Page 182 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

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The next morning, I walk into Claire’s office before I can give myself time to reconsider. She looks up from her screen and studies me for a second before saying,

“You decided.”

“I’ll do it,” I tell her.

Claire leans back in her chair, careful not to look too pleased.

“With conditions.”

“With several,” I say as I take the chair across from her desk and settle my notebook on my lap.

“I want full editorial independence. Blackwell doesn’t get approval over my conclusions, framing, or final copy.”

Claire nods. “Agreed.”

“I also want access to the executives we identify as relevant, along with the historical records already outlined in the agreement. If Legal wants something excluded, they need to identify the privilege issue before I waste time chasing it.”

“That’s reasonable,” Claire says.

“And once someone gives me an attributable interview, Blackwell doesn’t get to rewrite it afterward because they don’t like how it reads.”

Claire folds her arms. “Anything else?”

“I’m sure I’ll think of something.”

Her mouth curves slightly.

“I’ll have Legal send the revisions.”

By early afternoon, the updated terms are approved on our side. I am still reviewing the final language when my phone rings from a New York number. I answer on the second ring.

“Sophie Callahan.”

A woman’s voice comes through, measured and cool.

“Ms. Callahan, this is Vivian Cross with Blackwell Technologies.”

I sit a little straighter because I would know that voice anywhere.

“Vivian,” I say.

“It’s been a long time.”

There is the smallest pause before she replies.

“Yes. I’m calling regarding the access provisions for the retrospective.”

Nothing in her tone acknowledges anything beyond the agreement in front of us. I glance toward the closed door of my office and say, “I reviewed the revised language this morning.”

“So have I,” Vivian replies.

Another pause follows, slightly longer this time, before Vivian continues.

“Blackwell will agree to editorial independence. We will not exercise approval over your conclusions or final narrative. Access to executives and historical records will be granted within the parameters already outlined, subject to privilege, active confidentiality obligations, and any remaining regulatory restrictions.”

“That works,” I tell her.