Blackwood Corporation's headquarters towered above the city like a fortress of ambition, steel, glass, and silence.
Most people trembled walking into that building.
Not Elena.
She walked in like she owned it.
Her heels clicked against the marble floor with purpose, her crimson blazer a deliberate choice. Bold. Disarming. Dangerous.
The receptionist barely managed to stammer before Elena handed over a forged appointment notice with the Blackwood signature watermark, something she'd memorized five years ago in her last life.
"Ms. Reed," the assistant greeted her moments later, hesitant. "Mr. Blackwood… doesn't usually take unverified meetings."
Elena smiled. "Then tell him it's about salvaging his reputation, and keeping vultures out of the media."
A pause.
Then, a reluctant nod. "This way."
Inside the Lion's Den
Damian was at his desk, reviewing acquisition reports. His sharp gaze lifted as the door opened.
For a moment, he said nothing.
But something flickered behind those cold, calculating eyes.
Recognition. Interest. Wariness.
"You're either bold or suicidal," he murmured.
Elena walked in and closed the door behind her. "I hear that a lot."
She sat across from him without invitation, placed a slim folder on the table, and slid it toward him.
"Here's a proposal. Strategic PR maneuver. Limited exposure. Mutually beneficial."
He opened the folder, brows ticking up as he skimmed. Everything looked polished, stock prices, media trends, public perception.
Then, his gaze landed on the final page.
His hand stilled.
Two words stood out in bold, centered type:
Proposal: Secret Marriage Contract.
He slowly raised his eyes to hers.
Elena didn't flinch.
"You're joking," he said flatly.
"I'm not."
"What could you possibly gain from marrying me?" he asked, voice low.
"Power," she replied. "And you? You gain silence. Control. Protection from scandals, and a strategic partner no one will suspect."
Damian leaned back, eyes narrowing.
"Are you in some kind of trouble?"
"Nothing I can't handle. But people will talk. They always do. If we're married, secretly, neither of us owes anyone answers."
"You think I'd tie myself to a stranger for convenience?"
"You've done worse for business."
Silence stretched between them.
He studied her face, like he was trying to see through her skin.
And then…
He laughed.
A deep, unexpected sound, rare and edged with disbelief.
"You must be insane."