The Contract Bride

Chapter 3 A Proposal No One Expected

The silence in the living room felt heavy, Clara could almost hear her own heartbeat.

Alexander Knight sat calmly across from them, his expression unreadable. The faint light from the chandelier above reflected slightly in his gray eyes, making them appear colder than before.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Richard Bennett rubbed his palms together nervously, something Clara had rarely seen him do. Her father had always been a confident man—someone who handled business problems with calm authority.

But tonight, he looked different, tired, worried and almost… defeated. Alexander leaned back slightly in his seat, watching the room carefully.

“I understand this situation may be uncomfortable,” he said calmly. “But avoiding the truth will not solve anything.”

Clara folded her arms.“We’re not avoiding anything,” she said. Alexander looked at her briefly.“No?” She lifted her chin slightly. No.

For a moment, their eyes met. Something about the way he studied her made Clara feel as though he was trying to read her thoughts. She looked away first.

Alexander turned his attention back to Richard.“Mr. Bennett, the investigation into your company has already begun,” he said. “Several financial transactions from the past five years have raised concerns among investors.”

Richard sighed quietly.“I know.” Ethan leaned forward.“What kind of concerns?” Alexander answered without hesitation.

“Unverified transfers. Missing documentation. Questionable partnerships.” Clara’s eyes widened.“That doesn’t mean anything illegal happened,” she said quickly.

Alexander nodded slightly.“You’re correct.” For a brief moment, Clara felt relieved. But then he continued.

“However, investigations rarely rely on assumptions.” The room fell silent again.

“If the authorities continue looking into these transactions,” Alexander said calmly, “there is a high probability that the company will lose all investor support.”

Clara swallowed. And if that happens? Ethan asked. Alexander looked at him.“The company will collapse.” Richard closed his eyes briefly. Clara’s chest tightened. Collapse?

Bennett Holdings had been their father’s life.It had supported their family for years, It had paid for Clara’s education, It had given them stability after their mother died. The thought of losing it felt impossible.

But Alexander didn’t look like a man who exaggerated.“Your father could also face legal consequences,” he added. Clara’s head snapped up.“What?”

Richard looked down at the floor.“Dad?” Clara whispered. He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he sighed deeply.

“There are things about the company you don’t understand yet,” he said quietly. Clara felt a cold wave of fear spread through her.“What things?”

Richard rubbed his forehead.“Business decisions… partnerships… sometimes they become complicated.”“That doesn’t answer my question,” Clara said.

Before her father could respond, Alexander spoke again.“If the investigation continues, the authorities may assume financial misconduct.”

Clara stared at him.“Are you saying my father could go to prison?” Alexander didn’t look away.“Yes.”

The word hit Clara like a shock.“No,” she said immediately, that’s impossible. Ethan looked just as disturbed.“This is ridiculous,” he said. “My father isn’t a criminal.”

Alexander remained calm.“I never said he was.”“Then why are you talking about prison?” Clara demanded.

Alexander leaned slightly forward.“Because investigations don’t wait for people to prove their innocence.” Clara felt anger rise in her chest.“You’re making this sound worse than it is.”

Alexander watched her quietly.“I’m making you understand the seriousness of the situation.” The room fell silent again. Clara turned to her father.“Dad… tell him he’s wrong.”

Richard didn’t speak. That silence scared her more than anything. Alexander continued calmly.“The investigation can still be stopped.”

Clara’s attention snapped back to him.“What?” Richard looked up slowly.“What do you mean?” Alexander rested his hands together.

“Investor confidence is the main reason this investigation began.” Ethan frowned.“So?” “If a stronger financial partner suddenly supports the company,” Alexander explained, “investors will relax.”

Clara understood immediately.“You’re talking about investing.” Alexander nodded once. “Yes.” Hope flickered inside Clara’s chest.

Alexander Knight was one of the most powerful businessmen in the country. If his company supported Bennett Holdings, it would instantly restore confidence.

It could save everything. Richard seemed to realize the same thing.“You would do that?” he asked carefully.

Alexander didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he studied the room again.His gaze paused briefly on Clara.Then he spoke.“I could.”

Clara noticed something strange in his tone. The word could have sounded different from would. Ethan noticed it too.“What’s the catch?” he asked. Alexander’s expression remained calm.“There is always a condition in business.”

Clara felt that uneasy feeling return.“What kind of condition?” she asked. Alexander leaned slightly forward.The room suddenly felt smaller. More tense.

His eyes met Clara’s again. This time he didn’t look away.“I believe the best way to stabilize both our companies,” he said slowly, is through partnership. Clara frowned.

“Partnership?” “Yes.” Her father looked confused.“What kind of partnership?” Alexander didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he stood up slowly from his seat.

His tall figure seemed to fill the room as he walked toward the large window beside the living room. Outside, the night was quiet.

The faint glow of streetlights reflected against the glass. Alexander placed one hand in his pocket before turning back toward them. His gaze stopped on Clara again. Clara suddenly felt very uneasy. She couldn’t explain why.

But something about the way he looked at her made her stomach tighten. Alexander walked back toward the center of the room. Then he stopped directly in front of her.

Clara looked up at him.“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked. Alexander’s expression remained serious.

“Because you are the solution.” Clara blinked. What? Her father looked confused.“Mr. Knight… what are you talking about?”

Alexander finally spoke the words that would change everything.

His voice was calm. But every word was clear.“I will invest in Bennett Holdings,” he said.

Clara felt hope rise again. But then he continued.

“On one condition.” The room went completely silent. Clara’s heart began to beat faster. And what is the condition? Richard asked slowly.

Alexander looked directly at Clara. Then he said the words no one in the room expected.

“Marry me, Clara Bennett.” The world seemed to stop. Clara stared at him in disbelief. Surely she had heard wrong.“Excuse me?” she whispered.

But Alexander’s expression never changed.“I believe I was clear.” Clara’s voice rose.“You want me to do what?” Alexander’s gaze remained steady.

“I want you to marry me.” Clara stood up suddenly. Her chair moved loudly against the floor.

“You must be insane.” Ethan jumped to his feet as well.“You can’t be serious.” But Alexander didn’t look amused.In fact, he looked completely calm.

Which somehow made the situation even more shocking. Richard Bennett looked torn between shock and desperation.

“Mr. Knight…” he began. But Alexander interrupted him.“This arrangement would benefit both families.” Clara shook her head.“This isn’t an arrangement,” she said angrily. This is blackmail.

Alexander met her gaze again.“You can call it whatever you like.”

Clara felt anger burning in her chest.“You think you can just walk into our house and buy my life?” Alexander’s answer came quietly.I think I can save your father’s. Clara froze.

The words hung heavily in the air.Her father looked down again. Ethan clenched his fists. And Clara realized something terrifying. Alexander Knight wasn’t joking.He was completely serious. And her father’s future…

Might now depend on her answer.