Chapter 3 3

CHAPTER 3

Belle walked into the Bistro Bliss, scanning the crowded room for Adam. She spotted him sitting at a table by the window, his eyes fixed intently on her. He didn't smile or nod in greeting, simply watched her with an unnerving intensity.

Belle felt a shiver run down her spine as she made her way to the table. She had no idea what to expect from this meeting, but Emma had assured her that Adam seemed promising.

As she approached the table, Adam stood up, his movements fluid and menacing. He towered over her, his eyes seeming to bore into her very soul.

"Belle," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "It's nice meeting you Belle Bailison ."

Belle nodded, feeling a little intimidated. "No problem," she replied, trying to sound calm.

Adam gestured for her to sit down, and Belle did so, feeling a sense of unease settle over her.

As they waited for their food to arrive, Adam leaned back in his chair and fixed Belle with a cold, calculating stare.

Belle couldn't help but sneak glances at Adam. She was curious about him, and she wanted to know more.

"So, Belle," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "I hear you're in a bit of a bind, something about needing to get married to retain your position as CEO?"

"Hmm, I guess words have been flying around"

"Of course, it's the Bailison group we are talking about; rumors are already all over the country"

Belle nodded, trying to keep her composure. "Yes, that's right. The company's bylaws require the CEO to be married. It's an old-fashioned rule, but it's one I have to follow if I want to protect my parents' company and retain the position of the CEO."

Adam leaned forward, his eyes glinting with interest. "And you're having trouble finding a husband?"

Belle felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "It's not that I'm having trouble finding a husband exactly. It's just that...well, I don't have a lot of time to devote to dating right now. And even if I did, I'm not sure I'd want to marry someone just to keep my job."

Adam nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, I have an offer for you Belle."

"You have an offer for me? What offer?"

"Let's sign a contract. Let's have a contracted marriage."

"A what? A contract marriage?"

"Yes. There are conditions though."

"Can you hear yourself right now? You want to get married to a stranger?"

"A stranger? No no no, you are not a stranger Belle. You are Belle Bailison, only child of Catherine and Reginald Bailison. How can you say you are a stranger?"

Belle's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, wow. So you're willing to marry me? Why?"

Adam smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Let's just say I have my reasons, Belle. And I'm willing to make it worth your while. But I need to make one thing clear: this would be a business arrangement, nothing more. I'm not looking for romance or love. I'm looking for a partnership that will benefit both of us."

"And why would I agree to your conditions and get married to you?"

"You're running out of time Belle. You just have 3 days to go. If you are not married in the next 72 hours, you will lose everything your parents worked hard for to greedy stakeholders."

"How dare you? And who the fuck do you think you are that you think you can just come and decide my life for me?"

"Well I'm sorry the truth hurts princess. And if you are thinking of actually finding love in the next three days then you are a joker and don't even deserve to lead the Bailison group." Adam replied firmly.

Belle's heart sank, knowing Adam spoke the truth. She had been struggling to find a suitable husband, and time was running out.

"What do you want? What's your plan? And what do you stand to gain from this agreement?" Belle asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Adam smiled, a calculating glint in his eye. "I want 25% of your shares in the company."

Belle's eyes widened in shock. "25%? That's half of what I own!"

Adam nodded, unfazed. "That's right. I'm willing to take the risk of marrying you and helping you retain the CEO position in exchange for a significant share of the company."

"You are not really good at cracking jokes, you should stop now." Belle whispered.

Adam smirked, "you think I came here to crack jokes? You are in dire need of help right now and I'm the only one that can offer you that help; are you in or not?"

"There's something I still don't understand. I did a research on you before coming for this lunch date and I saw that you are a successful businessman, so I still don't understand why you are after 25% of Bailison group shares when you are doing well for yourself."

"It's the Bailison group we're talking about here Belle, I might be doing well for myself but I'm not doing enough."

"You talked about losing everything my parents worked for to greedy stakeholders, but aren't you being greedy right now?"

Adam kept quiet.

Belle felt really confused. She had two choices: lose the CEO position and her shares in the company, or marry a stranger and give up 25% of her shares.

"What makes you think I'll agree to this?" Belle asked, stalling for time.

Adam leaned back in his chair, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Because Belle, you're running out of options. And I'm your best bet."

"And you want a whole 25% shares?"

"Belle you solely own 50% of the company's shares, while the stakeholders are sharing the other 50%. I'm just asking for 25% from your 50%."

"It's too risky for me and the company."

"Well here's the contract" Adam replied while stretching his hand to give the document to Belle. "In case you change your mind, sign it and contact me. Remember it's meant to be a secret contract marriage, be careful so the document doesn't land in the wrong hands."

With that, Adam stood up and left; leaving Belle to her thoughts.

Belle's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications of Adam's proposal. What was she going to do?