Chapter 5 Awkward Encounters

Elara hadn't expected the walls of a luxury high-rise to feel so much like a cage.

It was only the third morning of her official "married" life, and already the idea of spending one more hour walking barefoot on Italian marble floors or sipping imported tea under high ceilings made her skin itch. She needed air. Real air.

She found it on the balcony-forty stories above ground, wind curling through her hair, the city yawning wide below.

But she wasn't alone for long.

Asher stepped out moments later, adjusting his cufflinks with the precision of someone used to being watched. "Didn't expect to find you out here."

Elara didn't look at him. "Didn't expect to be seen."

"Privacy's overrated," he replied, tone casual. "Especially now."

She turned. "Is that a warning?"

"No." He smirked slightly. "Just a reminder. Everything we do now is under a microscope. Even silence."

He handed her a small white envelope. "For you."

She raised an eyebrow. "Another contract?"

"An invitation. You're coming with me to the Lemaire board's quarterly brunch."

Elara's stomach dropped. "The same board that controls half the decisions in your company?"

"The very same. And they're eager to meet the woman who's tamed the dragon."

She snorted. "I didn't tame you."

"Not yet."

Prep and Pressure

By noon, Elara stood in the walk-in closet, surrounded by a battalion of dresses she hadn't picked, wondering which version of herself would offend the least.

"Professional wife or barely-tolerating-this wife?" she muttered aloud.

Behind her, Talia peeked in. "Go with the tailored navy. It says, 'I'm smart, I'm sharp, and I won't let your misogyny slide.'"

Elara smiled. "You've done this before."

"Once or twice. Asher's exes never made it to the board table, though. You're the first."

"Lucky me."

Talia studied her reflection. "You're not like the others."

Elara frowned. "What does that mean?"

"It means you're not impressed by power. Which makes you the most dangerous woman in the room."

The Brunch Meeting

The brunch was hosted at the Lemaire Country Estate-a sprawling property with a vineyard, helipad, and a sculpture garden that probably cost more than Elara's childhood home.

They arrived in separate cars, part of their media strategy. As Elara stepped out, all eyes turned.

She spotted the board immediately-eleven members in tailored suits and sleek dresses, expressions practiced and polished.

Asher moved beside her, fingers lightly brushing her lower back. It was for show, she reminded herself. Just for show.

"Elara," he said smoothly, "meet the board."

Introductions came with firm handshakes and fake smiles.

"Pleasure," one of the older men said. "We've heard... so much about you."

"I'm sure you have," Elara said, matching his tone with one of her own. "But I promise I'm not nearly as interesting as the rumors."

A few chuckles. A few sidelong glances.

The game had begun.

Thin Ice and Corporate Games

Over eggs benedict and champagne, the board questioned her-some politely, others not so subtly.

"And what's your background, Mrs. Lemaire?"

"I'm a strategic consultant. Specialize in brand repositioning, crisis management, and market entry modeling."

"Ah. So, you'll be helping Asher with LUXTEQ's expansion?"

"I'm happy to support when needed," she said smoothly. "Though I don't plan to meddle unless invited."

One woman leaned in. "So, the marriage-was it a personal decision or a business alignment?"

Elara met her eyes. "What marriage isn't both?"

A few board members raised their brows.

Asher, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Elara is part of this family now. Her opinion will carry weight where it matters. Let's not pretend otherwise."

The air shifted. Slightly.

They respected power-and he'd just put his behind her.

Alone Again

After the brunch, Asher and Elara lingered in one of the estate's gardens.

"You did well," he said.

She turned to him, arms folded. "You should've warned me they'd try to test my worth like I was applying for a job."

"They test everyone. Even me."

She studied him for a moment. "But you enjoy it."

He shrugged. "It's the only place I know the rules."

"And what about me, Asher?" she asked softly. "Do you expect me to learn your rules, or write my own?"

He was silent for a beat. Then: "I don't know yet."

That wasn't comforting-but it was honest.

And somehow, that mattered.

That night, back in the penthouse, Elara found a package on her side of the closet.

Inside was a thin, hardcover book. The spine read: The Art of Quiet Power.

Tucked inside was a note in Asher's handwriting.

You don't need this. But I thought you might appreciate it anyway. -A.

She stared at it, surprised. Touched.

Maybe the dragon wasn't entirely made of fire.

A Visitor Appears

The elevator dinged.

Elara frowned. It was nearly midnight.

When she opened the door, a tall, well-dressed man stood with a charming grin and a bouquet of red lilies.

"Elara?"

"Yes?"

"I'm Maddox. Asher's best friend. Or used to be-until he stopped returning calls. Thought I'd see what kind of wife could make him forget everything else."

He smiled wider. "Mind if I come in?"

Elara blinked. She didn't know it yet, but Maddox would be the first real crack in their controlled world.

And he wasn't here just to say hello.