"Evie, the board is restless. If you don't do something soon, you'll lose everything your father built."
Evielyn DeLuca froze, her phone pressed tightly against her ear. Jonathan's voice was firm, but she could still hear the concern beneath it.
Her heart thudded, echoing the fear she'd been pushing down ever since she came back to Velmont City two days ago.
"Don't exaggerate," Evielyn muttered, rubbing her temple. "It's only been a week since the last quarter report. Things aren't that bad."
Jonathan sighed, the kind of sigh that told her he wasn't in the mood to sugarcoat. "Evie, you're smart, but you're not blind. You've been away on that humanitarian project overseas for six months, and in that time, the sharks have circled. Investors are doubting you. The board is already whispering about electing a new CEO. They don't think you're strong enough to lead."
For some reason, his words cut deeper than she wanted to admit. Her father's company—now her company—was the one thing she had left to remind her of him. She wasn't going to let anyone take it away. Not after everything.
Evielyn swallowed hard, forcing her voice steady. "So what do you suggest I do, Jonathan? Magically conjure a billion-dollar deal overnight?"
There was silence on the line, followed by a soft chuckle. "Not a deal. Amarriage."
She blinked, almost laughing. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Jonathan said, his tone serious. "You need stability. Power. Influence. If you marry someone the board respects, they'll stop circling like vultures. And I happen to know someone in the same situation as you."
Evielyn leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling of her office. Marriage? She was only twenty-four. She hadn't even figured out if she wanted children someday, let alone a husband. Her life was messy enough without dragging some stranger into it.
"You can't be serious," she whispered.
"Dead serious," Jonathan replied. "His name's Dion King. You've heard of him."
Evielyn stiffened. Everyone in Velmont had heard of Dion King. Billionaire. CEO of King Conglomerate. A ruthless negotiator with an expression that's as stoic as stone. The media loved him and hated him in equal measure.
"Why would a man like that need a marriage of convenience?" Evielyn asked skeptically.
Jonathan hesitated before answering. "Let's just say his family is… difficult. He needs a wife for appearances. You need stability to keep your company. It's mutually beneficial. Six months, maybe a year. That's all. No strings attached."
No strings attached. The words rolled around in Evielyn's head like sharp glass.
She almost laughed. "Jonathan, you've officially lost your mind. Do you hear yourself? You're suggesting I marry a stranger to save my company."
"And to save yourself," Jonathan added softly. "Evie, you know how cruel this world can be. You've fought battles alone for too long. This time, maybe let someone else fight beside you, even if it's temporary."
Evielyn fell silent, staring at the city skyline beyond her office window. The neon lights blurred against the glass, a kaleidoscope of color that did nothing to ease the weight pressing on her chest.
A marriage of convenience? It was insane. Reckless. Desperate.
But wasn't she desperate?
The thought of losing her father's legacy made her throat constrict. She couldn't let his name be reduced to dust because she wasn't strong enough. If aligning herself with Dion King was the only way to protect what was hers, wasn't it worth considering?
Still, she needed time to process. "Jonathan, I don't even know the man. How can you expect me to—"
A knock at her office door interrupted her. Her secretary peeked in, her voice timid. "Ms. DeLuca, Mr. King is here to see you."
Evielyn's heart stopped. Mr. King? As in the very same Dion King they were talking about? What did he want?
Jonathan's voice on the phone grew amused. "Guess you won't have to think too hard then. Fate's already decided."
Evielyn hissed and lowered the phone slowly, unable to speak, as the man himself stepped into her office.
She let her eyes take him in. He was tall, with raven black hair slicked back in a way that highlighted the sharpness of his jaw. His suit was tailored to perfection, every inch of him oozing control and authority. His piercing gray eyes met Evielyn's blue ones and held them without flinching.
For a moment, time was still. Her breath caught in her chest. Though she'd heard of him, Evielyn had never seen him. He wasn't just handsome; he was beautiful. Too beautiful for a man, she thought.
"Miss DeLuca," he said, his voice smooth but firm, with no trace of warmth. "A pleasure to meet you."
Evielyn rose from her chair slowly as they shook hands. "An honour, Mr. King," she replied. His handshake was firm, almost crushing, as if he was reminding her that he didn't do gentle.
As soon as they both sat down, her expression turned to one of seriousness. "To what do I owe this visit, Mr. King?"
Dion studied the young woman across with an intensity that made her skin prickle. "I believe your associate, Mr. Wilson, has already explained my situation. I'm not here for small talk, Miss DeLuca. I need a wife. You need stability. Why waste time pretending otherwise?"
The bluntness of his words made Evie inhale sharply. So it was true. This wasn't a coincidence. He was here for the proposal Jonathan had just laid before her.
Evielyn forced a laugh, though it sounded weak. "You make it sound like we're discussing a business merger, Mr. King." She raised a brow. "Does this seem like business to you?"
Dion's lips curved into the faintest smirk. "That's exactly what this is, Miss DeLuca. A merger of convenience. I offer you my name, my influence, and a shield against your board. In return, you offer me respect in the eyes of my family."
Evielyn's pulse quickened. Dion spoke as though the decision had already been made, as though he was giving her no choice but to comply.
"And if I refuse?" she asked, tilting her chin, though her insides trembled.
Dion leaned forward slightly, his gray eyes never leaving hers. "Then, Miss DeLuca, you'll lose your company within the month. I know the vultures are already circling. But if you agree…" His smirk deepened, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You'll walk into the next board meeting with my name attached to yours, and no one will dare question you again."
Evielyn's throat tightened. His words terrified her because they were true.
Jonathan's voice still echoed in her head: You've fought battles alone for too long.
But this wasn't just a battle. This was a deal with the devil himself.
And yet… she couldn't deny that part of her, buried deep and trembling, was tempted. Her whole life was at stake here.
Her hand curled into a fist on the table as she met his stare. "You make it sound so simple."
Dion's gaze flickered to her clenched hand before returning to her face. "It is simple. Say yes, Miss DeLuca, and you keep your empire. Say no, and you lose it," he said and the office fell silent.
Evielyn's breath came shallow as she realized the choice before her. Marriage—or ruin. And this man, Dion King, wasn't going to leave without an answer. Not just that, something told her he wouldn't take a no.