Chapter four

Chapter four

"This is completely unacceptable," Alexander's voice rang through the boardroom. "We can't just sell off the Miami property. That hotel has been with us for twenty years."

Board members shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Mr. Thompson cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Mr. Elysian, the numbers don't lie. That property is bleeding money."

Alexander's jaw tightened as he scanned the faces of the board members. Not a single sympathetic glance met his gaze. He had spent weeks preparing this expansion proposal, and now they were dismissing it without proper consideration.

"If we just renovate-" Alexander started.

"We've heard enough," Mrs. Chen interrupted, gathering her papers. "The board has made its decision."

One by one, the board members filed out, avoiding his gaze. Alexander remained frozen in place, his prepared presentation still unopened on his laptop.

As the last member filed out, slow clapping echoed through the room. Nathan emerged from the corner where he'd been observed with a smirk.

"Bravo, brother. Another stellar performance."

Alexander's fingers tightened around his pen. "Don't start, Nathan."

"But why not? It's so entertaining watching you crash and burn." Nathan circled the table. "See how none of them take you seriously anymore? The party boy who can't even show up to meetings on time - why would they trust you with millions?"

Alexander's hands stilled. "I don't remember asking for your opinion."

"Oh, but everyone has an opinion about you." Nathan straightened his already-perfect tie. "Even Father. He hasn't returned your calls this week, has he?"

"How did you—"

"Know about Father's ultimatum?" Nathan's laugh was cold. "Please. He tells his favorite son everything. Though I must admit, the marriage requirement was brilliant. I mean, who would marry you?" He spread his arms wide. "The great Alexander Elysian, who can't keep a woman longer than a night?"

Alexander's blood boiled, his fingers crumpled the papers in his hands.

Just then, his phone lit up. An unknown number. His eyes scanned the message:

Unknown Number: About your proposition. I need to know more details. When can we meet?

Isabella

A slow smile spread across his face. He looked up at Nathan, who was still gloating.

"You know what, Nathan?" Alexander straightened his tie. "Sometimes the universe has impeccable timing."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Alexander walked to the door, pausing only to say, "You'll see at the next board meeting. Oh, and Nathan? Don't get too comfortable in that chair. You won't be father's favorite son for long."

He strode out, leaving Nathan sputtering behind him. In the elevator, Alexander looked at the message again, his smile turning predatory. Finally, something was going his way.

*****************

Isabella stared at the message on her phone, her brow furrowed at the address Alexander had sent. A hostel? Really? Her thumb hovered over the screen as memories of similar "business meetings" she'd heard whispered about in the hotel corridors flashed through her mind. But she'd signed up for this, hadn't she?

She tugged her oversized sweater closer as she approached the building. It was decent enough - clean windows, fresh paint - but definitely not the luxury place she'd expected from someone like Alexander Elysian.

The receptionist barely glanced up as Isabella made her way to the elevator. Room 412. Each step down the dimly lit hallway made her heart beat faster.

A deep voice called "Come in" before she could even knock. Isabella's hand trembled slightly as she turned the doorknob. The door clicked shut behind her - locked. Her eyes darted around the room before landing on Alexander, who sat in an armchair, shirtless, his perfectly sculpted abs on display.

Panic seized her chest. Every tabloid story she'd ever read about Alexander Elysian's conquests flashed through her mind.

"No, no, no," She backed away, her shoulders hitting the wall. "What kind of game are you playing?"

Her fingers fumbled for the doorknob, but it wouldn't turn.

Alexander rose from his chair, moving toward her. Isabella pressed herself harder against the wall, her breath coming in short gasps. He reached behind her, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

"Careful. You'll knock over the vase."

Isabella's breath caught as his arm brushed past her shoulder, steadying a vase she hadn't noticed. Relief flooded through her as she realized how ridiculous her imagination had been.

He smirked. "Did you think I'd..." He gestured to his bare chest. "I just finished working out. Was about to put a shirt on when you arrived early."

Isabella's cheeks burned. "Why here? Why not your office?"

"Walls have ears." He settled back into his chair, folder still in hand. "So, you've finally decided to consider my offer?Or did you just come to admire the view?"

Isabella cleared her throat, forcing her voice to remain calm. "I came because my sister needs that treatment. Nothing more."

Alexander leaned forward, retrieving a thick envelope from the side table. "Of course.Here's the contract. Feel free to review it thoroughly."

"I haven't even said yes," Isabella protested.

"Yet you're here." He stretched, muscles rippling across his bare chest. "In my hotel room. At nine in the evening. Seems like a 'yes' to me."

Isabella snatched the contract, ignoring his smirk. Her eyes scanned the pages: '365 days of marriage... public appearances together... attendance at social events... unified front before media... complete confidentiality...' The words swam before her eyes. A whole year. Twelve months of pretending, of lying, of being tied to this arrogant man.

She dropped the papers onto the coffee table. "I have conditions of my own."

"By all means." Alexander gestured expansively. "Enlighten me."

"Separate bedrooms." Isabella lifted her chin. "I won't share a room with you."

"Afraid you won't be able to resist me?" His smirk grew wider. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I have no interest in forcing myself on unwilling women. There are plenty who'd gladly warm my bed."

Her cheeks burned. "Also, I need to keep my job. I won't sit around being your trophy wife."

"No." His voice turned sharp. "What exactly is this job you're so attached to?"

"I work at Elys..." She trailed off, suddenly realizing her mistake. If word got out that a hotel employee was marrying the owner's son, the gossip would be unbearable. Every promotion, every achievement would be tainted. They'd say she slept her way to the top.

"You were saying?" Alexander leaned forward.

"Nothing. But I will continue working." She lifted her chin. "That's non-negotiable."

He studied her for a long moment, then shrugged. "Fine. Sign it. Though I doubt you'll need to work once the marriage settlement kicks in."

"Sign it." He pushed the contract toward her, producing an expensive-looking pen from nowhere.

Isabella's hand trembled as she took the pen. This was it. The moment she sold her soul to the devil. But Josephine's pale face flashed in her mind, and she knew she had no choice. Her signature looked small and insignificant next to his bold scrawl.

"Well then." Alexander stood, finally reaching for a shirt. "I believe we have a deal, future Mrs. Elysian."

Isabella fought back a shiver. What had she just gotten herself into?