Stellerton, a city center where every inch of land is precious.
Cecilia Vaughn looked up at The Law Group's business headquarters, the skyscraper reaching into the clouds, giving an inexplicable sense of oppression.
And the office of Adrian Law, the current president of the Law Group, is on the eighteenth floor of this tall building.
Most people shun the name of the eighteenth floor of hell, yet Adrian Law is different. His decisive way of handling matters is such that even the King of Hell might fear him threefold.
...
"Miss, without an appointment, President Law doesn't meet external guests."
Cecilia Vaughn announced her intention to see Adrian Law, but the receptionist repeatedly declined, stating an appointment was necessary and even showing some disdain in her eyes.
Clearly, she regarded Cecilia as a woman with some charm trying to reach high.
Cecilia remained indifferent, revealing her identity as the daughter of the Radiant Group, finally securing an opportunity to speak with Adrian Law's assistant.
...
Eighteenth floor of Law Headquarters, president's office.
A man in a black suit sat at the main seat of the desk, his fingers tapping rapidly on the keyboard. Although he heard someone entering, he did not even spare a glance.
"Young Master Law, this is Cecilia Vaughn, Miss Vaughn, who wished to see you."
The assistant who led Cecilia up spoke respectfully, not daring to raise his head as he silently exited.
Everyone knows that interrupting the president at work is almost a capital offense.
This young lady from the Radiant Group dared come without an appointment to see the president; truly fearless!
...
The large office was filled only with the low sounds of keyboard tapping by the man.
Cecilia Vaughn stood in front of the desk, without speaking, simply watching the man quietly.
Not disturbing others at work is basic courtesy.
...
The man's features were peerlessly handsome, his skin a rare cool white, eyes like brilliant stars in the dark, noble yet exuding a strong sense of aloofness.
He was so different from what she had imagined.
Who would have thought that The Eldest Young Master Law, not only excelled in business but also possessed an extraordinarily captivating face, even more so than his brother, Tyson Law!
...
Adrian Law, though her ex-fiancé's elder brother, had never crossed paths with Cecilia Vaughn before.
Even for her and Tyson Law's engagement party, Adrian Law refused to attend.
Tyson Law never mentioned this brother, only saying that his elder brother had a cold personality, ruthless in his actions, disregarding even familial ties.
Forget about his brother; Adrian Law didn't even show much respect to their father, the current chairman of the Law Family.
Cecilia Vaughn didn't ask much back then, as top-tier prominent families like the Law Group often had internal strife among family members; all she needed was to steer clear of this elder brother.
Until after imprisonment, Cecilia's investigation revealed that the current Law Family Head's celebrity wife was not the original spouse, and Adrian Law and Tyson Law were half-brothers.
Unfortunately, Adrian Law's mother passed away too early, and few people knew about the original spouse.
...
Cecilia Vaughn stood and waited for more than an hour, yet the man still showed no intention of acknowledging her.
Cecilia's feet ached from standing, so she simply found a seat and sat down gracefully.
Only when the sun outside gradually slanted west did Adrian Law seem to finally acknowledge Cecilia's presence.
He stopped, casually lifting his eyes to glance at Cecilia Vaughn quietly sitting in the corner of the desk.
...
The girl wore a white dress, her figure slender, her skin unadorned yet pale as carved jade, even whiter than her dress, almost unreal.
Most striking were her eyes.
Cecilia Vaughn's eyes were pure black like obsidian, her gaze extraordinarily clear and clean, like a serene pool reflecting stars in remote mountains, untainted by earthly dust.
...
It would be hard for anyone to believe that a girl, still in her blossoming years, who had unjustly spent three years in prison, could retain such luminous eyes.
Adrian Law's eyes flickered slightly, finally breaking his silence with the first words of the day.
"Miss Vaughn, you are very patient, somewhat different from what I imagined."
Being treated like air the whole afternoon is not a feeling anyone easily endures.
Moreover, Cecilia had just been released from prison; coming to him in such haste obviously had a purpose.
...
Facing the man's cold, unruffled eyes, Cecilia's heartstrings trembled, feeling as if she were seen through.
Cecilia Vaughn, why should you be afraid, are you hesitating?
"President Law, you are also somewhat different from what I imagined."
"Although we have never met, you must know about me and your brother's past, but that is all bygone; I'm here today to discuss a business deal with you."
...
It is widely known that The Eldest Young Master Law of the Law Group is as tough as nails in the business world, yet this young woman dares to negotiate business on her initiative, not afraid of being skinned alive?
Adrian Law slightly frowned, the cold gleam in his long eyes more intimidating than a blade.
"You wish to make a deal with me?"
"Miss Vaughn, the Vaughn Family suppressed the news of your past matters, but that doesn't mean I'm unaware. Now, what leverage do you have to negotiate business with me?"
...
Indeed, a business tycoon; faced with the man's indifference and dominance, Cecilia's palms sweated slightly.
She took a breath to regain her composure, her smile unwavering.
"President Law, I'm well aware you never engage in unprofitable deals, but this business I'm proposing today benefits both parties, and you will surely find it intriguing."
Adrian Law raised an eyebrow, his long pupils inscrutably deep.
"Let's hear it."
...
Seeing the other party willing to give her a chance to explain, Cecilia's tense heart relaxed a bit.
Cecilia offered a genuine smile, lit by the evening glow outside, astonishingly beautiful, even making Adrian Law slightly dazed.
Yet in the next moment, he heard the girl's steady voice.
"President Law, the content of this deal is you marry me."
...
When Adrian Law comprehended Cecilia Vaughn's words, that brief spell of amazement vanished instantly from his eyes.
His eyes fixed on the girl opposite, suddenly unleashing a biting intensity, his gaze carrying a dangerous edge.
"Cecilia Vaughn, do you know what you're saying?!"
To propose marriage at first meeting? Truly audacious!
...
For the first time, Cecilia Vaughn discovered that someone could make others feel suffocated, as if pressed by a mountain, with just a few words.
Silently pinching her hand, Cecilia steadied her mind, decisively meeting Adrian Law's gaze.
"President Law, you didn't mishear. I was indeed promoting myself just now; at the core of this deal, you marry me, a win-win situation."
"A win-win?"
Adrian Law's lips curled into a sarcastic arc.
"Miss Vaughn, setting aside your past with my fortunate brother, what makes you think I would marry a woman who has been in prison for three years?"