LISA'S POV As I sat across from Marcus, I couldn't help but notice the way he seemed to relish in the tension between us. His eyes sparkled with a knowing glint, and I felt a shiver run down my spine."You work with Leo, don't you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.Marcus raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "I do," he said, his voice low and smooth. "And I can show you the proof, if you'd like."He pulled out a small folder from his briefcase and slid it across the table to me. I hesitated for a moment before opening it, my heart racing with anticipation.The documents inside were damning - emails, memos, and financial records that all pointed to a deep-seated connection between Marcus and Leo. I felt uneasy for a moment, knowing that I was learning the truth somehow and I just was refusing to accept it. I mean I had just realized the extent of their involvement.But even as I stared at the evidence in front of me, I couldn't shake the feeling that Marcus wa
LISA'S POV I had heard all Marcus had to say, it was thoughtful of Leo to ask me to merge the branch, any other person seeing they had the opportunity could have just taken over everything, this was an offer to save and I was glad for it but one thing gave me an headache merely thinking about it, and it was everything my father would think and say about this. "I need to talk to my father about this," I said, my mind already racing with the conversation I would have to have.Marcus nodded understandingly. "Of course. I expected as much. You can't make a decision like this without him knowing."I stood up, smoothing out my dress. "Even though I'm handling the business now, he still needs to know what's going on."Marcus shrugged, standing up as well. "I get it. Family is important."As he adjusted his funny hat, I couldn't help but smile slightly. Maybe Marcus wasn't so bad after all."You see, I wasn't so harmful, was I?" Marcus said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "All you n
LISA'S POV My father brought the conversation back on track, his expression serious. "So, Lisa, what's going on with the business? You were saying something about a problem?"My mother's eyes widened, her interest piqued. "What's wrong, dear? Is everything okay?"I sighed inwardly, thinking that my mother's arrival would provide a welcome distraction from the conversation. But now, it seemed like she was only going to make things worse.I took a deep breath and launched into the story, telling my father everything that had happened - the struggles with the company, the financial issues, the meeting with Liam... everything. I left out Marcus's offer, saving it for the end.As I finished, my father's expression was thoughtful. "I had no idea it was this serious," he said.My mother's eyes were wide with concern. "Oh, Lisa, why didn't you tell us? We had no idea."I shook my head. "I didn't want to worry you. And besides, I thought Father knew already."My father's expression changed fr
LISA'S POV I lay on my bed, tears streaming down my face, my body shaking with sobs. I didn't even know why I was crying, but the anger and frustration I felt towards my father's lack of trust in me was overwhelming.Just as I was starting to calm down, I heard a knock at the door. "Lisa, dear, please open up," my mother's soft voice called out.But I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was still too hurt, too angry. I tearfully and silently asked them to go away, hoping they would understand.My father tried to reason with me, his voice firm but gentle. "Lisa, we need to talk about this. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."But I wouldn't yield. I couldn't face him right now, not when all I felt was pain and betrayal.My mother tried again, her voice pleading. "Lisa, sweetie, please open up. We love you and we're here for you."But I just shook my head, feeling the tears prick at the corners of my eyes again.Finally, my mother told Liam to go home and rest, promising to take care of
LISA'S POV The next morning, I rushed downstairs, already running late for work. My mother greeted me with a warm smile and a steaming cup of coffee. "Good morning, sweetie! Eat something before you go."I grabbed a piece of toast and took a quick bite, but my mother wasn't satisfied. "Lisa, slow down! You need to eat something proper."She shoved a piece of bacon into my mouth, and I munched on it as I headed out the door. "Thanks, Mum! Love you!"As I walked to the driveway, I noticed my car parked outside, packed and ready to go. I pulled out my phone and called my mother. "Mum, who brought my car?""Someone brought it fixed," she replied. "Liam asked him to bring it."I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Thanks, Mum. You're the best."My mother teased me, "Oh, I think someone else might be the best. You're smiling awfully big this morning."I laughed and hung up the phone, feeling a sense of excitement and gratitude.As I drove to work, I couldn't help but think about Liam an
LISA'S POV Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Emily's voice came over the intercom, her tone professional and calm. "Lisa, Leo has arrived."I took a deep breath, smoothing my dress and making my way to the reception area. Leo stood tall and confident, his eyes scanning the room with interest. Emily smiled and greeted him, leading him to my office."Lisa, this is Leo," Emily said, her voice formal.I smiled, extending my hand. "Leo, welcome. Thank you for coming."Leo's handshake was firm, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "The pleasure is mine, Lisa. Your office is impressive.”As Leo walked into my office, I couldn't help but notice the commanding presence he exuded. He stood tall, his 6'2" frame towering over the room, his broad shoulders squared and confident. His icy blue eyes scanned the space, taking in every detail with an air of quiet intensity. His jet black hair was perfectly styled, not a single strand out of place, framing his chiseled features with prec
LISA'S POV I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Marriage? Why on earth would Leo want to marry me? I thought we were just discussing a business arrangement, not a lifelong commitment.My eyes darted to Marcus, hoping he could provide some insight, but he looked just as surprised as I was. His eyebrows were raised, and he was leaning back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Leo with a mixture of confusion and curiosity."Leo, what's going on?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "I don't understand why you're asking me to marry you."Leo's expression didn't change. He just kept staring at me with that intense gaze, his eyes burning with an inner fire."I want to own you, Lisa," he repeated, his voice low and husky. "I want to possess you completely. And I want the world to know it."I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the depth of his desire. But why? What could he possibly gain from marrying me?"Leo, I don't know what to say," I stammered, trying to process my thoug
LISA'S POV I refocused on my work, my mind made up. I would do whatever it took to bring down Andre, even if it meant marrying Leo. The marriage didn't have to be serious, I thought. It was just a means to an end. After a few hours of work, I called Liam into my office. He arrived promptly, looking curious. "What's up?" he asked. "I've changed my mind," I said. "You're still coming for dinner tonight." Liam raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were going to break the news to your father?" I shook my head. "Not tonight. I won't be telling him about the marriage yet. At least, not tonight." Liam shrugged. "Fine. I'll come to dinner." I nodded, relieved. "Good. I need your support, Liam." Liam nodded and left my office, leaving me to my thoughts. I knew I had a long night ahead of me, but I was ready. I would do whatever it took to bring down Andre, even if it meant marrying Leo. The day flew by in a whirlwind of meetings and paperwork, but just as I was about to leave,