STOLEN LEGACY: The Heiress's Revenge

The Six Month Proposal

Chapter 13

“Careful,” he said gently.

Derek picked up a serviette and dabbed the corner of my mouth where a trace of water lingered. His movements slowed… then stopped entirely as our eyes met.

My gaze dropped traitorously to his lips… my heart skipped.

I shouldn’t be feeling this.

“Thanks,” I murmured, taking the serviette from him and wiping my mouth properly. “I’m fine.”

“Sure,” he said under his breath, lifting his drink. “But don’t worry… I’ll have the lady come see you.” A faint smile tugged at his lips. “That’s a promise.”

Did I ask you to?

Why is he making this more complicated than it needs to be?

I turned away, focusing on my meal, eating in slow, deliberate motions.

“I also have an offer.”

His voice cut through the silence, and I looked up, meeting his gaze.

“I’ve always wanted to associate with Starlight,” he continued, his tone calm but firm. “I suppose now is the perfect time, but on one condition.”

A frown creased my brow. “What are you talking about?”

“You don’t need Gerald to enter that region,” he said smoothly. “Everything he controls; access, approvals, networks… I can give it to you directly.”

My breath hitched.

“I don’t usually do this,” Derek added, leaning back slightly. “But I’ll make an exception for you. On one condition.”

Condition?

My fingers tightened slightly around my fork. “What condition?”

“Marry me.”

The words landed like a shock wave.

“For six months,” he added, as if that made it any less insane.

My stomach twisted.

Is he serious?

“Hell no,” I snapped, louder than I intended. “Have you lost your mind? We barely know each other, for goodness’ sake…”

“I know,” Derek cut in calmly. “Liora, it benefits both of us. Starlight is already global, but there are regions where its presence is weak. Being associated with me changes that. You gain expansion… and I gain exactly what I want.”

Another marriage?

Right after I just walked out of one?

My grip tightened around my bag as I pushed back my chair and stood.

“I’m not interested,” I said coldly.

“Even if it involves something your mother wants?” he asked quietly.

A chill ran down my spine.

My mother’s voice echoed in my mind:

I won’t force my child into any marriage.

My jaw tightened as I looked at him. “You know what my mother wants,” I said, my voice sharp. “And as a family friend, you should be helping her, not trying to manipulate me into something you clearly can’t have.”

For a split second, his jaw tightened, but it was gone just as quickly, replaced with a polished smile.

“Have a nice day.” I scoffed and walked out.

By the time I reached the car, reality hit me.

I had nowhere to go.

With a sigh, I pulled out my phone and dialed my mum. She picked up on the second ring.

“Hey, darling. How did it go?”

I swallowed. “Uh… the meeting…”

My words faltered as I caught sight of Derek walking toward me.

“Are you okay? Is Derek there with you?” she pressed, worry creeping into her voice.

“Derek? He’s…”

Before I could finish, the phone was gently taken from my hand.

“Yes, Mrs. Sinclair, she’s fine,” Derek said smoothly. He paused, listening. “The meeting went well, but Gerald suggested we return in a few days.”

Then he handed the phone back to me.

“Lio, darling, please come back soon,” my mother said.

“Sure… we’ll be back shortly,” I replied, forcing a small smile before ending the call.

Slowly, I turned to Derek.

His hands were tucked into his pockets, his gaze fixed elsewhere.

“De… Derek,” I called softly. “Can we get going?”

“Going?” he replied without looking at me. “I thought you were leaving on your own.”

“I’m so…”

“Save it,” he cut in, already heading for the car.

I swallowed and followed him, surprised when he stopped and opened the door for me.

I tried to catch his eyes, but he avoided mine completely.

Silently, I slid into the car.

The drive back was painfully quiet.

I stole glances at him, but he remained distant, his attention fixed on the passing scenery.

“I’m sorry about earlier,” I finally said. “I didn’t mean what I said.”

He didn’t respond… not even glancing my way.

There was silence, all the way until the Empire Building came into view.

He got out first, moving around to open the car door for me. I hesitated for a brief second before stepping down.

“Can we...” I started.

But the words died in my throat as he closed the door without looking at me, returned to the passenger’s seat, and the car zoomed off without another word.

“Ahh…” I exhaled under my breath, dragging a hand down my face in frustration.

A contract marriage?

Lucien had already succeeded in poisoning my perception of marriage, twisting it into something I neither wanted nor trusted.

I was still standing there when I turned and noticed my mother approaching with her assistant and Trisha beside her.

“You’re back,” she said warmly as she reached me.

Without much to say, I fell into step with them, and soon we were heading home.

The ride was quiet as I stared out of the window, while everything from the restaurant replayed relentlessly in my mind like a loop I couldn’t shut off.

“Lio, darling… are you alright?” my mother’s voice cut gently through my thoughts.

“...Yes. Yes,” I answered quickly, forcing a smile as I turned to meet her concerned gaze.

“Just… planning my next meeting with Gerald,” I added, steadying my tone.

“Hmm… Gerald can be quite demanding,” she said with a light, knowing chuckle, as if she believed it without question.

I exhaled softly, tension easing slightly from my chest as the car continued forward.

“Mum…” I hesitated, then asked, “Who exactly is Derek?”

A subtle smile formed on her lips.

“Derek is the heir to the Ethanlice Empire,” she said simply.

I listened, my curiosity sharpening.

“Then why can he help instead of Gerald?” I pressed.

Her expression softened. “Gerald controls the regional gateway. Every expansion has to pass through him. Derek’s late father put that structure in place before his passing. I wouldn’t want to drag Derek into undoing something so… politically sensitive,” she explained calmly.

I nodded slowly, absorbing her explanation.

Then she leaned in just slightly, her tone shifting into something lighter, almost teasing.

“Tell me,” she said, eyes glinting faintly. “Do you like Derek?”