Contract Marriage with Billionaire

Queen Bee

Christian wasn't playing by the rules, and if I knew him at all, he never would. Before he could make his next move, I had to make mine. I had vaguely threatened him in the room, but the truth was, he had stronger cards in his hand. My voting rights on the board wouldn't be enough to deter Christian. There were also others on the board who were displeased with me. I doubted that Christian would manipulate and recount the events of last night, for if I went down, he'd go down with me. To him, damage to his reputation was worse than death. I needed to find leverage against him or someone who could stop him. My best card was Alex, but calling him now without fully understanding Christian's intentions could pose risks. Nevertheless, I had to flex my muscles. I had to prove my invincibility to Christian and show him he couldn't defeat me by using Alex against me. Alex was my strongest weapon, and it was time to deploy him.

Back at my residence, my first task was to figure out what to tell Alex. I needed to lure him here without arousing too much suspicion.

While waiting for Alex to answer, my anxiety grew with every passing second.

"I'm listening, Grace. I hope there's no problem."

"No, there's no significant issue, but I called to inform you of a few changes I believe we need to make to our offer for the partnership."

"What changes are you referring to? I thought we had everything sorted before you left."

"I'm not talking about major changes, but I believe these adjustments will be more profitable for us. In fact, it might be beneficial if you come over this weekend so we can do a quick review together."

"Grace, I recall granting you full authority in this matter. You don't need my approval for minor changes."

"I'm aware of that, Alex, but we both know there are those on the board who are uncomfortable with me overseeing this. Honestly, I'm not feeling entirely at ease about this. I truly believe you should meet our new partners once more before the contracts are signed."

A hint of suspicion crept into his voice, "I have this feeling that you're hiding something. But whatever."

"What could I possibly hide from you, Alex? We just know there are those in management who are uneasy about my appointment to this task. You'll just come here for a brief visit, check on things, we'll revise a few points in our offer, and everyone will be reassured."

He chuckled softly, "You'll never change, will you? Sometimes I wonder how you manage such an ego."

"It's my secret. Anyway, if we're agreed, I'm organizing a dinner with our partner. I think we don't need a large group. Afterward, you can meet the others at the company."

"In fact, I could call Christian and inform him directly. It might seem more genuine, given we're going to be working together for a long time, and I've known him for ages."

Although this unsettled me slightly, I didn't let it show.

"I hope I'm invited to that dinner?"

I asked this partly in jest, but I was dead serious. I needed to be at that table.

After a brief chuckle, Alex answered playfully, "Of course, how could we discuss the project without its creator?"

Oh right, I was the one who proposed this project, wasn't I? How was I to know that when we decided to form a partnership with a company in the US, it would be owned by the Eldor family? Initially, I vehemently opposed the idea, but eventually, I was convinced that it was a good way to escape the anger and pain I felt. I would confront them again, prove my strength, and leave my past behind for good. But some things were persistently unpredictable.

From Christian's Perspective:

In my top-floor hotel room, I was drinking whiskey as usual, contemplating recent events. Lately, I wasn't acting as rationally as expected. A man like me couldn't afford to have vulnerabilities in his life. I needed to pull myself together. For God's sake, what was wrong with me? Was Grace the reason for my confusion? I thought I left that chapter of my life behind years ago. But every lion had scars. My scars made me stronger, while this vulnerability was my downfall. I tried to get rid of Grace, but I should have known it wouldn't be that simple this time. She wasn't the naive girl I had fallen for. Even if I shattered her heart, she wouldn't run away crying. I knew she wouldn't leave without making me hurt this time. But I wouldn't let her. I would free myself from her without tearing down my walls, no matter the cost. Weakness wasn't in my nature.

The door knocked, and Adrien, one of my guards, entered.

"Sir, your mother is here. She wishes to see you in the lobby. What should I tell her?"

So, the queen mother had decided to visit her son. I was surprised she remembered she had one. How had the lofty Scarlett Eldor descended from her high tower on the mountain of arrogance? She definitely had an ulterior motive.

"Tell her I'll be down shortly and ensure she doesn't come upstairs."

"As you wish, sir."

After Adrien left, I prepared to go down. I was curious about what the she-devil wanted from me.

****

When I reached the lobby, I found her at the bar, sipping her drink as always, looking perfectly at ease. An ironic smile played on her lips as she saw me.

"So you don't let your mother come up from the hotel lobby? I thought I might as well have a drink at the bar. I hope you don't mind."

"Don't play games with me, mother. Just tell me what you want and leave before I throw you out."

"You know what I want, Christian, and I won't allow you to postpone it any longer."

"I have no intention of marrying Elizabeth."

I could see the anger in her eyes. She slammed her drink on the bar with force.

"Give me one logical reason, Christian. I know you're angry with me, but you can't reject this marriage out of spite."

"Why not? Watch me. I don't need a wife I don't want just to appear strong, and I never will. If this is what you want, it's the very reason I won't do it."

She sighed deeply, visibly irritated.

"It's because of her, isn't it? Everything always was about her."

Angrily, I turned back to her.

"What are you trying to say, mother? Everything is because of who?"

"Grace Aniston. I know she's back, Christian. I will never allow you to be with her."

She flicked her hair back with irritation.

"For God's sake, Elizabeth's family will hand us the keys to England on a golden platter, Christian. What can Grace give you?"

I looked at her with mocking eyes.

"You know, mother, you disgust me. You and your insatiable greed. I don't need to marry someone I don't want just to be powerful, and I never will. Do yourself a favor and don't meddle in my affairs again."

Just as I was about to leave, she spoke up.

"You'll regret this, Christian. You'll realize that this is the right choice."

Without heeding her words, I continued on my way. I knew I wouldn't regret my decision, but that wouldn't stop her. She would do everything in her power to persuade me into this marriage.