3 : A Proposal As A Pretext -

Elena arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow. "I’m listening."

"It’s a pretext," he corrected, his voice dropping an octave. "The board won't block a merger between husband and wife. It creates a single legal entity that’s untouchable. We sign a pre-nup tonight that dissolves the marriage in twenty-four months, once the acquisition is finalized. You get your family’s legacy back, and I get the seat at the head of the table." 3 : A Proposal as a Pretext

"I have a solution," he said smoothly. "One that bypasses the regulatory hurdles and the internal sabotage." Elena arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow

Julian stood, walking slowly around the desk until he was inches from her. He didn't offer a handshake. Instead, he reached into his pocket and placed a velvet box on top of the legal documents. He flicked it open. A four-carat emerald shimmered under the chandelier. Elena didn't gasp. She went still. "What is this?" "A proposal," Julian replied. "This is a business meeting, Julian. Don't be absurd." It creates a single legal entity that’s untouchable