Jay's POV
She shouldn't feel nervous.
It was just another meeting.
Another high-profile client.
Another business deal.
That's what she kept telling herself as she adjusted the files neatly on Keifer's desk.
"The meeting with Ms. Althea Laurent is in ten minutes," she informed him professionally.
Keifer nodded without looking up. "Stay."
Her heart warmed slightly at the simple word.
A few minutes later, the office doors opened.
And she walked in.
Tall. Elegant. Powerful.
Althea Laurent — one of the most influential businesswomen in Europe. Confidence radiated off her like perfume.
She didn't even look at Jay at first.
Her eyes were only on Keifer.
"Mr. Watson," she greeted smoothly, sitting down without being asked. Crossing her legs slowly.
Jay stepped forward to place the contract file on the table.
Althea's eyes flicked to her.
"You may leave," she said casually.
Jay froze.
Before she could respond, Keifer's voice cut through the room.
"She stays."
Althea raised a brow. "This is confidential."
"She is my secretary," Keifer replied coldly. "She handles everything. You talk, she listens."
Jay tried to remain calm, but her heart was racing.
Althea studied her for a moment… then smiled faintly.
"Very well."
She leaned forward slightly.
"I have a deal for you, Mr. Watson."
Keifer's expression didn't change. "What kind of deal?"
Althea slid a thin folder across the desk.
"Merge our empires. My assets. My connections. My influence in the European market."
Jay's hands tightened around the tablet she was holding.
Keifer opened the folder slowly.
"And what do you want in return?" he asked.
Althea smiled.
"Marry me."
Silence
The air felt heavy.
Jay's heart dropped so hard she thought she might actually faint.
Marry her?
Her chest tightened. She kept her eyes down, trying not to show anything. Trying to breathe normally.
Althea continued calmly, "You gain global dominance. I gain you. It's beneficial for both of us."
Jay couldn't look at him. She couldn't see his reaction.
Five seconds passed.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Those five seconds felt like five years.
Was he thinking about it?
Was he considering it?
Her heart was beating so loud she was sure they could hear it.
Then—
He closed the folder.
Slowly.
Carefully.
And looked at Althea with an expression so cold it could freeze fire.
"You think I can be bought?"
Althea didn't flinch. "Everything has a price."
Keifer stood up.
Jay's breath caught.
He picked up the contract.
Looked at it once more.
Then without breaking eye contact with Althea—
He tore it in half.
The sound echoed in the silent office.
And then again.
And again.
Until the papers fell in pieces onto the desk.
Jay's heart stopped.
"You walked into my office," he said calmly, dangerously calm, "and assumed I would marry you for power."
Althea's smile faded slightly.
"I already have power," he continued. "And I don't need a wife as a business transaction."
His eyes flicked — just for a second — toward Jay.
"But even if I did… it wouldn't be you."
Jay's breath hitched.
Althea stood up slowly. "You're rejecting a global empire."
Keifer stepped closer to his desk. "I'm rejecting disrespect."
The room was silent. Tense.
Althea straightened her blazer.
"You'll regret this."
"I doubt it."
She gave Jay one last look — sharp, calculating — before walking out.
The door closed.
Silence.
Jay finally looked up at him.
"You just rejected a billion-dollar deal," she said softly.
He walked around the desk. Slowly.
Stopped right in front of her.
"My desires," he said quietly, "are not for sale."
Her heart skipped.
"And if I ever marry…" he continued, lowering his voice slightly, "it will be because I want her. Not her assets."
Jay's throat went dry.
"Are you okay?" he asked suddenly, noticing her pale expression.
She nodded quickly. "Of course. It's just business."
He studied her for a moment.
Then gently lifted her chin so she had to look at him.
"Don't ever doubt where you stand."
Her heartbeat slowed slightly.
"I wasn't," she whispered.
But she had been.
And he knew it.
His thumb brushed lightly against her jaw.
"You're the only deal I'm interested in."
Her cheeks flushed deeply.
And for the first time since Althea walked in—
Jay smiled.