3 : A Proposal As A Pretext Link

"I have a solution," he said smoothly. "One that bypasses the regulatory hurdles and the internal sabotage."

Should we explore what happens at their as a couple, or should we skip to the tensions of sharing a home? 3 : A Proposal as a Pretext

"Three years, Julian," she said, tapping a silver pen against a thick legal folder. "That’s how long the merger has been stalled. Your board wants blood, and my family wants your territory. We are past the point of handshakes." "I have a solution," he said smoothly

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." "That’s how long the merger has been stalled

"To the pretext," he replied, already wondering how he would convince her to stay when the twenty-four months were up.

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

"A small price for a billion-dollar empire," Julian said, offering his hand to help her up.