Chapter 40 – The Proposal

I had just left my office for a few minutes, only to return to chaos. I rubbed my temple as a hint of fatigue and annoyance flickered across my face.

“I wonder if after Arin is done, the amount of chaos will actually reduce.”

The secretariat floor was buzzing louder than usual. I passed by the corridor leading to the office when I heard the unmistakable sound of bickering.

Clarissa’s voice echoed louder than the rest, followed by another voice that stirred something inside me.

Mannie.

I paused, irritation flooding through me.

"What is Mannie doing here? And why does she always curse at her colleagues?" I muttered, my voice low but filled with disdain.

Her loud, unfiltered mouth always made me hesitate. As attractive as she was, the idea of introducing someone with her temper to my parents felt like throwing fuel on fire.

I turned the corner and walked into the secretariat.

"What is going on here?" I demanded.

Clarissa jumped like she’d seen salvation. "Sir, she is cursing at me and acting like—"

"Get your salary from HR," I cut her off coldly. "Since you came here, it’s been one complaint after another. Constant fighting with colleagues. I’m tired. You’re done."

Clarissa’s mouth dropped open. She turned to Mannie like she wanted her to say something. I didn’t give her the chance.

I turned to Mannie, who had her head slightly bowed, but her eyes didn’t hide the amusement. Rolling my eyes inwardly, I ordered her.

"Go to my office."

"Sir, you can’t fire me. Your best friend is in love with me. How would he feel if he saw his lover being fired?" Clarissa blurted in panic.

I almost laughed. That was a new one. Threatened with love confessions?

Unbelievable.

"Even better. You can go work for him at his company," I said and walked away, not bothering with the circus anymore.

-----

When I got to my office, Mannie was already inside, standing and curiously scanning the place like she’d never seen wealth before.

I frowned slightly. ‘She really acts like she hasn’t stepped foot in the upper world.’ If I took her to my parents, they would rip me apart.

"What brought you to this floor this time? Who are you reporting today? Evan’s ghost? David’s scandal? Or your own daily drama?"

She raised her eyes to mine. "None. I just came to submit the file. Your secretary was in charge of sending it to you."

"And then you decided it was the right time to curse someone out? Again? You do realize this isn’t a market square, right?"

"I didn’t want to curse her out. She brought it on herself," she muttered, and then, like a switch flipped, she started ranting.

"Besides, in a way, I did it for you and your friend."

I raised a brow. "Oh? I didn’t know that. Please, enlighten me."

She blushed slightly and looked down, fiddling with the hem of her blouse.

Her innocence, despite the fire she spat, was oddly charming. Dangerous, but charming.

Before she could continue, Arin walked in.

"Master," he bowed slightly, his eyes darting to Mannie.

She stood and gave him a polite greeting.

"You are?" Arin asked, his sharp gaze inspecting her.

"Don’t look at her like that. She’s Mannie," I said quickly.

"Oh, okay. Nice to meet you," Arin gave a small nod and walked over to my desk, placing a pile of documents.

Fatigue pulled at my temples.

"A total of 200 people have been fired due to incompetence and poor work ethics," Arin reported calmly.

Neither of us flinched. But Mannie? Her eyes widened like she’d seen a ghost.

"You’ll hold interviews to hire new people. If any directors complain, show them the evidence. And get me that contract," I said.

Arin nodded and exited the office.

I turned to Mannie, who had now regained her composure.

"Give me the document," I said, gesturing to the file she had clutched tightly since she entered.

As our hands brushed, a subtle warmth tingled up my arm. Soft, ticklish, almost too light to acknowledge, but my wolf purred at the feeling.

She placed the document down.

"Sit. I have a proposal for you."

Her eyes lit up. Hope shimmered in them.

She thought I was about to offer her a position. Cross-level. Promotion. Power.

"I need you to be my pregnant girlfriend. Just for three months. My parents are visiting, and I need to shut them up. You’ll be paid for your time."

Her excitement vanished.

Her face turned blank, and then her brows furrowed.

"No," she said without hesitation, crossing her arms. "I’m not doing that. That’s ridiculous."

"You’ll be paid handsomely. Ten times your three months’ salary, plus extra."

She froze. Her lips twitched.

I could practically see the mental calculator turning in her brain.

I leaned back, folding my arms.

"You’ll only need to act. Smile, talk sweet, and maybe hold my hand. No actual… bed-related matters unless you want them."

Her face turned red, and she rolled her eyes. "You're unbelievable."

"But you’re considering it," I smirked.

She huffed. "How much?"

"More than you’ve made in your life. I’ll throw in a house, and if my parents extend their stay, I’ll upgrade you to president of a sub-company."

She blinked, a little bit hard. Maybe to see if she was dreaming.

"What if they ask to see the baby or want to meet their grandchild?"

"Then we adopt a child. Or pretend you had a miscarriage. The goal is to buy time and get them off my back."

She stared at me for a long time, visibly torn between pride and survival.

Just then, Arin returned, placing a sleek contract in front of her.

"You’ll sign here, here, and here," he pointed.

"I’ll read it first," Mannie said calmly, already flipping through the pages.

She took her time, reading every single line. Her fingers hovered slightly before she finally picked up the pen.

With a firm hand, she signed her name on all three spots.

Deal sealed.

The game had begun.