Chapter 16: A Dangerous Offer
1035 Words
Lexi adjusted the delicate straps of her sapphire-blue gown, staring at her reflection in the penthouse mirror. The neckline dipped slightly more than she was used to, and the silk hugged her figure just enough to highlight the barely noticeable curve of her stomach.
“You look beautiful,” came Alexander’s voice from the doorway.
She turned. He stood there in a black tailored tuxedo, crisp and commanding, but his eyes were softer than usual—lingering on her, not just with admiration, but with something else. Something unspoken.
“Ready?” he asked.
Lexi took a breath. “As I’ll ever be.”
Tonight was the first time she’d be seen publicly with him—not as an employee, not as a temporary tenant in his penthouse, but as his wife. The company’s annual board gala was a high-profile event attended by shareholders, executives, press, and of course… Charles Knight.
As they stepped into the waiting limo, Lexi’s fingers found Alexander’s. He didn’t flinch this time. He squeezed back.
But that fragile sense of peace didn’t last long.
The ballroom glittered with chandeliers and champagne. The crowd parted like the sea when Alexander and Lexi entered.
Cameras clicked. Eyes widened. Voices hushed and then surged into a frenzy of murmurs.
Lexi plastered on a polite smile, her arm looped through Alexander’s. She had never felt more like a carefully wrapped secret finally being unboxed.
“Mr. Knight,” a sharp female voice called out.
Vanessa Cruz.
Lexi’s stomach dropped.
She hadn’t seen her best friend in weeks—not since she moved out in a storm of confusion and secrets.
Vanessa looked stunning in a black off-shoulder dress, her eyes burning with unspoken questions.
“Lexi,” she said with a forced smile, “surprise.”
“Vanessa,” Lexi breathed, stepping forward.
But Vanessa wasn’t looking at her. She was glaring at Alexander.
“So it’s true. You married her.”
Alexander didn’t flinch. “It’s not something I announce with press releases.”
Lexi quickly stepped between them. “Can we talk later? Please?”
Vanessa hesitated, then nodded once and disappeared into the crowd.
Before Lexi could recover, a warm hand touched her shoulder.
“Lexi?”
She turned—and froze.
Liam.
The charming, kind-hearted design associate she’d worked with during her brief time at KnightCorp. He looked handsome in a classic suit, his smile genuine.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said.
Lexi swallowed. “Neither did I, honestly.”
“You look… incredible.”
Alexander had returned with two glasses of champagne. He stopped short at the sight of Liam standing too close.
The air shifted.
“Knight,” Liam said with a curt nod.
Alexander’s gaze darkened. “I wasn’t aware you received an invitation.”
“Charles insisted I attend,” Liam replied. “He said we might be working closely soon.”
Lexi frowned. “What does that mean?”
But before Liam could answer, Charles Knight himself materialized beside them, wearing a smirk that set Lexi’s teeth on edge.
“Ah, my favorite newlyweds,” he said smoothly. “And dear Liam. So glad you all found each other.”
Alexander narrowed his eyes. “What are you playing at?”
“Business, of course.” Charles turned to Lexi. “May I borrow your lovely wife for a quick word?”
Alexander stiffened. Lexi touched his arm. “It’s fine. I’ll be right back.”
Charles led her out onto a quieter balcony overlooking the city.
He poured himself a brandy from a tray and studied her like a negotiator sizing up an opponent.
“I know what you’re doing,” Lexi said. “You don’t like that Alexander’s changing.”
“I don’t mind change,” Charles said casually. “What I mind is weakness. And you, dear girl, are the c***k in his armor.”
Lexi’s heart pounded. “He’s stronger than you think.”
“Maybe. But strength won’t save KnightCorp when our Singapore partners walk away over this… scandalous marriage.” He took a sip. “Unless, of course, we give them something else to focus on.”
“What are you suggesting?”
Charles leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Leave him.”
Lexi recoiled. “Excuse me?”
“You walk away now. Quietly. No drama, no headlines. I’ll make sure your father’s hospital bills are covered for life. I’ll even fund your own design studio. You get freedom, success, and your baby gets the best care money can buy.”
Lexi stared at him, stunned.
“All you have to do,” he said, “is disappear.”
The silence stretched.
Then she slapped the brandy glass from his hand, shattering it against the stone floor.
“You think I’m a price tag?” she hissed. “You have no idea who I am.”
“I know exactly who you are,” Charles said coldly. “The woman who can destroy everything my nephew has built. Or save it.”
Lexi turned and walked away—fighting the sting of tears.
She pushed through the ballroom, scanning for Alexander. When she found him, Liam was still at his side.
And worse—Alexander’s jaw was clenched, his eyes stormy.
“Enjoying your chat with my uncle?” he said the moment she approached.
“Alexander—”
“Did he offer you money?” His voice was low and venomous. “Freedom? Maybe a career jump?”
Her heart dropped. “You think I’d take that?”
He looked away.
The betrayal in his eyes wasn’t anger—it was fear.
Fear that she might leave.
“I’m carrying your child,” she said, trembling. “And you still think I’m for sale?”
His voice cracked. “Everyone has a price, Lexi.”
She flinched.
The words hit harder than any slap.
“I guess we’re done here, then,” she whispered, turning to leave.
But Alexander caught her wrist.
His hand trembled. “No. Please don’t go.”
She looked back, tears in her eyes.
“Then stop treating me like I’m just another deal.”
- Writer
