Emily studied the terms of the contract carefully.
Victoria Hayes and Olivia Carter exchanged uneasy glances.
Back then, when Mrs. Scott had first visited them, she had arrived in a beat-up Volkswagen, wearing a simple, faded dress. She had looked like someone from a minor family.
But now, here at the Eastern Cloud Restaurant, arriving with a housekeeper and a lawyer, she radiated wealth and authority. Her outfit had been completely transformed—a tailored cream-colored designer pantsuit, crisp and elegant, paired with nude heels and a minimalist gold necklace. The look was sophisticated, commanding attention without shouting.
Victoria and Olivia were suddenly uncertain about the true power and origin of the Scott family.
After finishing the documents, Emily exhaled in relief.
The main content of the contract was clear: Emily had no claim to the Scott family's property and no right to initiate a divorce.
The Scott family didn't want her inheritance, and legally, she had no reason to leave.
It was an unfair arrangement—but Emily desperately needed the money.
And she secretly wished Nathan Scott could wake up, so that one day the marriage might end naturally.
The contract didn't limit her freedom, so Emily had no objections.
For her, this marriage was a means to change her mother's life—and it was worth it.
She grabbed a pen and signed her name.
"Do you have your documents?" Mrs. Scott asked.
"I brought them." Emily replied.
"Then let's go get the marriage certificate."
"Now?" Emily blinked, slightly startled.
"It's now or never. Once you have the certificate, there's no turning back," Mrs. Scott reminded her.
"I won't regret it," Emily said softly.
Mrs. Scott walked out first, and Emily followed immediately.
Victoria and Olivia, left behind, muttered to each other.
"Mom… we didn't throw Emily into a fire pit… we tossed her into some wealthy family nest, right? Must be the Scott family, not just any family."
"Scott family? Are they really that rich everywhere? There are so many Scott families… but if this is the main family in New York, even if they have a vegetative son, it wouldn't be our turn!" Olivia said, doubtful.
Emily had no idea how obtaining a marriage certificate worked.
She only knew she was now riding in a luxury car with Mrs. Scott. They stopped briefly at a café before a butler in a suit and leather shoes, appearing to be in his fifties, arrived.
He handed two red books to Mrs. Scott.
"This one is yours, and this one is for Emily," Mrs. Scott said, placing a copy in front of Emily.
Emily didn't look at it—she just held onto the certificate.
"This is $500,000. Take it first," Mrs. Scott added, putting another card in her hand.
Emily's eyes widened.
"I've checked, and I understand why you're willing to marry Nathan. One thing is clear: if it weren't for Nathan's three years in a coma, your paths wouldn't have intersected at all. Even unconscious, marrying him is… your blessing."
Emily remained silent, understanding the magnitude of Mrs. Scott's words.
Mrs. Scott smiled slightly, appreciating Emily's modesty.
"If you keep this card, I will transfer $100,000 a month to you as pocket money. Keep it secret for now—no one should know who you're marrying."
Emily held the card tightly, her heart racing.
$500,000 upfront, and $100,000 a month!
Marrying a vegetative man… or what some might call a non-human? Emily didn't care. She would do it all.
Was this the day she had dreamed of?
A marriage this advantageous was almost impossible to find.
No chance of divorce—only widowhood.
At the same time, Emily silently wondered…
What kind of family was the Scott family?
So mysterious. So powerful.
"Come, let's see Nathan," Mrs. Scott said, rising.
Emily quickly followed, curious to meet her husband.
She had seen only a photo on the marriage certificate, and now she was about to meet him in person.
But with $100,000 a month pocket money… the appearance hardly mattered.
The car drove to a private nursing home.
Emily stepped out, glancing at the high-walled compound with surveillance cameras everywhere.
Three gates to enter…
What kind of man lived here?
Who had she married?
She didn't dare to think too deeply.