Episode 5

Grayson slowly loosened his embrace. Kimmy immediately drew a relieved breath though her heart was still pounding wildly. But before she could step away, Grayson bent down and gently kissed the crown of her head. The touch made Kimmy tense again.

“Come on,” Grayson said calmly, as if nothing had just happened.

Kimmy blinked in confusion. “Where to?”

“The boardroom. There are things they need to know.” Grayson stood, then took her hand without giving her a chance to refuse.

Kimmy bowed her head in resignation, letting her hand be led. Inside, she was still wrapped in discomfort. Every movement Grayson made felt so dominating, as if she were merely a puppet to be directed at his whim.

As soon as the large boardroom door opened, silence fell instantly. Rows of men and women in neat suits were already seated around the long table. All eyes immediately turned to Grayson and to Kimmy walking beside him.

“Good morning, Young Master and Young Madam Blackwood,” the directors greeted in unison with respect.

Grayson only gave a brief nod, then pulled out the chair at the end of the table for Kimmy. “Sit here,” he said.

Kimmy swallowed, sat awkwardly. She could feel sharp, questioning stares from the directors.

Grayson stood tall, one hand in his pocket. His gaze swept the entire room with authority. “I have an important announcement,” he said flatly but firmly.

Some directors began to whisper softly, curious. Grayson continued, “Starting today, all assets under the name Blackwood Corporation will be inherited by my wife, Kimberly Anastasya Chandra.”

Chaos erupted instantly. Some directors exchanged glances, some surprised, some clearly disagreed.

“What do you mean, Young Master?” one gray-haired man spoke up. “The Young Madam knows nothing about business, let alone one this large.”

“Exactly!” a woman added in a worried tone. “A decision this important cannot be made carelessly. The company needs experienced hands, not just the status of a wife.”

Kimmy stiffened in her seat, her fingers tightly interlocked. She didn’t expect Grayson to make such an announcement. Why would he hand everything to me—no, to Kimberly? This is too extreme, she panicked internally.

But Grayson remained calm; his face did not change at all. He stepped to Kimmy’s side, then deliberately wrapped his arm tightly around his wife’s waist, asserting his position in front of everyone.

“I don’t need anyone’s approval,” Grayson said coldly. “Kimberly is my wife. That is reason enough. She is the lawful owner of all the wealth I possess.”

“But Young Master—” one director tried to object.

Grayson turned sharply, silencing the man on the spot. “I will still run this company. Kimberly is only the official owner. All business affairs will remain under my control. So you need not worry.”

The room fell silent. No one dared interrupt again. Grayson’s authority was too strong to challenge.

Kimmy could only remain silent. Her heart felt mixed. There was surprise, confusion, even envy. Kimberly is so lucky. Out of love, Grayson handed all his wealth to her. While I… I’m only the substitute playing her role.

An elderly director sighed heavily. “Very well, Young Master. If that is your decision, we will follow it. But please reconsider; this responsibility is immense.”

Grayson smiled faintly, yet his gaze was cold. “I never make decisions without deliberation.” He gently patted Kimmy’s still-stiff hand on the table. “And I am convinced my wife deserves everything.”

Kimmy felt the directors’ stares pierce her again. She looked down, not daring to meet their eyes. Inside, she felt increasingly worried, If they only knew I’m not the real Kimberly.

The meeting continued briefly to discuss other company agendas. But throughout that time, Grayson did not release his hold on Kimmy’s waist. As if to emphasize that he would not allow anyone to doubt his wife.

When the meeting finally ended, the directors stood and paid respects. “Good afternoon, Young Master. Good afternoon, Young Madam.”

Kimmy only gave a stiff nod. As soon as they left the boardroom, she drew a long breath, as if just emerging from an interrogation room.

“Grayson…” she said softly. “Why did you do that? Why did you hand all your wealth to me?”

Grayson glanced briefly, his lips curving faintly. “Because you are my wife. And I want the world to know you are the only one who matters to me.”

Kimmy fell silent. The words pierced her heart. There was warmth, but also pain. Those words weren’t meant for me… they were for Kimberly. I’m just the stand-in.

Grayson took her hand once more, this time more gently. “Don’t worry. I will still manage everything. You only need to be at my side. That’s all.”

Kimmy nodded quietly, though her heart resisted. I really must be careful. If one day the truth is exposed, maybe Grayson will not only be angry… maybe he will destroy me.

They walked back to Grayson’s office. Meanwhile, Kimmy’s heart kept racing, trapped between fear and guilt.

After they arrived at the CEO’s office, Kimmy sat on the sofa, trying to calm herself. Her mind still replayed Grayson’s outrageous announcement. She felt her chest tighten, as if the world was closing in on her.

Suddenly, Kimmy’s phone vibrated on the small table. She turned quickly. The name on the screen made her eyes widen.

Farrel Rhys.

Kimmy held her breath. Farrel was her childhood friend in the village, the only person who had ever made her feel not alone while being raised by her grandmother.

With trembling hands, Kimmy reached for her phone. Grayson was still seated at his desk, busy opening some documents. She thought she might answer quickly, just to greet.

“H-hello, Farrel…” she whispered.

Before the voice on the other end could be heard clearly, a loud voice cut through the silence.

“Who is that?” Grayson turned sharply.

Kimmy reflexively moved the phone away from her ear. “That’s… my friend.”

Grayson stood. His steps were heavy, his gaze full of furious intensity. In seconds, the phone in Kimmy’s hand was snatched away roughly.

“Grayson! Don’t—”

Crack! With one slam, the phone was thrown to the floor until the screen cracked badly. The sound of splintering glass made Kimmy flinch. She wanted to pick it up, but Grayson held her back with a threatening look.

“Friend, huh?” Grayson’s voice was low but cutting. “Or your lover, ha?”

Kimmy shook her head in panic. “No! He’s just my friend.”

But Grayson did not simply believe her. His jaw tightened, his eyes burning. He moved quickly, then grabbed Kimmy’s face roughly. His lips crushed hers without mercy, forceful, as if to mark his territory.

Kimmy was startled. “Mmmhh—!” She tried to push against Grayson’s chest, but he pressed harder. The kiss was not tenderness, but punishment.

When Grayson finally released, Kimmy gasped for breath. Her lips felt sore, even slightly trembling.

“Listen carefully,” Grayson’s voice rumbled, almost like a growl. “Don’t ever associate with any man. Including that man. Do you understand?”

Kimmy bowed her head, her body shaking violently. “I… I understand…” she replied in an almost-whisper.

Grayson kept staring at her. His large fingers gripped Kimmy’s chin, preventing her from turning away. “You are mine. Only mine. I don’t care who anyone from your past is. I will not hesitate to destroy them if they disturb you again.”

Kimmy swallowed. Her tears nearly fell, but she held them back. She knew showing weakness would only make Grayson dominate her more.

Grayson finally released his grip. He turned, took his black coat, then strode to the door. From his back, the aura of anger was still clearly felt.

Kimmy tried to steady her breathing. She hugged herself, still in shock from what had just happened.

Grayson paused at the threshold. “I must go out before I lose control in front of you,” he said coldly, without looking back.

The door shut loudly.

Kimmy collapsed onto the sofa, her tears finally streaming down. She looked at her phone shattered on the floor, then covered her face with both hands.

“Farrel… I can’t even greet you properly. I’m trapped in a world that is not mine.”

Outside the room, Grayson strode quickly down the corridor. His hands were clenched, his jaw tensed. “Why do I get so angry just hearing another man’s name? Why can’t I hold myself when it concerns Kimberly?”

He stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath. But the jealousy that exploded in his chest still burned.

“Let no man dare take her away from me.”