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“Our future,” Grandfather chimed in, nodding to the empty seat near the center of the table.
I adamantly shook my head. “I want no part in this.”
“If that were true,” Mr. Hawkins countered. “You wouldn’t be here.”
I sighed. He was right. Slowly, I walked toward the chair. Fifteen steps was all it took to make it to the seat while Tristian sat in the other empty seat in front of me. Of course, our grandfathers were sat at each end of the long rectangle table, looking like the epitomes of the coldblooded businessmen they were.
At that moment, I felt like a little girl and not the successful businesswoman I was. I desperately tried reeling in my emotions, fully aware they could still smell my indecision. The truth was, I didn’t know what to do. A part of me wanted to tell them all to go to hell while the other part, the ambitious one, craved to cave.
“This is how it’s going to go, Belle.” Grandfather slid what appeared to be the contract Tristian had mentioned in my office across the desk. “As you will see, this contract is non-negotiable. It states that after you’re married and our great grandchild is born, we will sign our companies over to you and Tristian.”
“Just like that?”
“Yes. It’s really that simple. You and Tristian will merge our businesses, and there will be a fifty-fifty split on the position of CEO.”
Unable to resist, I questioned, “Why now?”
“Does it matter?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if it didn’t.”
Mr. Montgomery chuckled, bringing our attention over to him.
“I like her determined spirit, Chance. To answer your question, Belle, there’s only so much either of our organizations can take over with both of us constantly competing for that number one spot. It’s easier to finally unite forces. Do you imagine the press when we announce our merger? Not to mention our other competitors. They’re going to be blindsided, having to go back through their yearly schedules to see how this will affect their corporations. I couldn’t ask for a better surprise to drop on them. Just thinking about it makes me so damn excited.”
My heart sped up. I had to dig my nails into the palms of my hands under the table as I desperately tried to keep my emotions in check, willing myself to stay as calm as possible.
Including Tristian.
The room was spinning, closing in on me inch-by-inch.
“You know I love you,” Grandfather reminded. “I’d never put you in a situation you couldn’t handle. Ultimately, your decision will affect everyone in this room. A lot is riding on you to say, ‘I do.’”
I swallowed hard, digging my nails deeper into my skin.
“On top of that, publicizing your marriage and then pregnancy. Well, let’s just say, it’s going to be a great year for us all,” Mr. Montgomery added.
“And if I file for divorce after you hand over—”
“Page five.” Grandfather nodded to the contract in my hands. “There’s a clause in there for that.”
I opened the contract, coming face-to-face with their stipulations. They really did think of everything.
“As you can see, if either of you file for divorce, the contract is null and void.”
My eyes locked with Tristian’s, who still showed no emotion whatsoever as he confirmed, “Meaning we’d get nothing.”
“So you’re saying this arranged marriage of convenience has to last forever?” I questioned, although I already knew the answer.
I. Was. Fuming.
Pissed beyond belief.
I resisted the urge to scream and run, holding my ground.
“You’re looking at the glass half empty when you should be looking at it half full. It’s not like we’re asking you to marry a complete stranger, Belle.”
“Up until an hour ago, I hadn’t seen Tristian in twenty years. That doesn’t count as a stranger to either of you?”
