Chapter 4 The First Test

Morning light filtered through the expansive windows of Blackwood Tower, casting golden hues over the penthouse. Claire stretched, momentarily forgetting where she was-until the smooth silk sheets beneath her reminded her of the contract she had signed just the night before.

She turned her head and exhaled. One year. That was how long she would have to play the devoted fiancée of Adrian Blackwood.

And today was their first public outing as an engaged couple.

A knock at the door startled her.

"Time to get up, Claire."

Adrian's voice. Cool. Unbothered. Commanding.

Claire groaned, running a hand through her tangled hair. She threw off the covers and swung the door open without thinking. "Ever heard of privacy?"

Adrian leaned against the doorframe, already dressed in a tailored black suit that looked like it had been designed specifically to make women lose their train of thought.

Unfortunately, it was working.

His gaze flickered over her, pausing briefly on the silk nightgown that barely skimmed her thighs. The corner of his mouth twitched, his expression unreadable.

"You have twenty minutes to get ready."

Claire arched an eyebrow. "Or what?"

Adrian smirked. "Or I carry you out as you are."

Her eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't."

He didn't respond. He didn't have to. His silence was its kind of warning.

With an exasperated huff, she shut the door in his face.

This was going to be hell.

A Lesson in Control

Twenty minutes later, Claire descended the penthouse stairs, now dressed in a form-fitting black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. The heels, though impractical, added the perfect touch of confidence and defiance.

Adrian was seated on the leather couch, casually scrolling through his phone. At the sound of her heels clicking against the marble floor, he glanced up.

His gaze flickered over her, lingering for a fraction of a second before he masked it with indifference.

"Acceptable," he said, standing.

Claire rolled her eyes. "You know how to flatter a woman, Blackwood."

He offered his arm. "Shall we?"

She hesitated before taking it, her pulse betraying her.

The man was infuriatingly attractive.

And he knew it.

The Public Test

The restaurant was lavish, the kind that had a months-long waiting list unless you were one of the city's elite. Paparazzi had already gathered outside, cameras flashing as Adrian and Claire stepped out of the sleek black car.

Adrian's grip on her waist tightened slightly-a silent reminder.

Act the part.

Claire lifted her chin, slipping effortlessly into the role. She turned to Adrian, smiling at him with perfectly feigned adoration as if they had been madly in love for years.

The moment they entered, all eyes turned to them. Conversations hushed, replaced by whispers.

Adrian Blackwood. With her.

She recognized many of the faces. Some were former friends who had abandoned her when she was framed. Others were society vultures, always seeking scandal.

Then, she saw Liam and Ava.

Seated at a private booth, watching them.

Ava's eyes widened, the first crack in her carefully placed mask before she quickly forced out a fake, sugary smile.

Liam, on the other hand, looked furious.

Claire smiled sweetly. This was going to be fun.

The Confrontation

They had barely settled at their table when Ava approached.

"Claire! Adrian! What a surprise."

Claire kept her smile in place. "Ava."

Ava's eyes flicked between them before settling on Adrian. "I don't believe we've been formally introduced."

Adrian extended a hand, his expression calm but unreadable. "Adrian Blackwood."

Ava shook it, her grip just a little too tight. "Of course, I know who you are. The most powerful CEO in the city." She let out a delicate laugh, tilting her head. "It's just... I never imagined you and Claire together."

Claire's pulse remained steady as she leaned into Adrian, resting a hand on his chest. "Well, sometimes fate works in unexpected ways, doesn't it?"

Adrian played along effortlessly, wrapping an arm around her waist, and pulling her in slightly. "Claire and I prefer to keep things private," he said smoothly. "But I suppose the news was bound to get out."

Just as Claire was about to relish the moment, Liam approached.

His expression was tight, controlled-but barely.

"Blackwood," Liam said, his voice low and clipped.

Adrian didn't even glance at him at first. When he finally did, it was with the air of someone looking at something insignificant. "Carter."

Tension crackled between them.

Claire lived for it.

Ava laughed lightly, looping her arm through Liam's, a clear display of ownership. "Well, I'm so happy for you both! It's just... so sudden."

Claire smirked. "Isn't it? But I guess when you find the right person, you just know."

Liam's jaw ticked.

And that's when Claire knew-she had won this round.

Ava gave a forced laugh, masking her unease. "Of course! Well, we should get together soon, just like old times."

Claire tilted her head. "You mean back when I was rotting in a prison cell while you planned your engagement to Liam?"

Ava stiffened.

Adrian smirked, his amusement barely concealed.

"I think we're done here," he said, his voice smooth but unmistakably dismissive.

Liam's fists clenched at his sides. "Careful, Blackwood."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his expression cool, unbothered. "Is that a threat, Carter?"

Silence.

Liam knew better than to challenge Adrian Blackwood in public.

Ava, sensing the tension thickening, grabbed Liam's arm. "Let's go."

Claire watched them retreat, victory sweet on her tongue.

As soon as they were gone, she let out a breath and turned to Adrian.

He was already looking at her, amusement glimmering in his dark eyes.

"You enjoyed that." His voice was silk and sin, laced with something dangerous.

Claire met his gaze, smirking. "Immensely."

Adrian leaned in, just slightly. His breath was warm against her ear, sending an unwanted thrill down her spine.

"Careful, Claire." His tone was soft, almost mocking. "You might start to like playing this game."

Her pulse betrayed her.

Because the scariest part?

She already did.

And as much as she wanted to believe she was in control, she had a feeling that in this dangerous game between her and Adrian Blackwood...

She wasn't the only one playing.