Chapter 457 Freedom and Wealth
Seeing her reaction, Charles' expression gradually softened. He let his hand drop from his chest and said, "You need to learn how to be a good wife. I'll arrange for you two to meet."
He paused for a moment, as if he was negotiating, worried Diana might refuse, and added, "You can also come and go as you please here."
Of course, no matter where she went, she would have to come back eventually.
Seeing him return to his usual demeanor, Diana looked up and met his gaze. "Fine, but we need to set some ground rules."
If the standards of being a wife were entirely defined by Charles, all her efforts would be in vain.
"Let's sign a contract."
For the first time, Diana initiated an agreement.
Charles raised an eyebrow, surprised by her proactive suggestion.
They had made many agreements before, but often neither strictly adhered to them. Signing a contract was more for peace of mind.
"Alright," he said.
With that, both became serious. They moved to the floor-to-ceiling window and sat facing each other.
Since there was no computer in the room and Diana didn't have her phone, she looked around and grabbed a poetry book from the shelf, along with a pen.
Under Charles' inquisitive gaze, she opened a blank page and said seriously, "To prevent you from forgetting, give this to Nolan once we're done negotiating."
Charles chuckled but stopped when she glared at him. He cleared his throat, "Okay."
Diana looked down at the blank page and began, "First, you can't force me to do things I don't like."
Charles propped his chin with one hand, staring at the top of her head.
When she was almost done writing, he replied, "You don't like anything involving me. Does that mean I can't do anything?"
Diana was surprised by his insight and almost praised him. But when she looked up, she saw his face clearly saying: "If you nod, you're dead."
She reluctantly said, "Of course not. We're married now. As long as you don't do those things you did before, I can accept normal interactions."
"What things?"
"Drugging, imprisoning, assaulting... Do I need to list more?"
Diana's face fell as she recounted those incidents, any one of which could land him in jail.
Charles' expression turned serious.
Diana thought he was about to say something important, but he simply commented, "This is our marital home. I was just worried my new wife would get lost if she went out, so I didn't let you leave. As for the drugs, they were just for fun. You weren't unconscious, and you enjoyed it."
"Charles!"
Diana suddenly shouted.
If her gaze could turn into bullets, Charles would be riddled with holes.
"If you keep this up, there's nothing to discuss."
Charles swallowed his retort and sat up straight. "Sorry, I meant that as a married couple, we should be close. I can't just chat under the covers."
Diana's face turned red, mostly from anger.
She crossed out the original line and said, "Hand-holding and hugging are fine."
"Add kissing and sex. I'm not Plato, Ms. Spencer."
Charles' tone was polite, pointing to her unfinished sentence. "Or do you want me to write it?"
Diana silently pushed the poetry book towards him. She had just glanced at it, and it was about pure love. Yet their agreement was filled with sexual terms!
Charles took the pen, twirling it between his fingers. His voice was low, "Considering our mutual needs and the stability of our marriage, I believe intimacy can't be excluded. If you're unwilling, I'll get your consent before any action. How about that?"
Seeing Diana's eyelashes flutter as she thought, he continued, "If you agree, you can go out with me today and get a new phone."
Diana weighed the pros and cons.
Though she'd have to be intimate with Charles, they had done it before and even had a child. It was just uncomfortable for her, but she could treat him as a partner and reassure herself it wasn't a big deal.
Plus, she could refuse.
Thinking this, Diana nodded and emphasized, "Mainly based on my willingness. Write that down."
Charles smiled and wrote a line, then asked, "Any other requests?"
"I want to see my friends."
Since returning, Diana had stayed by Charles' side, not seeing any of her old friends to avoid revealing her identity.
Now, there was no need to hide, and maybe they could help her leave Charles.
"Friends?" Charles repeated the word, recalling a few faces. He nodded slightly, "Alright, but you can't see Billy Richardson."
"What does he have to do with this? He's married now."
Diana was speechless. Billy had done a lot for her back then; she at least owed him thanks.
Charles still remembered the impact of this rival in love. If he had been stronger and not constrained by his father, he would have taken Diana away long ago.
Charles' smile turned sinister, "He's divorced now. I trust you won't like him, but your charm is too great. I'd be jealous."
Diana's mouth twitched, thinking he was being ridiculous. "Fine, I won't see him."
"If you behave well, I'll let you see Benjamin once a month."
Charles didn't wait for Diana's agreement and wrote it down.
"Once a month? Is this a prison visit?"
Diana's voice rose, unwilling. This was her son; why could she only see him once a month?
"I said, based on your behavior. If you play the role of a good wife, you can see him daily like before."
Charles responded smoothly to her challenge.
Diana wanted to resist but held back.
She hadn't figured out how to leave with Benjamin yet. Frequent visits would raise Charles' suspicion.
At least Benjamin was safe at the Percy Mansion.
She exhaled and calmed down, "Alright."
Charles twirled the pen again, "Anything else to add?"
Diana shook her head. The agreement wasn't special anyway.
"Good."
As Charles capped the pen and prepared to stand, Diana suddenly spoke, "Wait."
Charles looked at her, waiting for her to speak.
"What if you break the agreement?"
They had forgotten the stakes. It wasn't too late to discuss now.
"If I break it and cause you pain, I'll transfer my shares in the Percy Group to you."
Charles' tone was casual, betting his entire fortune.
Diana's eyes widened, but he continued, "If you break it, you'll stay with me forever."
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