Chapter 3 Three

That evening, Jade gathered her long, dark hair into a sleek ponytail that screamed confidence. She slipped into a sharply tailored navy pantsuit, her interpretation of power dressing armour for a crucial encounter. In her tote, she stacked essentials: her laptop, printed exempt forms, and a small vial of sand collected from the edge of the dramatic dunes, a poignant reminder of the land's delicate balance.

At precisely 5:30 p.m., Marco revved up the engine and sped toward the private dock, where the sleek launch boat of the Coral Crescent awaited, gliding over the water like an arrow ready to hit its mark.

The club's harbour sparkled under the embrace of twilight. Yachts of all sizes danced gently on the waves, their twinkling lights flickering like enchanted fireflies.

Anticipation twisted in Jade's stomach, a thrilling cocktail of eagerness and nerves. As the launch boat sliced through the water, she mentally rehearsed her opening lines:

"Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Drake. I believe we have a mutual goal..."

As the boat nudged against the marble quay, an impeccably uniformed attendant extended a hand to assist her ashore. A discreet security guard performed a swift scan of her purse before granting her passage, and Jade stepped into the lobby, a realm of polished obsidian floors and walls adorned with mesmerizing ocean-themed sculptures.

"Ms. Nguyen? Mr Drake will see you now," announced the receptionist, her voice smooth and inviting.

Jade nodded, smoothing her suit jacket as she followed the attendant down a corridor lined with tinted windows showcasing the sea's vast expanse. At the end of the corridor loomed a pair of imposing doors emblazoned with a bold stylized D.

A single knock preceded the attendant opening the door, and Jade strode into the boardroom: an elongated sanctuary with panoramic views of the stunning coastline. Floor-to-ceiling windows curved around one side, capturing the last glow of daylight, while a sleek glass table mirrored the fading hues of the sky. At the head of the table stood Elliot Drake, exuding an effortless charisma.

Dressed in a crisp white shirt and charcoal slacks, sans tie, his tousled dark brown hair caught the last vestiges of sunlight, illuminating his commanding presence. He turned, his expression enigmatic, and gestured for her to take the seat opposite him.

"Ms. Nguyen," he said, his voice measured yet intriguing. "Thank you for coming."

"Thank you for the invitation," Jade replied, settling into her chair. She opened her binder to the highlighted executive summary and flashed a confident smile. "I know your time is precious, so I'll make this brief."

Elliot inclined his head, intrigue glimmering in his eyes. "Please."

With that, the air crackled with possibility, both aware that this meeting could change everything.

Jade took a deep breath, her pulse quickening with urgency. "My family's Dune Haven Resort is on the brink of disaster. We have just one week to finalize our environmental impact study or risk losing our permits. I know your corporation has a stake in this area, and I believe we can create a thrilling win-win: you help us fast-track the study and ensure compliance, and in return, we'll collaborate with Drake Industries to elevate the project as a flagship sustainable resort-something your investors will absolutely love."

She slid a vibrant site map toward him, her finger tracing the intricate boundaries. "This dune system not only guards against seasonal flooding but also shelters a rare coastal mangrove species. If we protect it, we unlock incredible eco-tourism potential. Your brand could be at the forefront of a revolutionary model exclusive retreat that champions conservation in style."

Elliot leaned back, eyes sharpening like a hawk's. "So, you're essentially asking me to fund your family's struggling venture for a chance at a marketing jackpot."

Jade's heart raced, but determination surged through her. "In a way, but with serious safeguards. We can draft a five-year partnership agreement, include public audits, and establish performance metrics. I promise full transparency."

He scrutinized her, gaze flickering between her resolute expression and the map, the silence stretching like a taut wire. Finally, he rose and strode toward the windows, arms crossed, as if weighing heavy decisions.

"Ms. Nguyen, I respect your passion and your... ingenuity. But these ventures rarely come from a place of pure goodwill. Why should I believe you can pull this off? What's in it for me to trust you?"

Jade inhaled deeply, summoning her inner strength. "Because I have everything to lose. My family's legacy, our home, and the future of our community hang in the balance. I'm not here to waste your time or play games."

He turned to face her, sunlight glinting dramatically off his cufflinks. "Alright," he said slowly. "I'm open to considering this only if you meet one condition."

Jade felt her heart race anew. "Anything."

Elliot's smile spread like wildfire, sending an electrifying thrill tingling down her spine. "I want you by my side at tomorrow's county board hearing-not as a lawyer but as my fiancée."

She blinked, completely taken aback. "Your fiancée?"

He nodded, the mischief dancing in his eyes. "A staged engagement, public announcement. It'll shift public perception and give us the leverage we need. But listen closely: the moment you flinch, or if I suspect any deceit, this deal is off."

Jade swallowed hard, the stakes now soaring. A faux engagement-this audacious proposal was beyond anything she'd ever envisioned. But it could cement her partnership with him and thrust her into the power play she desperately needed to survive.

She met his gaze, steeling her resolve. "Agreed."

He extended his hand, and for a heartbeat, Jade hesitated flash of electricity pulsed through the air as her palm met his.

"Tomorrow," he declared, "we announce our engagement."

Jade exhaled, a whirlwind of dread and exhilaration swirling within her. Her world tilted on its axis as the boardroom lights dimmed with the setting sun.

"Tomorrow," she echoed, forcing a smile that masked her racing thoughts.

As they stood, hands intertwined, the ocean roared ominously beyond, a wild and untamed force hinting at the turbulence and the thrilling chaos to come.