The silence inside the boardroom became suffocating.
Serena was sure she had misunderstood.
A contract marriage?
His wife?
This had to be some kind of test.
Or worse… a joke.
She straightened her posture, forcing herself to remain calm despite the storm inside her chest.
Mr. Kingston,she said carefully, I came here for a job interview.
Adrian's expression remained unreadable.
This is a job offer.
Her brows tightened slightly.
Marriage is not employment.
A very faint spark of interest crossed his eyes.
Most people would have agreed immediately.
Most people would have seen opportunity.
She saw danger.
Everything is an agreement,he replied calmly. Some just have better terms.
Serena shook her head slowly.
I'm not interested.
That answer surprised everyone in the room.
One executive even looked up sharply.
Nobody refused Adrian Kingston.
Nobody.
Adrian studied her like she had just become more valuable.
You didn't even hear the benefits.
Her voice remained steady.
Anything that starts with fake marriage probably ends badly.
A small silence followed.
Then Adrian dismissed everyone.
Leave us.
No one argued.
Within seconds the large room was empty.
Now it was just the two of them.
The air felt different.
More personal.
More dangerous.
Serena spoke first:
Why me?
Adrian didn't answer immediately.
He walked toward the window overlooking the city.
My grandfather is retiring," he said. "The board wants stability.
And marriage shows stability?
It shows control.
He turned back toward her.
They want me engaged to someone from a powerful family.
Serena understood immediately.
And you don't want that.
Correct.
So you want to use me instead.
His answer was direct.
Yes.
No lies.
No pretending.
Just truth.
Strangely… she respected that more than sweet deception.
Still, she shook her head.
No.
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly.
You're refusing again.
Yes.
Why?
Her answer came from somewhere deep inside:
Because I was just someone's convenience yesterday.
Silence.
She continued:
I'm not becoming another arrangement today.
For the first time… Adrian looked genuinely surprised.
Not offended.
Interested.
You think I would treat you the same way?
Serena met his gaze.
I think powerful men always believe they can control outcomes."
That answer almost made him smile.
Almost.
And you think I can't?
Her reply was immediate:
"I think everyone eventually meets something they can't control."
That sentence stayed between them.
Heavy.
Then she added quietly:
I don't want to be bought.
Adrian's voice softened slightly.
You wouldn't be.
It sounds exactly like that.
He stepped closer now.
Not intimidating.
Just present.
Name your price.
That did it.
Serena's eyes hardened.
That's exactly what I mean.
She stepped back.
I'm not for sale.
She turned toward the door.
Thank you for the offer,Mr. Kingston.
Then she added:
But I would rather earn my life than borrow someone else's power.
She opened the door.
And left.
Adrian did not stop her.
He simply watched.
And for the first time in a very long time…
He felt something unexpected.
Respect.
He looked down at her file again.
Then quietly said to himself:
Interesting.
His phone rang.
Yes, he answered.
A voice spoke urgently:
Sir, the Reed family is pushing the engagement announcement again.
Adrian's eyes became cold again.
Delay it.
We can't delay much longer.
His gaze moved toward the door Serena had just walked through.
Find out everything about Serena Vale.
Pause.
Then he added something unusual:
Everything.
The assistant hesitated.
Is she important, sir?
Adrian's answer was simple:
She will be.
Outside the building, Serena finally released the breath she had been holding.
What kind of crazy day is this…she whispered.
First betrayal.
Then a stranger.
Now a billionaire proposing marriage.
She almost laughed.
But problems were already waiting.
Her phone rang.
Her stepmother.
She ignored it.
It rang again.
And again.
Finally she answered.
What?
she said tiredly.
The voice on the other end was sharp:
Where are you? You need to come home immediately.
Why?
The answer froze her blood.
We arranged your marriage.
Silence.
What?
The man is wealthy. You should be grateful.
Serena's grip tightened on the phone.
I'm not marrying anyone.
Her stepmother laughed coldly.
You don't get to decide.
The call ended.
Serena stood frozen on the sidewalk.
Fate had just closed one trap.
And opened another.
And she didn't know yet..
That very soon..
Adrian Kingston would make her an offer again.
This time…
One she might not be able to refuse.