The Billionaire of the city is my husband. Ruthless and arrogant, he never thought of getting attached to someone until blackmail forces him to get engaged to a woman he barely knows. This woman is none other than the daughter of his nemesis, the one who threatens not only his fortune but his empire as well. It doesn't matter how beautiful or charming she is; he is determined to do everything in his power to destroy the evidence and call off their engagement. But then, why does his heart beat faster every time he sees her? Can he really bring himself to let her go? She, the perfect Montgomery heiress, is his family's ticket to the highest echelons of high society. Marrying Alexander, this ruthless billionaire, means opening doors that would otherwise remain closed to his family. Even though Alexander, with his insufferable arrogance and intense gaze, is not at all her ideal, she accepts this arranged marriage for the sake of her family. But then, why does she feel this irresistible attraction towards him? Is it really love or just a momentary desire? As they both struggle with their pride and conflicting feelings, external threats multiply. Who is behind these attacks on their fragile alliance? Does anyone want to see them fail? Will they be able to navigate this world of manipulation and power, or will their budding love be shattered by dark forces that seek to destroy everything they have built?
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
"It's a joke, right? »
Alexander Blackwood stared at the document before him in frozen disbelief, his fingers clenching on the edge of the desk. Every fiber of his body, taut like a bow, demanded a logical explanation. But his lawyer's heavy silence left no doubt: he was trapped.
"No, Mr. Blackwood, I fear it is very serious. » The calm but nervous voice of Marcus Harlow, his legal advisor, was not enough to calm the storm brewing within him. "The evidence is overwhelming. If these files fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be disastrous. »
Alexander exhaled slowly, trying to contain the rage that threatened to boil over. His rivals had tried to destroy him before, but never had they gone this far. Accusations of fraud, illegal transfers of money – all fabrications, obviously – but well enough crafted for a court to seriously examine them.
"And you're telling me this all came from the Montgomery family? » he asked with deceptive calm.
Marcus nodded, visibly uncomfortable. "Their name is not explicitly mentioned, but our investigators found direct links between the evidence and their company. Plus, they came up with a... solution. »
Alexander burst into bitter laughter. A solution. Of course they had a plan. But what was their real intention?
"Continue," he ordered, crossing his arms.
Marcus hesitated for a split second, but finally gave in under his client's piercing gaze. "They demand that you marry Olivia Montgomery. This is the condition for the evidence to disappear. »
A heavy silence fell over the room. Alexander stood frozen, the words ringing in his mind like a funeral bell. Olivia Montgomery. This name he had heard many times during social gatherings and business discussions. The Montgomerys' only and precious daughter, raised in insolent luxury, protected from the slightest inconvenience. A woman he had never met but whom he already despised by association.
"They want me to agree to marry their daughter in exchange for my freedom? » His voice was low, almost dangerously soft.
"Not exactly a commitment," Marcus clarified, squirming in his chair. "But a public engagement announcement. The actual wedding could be postponed. »
Alexander took a step back, shaking his head as if trying to rid himself of this nonsense. "What if I refuse? »
Marcus looked down, unable to meet her gaze. "If you refuse, the evidence will be passed to the authorities. Your empire could collapse in weeks. »
The silence that followed was deafening.
Alexander finally turned away, his back stiff, his mind spinning at dizzying speed. It was a cruel, cleverly designed trap. The Montgomerys had found his Achilles heel, and they were digging in mercilessly.
"You're telling me there's no other way to counter them? » he finally asked.
Marcus hesitated again, then shook his head. "Not at the moment. They played their cards brilliantly. »
Alexander ran a hand through his hair, a rare sign of frustration for him. " Alright. If that's what they want, then let's go for it. But I warn you, Marcus: I don't play to lose. »
A few days later, he found himself face to face with Olivia Montgomery for the first time.
She was sitting in a leather chair, straight as a rod, her delicate hands crossed in her knees. A simple but elegant dress hugged her figure, and her gaze was fixed on him with an intensity that briefly unsettled him. She was not what he had imagined.
"Mr. Blackwood," she said, bowing her head slightly. Her voice was soft, but he heard a note of challenge.
He didn't answer immediately, preferring to take the time to observe her. She didn't look down, which was both surprising and irritating.
"Miss Montgomery," he finally answered, his voice cold and detached. "I guess you know why we're here." »
She nodded, but didn't look away. "My father explained the situation to me. »
"And you agree with all of this? » he asked, one eyebrow raised.
"I didn't really have a choice," she admitted, a shadow crossing her face. "Just like you, I suppose." »
Alexander clenched his jaw. He didn't like being put on an equal footing with her, especially in such a humiliating situation.
"Very well," he said abruptly. "So let's get straight to the point. I'm not here to act. This engagement is nothing more than an arrangement. Once I find a way to get rid of the evidence, we'll undo this whole thing. »
Olivia was silent for a moment, her eyes searching his for something. Then she nodded slowly. " I understand. »
But there was a nuance in her voice, a slight inflection that made him sound like she was accepting more than she was saying.
"As long as we're clear," he continued. "You play your role, I play mine. And once everything is settled, everyone will return to their lives. »
She smiled, but there was nothing warm about it. "I see you are as charming as they say. »
Alexander ignored the jab, focusing on the main thing. "We will hold a press conference in a week to announce the engagement. Get ready. »
She nodded, but before he could get up to leave, she said in a calm voice, "And what do you plan to do if I decide not to follow your instructions? »
He stopped abruptly, slowly turning towards her. His gaze was cold, calculating. "Then I will make sure your family loses everything. Believe me, Miss Montgomery, I never joke. »
She held his gaze without blinking, then shrugged her shoulders slightly. " Alright. But remember, Mr Blackwood, we are both trapped in this situation. You have as much to lose as I do. »
He didn't respond, preferring to leave the room before the conversation degenerated further. But one thing was clear: Olivia Montgomery was not as docile as he had assumed.
And for the first time in a long time, he felt a pang of uncertainty pierce his steel armor.
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
19/12/2024
Chapter 2 Chapitre 2
19/12/2024
Chapter 3 Chapitre 3
19/12/2024
Chapter 4 Chapitre 4
19/12/2024
Chapter 5 Chapitre 5
19/12/2024
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