roxanne," Richard said, his deep voice breaking through her concentration. He stood just behind her shoulder, gesturing toward the private elevators. "We need to bring this board meeting to an official close."

Roxanne turned to meet his gaze, feeling a surge of quiet relief settle in her chest. "Yes, let us finish this."

Side by side, they stepped into the quiet enclosure of the elevator, listening to the soft chime as the doors sealed shut and carried them back up to the ninth floor.

When they re-entered the boardroom, the residual tension that had suffocated the space for weeks vanished. Executive chairs scraped against the carpet as board members, legal counsel, and shareholders took their seats once more.

Richard walked to the head of the long table, resting his hands flat against the polished surface. "The immediate crisis is contained," he declared, his voice carrying absolute authority across the silent room. "Now, our focus turns to repairing the operational damage this circus caused us."

"And more importantly, we must ensure our legal team handles the prosecution with zero leniency," Margaret added, her voice sharp as she adjusted the heavy pearl necklace at her throat. "Christian needs to spend time behind bars. We must push for the maximum sentence permitted by law."

A wave of firm nods rippled around the table, every executive silently agreeing with the sentiment.

"I’m glad we all agree," Margaret continued, relaxing her posture. "That matter is in the hands of the authorities. Now, we look forward."

"Speaking of looking forward, I have extraordinary news," the board chairman interjected, his face breaking into a broad grin as he tapped his tablet screen. All eyes locked on him as he raised his chin. "Our overseas trading markets opened twenty minutes ago, and Vance Enterprises stock has surged by twelve percent."

An immediate wave of cheers and low exclamations broke out across the room. Richard offered a genuine smile, nodding his quiet approval to the floor.

A sharp knock sounded against the wooden double doors before they swung open. Libby stepped into the room, her rigid composure replaced by eager energy.

Richard turned his attention toward his assistant. "What’s going on, Libby?"

"Forgive the interruption, sir," Libby said, clutching a digital folder to her chest. "The lead negotiation team from Singapore is on line one. They want to sign the expansion contract immediately."

"Outstanding," Richard said, the tight lines around his eyes softening into total ease. "Patch the call directly through."

The atmospheric shift inside the room was instant.

As Roxanne sat back in her chair, watching the executives exchange handshakes, she marveled at how rapidly a crushing disaster transformed into victory.

Within an hour, the financial monitors mounted along the far wall showed stock value spiking by twenty-five percent. The boardroom hummed with celebration as bottled water was replaced with crystal glassware.

"I believe we can formally conclude today’s meeting," the board chairman announced, looking over at Richard with deep respect. "Though moving forward, Mr. President, you must ensure we are never exposed to anything like this again."

Richard smoothed the front of his dark suit jacket, radiating composure. "As president, I am fully aware of what this company requires," he replied smoothly. "We still have internal matters regarding my brother’s shares to finalize, but for this afternoon, we celebrate."

"I second that motion," Henry chimed in, rising from his seat with a contented sigh. "We have endured enough turmoil for one day."

Slowly, the room began to filter out as executives and investors gathered personal documents and exited into the bright corridor.

Roxanne remained near the head of the table, exchanging polite pleasantries with two key institutional investors. As the clients excused themselves, Margaret stepped into her line of sight, a tight smile fixed on her face.

"Congratulations to all of us, Margaret," Roxanne offered pleasantly, holding her head high.

Margaret’s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a cold glare. "Lady Vance," she corrected, her voice dropping into a stern tone that barely carried past their space. "You will address me as Lady Vance. And I expect your formal resignation letter by Monday morning. That was our agreement."

Before Roxanne could formulate a response, the older woman turned on her heel and glided toward the exit, the sharp click of her heels echoing against the hard flooring as she rejoined Henry in the hallway.

Roxanne simply shook her head, letting out a faint breath.

"Do not allow her bitterness to ruin this moment for you, Roxanne," Pamela said, stepping up beside her as the boardroom emptied out further.

Roxanne turned to face her, offering a soft sigh. "It’s fine, Pamela," she said, making a subtle move to gather her handbag from the table.

Pamela reached out, her hand hovering hesitantly in the air between them as she let out a breath. "I truly need to apologize to you, Roxanne. I know you probably despise me after what you found out, but I—"

"No, Pamela," Roxanne interrupted softly, her expression gentle as she met her eyes. "I don’t hate you at all. You were manipulated by a master deceiver, just as I was years ago. Thankfully, that nightmare is over. You are an intelligent, beautiful woman, and you deserve someone who treats you with respect. Please don’t throw away your time on men like Christian."

Pamela’s breath hitched, a thin veil of tears glistening in her eyes as she searched Roxanne’s calm face. "You really don’t resent me? I was certain you—"

Roxanne smiled warmly, shaking her head. "Despite how chaotic everything became, you showed me genuine warmth when I first arrived here, and I haven’t forgotten that."

A soft sob escaped Pamela’s lips as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Roxanne, burying her face against her shoulder. Roxanne let out a soft chuckle, returning the embrace with an affectionate pat against Pamela’s back.

When Pamela pulled back, she wiped a stray tear from her cheek, her face breaking into a wide grin. "So, are we sisters now?"

Roxanne laughed outright, giving her head a gentle shake. "Sisters might be moving a bit too fast. Let’s settle on good friends first."

Pamela threw her arms around her once more in an enthusiastic hug. "Deal! Good friends it is!"

"What is going on over here?" Richard’s smooth baritone echoed from behind them as he closed his leather briefcase.

Pamela released Roxanne and immediately turned to her brother, throwing her arms around his waist. "Forgive me for causing you so much stress lately, Richard," she murmured against his chest.

Richard stroked her hair with fondness, a quiet warmth touching his handsome face. "There is nothing to forgive," he said softly. "I will always protect you."

Pamela pulled back, brushing away the remnants of her tears with a radiant smile. "I will leave you two alone now. And please, exercise some restraint," she teased over her shoulder as she walked toward the open double doors.

Roxanne chuckled softly, watching her retreat down the hall. "She really is something else."

"She happens to possess the only functioning sense of humor in my entire family," Richard said, a quiet laugh rumbling in his chest as he stepped closer.

He reached down, taking Roxanne’s hand in his, and raised her knuckles to his lips to press a warm kiss against her skin. "Now that this storm has passed, I want to take you away for the entire weekend."

Roxanne looked up into his eyes, a slow smile spreading across her lips as heat tingled through her veins. "I am more than ready to be taken away by you."

"Wonderful," Richard said, his thumb stroking the side of her wrist. "Why don’t you head back to home and pack your bags?"

Roxanne tilted her head, her brows pulling into a playful arch. "Where are we going?"

"It is a surprise," Richard replied, his lips curving into a subtle smile that made her pulse flutter. "But I know you will love it. After all the noise and drama, it is exactly what we need."

Roxanne stepped in closer, resting her free hand lightly against the lapel of his suit jacket. "I like the sound of it already. I will be packed whenever you are ready."

"Expect me at your door in two hours," Richard promised softly. "No phones. No board meetings. No lawyers. No Christian. Just us."

Roxanne nodded, and as his arms wrapped securely around her waist, she leaned into his chest, letting the comfort of his embrace wash over her.

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