His price for her silence

Chapter 4

The elevator ascended with a soft hum, its mirrored walls reflecting Savannah's anxious expression. Beside her, Sawyer stood tall and composed, his gaze fixed ahead, betraying no emotion.

As the doors parted, they stepped into an exclusive lounge perched above the gala. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline, the lights shimmering like stars against the night sky.

The room was adorned with plush velvet sofas, crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow, and a grand piano in the corner, its keys untouched.

Sawyer gestured for Savannah to sit, his movements precise and deliberate.

"Drink?" he offered, already pouring two glasses of aged scotch.

She accepted, her fingers trembling slightly as she took the glass.

"This place is... impressive," she murmured, her eyes scanning the opulent surroundings.

He leaned against the bar, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

"It's a sanctuary," he replied. "Away from the pretense downstairs."

Savannah took a sip, the warmth of the scotch spreading through her.

"Why bring me here, Sawyer?" she asked, meeting his gaze.

He studied her for a moment, then set his glass down.

"Because I have a proposition," he said, his voice steady. "One that could solve both our problems."

Savannah's brow furrowed as she processed Sawyer's words.

"A proposition?" she echoed.

He nodded, stepping closer.

"My father's will stipulates that I must be married for a year to claim full control of the Beckett empire," he explained. "I need a wife. You need financial relief. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

She stared at him, disbelief etched on her face.

"You want me to marry you? For convenience?"

"Think of it as a business transaction," he replied. "One year. No strings attached."

Savannah's heart pounded in her chest.

"And what happens after a year?"

"We part ways," he said simply.

She turned away, walking to the window.

"This is absurd," she whispered.

Sawyer approached, his voice softer.

"It's a solution, Savannah. One that benefits us both."

She closed her eyes, the weight of the decision pressing down on her.

The room felt colder, the city lights outside casting long shadows.

Savannah turned to face Sawyer, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and sorrow.

"Is this what you think of me now?" she asked, her voice trembling. "A pawn in your corporate game?"

He looked taken aback.

"That's not "

"I came here because I had no choice," she interrupted. "Not to be bartered like a commodity."

Sawyer stepped back, his expression unreadable.

"I thought it would help," he said quietly.

She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes.

"You don't understand," she whispered. "This isn't just about money. It's about dignity."

He reached out, but she stepped away.

"I need time," she said, her voice firm. "To think."

Sawyer nodded slowly.

"Take all the time you need," he replied.