Love x betrayal

chapter 26 : The proposition

The car ride back to Jake’s mansion was quiet, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in Sadie’s mind. Her great-grandfather’s words echoed endlessly in her head—the legacy, the responsibilities, the family’s power. Sadie could still feel the weight of her mother’s cold hand in her own, and the pressure to step into a role she had never wanted was suffocating.

Jake, seated beside her, seemed calm, his eyes occasionally flicking over to her, reading her silent distress. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and that bothered her. Ever since he revealed the truth about her mother, Jake had been harder to read—more layered, more calculating, but strangely… more open in some ways. The tension between them was as thick as ever, but now, there was something else, a strange sort of understanding they hadn’t shared before.

As they pulled up to the mansion, Sadie felt her stomach tighten. She had just learned that she was the heir to her family’s entire fortune, a burden she had no desire to carry. Now, she feared whatever else Jake might spring on her next.

Once they were inside, Jake motioned for her to follow him to his office. The space was pristine, with large windows that overlooked the gardens and shelves lined with books Sadie doubted Jake ever read. She took a seat on the leather couch, her nerves on edge, while Jake casually poured two glasses of wine.

"I've been thinking," Jake began, his voice casual as he handed her a glass. He sat across from her, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "Now that you’re aware of your family's inheritance, there’s something we need to discuss. I think we should merge your family’s business with mine."

Sadie’s brow furrowed. She took a cautious sip of her wine, trying to hide the unease bubbling inside her. “Merge? What do you mean?”

Jake leaned back, a confident smirk playing on his lips. “Your family’s estate, the businesses, the investments… they could all benefit from partnering with mine. Together, we’d be unstoppable. You’d have a say in everything, and it would ensure that no one else could challenge your claim to the inheritance.”

Sadie stiffened. She had barely wrapped her head around the fact that she had inherited anything, let alone running a business, or merging it with Jake’s empire. She didn’t trust him—not fully, anyway. Jake always had a hidden motive, and this seemed too convenient.

“I don’t know,” she said cautiously, her voice edged with skepticism. “I’m not sure that’s something I’m ready for. You know I’m not interested in running a business.”

Jake chuckled, setting his glass down on the table between them. “I’m not asking you to run it, Sadie. I’m offering you a partnership. You won’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to. I’ll handle the business side of things, and you’ll get half of the profits. Simple.”

Sadie narrowed her eyes at him. “Half? Even though I won’t be doing anything?”

Jake smirked again. “Half. Even though you won’t be doing anything.”

There was a moment of silence as Sadie processed his offer. It sounded too good to be true, and with Jake, things usually were. But at the same time, she couldn’t deny the allure of financial security without having to be directly involved. Still, she wasn’t about to let Jake have full control of everything—he’d need to meet her on her terms.

She crossed her arms, sitting up a little straighter. “Okay, I’ll agree… on one condition.”

Jake raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And what’s that?”

“The businesses will be under both of our names,” Sadie said firmly. “And I want a legal contract stating that I get half of the profits, even if I don’t do any work. That way, I’ll be protected, and I won’t have to worry about you trying to pull any tricks later.”

Jake burst out laughing, his rich, teasing laughter filling the room. He leaned over, pinching her cheeks playfully, catching Sadie off guard.

“Half the profits for no work, i already told you but you still want a contract? You’re a real piece of work, Sadie,” he teased, his eyes glinting with amusement. “But fine, you’ve got yourself a deal.”

Sadie smacked his hand away, her face flushing slightly from the unexpected gesture. “I’m serious, Jake. This is my life we’re talking about.”

Jake’s laughter faded, and for a moment, he looked at her with a rare softness in his eyes. “I know you are. And I’ll keep my word.” He leaned back again, his expression shifting to something more serious. “We’ll draft the paperwork tomorrow. But you need to understand—this isn’t just about money. You’re stepping into something bigger, Sadie. Our families… they’ve never gotten along for longer than you realize, and everyone in your mom's side is about to be late, your dad is your main guardian. This is about more than just business.”

Sadie frowned, her wariness returning. “What do you mean?”

Jake didn’t answer immediately, his gaze drifting towards the window as though lost in thought. “Let’s just say… this merger is only the beginning of wars, be prepared.”

Sadie’s heart skipped a beat, the cryptic nature of his words setting her on edge. But before she could press for more answers, Jake stood up, offering her his hand.

“Come on,” he said, his tone shifting again, lighter this time. “Let’s not talk about business anymore. You’ve had enough for one day.”

Sadie hesitated but ultimately took his hand. As they walked out of his office and back into the familiar hallways of the mansion, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her life had just taken another unexpected turn. Jake was up to something—something big—and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for whatever came next.

But for now, she had made a choice. And whether it was the right one or not, only time would tell.