Chapter 4
The Contract Signing
7:30 a.m.
Jessica Cooper's eyes flicked toward the clock on her nightstand. The sleek silver digits glowed softly, mocking the fact that she was already dressed and alert far earlier than usual.
Her meeting wasn't until 10 a.m., but her nerves refused to let her sleep in.
Today wasn't just another workday.
Today was the contract signing—an important partnership between Cooper Enterprise and one of the top textile suppliers in the region. It was Jessica's first major assignment since her father had offered her the challenge of saving the company. She had to prove herself—to him, to Cynthia, to the board... and to herself.
After adjusting the collar of her ivory silk blouse, she slipped her heels on and headed out of her room.
As she stepped into the hallway and made her way downstairs, the scent of fresh bread and brewing coffee filled the air. The estate was already awake.
"Good morning, Miss Jessica," Jamy, the head maid, greeted her warmly as she entered the kitchen.
Jessica grabbed a glass of water and nodded in return. "Morning, Jamy. Have you seen my dad?"
"He left for the office about an hour ago," Jamy replied, drying her hands on a dish towel. "He said to remind you not to be late for the signing."
Jessica smirked faintly. "He doesn't need to worry. I'll be there before him."
She returned to her room, sipping her water slowly. As she stood before her vanity, she checked her reflection. Her long, dark hair was pinned into a sleek low bun. Her makeup was neutral but sharp—intimidating in its calmness. She looked exactly how she needed to look today: composed, intelligent, powerful.
By 9:15, she was in her car, gliding smoothly through the city streets in her silver sedan. Her fingers tapped against the steering wheel in rhythm with her thoughts.
This is my chance. I need this win.
When she stepped into the glass tower that was the Cooper Enterprise headquarters, the staff immediately straightened in her presence.
"Good morning, Director Jessica."
"You look amazing today, Miss Cooper!"
She nodded politely, acknowledging each greeting without slowing down.
As she reached the executive floor, the secretary at the reception desk stood up. "Miss Jessica, the CEO is waiting for you in the boardroom."
Jessica gave a small nod. "Alright, let's go."
The elevator ride was silent, but the weight pressing on her chest was growing by the second.
The doors opened with a quiet chime.
She stepped into the boardroom.
And froze.
There was a man sitting across from her father at the long black conference table, his back turned toward her. But something about his posture… that air of casual dominance… felt too familiar.
Her brows furrowed.
No… it couldn't be.
Then, he spoke—smooth, controlled, deep.
"Your proposal is detailed. That's good. But I'm not just here for numbers—I invest in people."
Jessica's heart dropped. That voice.
It was him.
The man from that night.
Her body tensed involuntarily, the memory crashing over her in waves—his breath against her ear, the way he'd pressed her down like he owned her, the look in his eyes as he mocked her the next morning…
Jessica immediately turned on her heel, intent on leaving, heart racing.
"Jessica!" her father called sharply. "Come. Come and greet our new investor. He'll be injecting capital into the company's growth strategy."
She stood still for a second, her mind screaming.
Not him. Anyone but him.
But with a composed breath, she turned slowly, schooling her expression into something neutral, professional.
Her heels clicked softly as she walked across the floor. With every step closer, the air felt heavier. Her father gestured toward the man, smiling eagerly.
"Mr. Spencer King," he announced. "This is my daughter, Jessica Cooper. She's the Assistant Director, and she'll be involved in all stages of the fabric expansion strategy."
Jessica's eyes met his.
Spencer leaned back lazily in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, the corner of his lips twitching into an all-too-familiar smirk.
Their eyes locked like two blades meeting in mid-air.
Jessica gave a tight, polite smile. "Mr. King," she said evenly. "Pleasure to meet you."
Spencer tilted his head slightly, saying nothing at first. His gaze lingered just a second too long.
Then he looked away… and continued his conversation with Mr. Cooper as though Jessica hadn't said a word.
Jessica's jaw clenched. Her fists curled at her sides, her knuckles whitening.
So that's how he wants to play it?
She sat down across from him, her spine straight and shoulders squared. She wouldn't let him break her. Not here. Not in this room.
They continued discussing key points of the contract—pricing, delivery schedules, regional outlets. Spencer was sharp, confident, precise. He asked questions that cut through fluff and exposed weakness. Jessica answered when prompted, her voice clipped but firm.
Then, just as they were about to finalize the next steps, Spencer's secretary stepped into the room with a tablet in hand.
"Mr. King," he said with a professional smile, "since your time here is limited, perhaps you and Miss Cooper could discuss the contract details more thoroughly over dinner?"
Jessica's head snapped toward the man.
Dinner? With him?
She opened her mouth to refuse immediately, but her father beat her to it.
"That's a wonderful idea!" he exclaimed. "Jessica will go over every detail with you personally. Isn't that right, sweetheart?"
Jessica's eyes flickered to her father.
His expression said it all.
Don't you dare screw this up.
She turned back to Spencer, who was watching her reaction with silent amusement.
"I'm sorry," she said tightly, "but I don't think that will be necessary. We can handle everything in-office."
Spencer didn't reply. He merely leaned back, fingers interlocked as he studied her.
Mr. Cooper's smile faded slightly. His voice was lower now, controlled but laced with warning. "Jessica, this is an important opportunity. You will attend the dinner meeting."
The air in the room turned thick with tension.
Jessica inhaled sharply.
Her nails dug into her palm beneath the table.
This is business. Be professional. Play the game.
She looked up, her expression unreadable. "Very well. Just send me the time and location."
"Excellent," Spencer said, his lips curving into a smirk that made her want to slap it right off. "I'll have my assistant confirm."
The meeting ended soon after, but the damage had already been done.
As she stepped into the elevator, Jessica finally let out the breath she'd been holding. Her reflection in the mirrored walls looked calm, but her pulse was racing.
Out of all men in the world… it had to be him.
This wasn't just about business anymore.
This was a game of power.
And Jessica Cooper was ready to win it.