THE BLACKWOOD PROPOSAL

“You’re insane!” Serena didn’t bother looking up from her champagne flute. The golden bubbles danced under the glittering chandeliers, but her focus remained locked across the room. “I’m serious,” her best friend, Nina, hissed, grabbing her wrist before she could take another step. “Look over there.” As if Serena hadn’t been watching him all evening. Damien Blackwood stood beneath the crystal chandelier with the effortless authority of a man who’d never been told “no.” In a room full of millionaires, he was the only billionaire. Powerful men angled for his attention. Women stole hungry glances, hoping he wouldn’t notice. Beside him stood a breathtaking brunette in a sleek emerald gown, one manicured hand resting comfortably on his arm. The latest woman the tabloids had linked to him. Nina tightened her grip. “You’re really going to embarrass yourself by confronting him while she’s standing right there?” Serena’s lips curved. “I’m counting on it.” Nina stared at her in disbelief. “Since when do you chase another woman’s man? This isn’t you, Serena. Think about how degrading this will be for her. Girl code, remember?” For a fraction of a second, Serena’s smile faltered. But then her gaze returned to Damien, and the familiar steel returned to her eyes. “This might be the only chance I’ll ever get to stand this close to him.” Nina knew that look. She sighed in defeat. “…Just don’t do anything you’ll regret.” Serena squeezed her best friend’s hand, then slipped into the crowd like a predator entering the water. Every eye seemed to follow Damien Blackwood. But his remained fixed on the woman beside him—until Serena stepped gracefully into their circle with a warm, practiced smile. “Mr. Blackwood.” His gaze slid to her, unreadable. “Good evening.” The brunette offered a polite smile. “I don’t believe we’ve met.” “We haven’t.” Serena returned the smile effortlessly. “But I couldn’t help noticing your dress. It’s absolutely stunning. Emerald green was made just for you.” The woman’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. “Thank you. You’re so kind.” Serena took one measured step forward. Then another. And then— “Oh!” Her heel caught the hem of her own gown. She stumbled forward with a startled gasp. The champagne flute flew from her fingers, splashing golden liquid across the brunette’s elegant silk. A horrified silence fell over their small circle. The woman stared down at the spreading stain, frozen in shock. “Oh my God…” Serena clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide with manufactured horror. “I’m so sorry! I swear I didn’t mean to. I’m hopeless with long dresses. My best-friend practically forced me into this one.” She looked genuinely mortified. “I am so, so sorry.” The brunette let out a defeated sigh. “It’s… fine.” It clearly wasn’t. “I’ll just clean this up.” “I’m really sorry.” “It’s okay.” Serena continued apologizing profusely as the woman excused herself toward the ladies’ room, disappearing into the crowd with a ruined gown and wounded pride. Only then did Serena turn back to Damien. “I really didn’t mean—” “Save it.” His voice was calm. Too calm, for a man whose girlfriend was just embarrassed. She blinked. He took a slow sip of his drink before meeting her eyes. “Save your apology for someone naïve enough to believe your performance.” The corners of Serena’s mouth twitched. He’s a good reader. Interesting. “So,” he continued, “how long did you rehearse that little fall?” She tilted her head innocently. “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.” “No?” His expression didn’t change. “You complimented her dress to lower her guard.” He lifted one finger. “You positioned yourself perfectly.” Another finger. “You stepped on your own dress.” A third. “And somehow managed not to get a single drop of champagne on yourself.” His gaze swept over her pristine gown before returning to her face. “I must admit, it was well executed.” For the first time that evening… Serena smiled honestly. “So you noticed.” “I notice everything. It’s the reason I own the Blackwood Company.” Oh please. Your grandfather built that empire. All you did was inherit the keys… Serena muttered in her head but said nothing. He paused. “I’m impressed.” She arched a brow. “You are?” “Most women send drinks to my table.” “They fake accidental meetings.” “They invent business proposals.” He looked almost amused. “But humiliating another woman just to get five minutes alone with me…” His smile was faint. “That’s original.” “So that’s what you think this is?” “You didn’t come here for my girlfriend.” He held her gaze without blinking. “You came here for me.” “The only question is… why?” Serena picked up a fresh glass of champagne from a passing server. She swirled the golden liquid lazily. “Why didn’t you follow her?” His eyebrow lifted slightly. “Pardon?” “Your girlfriend just walked away embarrassed. Most decent men would have gone after her.” “Observant.” His smile deepened. “But if you’re trying to impress me, you should know I don’t reward dirty tricks.” Serena nodded, smirking. “Good.” She lifted her chin. “I wasn’t trying to impress you and… I didn’t become the woman I am by playing fair.” His expression sharpened as she went on. “If I decide I want something…” She met his gaze without hesitation. “…I use every means necessary to get it.” Silence settled between them. Then… A slow smile spread across Damien Blackwood’s face. Not mocking or flirtatious. But Appraising. Like a man who had just discovered an opponent worthy of his attention. Serena felt victorious. She raised her glass again, savoring the moment. Until the champagne went down the wrong way. She coughed. Hard. Her eyes watered as she struggled to catch her breath. A few nearby guests turned in concern. She waved them away, still trying to breathe. When she finally looked up… Damien hadn’t moved. Hadn’t reached for her. Hadn’t even looked concerned. He simply watched her. Then, with the same calm expression he’d worn all evening, he said, “You’re exactly the kind of woman I need for my future. Someone ready and willing to take chances no matter how wild they may appear…” He paused for a moment as she tried to get herself back together, then muttered: “Marry me.” The ballroom noise returned all at once. A violinist continued playing. Someone laughed across the room. A waiter walked past carrying a tray of champagne. Yet Serena heard none of it. She could only stare at the man in front of her. The most powerful billionaire in the country had just proposed to the woman who had publicly humiliated his girlfriend. And judging by the look in his eyes… He wasn’t joking.