Chapter 4: His Unacceptable Offer

Claire's POV

“Are you making fun of me?”

Ryan remained seated while I stared at him. Yesterday, my husband had denied our marriage. Today, his greatest rival was asking me to become his wife.

“No, Claire. I'm making you an offer.”

“You barely know me. Why would I marry you?”

“I don't expect an answer today. Your divorce must be finalized first, and we'd both need independent lawyers.”

“You sound like you're negotiating a business contract.”

“In a way, I am. We'd agree on a fixed period. You'd attend selected events with me, keep your career, and receive a financial settlement when the arrangement ended.”

I pushed my chair back. “You think you can buy yourself a wife?”

“You haven't heard everything.”

“I've heard enough. Jason controlled every part of our marriage. I'm not giving another man that power.”

“That's why we'd establish the terms beforehand,” Ryan replied.

“And who decides what those terms mean when we disagree? You have the money, lawyers, and influence. I have a father in the hospital.”

“You'd have your own lawyer, Claire.”

“Jason made promises too. Forgive me if I don't trust them anymore.”

Ryan stood, studying me for a moment. “Then don't accept. The art commission remains available under the terms we discussed.”

I hadn't expected that. Jason would have withdrawn the offer simply to punish me.

“Goodbye, Ryan,” I said, gathering my portfolio before leaving his office.

By the time I returned to Emily's apartment, the hospital's two o'clock deadline had passed. I'd exhausted every possible source of money, but the billing office confirmed Dad's reserved surgical slot had been released.

He would remain under medical supervision while the doctors reconsidered his treatment arrangements.

I sat beside Emily, remembering how Dad had squeezed my hand that morning. I'd promised to find another solution, and now he'd lost his place on the surgical schedule.

“I'm scared they'll run out of time,” I whispered.

Emily held my hand. “We'll keep trying, Claire.”

My broker called shortly afterward. A second collector had withdrawn his interest, and she'd been unable to secure an advance against my remaining paintings.

Then my studio landlord sent a message. Following complaints about the exhibition publicity, he wouldn't renew my lease when it expired.

“What's wrong?” Emily asked, noticing my expression.

“My landlord isn't renewing my lease. I don't know whether Jason contacted him, but he's already been speaking to collectors.”

“You still have time to find another studio,” Emily said, reading the message. “I'll help you look.”

I nodded, although another deposit was the last expense I could afford.

The following afternoon, I attended a charity luncheon where I'd been invited weeks earlier to discuss a painting commission. I needed the work, even if I could barely concentrate.

Jessica Collins was surrounded by guests when I entered, wearing the diamond necklace Jason had given her.

“Well, look who's here,” she announced. “I hear Claire has already found another billionaire to pursue.”

“I'm here for work, Jessica.” I approached her table. “Perhaps you'd like to explain why you exhibited my mother's painting under your name.”

Jessica's smile faltered. “I've already explained that ridiculous accusation.”

“Then tell everyone when you painted it. You claimed you made it in France, but my mother started it before she died. I finished it in her studio.”

“Anyone can invent a sentimental story,” Jessica replied. “That doesn't make you talented.”

“Then you shouldn't have needed my painting for your exhibition.”

A woman beside Jessica covered her mouth, hiding a smile.

“Actually, I'd like to hear her answer,” Ryan said from behind me.

Jessica straightened. “Ryan, surely you don't believe everything this woman says.”

“I believe artists deserve proper credit for their work.”

A patron approached us. “Mr. Bennett, is this young lady your latest romantic interest?”

“This is Claire Miller, professionally known as C. Miller,” Ryan replied. “Bennett Group is considering her work for an upcoming development.”

He introduced me to Mrs. Harrison, one of the luncheon sponsors, who requested my portfolio. I exchanged contact details with her while Jessica watched silently.

Ryan accompanied me toward the terrace.

“Thank you for introducing me properly,” I said. “But you should've corrected that woman's assumption.”

“I introduced you as an artist.”

“You didn't answer her question.”

Ryan hesitated. “If my family believes I'm interested in someone else, Victoria may reconsider her plans.”

I stopped walking. “So you let people think we're involved because it benefits you?”

“I didn't tell anyone we were.”

“You didn't have to. Jason used my paintings to benefit Jessica. You're using my reputation without asking.”

Ryan's expression changed. “You're right. I should've corrected her.”

“Then don't do it again,” I replied, walking away before he could answer.

I was collecting my handbag when an older woman approached.

“Claire Miller? I'm Victoria Bennett, Ryan's aunt.”

“We've discussed a professional commission,” I explained when she questioned my relationship with Ryan.

“Then keep it professional. Ryan needs a wife who understands his responsibilities, not someone hoping to improve her circumstances.”

“Your nephew approached me about the commission, Mrs. Bennett. I haven't asked him for anything else.”

“Ryan enjoys challenging me, but he'll eventually choose someone from his own social circle.”

“Then perhaps you should discuss that with him.”

Victoria's smile disappeared.

“The shareholders are already questioning his judgment over the Grant investment. If he becomes involved in your divorce scandal, I'll use that to convince the family trustees he's putting personal interests ahead of the company.”

“You'd threaten his position because you dislike someone he's speaking to?”

“I'll do whatever protects this family,” Victoria replied before walking away.

I watched her leave, realizing Ryan's association with me could give her another reason to oppose him. His proposal wasn't nearly as simple as he'd made it sound.

That evening, Ryan called while I searched online for affordable studios.

“I owe you an apology,” he said. “I deliberately left that woman's assumption unanswered because it suited me. I shouldn't have done that.”

“Your aunt threatened to use my divorce scandal against you at the shareholder vote.”

Ryan swore quietly. “She had no right to involve you.”

“Neither did you. I won't be used to settle another family's problems.”

“I understand. It won't happen again.”

I looked at the preliminary commission agreement on Emily's table. Ryan had respected my refusal earlier, even when it gave him nothing. Perhaps I could hear his proposal without surrendering my freedom.

“If I'm going to consider any arrangement, Ryan, my conditions matter as much as yours.”

“Then tell me what they are. I'll listen.”

Before I could answer, the hospital called.

“Ryan, I have to go. It's my father's doctor,” I said, switching calls as Emily looked up from the sofa.

“Hello? Is Dad all right?”

“Ms. Miller, this is Dr. Harris. Your father's symptoms have worsened, and we're reassessing how urgently he needs surgery.”

I gripped the phone. “What's happened? Is he in pain?”