Chapter 10
Chapter 10
The personal nature of his call was embarrassing, as if Grayson had forgotten someone else was still in his sleek bathroom.
By the time I’d slipped into the floral dress he provided and opened the door, he froze mid–step. On his screen was an elegant woman with silver–streaked hair styled in a flawless chignon and a string of pearls around her neck.
“Oh, you have company…” the woman remarked, her perfectly arched eyebrows rising as her gaze flickered to me.
“I’ll come to the mansion tonight, Grandma. Just need to wrap up some work.”
He ended the call with a swift tap, and our eyes met.
“I’m sorry if I overheard anything private,” I said quickly.
His expression remained carefully neutral, but the tips of his ears flushed red.
“If you’re ready, I’ll escort you to your suite,” he offered formally.
“I’m fine. I don’t want to take up too much of your time.”
“You were framed earlier at my hotel. I intend to ensure you’re properly looked after.”
Ah, so this was about maintaining his precious five–star hospitality standards.
“Don’t worry, I won’t leave you a one–star review,” I said with a weak smile, trying to inject some humor into the tension.
He didn’t respond; he just gestured for me to follow. I let Grayson lead the way.
In the mirrored elevator, my thoughts raced as we descended past floor after floor of his empire. Grayson was now known as the ruthless businessman who acquired smaller companies like chess pieces. Yet here he was, with his grandmother pushing him to marry a stranger from an elite social circle.
A sudden thought struck me, making my heart stutter.
“Mr. Blake,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual despite my racing pulse, “what if I became your wife?”
He turned, his dark eyes searching mine in the elevator’s soft lighting. A muscle ticked in his jaw.
But I needed his help to escape whatever mess I was in now! Grayson had to help me, just like he did back in high school.
He raised an eyebrow, and his voice turned to ice in the confined elevator cabin. “What exactly do you mean?”
“You heard me correctly, Mr. Grayson Blake. I’m offering to be your wife. I overheard your conversation with your grandmother. She wants you to marry, but with your status, it would be difficult for you to escape a marriage if things went south…”
I forced myself to meet his gaze. “If you marry me, I’ll ensure our agreement is mutual. We can have a prenup if you’re concerned about me claiming a share of your wealth in the event of a divorce. I’ll be the perfect wife for your grandmother’s benefit.”
“You’re not making sense.” The corner of his lips curled into that infuriating smirk I remembered from our school days. “Unless you’re trying to tell me you’ve harbored feelings for me.”
My cheeks flushed at his words. “Of course not! I—I have my reasons!”
I averted my gaze, feeling stripped bare under his scrutiny.
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22:51 Fri, 11 Apr
Chapter 10
“And what exactly do you get from this arrangement?” he asked, curiosity threading through his words after a weighted
pause.
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“I–I want to escape the entertainment industry that’s been holding me captive; I need two hundred million,” I admitted, forcing my voice to remain steady, “And my parents are pushing me to marry Mr. Jonathan Shaw’s son. This… this could be my escape from both.”
His expression darkened at the mention of Shaw, something dangerous flickering in his eyes.
In two swift strides, Grayson closed the distance between us. I stepped back until the cold metal of the elevator pressed against me. His scent was more intense now, more noticeable than it had been through his coat.
“But a wife is expected to fulfill all her duties,” he murmured. His lips curved into a predatory smile that made my pulse skip. “Including intimacy.”
His words sent a chill down my spine, and images I couldn’t control flashed through my mind–Grayson’s hands on my skin, his weight pressing me into the silk sheets. I swallowed hard, pushing away the sudden heat rushing through me.
“I… I…” My usually sharp tongue failed me completely.
The elevator chimed softly as the doors slid open, revealing the floor where my suite was located. Grayson stepped out, walking ahead of me. It struck me then–I hadn’t given him my suite number, yet he walked confidently down the plush hallway, clearly knowing where to go.
When we stopped at my door, he turned to face me.
“My business partner will handle your entertainment contract termination by morning,” he said, his voice businesslike yet somehow intimate in the quiet hallway.
“Once that’s cleared, we’ll meet tomorrow afternoon to discuss details. Keep your phone close – I’ll send you the location.” Each word was precise and calculated, like every business deal he’d ever closed.
He agreed. The realization hit me like a wave! Grayson Blake had accepted my insane proposal. I snapped back to reality, feeling both disbelief and excitement.
“Take care, panda!” He shot me a wink before turning away.
My heart stopped. Panda–the nickname he’d given me in high school!
He remembers me! Grayson Blake remembers me!
