Chapter 4

/-Claire-/

I should have taken his threats seriously. Over the next three weeks, things have slowly begun to change.

It started with individuals who had no dealings with our company posting bad reviews about our skin therapy products. 

I didn't know what to do because the lies were very creative and believable.

We thought that was all until investors started pulling out, and we received a lawsuit for Intellectual property theft. 

Panicking could not even begin to explain my state of mind. 

The remaining days were filled with sleepless nights. I had a lawsuit on my hands and if I followed up this legal fight, it would drain a lot of money from me. 

Especially if I lost. 

Which was very likely considering how stable and trusted Agingwell Corporation was. The craziest thing was that I didn't even know about this company until now. 

Sure, we had the same goals and very similar products but I didn't think they would pick me out of a hundred others in the same business line.

And these attacks didn't even seem in any way related to L&V investments, but I could feel it in my bones that Regal had pulled a few strings to sabotage me. 

Because how do you lay a threat and suddenly everything starts going downhill?

Even the companies that we partnered with were requesting to revoke the partnership. The only one who remained was rapidly running out of stock. I was breaking down and I didn't know what to do. 

The company I was so happy to open a few weeks ago was on the verge of crashing if I didn't do something to stop it. 

My staff were already getting worried and I could see it in their eyes and mannerisms that they were fast approaching their limits. 

They had bills to pay and families to cater for and a crumbling business couldn't solve that. 

I needed money and affluence and at that moment, there was only one person I could think of. 

I could only hope I didn't end up in jail before I could lay my proposal.

/-Asher-/

I must amused and at the same time stunned.

I needed to know where this woman got her audacity from.

Here I was, overworking myself as usual to get my mind off my overbearing family when my secretary informed me that there was a woman waiting to see me.

I didn't think much of it as I granted her permission to usher her in, only to see the crazy female who robbed me in broad daylight.

Over the last few months, I have been intrigued by her growth and rising fame in the business world. 

Her productivity was amazing and sometimes, I endorsed anonymous donations to her charity projects. 

Most people would use that money to buy yachts and throw crazy parties, buy houses and cars and flaunt themselves all over social media.

Claire Peters was different and it was refreshing to watch.

But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine she would come back here, demanding more money. 

“Mr Gray, I know what this looks like and I can only imagine the thoughts running through your mind right now, but I'm begging you to listen to me,” she pleaded. 

I loved the fire of determination I saw in those pretty eyes of hers. 

“Oh, I am,” I leaned back against my seat. “Go ahead and convince me not to have you arrested this instant.” 

I had no intention of doing that, but I wanted to shake her up a bit, and I liked the glint of fear that graced those eyes.

“I know it looks bad. I did a terrible thing, yes but I want to assure you that I never intended to run forever. I was going to pay you back when I was financially buoyant,” she said. 

“I don't believe you,” I stated. “Maybe you can explain better to the cops.”

“No, please,” she said quickly. “If you arrest me now, you are going to completely ruin me and your money will go to waste.”

“I see…” 

“All I'm asking for is a little time and money,” she clasped her hands in desperation. “Lend me fifty million and I will pay back double of every dime I owe you.”

I kept all emotions off my face, offering her a blank expression.

“You want me to lend you money after you stole from me?” I arched a brow. 

“I mean, I could have broken into one of your cars to take another suitcase, but I didn't,” she shrugged, and my lips twitched in amusement.

“No, Miss Peters. I will not lend you any more money, and you are going to pay back every dime you owe me,” I stated.

“Look, I can give an account of everything I spent your money on. I run charity organisations, foundations for women and abused children, and restaurants and recently, I started a company, PrimeCsre Innovations. It deals with ageing population services and eco-friendly baby products. I managed to pull in a few investors and partnerships on the night I commissioned it,” she explained and I listened with rapt attention.

“But recently, someone has been trying to sabotage me, and I am on the verge of losing everything. I know I have no right to cry over stolen money but I put in a lot of time and effort into these establishments. Now I have a lawsuit in my hands for something I know absolutely nothing about. Please help me, Asher. You're my only hope,” she pleaded. 

Something in me tugged. 

“Let's say I decide to buy your story, what's in it for me?” I asked. 

“Up to seventy percent profit on all your investments. The company has potential, believe me, and if we save it, we are going to have a long-term turnover of amazing profits, plus twice the money I owe you,” she answered.

“Sounds like a good deal. But that’s not enough.” I paused.

“What else do you want?” She asked.

“I’ll satisfy you with my best effort.” She added desperation written all over her face.

“You.” I informed her. 

I watched her eyes widen in shock.

“I want you to be my wife and the limitation will be one year. I’ll be your backhold during this time. Let’s see how high a position you can reach.”I stopped, “And the game begins… now!”