I know this is one of the ones you wanted updated so here you go. Enjoy! And let me know which should be next.

Sam held Mercedes close, nipping at her neck as his hands traveled down her body while they sat in the living room watching 'The Rookie. "I want to taste more of you."

"Sam… you are gonna be the death of me. I am trying to watch." She whimpered as his hand traveled into her pajama pants.

"There's my prize. I swear you are a walking temptation."

Mercedes giggled as she spread her thighs wider. Sam pushed a finger deep within her as a strong knock sounded.

Sam groaned, pulling his hand away. "Who the hell is that?"

He knew it had to be someone who had the code to the elevator, or he would have gotten a call.

The knock at the door was sharp and insistent, cutting through the sexual tension that still lingered between Sam and Mercedes. Exchanging a glance, Sam moved toward the door, his shoulders tight, his instincts already telling him that whatever was on the other side was about to ruin his night.

When he pulled the door open, Rebecca, Mary, and Dwight stood there, their expressions solemn. There was no small talk, no pleasantries—just a weighted silence before Rebecca stepped inside, placing a gentle hand on Mercedes's arm.

"We need to talk," she said softly.

Mercedes exhaled sharply. Her body was still tense from everything that had happened with her father and Penny the other day. And while she and Sam were good, Rebecca, Mary, and Dwight being here together meant only one thing—more bad news.

Sam motioned for them to sit, and Mercedes perched on the edge of the couch, arms folded, her nails digging into her palms. "Alright, what's going on?"

Rebecca exchanged a look with Mary before speaking, her voice steady but cautious.

"JJ came to me with a warning; he promised your father he wouldn't tell you, so he told me. Your father plans to start construction on your mother's land in a few days. Eight days, to be exact."

Mercedes's heart dropped. Her body went rigid. "What?" she breathed. "He—he can't. That land is mine."

"Not exactly," Dwight interjected, his deep voice carrying the weight of what was to come. Julien is using a loophole. Because you're not married yet, he's claiming that he has the right to change his mind about giving it to you. He didn't expect you to find out about this at any time, and then when you did, he expected Sam to, well, I don't know how to put it gently."

"You don't have to say it, I can imagine," Mercedes said as she felt a slow, burning rage crawl up her spine. Her father gave her that land. It wasn't a gift—it was a promise, a piece of her mother's legacy that had belonged to her before she had even known how to fight for it.

Her father was stealing from her. And worse, he thought he could get away with it. "That bastard," she whispered, her hands balling into fists. "Him being proud of me, telling me I was everything he knew I could be, it was all to get me to put my guard down."

Sam's eyes lowered; he hated seeing Mercedes look like this. "Your father is… unbelievable, and yet I knew he was evil."

Dwight sighed, stepping forward, his gaze flickering between the two of them. "That's not even the worst part."

The room felt like it tilted as those words hung in the air.

Sam ran a hand through his hair. "Jesus, what else?"

Dwight didn't blink as he spoke. "Julien's plan isn't just to take back the land. He's planning to screw you over, too. The moment you two are married, he's turning on you."

The room froze.

Sam's entire body tensed, and for a moment, Mercedes swore she heard the world stop spinning. A ringing filled her ears.

Sam's jaw clenched so tight she thought he might break his teeth. "Explain. There is no way he can do anything. While he may still have a few shares of his family company, he has none of ours." His voice was low, dangerous.

Dwight exhaled. "Julien's goal was never to unite your families. It was to gain full control over our Evans Empire. That way, he can keep the land and ensure that Sam is left with nothing."

Mercedes's heart hammered against her ribs. She knew her father was ruthless, but this?

"How? That would only work if we…" she whispered.

"Divorce." Dwight's expression didn't shift. "He plans to turn Mercedes against you. That is what Penny was for. She keeps records of every time she sleeps with you. Then he would show Mercedes and manipulate her into not only divorcing you but realizing she couldn't handle the company. In the divorce, she would get Half of the Evans stock. Which means that if she signs it over to him. He has her fifty percent and the twenty-five percent she would get from the divorce, which means Julien will have majority shares in both companies. And then he will restructure so that we all end with nothing. Your father is pathological, and this was his game from the start."

Mercedes felt nauseous. "He thinks I'm stupid," she murmured, more to herself than anyone in the room. "He thinks I'd actually fall for that? Thatwewould actually fall for that?"

