Larissa's POV
The words hung in the air between us like a challenge. I stared at Carson Gary, certain I'd misheard him.
"I'm sorry, what?"
His expression remained perfectly composed. "I need a wife within the coming months. I've determined that you're the most suitable candidate. Be my wife, for exactly one year."
A laugh bubbled up from my chest, sharp and disbelieving. "That's... that's a joke, right? Some kind of corporate hazing?"
"I don't joke about business matters." Carson moved around his desk, settling into his chair with fluid grace. "This is a serious proposition, Larissa."
The casual use of my first name sent a shiver down my spine, but not the good kind. This felt predatory somehow, calculated.
"Mr. Gary, I think there's been some kind of misunderstanding—"
"My grandfather issued an ultimatum last night." His voice cut through my protests with surgical precision. "Marry within the coming months, or forfeit controlling interest in Gary Enterprises to my cousin."
