Chapter 1

The Offer

The hospital had an antiseptic and depressing smell. Sophia Bennett was seated rigidly in the private room's corner staring at the man who was unconscious in the bed.

Machines beeped in a steady rhythm, tubes snaked into his arms and the silence in between was deafening.

Richard Bennett her father was once a titan of industry but is now a mere shadow of his former glory. It had been an abrupt stroke. The even quicker fall from grace.

After an hour her phone vibrated for the fifth time. Board Update: Urgent action is necessary. She didn't open it.

She already knew what was happening, lawyers circling like vultures, assets frozen, and investors pulling out.

She lacked funds, power, and a plan. The door opened. “I apologize this floor is for… she began but stopped when the man entered the room as if he were the owner.

Adrian Drake.

He looked like a Vogue cover model, more than the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company because he was tall, dark and immaculately dressed in a charcoal suit.

Sophia however was furious.. A man with the ability to destroy what was left of her family was hiding behind those stormy grey eyes along with a cunning mind.

Slowly she stood. “You shouldn't be here.”

With his eyes darting momentarily to her father he said calmly. “ I go wherever I want to.”

Her eyes narrowed to a silt. “Say what you came to say, then leave.”

“I have a proposition,” he said. Ignoring the hatred in her glare, he took a folded piece of paper out of his coat pocket and placed it on the side table. “You need money and I need a wife.”

Sophia blinked severally times in surprise. “I don't understand. What are you talking about?”

“There is a contract,” he declared. “Short-term marriage. Legal.Public. You play the role of a devoted wife. In exchange, I will fund your father's treatment. And I will ensure Bennett Enterprises continues to operate.”

Her jaw dropped. “Is this a joke?”

“No. The solution is strategic.” He moved a step nearer. My grandfathers will contain a clause. I must get married by the time I turn thirty. Which is forty days from now. If not, my cousin Julian will get everything.”

“The same Julian who falsely accused my father of stealing from Drake Global?”

Adrian's face remained expressionless. “Yes. That's why I need someone who presents a clean image. Someone who in all likelihood wouldn't marry me for financial gain. That is who you are. “

Sophia's laughter was bitter. “You’re crazy.”

“Possible. But in all seriousness, we need to act fast.”

Her eyes were blazing as she took a step closer. “Why not a socialite or model who genuinely wants the position of a wife instead of me?”

“Because drama is not what I want. I want to keep it private. You need saving. The media respects my name. Both of us will gain from it.”

She felt her heart beating. “To preserve my father's legacy, do you think I would marry you?”

“I believe you already realize that you have no other choice.”

It struck like a slap. Worst of all it was the truth. Every bank investor and bit of pride she had, was gone. The air was choked with silence. The machines continued to beep despite the raging conflict between them.

She whispered, “I don't intend to commit myself to a man like you.”

Adrian's eyebrow went up. “ Fine. Do whatever you want. And watch your father's remaining assets dismantled by the board and angry investors.”

As he turned to go he stopped. “You have just twenty four hours to make up your mind. The contract will be sent over by my lawyer. Then the deal goes away.”

His scent, his threat, and the flicker of temptation that repulsed her were all gone when he walked out.

***

That afternoon Sophia stood with a storm in her chest in Bennett Enterprise's lobby.

The board meeting was a nightmare. The board of directors  who were supposed to be her father's supporters quickly proposed restructuring, suggesting liquidation and even worse selling the company outright.

She had left the meeting with a pounding headache and trembling hands. They weren't going to wait for her dad to get better.

Her assistant came running up holding a folder. “He is back.”

Sophia's stomach fell out. “Who?”

“Adrian Drake. He is in your father's office.

With a muttered curse she walked with heels clicking like a gun as she strode to the door.

Adrian occupied Richard Bennetts desk as if it were his own. He had the assurance of someone who had already won as he flipped through a file.

“You’re not ashamed,” she yelled.

“Well, you're here,”

On the table she threw the folder. “My answer is no. I will not marry you.”

He chuckled. “Your response is causing a delay. You need this, Sophia.”

“You're so full of yourself, Adrian.”

He smirked. “Let’s then discuss logistics. “You marry me. You have full financial support. The greatest medical care in the world will be provided to your father. Your company will get a second chance.  And my grandfather's empire becomes mine.”

“No intimacy,” she declared.

“Not a single one.”

“No drama with the press.”

“We will control the narrative,” he assured.

“And after it ends, we will both go our separate ways,” she said.

“Definitely,” he said smoothly. “No strings.”

Sophia gazed at him. It was insane. And yet, her father's face so still and so pale flashed before her eyes.

She imagined that the media would destroy him. There were traitors in the boardroom. Everything he built over the years was slowly deteriorating.

She hated Adrian but she hated seeing her father's company collapse even more.

Reaching into his briefcase he took out a heavy envelope. Sophia glanced over at the label.

Bennett-Drake marriage contract.

She felt a knot in her stomach.

“I will expect your answer by midnight,” he said as he dropped it on the desk.

As she reached for it, he lowered his voice to a whisper. “Welcome to the negotiation.”