Dwight's silence was answer enough.

Mercedes stood up abruptly, needing to move and breathe before she screamed. Her father had played her for a fool. He had smiled at her, praised her for her work at the company, and behind her back, he had been plotting her downfall.

"So that means that we have two choices," Mercedes said. "We can walk away right now, and that would save your family. No marriage means no need for divorce."

"But that means you would lose everything," Sam said softly.

"The company is important, and I love working for it more than I thought I did. But I can go back to teaching and being overseas. I can recover. But you all built your company from the ground up. I won't let my father ruin it for you."

Mary stared at Mercedes. "Oh my, you…you love him?"

Mercedes's eyes widened as she looked at Mary. "What?"

"You are willing to give everything up just so our family doesn't suffer. You lose Sam too much to let your father hurt him."

Sam slowly stood, his gaze locked onto hers. "Is that true? Do you love me?"

Mercedes sniffed, shaking her head. "You are…ugh, so infuriating sometimes. But dammit, you are also so caring and wonderful. Of course, I would fall for you."

Sam smiled. "Mercedes, you were not on my bingo card, mainly because I felt you were way too good for me. But I love you too."

Mercedes smiled as Sam leaned in and kissed her. "We're in this together, right?" His voice was calm, but there was something fierce underneath it, a fire that mirrored her own.

Mercedes didn't hesitate. "Right," she said as if she knew exactly what Sam was thinking.

Turning to Rebecca, Mary, and Dwight, her hand linking with Sam's.

"So we need you all to trust us."

Rebecca's brows furrowed. "Mercedes—"

Mercedes stood in front of the penthouse's floor-to-ceiling windows, arms folded, watching the city skyline twinkle in the darkness. She was done playing nice. "Sam and I have a plan," she said.

Sam leaned against the counter, watching her carefully. "And it's a doozy."

Standing tall, she exhaled as she looked at Mary, Dwight, and Rebecca. "My father wants war? Fine. He just doesn't realize he picked the wrong enemy. We are not taking this lying down and will not let him win."

Sam smirked slightly, a slow, dark amusement flickering in his eyes. "Now that's the woman I married."

Mercedes glanced at him, tilting her head. "I didn't marry you yet."

"Semantics." He shrugged.

Mercedes rolled her eyes but turned fully to face him. "We need to move fast. Before he does. We have to make it so that there's nothing left for him to take."

Mary nodded. "Okay, so how do we do that?"

Sam stepped toward Mercedes, looking at his mother with a serious expression. "We accelerate the wedding... We get married, and Dwight can't touch Mercedes land. We get a contract that protects both of us, and we make sure we take away the last few shares Dwight has. We hit him where it hurts, and he loses his leverage."

Mercedes hesitated before nodding. "We also need to make a statement. A public statement. Suppose we announce that the land will be permanently used for Shelter of Angels. In that case, he'll never be able to justify taking it back should something happen."

Sam's smirk turned into a grin. "You're dangerous when you get like this. It's sexy hell."

Mercedes shot him a look. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

Sam chuckled, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. "Depends. Are you accepting compliments from your husband-to-be?"

Mercedes flushed slightly but didn't pull away. "That depends. Are you sure you want this? Do you want me? I can be a lot."

Sam's smile faded, and he cupped her face gently. "I know you can, but it's worth it. You are worth it. It's not about the company. It's not about anything other than the fact that I want you. And I'll fight for you and with you. Even against your own father."

Mercedes swallowed hard, emotions tightening in her chest.

This was real.

This was war.

And they were in it together.

Mercedes had spent her whole life in her father's shadow, learning his ways, studying his tactics, and understanding the rules of his game. But today, she wasn't playing by his rules anymore.

She sat behind her desk, poised and unshaken, as Sebastian leaned into her office with an amused smirk.

"Your father is here, and he looks like he's about to rip the entire building apart," he informed her.

"Well, he got my message loud and clear this morning, didn't he."

Nodding, Sebastian stood tall. "Should I let him in?"

Mercedes barely blinked. She simply smiled—slow, controlled, and lethal.

"Yes, let him in," she said smoothly, adjusting her rings for effect. "This is going to be fun."

Sebastian lifted a brow, impressed, and disappeared.

Within seconds, Julien Jones stormed into her office, a force of rage and control, the very embodiment of power unchecked. His presence was as suffocating as ever—broad shoulders squared, his sharp, dark eyes scanning the room before locking onto her.

