Chapter 2 THE UNEXPECTED PROPOSITION

Isabella laid her proposal folder on the polished mahogany coffee table of the private lounge, her hands trembling slightly as she opened it. Ethan sat far from her, his legs crossed, his eyes fixed on her as if he could see through her. The room was quiet except for the crackle of the fireplace, its warmth doing little to ease the fear in her.

"I am listening," he said softly, bending back in his chair.

Isabella started as he said, her voice firm upon the tension. She said the history of Gray Enterprises, its impact on the community, and its potential for expansion with the right investment. She mentioned new product lines and good strategies, her passion for the business showing through.

Ethan listened in silence, his expression unreadable. As she neared the end of her presentation, Isabella dared to hope. But when she finally paused, Ethan's response was like a bucket of ice water.

"It's impressive," he said, his tone void of emotion. "But it's not enough. Your company is too small, too fragile. I don't invest in risks like this."

She was shocked. She had a resistance, but hearing what he had to say she lost hope. Still, she refused to give up.

"Mr. Hawthorne, please," she said, her voice rising slightly. "This isn't just about the numbers. It's about people families who depend on us. This is a chance to create something meaningful, something lasting."

Ethan stood, towering over her as he adjusted the cuffs of his suit. "You're passionate, Ms. Gray. I'll give you that. But passion doesn't pay dividends."

Just as he turned toward the door, Isabella's desperation boiled over. "What if I offered something more?"

Ethan froze mid-step. Slowly, he turned back to face her, a single brow raised. "More? What exactly do you mean?"

There was tension in the room, the air thick with anxiety. Isabella's mind raced as she searched for the right words.I mean a partnership beyond business. Something individual.

Ethan smiled, but there was no joy in it. "You want me to invest in your company in exchange for what? A date? Your loyalty? Your time?"

She inhaled, regretting what she said ,but determined not to relent. "I am saying I will do whatever it takes to prove this partnership is worth your time. Name your condition."

The silence that followed was suffocating. Ethan studied her intently, his expression a mix of intrigue and something darker.

"Anything?" he repeated, his voice low and dangerous.

"Yes," she whispered, though her heart hammered in protest.

Ethan stepped closer, the smirk fading as his eyes locked onto hers. "Alright, Ms. Gray. Do you want a partnership? Here's my proposition: for the next six months, you'll be my fiancée."

Her jaw dropped, words failing her as the weight of his suggestion settled in. "Your... what?"

"My fiancée," he repeated, his tone calm, as if discussing the weather. "I need someone to play the part. My board is pressuring me to settle down, and a public engagement would buy me time to focus on my priorities. In return, I'll invest in Gray Enterprises and cover all your debts."

Isabella stared at him, her mind reeling. This was insane. Ridiculous. A complete deviation from anything she'd expected.

Why me? she asked, she said softly .

"Because you are eager, and I trust anxious people to keep their end of a deal. You have something to gain, and so do I. It is simple."

Simple,she echoed, her voice high. "Are you asking me to lie to the world, to pretend that I love you, all for a business deal?"

Ethan's expression hardened. "You came to me, Ms. Gray. This is my offer. Take it or leave it."

She was thinking of the option given. Walking away means failure for her family's company. Accepting means moving into a world of lies and public survey, given to a man she barely knows.

But it wasn't just about the business anymore. It was about her family's legacy, and the chance to show she could survive in a world that seemed hard to her.

"I will do it," she said finally, her voice shaking but determined . "But I have conditions."

Ethan's brow curved in surprise. "Conditions?"

"Yes," she said, lifting her jaw. "This is a business deal, not a pass for you to control my life. We will set boundaries."

For the first time, Ethan smiled-a genuine, amused smile that softened his sharp features. "I like your spirit, Ms. Gray. Alright, we'll draft a contract. But make no mistake this is my game, and I must win."

As he stretched his hand to seal the deal, Isabella hesitated. This was not just a handshake. It was a plan with a man who could save her or destroy her.

With a deep breath, she took his hand. "Deal."

Ethan's grip was firm, his eyes gleaming with something she couldn't quite place. "Welcome to the game, Ms. Gray. Let's see if you can meet up."

As he left the room, Isabella sat back on her chair, her head rotating. She had come here to save her company, but she'd walked away with a deal that could change her life in ways she was not expecting .

She did not know it yet, but the real game had just begun. And in Ethan Hawthorne's world, the risk were higher than she could have imagined.