3 : A Proposal As A Pretext May 2026

"I have a solution," he said smoothly. "One that bypasses the regulatory hurdles and the internal sabotage."

He didn't mention that he’d bought the ring six months ago. He didn't mention that the merger was the only way he could think of to keep her in the same room as him.

Elena reached out, her fingers hovering over the stone. "And if I say yes? We have to make it look real. The galas, the press, the shared home."