Mercedes didn't rise. She didn't shrink. She simply sat there, the picture of confidence, her fingers lightly drumming against her desk.

"Mercedes," Julien's voice was low and biting, controlled fury simmering beneath the surface. "Do you want to explain why I was just informed that construction has started on your mother's land?"

Mercedes smiled, unbothered. "Because I want to start construction, Daddy."

Julien's jaw clenched so tightly it looked like it might crack. His voice dropped as it always did when he was about to issue a command.

"The land isn't yours," he said coldly. "Not until you and Sam are married. Period."

There it was. Hispower play. His attempt to remind her that he was still pulling the strings.

"Really, considering we are engaged to be married in a few months, why not start now. You know, get ahead of the game and all that. Is that all?"

"Mercedes, don't you play with me, girl. You should know better than to test me."

"Like you tested Sam with Penny. Really Dad? sending her to Sam's office while I was here? Risky move. It almost had your desired effect. Almost."

"Look, I don't know what kind of game you are playing, but it's clear I made a mistake appointing you head of this family. As of right now, I am taking back the land and my shares in this company. I will have the papers sent to you this afternoon. Sign them. As long as you marry Sam, you can stay here, but I will not allow you to make a mockery of our name."

Mercedes nodded. "So, since Sam and I are not married right now, you feel you can take the land, my shares and this company from me? As if I would just sign everything back to you? No fuss?"

"Exactly. The contract will be void as soon as I leave this office," Julien said, smirking at her.

"That's interesting…" Mercedes let out a soft, almost amused chuckle. "But you see…" She lifted her left hand, tilting it just enough to let the light catch the three-carat platinum ring Sam had placed on her finger.

"This ring says I can do whatever the hell I want with that land," Mercedes said, smirking at him as he fumed.

Julien's eyes darkened, his face hardening.

Mercedes tilted her head, watching as a flicker of something unreadable crossed his face. Was it hesitation? Doubt? The realization that he no longer had full control over her?

"Since we are talking legalities, I should invite my husband to join us." Before he could recover, Mercedes pressed the call button on her intercom.

"Bas?" she said, her voice syrupy sweet, the way it always was when she was about to pull the rug out from under someone. "Could you ask my husband to join us?"

Julien's eyes snapped to hers, pure rage swimming in his gaze.

"You think this little game is going to work on me?"

But before he could say another word, the door opened, and Sam Evans strode in, exuding pure confidence like he owned the place, rolled-up sleeves showing off strong forearms, an easy smirk playing on his lips. He exuded authority, but something else was there—something protective, something immovable.

He walked straight to Mercedes' side, leaning in to kiss her softly before he rested a strong hand on the back of her chair, his presence staking a claim that needed no explanation.

Julien took in the sight before him, Mercedes calm and composed, Sam unwavering at her side. His nostrils flared, his frustration palpable.

"Julien." Sam greeted him smoothly, almost amused, as if he were addressing a business associate rather than the man actively plotting against him. "You rang?"

Julien's hands curled into fists at his sides. "You expect me to believe you two are actually married?"

Flashback: The Night Everything Changed

Two nights before the confrontation with Julien, Mercedes and Sam sat at the grand dining table, tension thick between them. Across from them, Mary, Dwight, Rebecca, and JJ observed them, sensing that something was coming.

Sam squeezed Mercedes' hand, intertwining their fingers as he took a steadying breath.

"So it's decided," he said, his voice even but resolute. We're getting married tonight."

Mercedes nodded. "We have a small wedding now, and then in three months, we have the big wedding and reception."

Silence stretched between them for a moment, the weight of their decision settling over the room.

Then, Mary's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"We thought you might feel that way," she murmured, picking up her phone and sending a text.

Mercedes blinked. "You… expected this?"

Rebecca chuckled, reaching out to tuck a curl behind Mercedes' ear. "Of course, sweetheart. We know you both and knew that you'd be in this together once we told you the truth. We also figured you'd want to take control of this situation rather than letting it control you."

Mercedes exhaled, her mind racing.

This wasn't just about business anymore.

This was about them.

Rebecca turned to Sam. "Alright, Sam. Go to the roof. Your father, JJ, and Stevie will meet you up there soon."

Sam's brows furrowed. "Why am I—"

"Because this is the last time you'll see your bride before the ceremony," Mary interjected smoothly, her eyes twinkling.

