Chapter 4: A Dangerous Alliance

Emily's POV

I stand at the mirror, my hands trembling slightly as I apply the last touches of makeup. I can’t help but feel the weight of what I’m about to do. After Claire’s urging, I’ve decided to reach out to Adrian Blackwood. Just the thought of his name sends a shiver down my spine. He’s the wealthiest man in the city, a man known for being ruthless and cold, but I need his help. I need someone powerful on my side to take down Nathan.

I glance at the business card he gave me, the embossed lettering gleaming under the light. “Adrian Blackwood,” it reads, and beneath it, his title: CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. I breathe in deeply, trying to squash the flutter of nerves in my stomach. I dial the number, praying he picks up.

When he answers, his deep, magnetic voice pulls me in. “Why is a beggar calling me so early in the morning?” he grumbles, sleep still thick in his tone.

My mouth drops open in disbelief. “Excuse me?” I manage to reply, though my heart races. The audacity of this man!

How did he know it's me? Or is this simply how he addresses everyone when he's not in the mood?

“Don’t act surprised. You were in a pitiful state yesterday. What do you want?” he asks, his tone icy.

I clench my jaw, trying to maintain my composure. “This isn’t personal, Adrian. I’m Emily St. Claire, daughter of the late owners of Emerald Hotel. I need your help.”

There’s a pause, and I can almost hear the gears turning in his mind. “Ah, the St. Claire legacy. You were quite the thorn in my side before your parents passed. A strong competition, I’ll admit.”

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm despite the anger simmering within. “Look, I know you’re busy, but I need to discuss a business proposal with you. This is important.” I give him a brief summary of what I have just figured out

His voice drips with condescension. “A proposal? And what makes you think I’d be interested?”

“Because I’m not going to let Nathan ruin my life any longer,” I declare, my voice firmer than I feel. “I want to take back control of my company, and I believe you’re the only one who can help me do it.”

“I see,” he replies, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice. “And what are you willing to give in return?”

He’s testing me, I realize. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” I reply, my heart pounding. “But you need to understand that I’m not someone to be trifled with either.”

“Interesting,” he muses, his tone shifting slightly. “Most people cower when they see me. I appreciate your boldness. Meet me at 2 PM today at the Silver Oak Restaurant. I’ll hear you out.”

“Fine,” I say, trying to mask the mixture of excitement and trepidation swirling within me. “I’ll be there.”

The moment I step into Silver Oak, I feel out of place. The restaurant exudes elegance, and every patron looks like they belong to a different world—one I used to inhabit before marrying Nathan. I scan the room, spotting Adrian seated at a table in the corner, looking every bit the arrogant billionaire I’d heard about.

His presence is magnetic, and I can feel the weight of his gaze as he looks up at me. There’s something intimidating about him, a coldness that sends a chill down my spine. I approach, trying to maintain my composure.

“Emily St. Claire,” I introduce myself, forcing a smile.

“Adrian Blackwood,” he replies, leaning back in his chair, the corners of his lips twitching into a smirk. “I see you managed to pull yourself together since our last meeting. You look… less dishevelled.”

I can’t help the glare that crosses my face. “Thank you for your... generous assessment, you don't look any less arrogant than the last time we met,” I return the compliment and he lowers his head to let out a deep chuckle.

It does a number to his usually stoic expression which takes me by surprise.

“I’ll get straight to the point,” he says, his voice low and smooth and I am grateful he didn't caught me staring. “What do you want from me?”

I take a deep breath, recalling the determination that led me here. “I want to regain control of my company. Nathan is bleeding it dry, and I need your resources to take him down.”

Adrian raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “And why would I help you? What’s in it for me?”

I lean forward, meeting his gaze directly. “It's just like I said on the call, and I won’t let him ruin what my parents built. I’m prepared to fight for it. You’re the strongest ally I could have.”

He chuckles softly, the sound deep and rich. “You know, most people come to me begging for help. You’re different, Emily. But let me be clear: I don’t do charity work. I expect something in return.”

“And what do you want?” I ask, feeling my heart race.

“Let’s start with the obvious. How about you become my wife? I need a bold partner to face those old dregs” he suggests casually hiding the irritation in his face.

I scoff, crossing my arms. “I’m still married, you know.”

“Ah, right. My mistake,” he replies, his expression unfazed. “How about you be my maid then? Surely you’d look lovely in an apron.” A smile 

I blink, astonished at his audacity. “You think I’d agree to be your maid?”

“Why not? You’re practically living like one,” he quips, sipping his coffee with an air of arrogance. “A once-promising businesswoman reduced to tears over a man who clearly doesn’t value you.”

I feel my anger rise, but I try to keep my composure. “You have no idea what I’ve been through.”

“True, but I can guess,” he says, smirking. “After all, you’ve spent the last five years living in your husband’s shadow. You’re far too educated to let that happen.”

I glare at him, my frustration boiling over. “I won’t be your punching bag. I’m here for business.”

“Then prove it,” he challenges, leaning closer. “Let’s see how strong you really are.”

His words infuriate and intrigue me simultaneously. Despite the help, I feel a intense anger towards this man who’s so unabashedly himself. I shake my head, pushing the thought away, reminding myself why I’m here.

“If you want to help me, fine. But don’t belittle me,” I demand, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “I’m not someone to be toyed with.”

Adrian leans back in his chair, a bemused smile on his lips. “I like you, Emily. You have guts.”

"And I don't like you, You are too arrogant."

“Then let’s get to the point. What’s your proposal?” I insist, trying to regain control of the conversation.

He looks thoughtful for a moment. “I’ll help you, but you’ll owe me a favor. It’s not going to be a simple ‘thank you’ when this is over.”

“What kind of favor?” I ask, the tension thickening between us.

He shrugs casually. “I’ll draw up a contract later. You’ll sign it, and when I come calling, you’ll deliver. No backing out.”

I stare at him, weighing my options. This is a dangerous game, but I need allies, and Adrian could be the strongest one. I hate the thought of being tied to him, but I can’t let my pride get in the way.

“I agree,” I say finally, steeling myself. “But know this—I won’t be a pawn in your game.”

“Of course not. You’ll be the queen. Now, why don’t you have a seat?” he gestures to the chair across from him, the flicker of interest in his eyes undeniable.

As I leave the restaurant, my heart races. I’m exhilarated and terrified, knowing I’ve made a deal with the devil, but it’s a deal I’m willing to make to reclaim my life and my company. The anger that fueled my determination still burns within me as I step out into the busy streets.

Later, as I hail a cab, the driver glances at me and raises an eyebrow. “You work in a club or something?” he asks, eyeing my disheveled appearance. 

Same cabman.

I let out a dry laugh. “You have no idea.”

As I sink into the backseat, I can’t shake off Adrian’s earlier words. He called me a beggar, and now the bitterness boils within me, making me punch the backseat in frustration. “Damn it!” I mutter, feeling the heat of humiliation wash over me again.

I need to gather myself. I refuse to let Nathan and Adrian dictate my life any longer.

With every passing moment, I feel the weight of my decisions settling in. I will take back what is mine. I’m not just Emily St. Claire anymore—I’m a force to be reckoned with.