Divorce Me, Mr Knight

Nora's pov “I'm sorry, Miss Wells, having a good idea isn’t enough. We need a company that can afford to deliver on its promises.” The words landed harder than I expected. I sat across from the director of Sterling Developments, staring at the proposal between us. Three months of work. Countless sleepless nights. Every dollar I could spare poured into a design I believed would change the future of my company. And he had dismissed it in less than ten minutes. “Could you at least explain what was wrong with it?” I asked, keeping my voice steady. Mr. Harrison closed the folder. “Your work is impressive. But Wells Designs is too small for a project of this size. We need a firm with a stronger financial foundation.” “So you're rejecting the design because you don't trust the company behind it?” “I'm rejecting the proposal because business requires more than ambition.” I swallowed my frustration, gathered my documents, and stood. “Then I hope the company you choose gives you something worth paying for.” His eyebrows lifted. I walked out before he could respond. By the time I reached the elevator, my hands were trembling. Not from fear. From anger. At twenty-four, I had learned that people could admire your talent and still refuse to give you an opportunity. They could praise your ideas while treating your ambitions as a childish dream. I had started Wells Designs with two secondhand computers, a rented office, and a determination that refused to die. Every client mattered. Every rejection cost me something. My phone vibrated as the elevator doors opened. A message from my assistant appeared on the screen. Another supplier says we must clear the outstanding balance by Friday. What should I tell him? I closed my eyes. Friday. Three days away. I typed a promise that I wasn't sure I could keep, then stepped into the lobby. That was when I saw the enormous advertisement displayed above the reception desk. KNIGHT INDUSTRIES — THE FUTURE OF LUXURY LIVING. Ethan Knight's face stared down at me. Everyone in New York knew his name. At thirty-two, he was the billionaire CEO of Knight Industries, a man whose business decisions could make fortunes or destroy them. He was brilliant, ruthless, and famously intolerant of failure. His company was preparing to develop a chain of luxury hotels, and rumors suggested that the project would become one of the largest investments in the city. It was exactly the kind of opportunity Wells Designs needed. I had submitted a proposal to his company two weeks earlier. I hadn't received a response. Perhaps that was about to change. I took out my phone and called the number listed on the invitation to Knight Industries' upcoming business gala. The event was scheduled for that evening, and I had received an invitation through a professional association. If I couldn't secure a meeting through the ordinary channels, I would have to find another way. I wasn't going to let my company disappear without a fight. ***** The gala was everything I expected: expensive gowns, tailored suits, crystal glasses, and conversations in which people discussed millions of dollars as casually as grocery prices. I wore my simplest black evening dress and carried a small portfolio containing my latest designs. I had barely entered the ballroom when a familiar voice caught my attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the man behind Knight Industries' latest vision.” Applause filled the room as Ethan Knight stepped onto the stage. He was taller than he appeared in photographs, with dark hair, sharp features, and grey eyes that seemed to notice everything. His expression remained composed as he addressed the audience. He spoke about innovation, expansion, and the importance of surrounding himself with people who understood excellence. I listened carefully, waiting for an opportunity to approach him. Then he announced that Knight Industries had selected a design firm for its upcoming hotel project. My heart sank when another company's name appeared on the screen. I recognized the concept immediately. It wasn't mine, but it was dangerously similar to an idea I had submitted in my proposal. I couldn't prove that anyone had copied me. Still, the similarities were enough to make me uneasy. When the presentation ended, I moved toward the reception area where Ethan was speaking with several investors. “Mr. Knight?” His assistant stepped in front of me. “Do you have an appointment?” “No, but I submitted a proposal for your hotel development, and I'd appreciate five minutes of his time.” “Send an email to the acquisitions department.” “I already did.” Ethan turned at the sound of my voice. “What is it?” I introduced myself and briefly explained my proposal. He listened without interrupting, then asked his assistant to locate my submission. When the folder arrived, he glanced through the first few pages. “You have some interesting ideas,” he said. “But the project requires a company capable of delivering on this scale.” “I can deliver.” “Confidence isn't the same as capability, Miss Wells.” “Neither is a large bank account.” The investor beside him went quiet. Ethan slowly lifted his gaze to mine. For one uncomfortable second, I wondered whether I had just destroyed my only chance. Then he closed the folder. “Tomorrow. Nine o'clock. My office.” I blinked. “You're giving me a chance?” “Don't make me regret it.” Before I could thank him, he turned back to his guests. I left the gala with something I hadn't possessed that morning. Hope. **** At eleven that night, I finally returned to my apartment. My phone rang before I could remove my shoes. It was the hospital where my mother had been receiving treatment. I answered immediately. The nurse explained that my mother's condition had become more complicated and that the doctors wanted to discuss the next stage of her care. There was no immediate emergency, she assured me, but the additional treatment would place another considerable burden on my already strained finances. I thanked her and ended the call. For a long moment, I stood motionless in the middle of my apartment. My mother had sacrificed so much to give me a chance at a better life. She had encouraged every ambition, celebrated every small victory, and never once made me feel guilty for dreaming bigger than our circumstances. I wanted to give her the comfortable life she deserved that is why I'm struggling to make my business a success. Instead, I was struggling to keep my business alive while worrying about how to afford the care she needed. I sat at my desk and opened the Knight Industries proposal again. Tomorrow's meeting had become more important than ever. I needed that contract. I needed the money. And I needed to prove that Wells Designs deserved a place among the companies that controls New York's luxury industry. I had no intention of begging Ethan Knight for anything. I would earn the opportunity. At least, that was what I told myself as I set my alarm and prepared for bed. I had no idea that the man I planned to impress the following morning would soon make me an offer that would change the course of my life.