Mercedes turned to her, Rebecca, startled. "Wait. What? We were just going to go to the courthouse."

Rebecca grinned. "You're getting married, baby. And we're going to do it right."

Before Mercedes could protest, the front door opened, and Nia, Stacey, and Stefanie walked in, carrying garment bags in their hands.

"Dresses are already handled," Stefanie grinned.

Mercedes' heart thumped.

This was really happening.

An hour later, Mercedes stood in front of her full-length mirror, heart pounding.

The dress was breathtaking.

A vision in ivory satin, it hugged her curves in all the right places, the fabric cinching at her waist before cascading down in soft, flowing waves. The sweetheart's neckline accentuated her delicate collarbone while the intricate beadwork along the bodice shimmered with every movement. A low backline exposed just enough skin, adding the perfect balance of elegance and allure.

Her hair was styled in Hollywood pin curls, soft tendrils framing her face while the rest flowed down her back. Her makeup was soft but radiant—a subtle smoky eye, a dewy highlighter on her cocoa skin, and a soft nude lip that made her look ethereal.

Stefanie clasped a delicate diamond bracelet around her wrist while Nia and Stacey adjusted the final details of her dress.

Taking a step back, Rebecca sighed in admiration.

"Absolutely stunning."

Mercedes turned to the mirror, and for the first time, she saw herself as a bride.

As the elevator doors slid open, Mercedes let out a soft gasp.

The rooftop had been completely transformed.

The sky above was deep indigo, speckled with stars, and hundreds of twinkle lights had been strung up all around, casting the space in a romantic golden glow. Candles lined the aisle, their soft flickering light illuminating the white carpet leading to the floral arch.

The arch was adorned with white roses, lavender sprigs, and deep violet orchids, blending beautifully under the night sky. A soft instrumental melody played, floating gently through the air.

And at the end of the aisle…

Sam stood waiting.

Mercedes sucked in a breath.

He looked…

Incredible.

Sam was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, the fit tailored to perfection. His crisp white shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, giving him that effortless but still polished look. His golden hair, always slightly messy, was combed back neatly, giving her an unobstructed view of his sharp jawline and piercing green eyes.

He looked at her like she was the only thing that existed in the world.

Her grip on JJ's arm tightened.

"Breathe," JJ murmured with a small smirk.

Mercedes exhaled.

This was it.

The music shifted, and she took her first step forward as everyone rose from their seats.

Each step toward Sam felt like she was stepping toward something bigger than herself.

Something she wasn't sure she was ready for.

But the moment Sam's gaze met hers, she knew one thing for certain.

She wasn't alone in this.

Not anymore.

Standing before Dwight, who officiated the ceremony, Mercedes and Sam held hands, their fingers intertwined as if they belonged there.

The night air was cool but not biting, and the warmth of candlelight and soft lanterns kept them wrapped in a golden glow.

When it was time for Sam to speak, he looked at her with a softness that melted something deep inside her.

"Mercedes…" His voice was low and steady but thick with something deeper. "When we started this, neither of us expected to be standing here like this. But somehow, you've become one of the most important people in my life."

Mercedes swallowed hard, her throat tightening.

"You challenge me," Sam continued, his grip tightening slightly on her hands. "You make me laugh. And more than that—you make me want to be better."

Her heart skipped a beat.

"I don't know what's ahead," Sam admitted, his green eyes burning into hers, "but I know I want to face it with you."

Mercedes' breath caught in her throat.

His words… felt real.

Taking a shaky breath, she forced herself to speak through the tightness in her chest.

"Sam… I never thought I'd meet someone who can handle me in all my glory. But then I met you, and you didn't need to handle me; you matched me. Instead of pushing me to the back, you took my hand and kept me beside you. You went at my pace and made me see just how perfect for me you are." She hesitated, then smiled softly. "You're more than I expected. You make me laugh when I want to scream, and I think—no, I know—I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else."

Sam exhaled slowly, his jaw clenching briefly as if holding back something unspoken.

They exchanged rings, sliding them onto each other's fingers with silent promises laced in the touch.

And when Dwight pronounced them husband and wife, there was only one moment of hesitation before Sam closed the space between them.

His lips claimed hers in a soft yet firm kiss, confident yet careful.

It was meant to be just a simple kiss, something respectable in front of their families…

But the moment their lips touched, something shifted.

The world tilted.

