Chapter 6: The Ultimatum

Damian’s POV(Previous day)

It’s been two full weeks, and I still can’t stop thinking about her. I’ve tried to forget, but that night keeps coming back, no matter what I do.

She walked into the bar like she owned the place. That black dress she wore fit her like it was made just for her. Her long brown hair flowed down her back, and her red lips caught everyone’s eyes. She looked like trouble and maybe that’s what drew me in.

But I’m Damian Blackwell. I run Blackwell Corporation. I’ve worked too hard and too long to let a woman ruin my life.

That night with her was supposed to be just one night. Like all the others. No feelings, no strings attached, Just pleasure.

The moment she walked through that door, I recognized her instantly, the memories of that night came rushing back. Still, I had to reject for the position in my company, even though through her cv i knew she will be qualified for the job. I wanted nothing to do with her.

Then later on, she had the audacity to claim her pregnancy was my responsibility. I felt a wave of disgust, she reminded me of the women who always chase after me, not for love but for money. I’ve seen it too many times. Gold diggers, they smile sweetly, but they’re only after one thing. I’ve learned to protect myself.

As I was still thinking about her, there was a knock on my office door. My secretary, Angela, stepped in. The way she dressed was clearly on purpose. Tight blouse, short skirt, too much skin. She thought she could get my attention that way.

I looked at her with cold eyes.

“Did I call you?” I asked.

She froze.

“No, sir, but I—”

“You’re fired,” I said flatly. “Pack your things. You’ll get your dismissal email shortly.”

She looked like she might cry, but I didn’t care. I don’t tolerate unprofessional behavior. Trying to sleep your way to the top is not how things work in my company. She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Right after that, my phone rang. Uncle Henry.

“Come to my office now,” he said. “We’re meeting the board. It’s about your father’s will.” Then he hung up.

At his office, the lawyer was already waiting with some documents. He began reading aloud.

“According to Mr. Blackwell’s will, Damian must be married within two years of overseeing the company. If not, the company passes to his stepbrother.”

Stepbrother?

My eyes widened. My mouth dropped open.

“What? What stepbrother?” I demanded.

I had never heard of any stepbrother in my entire life. I lost my parents when I was nineteen. I moved in with my uncle. No one ever told me anything about a sibling.

“You knew?” I asked, turning to my uncle.

He looked guilty.

“Yes. His name is Grey,” he said slowly. “I didn’t think it was important before.”

“Not important?” I snapped. “You should have told me!”

Mr. Holt, one of the board members and an old friend of my father, stepped forward.

“We’re not trying to fight with you, Damian. We just want to carry out your father’s last wishes.”

Another board member, Mr Edward, added, “You need to get married and have a family. If you can’t do that in the next two months, we’ll be forced to move forward with other plans.”

I felt my jaw clench. I looked at them with disbelief.

“So I’m being threatened?” I asked, voice rising. “Is that what this is?”

“No one’s threatening you,” Edward said calmly. “You’ve done great work, but the will is clear.”

“And if I refuse?” I challenged.

“Then the company will pass to Grey,” Mr. Holt said. “He’s more responsible. He doesn’t make headlines for dating random women.”

I slammed my hand against the table. The sound echoed in the room.

“I built this company,” I shouted. “No one is taking it from me!”

“You didn’t build it alone,” Edward replied. “Your father did and this was his wish.”

“You think I’ll just marry someone to keep my position?” I asked, voice shaking with anger.

“You can do what you want but if you don’t marry in two months, you’ll lose your position,” Mr Edward replied.

They all stood and left. I sat alone in the meeting room, my fists clenched.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned in bed, thinking about everything.

Marriage? That’s the last thing I want. I was in love once, and it broke me. Since then, I’ve never trusted any woman. They only want money.

I can’t marry someone I don’t love.

But maybe... maybe there’s one way out of this.

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and called Jack, my assistant.

“Find her,” I said. “Get her number or address. I need it now.”