Chapter 3 Why Should I Help You

Adeline was briefly taken aback by Elijah's words, but she refused to be moved. She drew in a breath, kept her eyes fixed on him, and spoke with determination.

"I know very well that the Wright Group can't measure up to the Lewis Group. But, Mr. Lewis, you must also know that the higher the climb, the harder the fall..."

She was practically cursing Elijah to his very own face!

Phillip, standing to the side, could barely tolerate Adeline's rambling any longer and was about to intervene, but Elijah stopped him with a simple lift of his hand.

That gesture only gave Adeline more confidence. "Today's bidding event may look smooth and orderly on the surface, but in reality, it's full of traps. As one of Waemery City's top business leaders, you might not see the schemes happening right under you. I have proof. Take a good look, and you'll see I'm not just talking nonsense or making this up."

She carefully smoothed out the wrinkled documents she'd brought and laid them out in front of Elijah.

She said, "The Lewis Group's bidding slots are rare and valuable, but the Wright Group is just as qualified and experienced as the rest. Still, our rivals manipulated the process, bribing members of the evaluation committee and submitting false documents.

As you know, my father was in a serious accident a few months back and is still in intensive care. I've been holding the company together by myself, and these competitors are trying everything to crush us. Do you think that's fair to a company that has the right to bid? And if unqualified companies are added to the slots, could that not affect the Lewis Group's future?"

Elijah skimmed the documents containing several pieces of evidence while listening to Adeline's determined words.

He knew business was about strategy, not just effort. Her reasoning wasn't entirely off.

And it wasn't hard for him to tell if she was lying. The question was-why would she go to such extremes, even proposing marriage, just to get his attention? What was she really after?

As if sensing his doubt, Adeline continued, "Mr. Lewis, let me be straightforward. I came here today for two reasons. The first is about the bidding. The second is to propose a fake marriage between us. An alliance between the Wright Group and the Lewis Group would strengthen us both.

My father built the Wright Group from the ground up, and its projects and qualifications are among the best in the industry. Since his accident, I've been running the company while also caring for him at the hospital, hoping that one day he'll wake up to find the Wright Group still standing strong.

But I underestimated how brutal the business world is-competition, online smear campaigns, employees being poached, and now this corrupt bidding process. I've faced one setback after another. If this continues, the Wright Group will be swallowed whole by greedy businessmen."

As Adeline recounted the Wright family's ordeal, even Phillip found himself caught up in it, almost moved by her struggle.

But Elijah remained cold and asked flatly, "Why should I help you?"

His question was reasonable, yet wasn't there any sympathy in him for a young woman fighting to keep her father's company alive?

Of course, this was the man known for his composure, the domineering CEO who held assets worth trillions.

Phillip silently sighed to himself.

Adeline steadied herself, blinking back tears, and addressed the man in front of her.

She said, "Mr. Lewis, I know exactly what you're thinking. You're a businessman. You won't lift a finger unless there's something in it for you. And I also know what you're curious about. People gossip that my father has illegitimate children, and it's true. They've been eyeing the Wright family fortune for years.

But let me tell you this: my father built the Wright Group with the support of my mother's family, and I will never allow them to take what belongs to her. That's why I've been hiding my real appearance and abilities, pretending to be weaker than I am, just to make them drop their guard so I can make my moves."

Her eyes glistened, but her voice was firm, each word full of conviction. "If you agree to this fake marriage with me, I'll hand over all my shares in the Wright Group to you."

Adeline met Elijah's eyes head-on, but his cold stare still made her shiver.

"I know you're a wealthy CEO, and money is hardly what you need most. But who ever says no to having more? Don't worry; we won't register it legally. It'll only be a pretend marriage. We can even forge the documents if we have to."