Mercedes felt it.

And so did Sam.

The kiss was brief—but it wasn't empty.

And as they pulled apart, Sam's fingers brushed against her cheek, lingering longer than necessary.

Mercedes wasn't sure what had just happened.

But for the first time in a long time…

She felt like maybe, just maybe…

This was exactly where she was meant to be.

Back to Present.

Julien glared at them. "This is a game, right?"

Sam let out a slow, mocking chuckle. "Oh, come on. You're smarter than that. You know Mercedes wouldn't do anything without covering her bases." He squeezed her shoulder lightly, a deliberate touch meant to reassure and solidify their unit stance.

Mercedes leaned back in her chair, unfazed. "If you need proof, I have the marriage certificate ready for you. Would you like me to print it out, or would you prefer it emailed?"

Julien's jaw flexed, the weight of his dwindling control pressing in on him.

"This isn't over," he finally bit out, voice low and full of warning.

Sam smirked, stepping closer, his stance relaxed but powerful. "Oh, it is. You just don't realize it yet."

Julien's glare was venomous, but Mercedes didn't blink. For the first time in her life, she had the upper hand.

Julien straightened his suit jacket, his gaze moving between them. "You think this is a victory?" His lips curled slightly. "Sam, let me remind you—you are my son-in-law. That means you are part of this family now, and we handle things a certain way in this family."

Mercedes rose from her chair, standing eye to eye with him.

"This is a new dawn, and we are a new family. I am not my mother nor your pawn," she said, her voice steady as steel.

Julien's face flickered, just for a moment, at the mention of her mother.

Mercedes continued, refusing to break. "You think I don't know how you operate? You manipulate, control, and break people down until they bend to your will. But I have never bent to you unless I wanted to, and I am not bending or breaking."

Sam moved to her side, his hand pressing lightly against the small of her back, his stance supporting, not overshadowing.

Mercedes wasn't finished. "You don't own me, Julien. And as for the land—" she lifted her chin, "—I am my mother's daughter. And that land is mine. Construction has started, and you can do nothing to stop it."

Julien's gaze darkened, but Mercedes wasn't intimidated anymore.

"This is still my company!" Julen bellowed.

"Wrong again, Julien. You may have a few shares, but don't worry—we are going to rectify that as well."

Sam took a step forward, voice casual but loaded with intent. "Now, if you'll excuse us, Julien, my I and I have work to do."

He deliberately emphasized his wife, watching as Julien gritted his teeth, realizing that he had just lost this round.

Julien lingered for a beat, but without another word, he turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The room fell silent, tension thick as Mercedes slowly exhaled, the weight of what had just happened finally settling over her.

She felt Sam's gaze on her, and when she turned to face him, he was already watching her, that infuriating smirk back in place.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" she muttered, folding her arms.

Sam shrugged. "Watching you put your father in his place? A little."

She rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched despite herself.

She may have won this battle, but Julien was far from done.

And neither was she.

Sam leaned into her. "So tell me, did you enjoy getting to know me…biblically."

Mercedes blushed. "Are you asking me if I enjoyed making love to my husband?"

Sam took her hand and pulled her towards him. "That's exactly what I am asking."

"Well, I would think my screams were an indication that I enjoyed myself thoroughly."

Sam lifted her to her desk, moving his hands up her thighs. "Mmm, the way you screamed my name…if I could live inside you, I would."

Mercedes giggled as a knock sounded. Sebastian poked his head in. "Sorry to interrupt, but Blaine was too chicken to do it."

Blaine popped his head in. "Was not; Seb is just pissed he lost the coin toss."

Sam groaned, kissing Mercedes's forehead. "What is it?"

"It's time for the announcement," Sebastian said.

Mercedes whimpered only loud enough for Sam to hear. "To be continued, sexy husband of mine."

"You are lucky; I was going to have this whole floor listening to you scream."

Mercedes shook her head as she stood, smoothing down her outfit. "You ready?"

Sam pulled her to him. "Just one real kiss before we go out there."

Mercedes smiled, licking her lips as she stood on her tippy toes. She kissed him deeply as her hands tugged him close.

Sam's hands gripped her butt, pressing himself closer to her, eliciting a moan from her lip.

"Ahem." Blaine and Sebastian said together.

Mercedes and Sam reluctantly pulled apart as Sebastian stepped forward. "Okay, we need to separate you two now."