Chapter 3
1299 Words
Adrian's expression remained calm, but there was an edge to his tone. "Ella, we did our research. You have significant debts—medical bills, student loans. This offer could clear those debts and provide you with financial security. It's an opportunity that doesn't come around often."
Ella hesitated, her eyes darting between Adrian and Damien. The weight of her financial struggles pressed heavily on her shoulders. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "How much are we talking about?"
Adrian's smile widened. "The payment is substantial—200 Million pesos. More than enough to solve your financial problems."
Ella's eyes widened further at the mention of such a large sum. She sat back, visibly overwhelmed. "200 Million pesos? That's... that's a lot of money. But... it's still not just about the money."
Damien leaned in slightly. "Ella, this is a one-time opportunity. You wouldn't have to worry about anything else. Just play the role until the deal is finalized."
Ella's had been drowning in debt, each day feeling like a struggle against an insurmountable tide. The offer was tempting, and she can be a millionaire in just seconds, but the thought of pretending to be someone's wife, even in name only, felt like a betrayal of her own principles.
"If you agree, you'd need to move into my penthouse for the duration of the arrangement. It's fully furnished and located in the heart of the city. You'd be close by and able to handle any requirements that come up."
"A penthouse?" Ella asked.
Damien nodded. "Yes. It's a luxurious apartment with everything you'd need. You'd be expected to maintain the pretense of being my wife there."
Ella looked down, her thoughts churning as she considered the enormity of the offer. The money was an undeniable lure, but the implications of the arrangement were daunting.
Finally, after a long moment of silence, Ella shook her head. "I can't do it. I appreciate the offer, but this... this isn't something I can agree to. Pretending to be someone's wife, especially for a business deal, feels wrong to me."
Damien's expression remained unchanged, but there was a cold edge to his gaze. "I see. Well, thank you for your time."
Adrian, not one to be easily deterred, leaned forward once more. "Ella, before you make any final decisions, consider this—200 Million pesos is a life-changing amount for many. It's more than just money; it's a chance to alleviate your burdens and secure your future. Think about it carefully."
Ella stood. "I have thought about it. I appreciate the offer, but it's not right for me."
"But..." Adrian stopped her as she was about to turned her back to them. "Take this, if you change your mind, please contact me." He gave her business card.
Ella walked away.
Damien Sinclair's eyes narrowed into slits of icy anger. The sultry city lights of Manila flickered in the distance, but Damien's focus remained solely on the retreating figure of the waitress who had dared to reject his offer. The night air seemed to crackle with his frustration as he turned sharply on his heel.
"Adrian!" Damien's voice cut through the evening like a blade. He stormed towards the waiting SUV. "What the hell was that disaster? Do you have any idea how badly you've screwed this up?"
Adrian, ever the seasoned professional, maintained his composure. "Damien, it wasn't ideal, but—"
"Not ideal? That's the understatement of the century," Damien snapped, his eyes blazing with a rare intensity. "You have just served me a colossal f**k-up on a silver platter."
They reached the SUV, and Damien's frustration was almost palpable as he yanked open the door and slid into the back seat with a barely contained scowl. Adrian followed suit, his own irritation simmering beneath the surface.
"I don't know what you were thinking," Damien continued, his voice low but seething with anger. "I asked you to handle this with the finesse of a goddamn maestro, and instead, you fumbled it like an amateur."
Adrian responded calmly. "Damien, Ella Monroe wasn't exactly easy to persuade. She's dealing with significant personal issues. We need to adjust our strategy."
Damien's hand gripped the leather seat as he glared at Adrian. "Adjust our strategy? That's what you're coming up with? We don't have time for adjustments, Adrian."
Damien's face was a mask of fury and disbelief. "You know what's at stake here? This isn't just about a business deal. This is about expanding Sinclair Enterprises into a global titan. The Montelucia royal family has resources and influence that could catapult us to an entirely new level. And you've blown it with one goddamn botched meeting."
"I'm aware, Damien. I'll make sure we get back on track. Ella Monroe was just one option."
"She was the best candidate for the role."
Damien's eyes flashed with a fierce intensity. "Best candidate? How could she be the best if she walked away? We needed her to say yes."
Adrian leaned forward. "Ella Monroe was chosen for a reason. She's not like the typical socialites who would only add noise to the façade. She's genuine, and that's precisely why she could have worked. We just need to handle this properly."
Damien's face hardened. "Handle this properly? She walked away from the deal. You had one job, Adrian. One f*****g job."
Adrian's brow furrowed, but he held his ground. "I've been in this game long enough to know that not everything goes as planned. We can't force her into this. But if we approach her correctly, we might still convince her. It's not about manipulating her; it's about showing her the value in this opportunity."
Damien's eyes narrowed, his voice a low growl. "I don't want to hear excuses. I want results. If Ella Monroe is truly the best option, then we need to bring her back to the table. I don't care if we have to beg, bribe, or use every bit of leverage we have."
"But wait..." Adrian's lips curled into a wry smile as he tried to lighten the mood. "Yesterday you were vehemently against this plan, and now, after seeing Ella's beauty, you're ready to go to war. Are you, by any chance, falling for her?"
Damien's eyes blazed with fury. "Love? Are you out of your mind? I don't believe in that f*****g fairy-tale nonsense. Love is a weakness, a tool used to manipulate and control. I've seen enough of it to know it's nothing but a liability."
He paused, his gaze shifting to the glittering skyline. "But I won't deny that Ella Monroe is... striking. There's something about her that's refreshingly authentic. It's not about love—it's about her being the right fit for this role. She might be the perfect guise we need to secure this deal, and I'm not going to let one failed meeting ruin our chances."
"I don't give a damn about love or any of that emotional crap. What I care about is getting the job done. Ella Monroe might be our best shot, and if Adrian Marquez says she's the one, then she's the one we need to focus on."
Adrian nodded, clearly understanding the urgency. "I'll make it a priority to track her down and present the offer again. We'll make her see the value of this opportunity."
Damien's voice was icy, cutting through the tension like a knife. "You better come through on this, Adrian. Sinclair Enterprises doesn't have room for f**k-ups. I expect you to deliver, or you'll find yourself out of a job faster than you can say 'Montelucia.' I've built this empire on precision and ruthlessness, and I won't tolerate anything less now."
Adrian couldn't say a word again. He started the engine. He drove slowly through the city streets.
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