Kimberly Dalton glanced in the spotless glass doors of Blackwood Enterprises and saw herself. Her auburn hair was neatly pulled back and her green eyes sparkled with a mix of resolve and anxiety. It was the day to present the new sustainability initiative she had been working on for months. Deeply inhaling, she entered, unaware that her life would change in ways she could never have imagined.
Kimberly walked inside the contemporary, marble-floored foyer and saw bustle everywhere. Corporate people move quickly in custom suits, their features firmly set. She snatched up her portfolio a little more firmly and went for the elevator, her heels clicking softly on the floor.
Kimberly's mind wandered to her modest apartment and the humble beginnings that had shaped her as the elevator doors closed. She had carried to college and her work at Blackwood Enterprises the values of honesty and diligence instilled in her by her parents. Now she was going to do something enormous, something that would truly alter everything.
As the lift chimed, Kimberly stepped out onto the executive floor. Right after she was greeted by Jasmine Parker, her closest confidante. She was a fashion designer at a studio next door, but she would come over for lunch often.
"You look great," Jasmine said after a quick hug.You're going to rock this presentation."
No problem, Jas. Grinning, Kimberley said. "A little nervous, really. This might be a big step forward for the company.
And you as well, Jasmine said. On this, you worked really hard. Remind yourself often that you deserve this.
Her friend pushing her, Kimberly headed for the conference room. Top personnel, including the enigmatic but affluent company CEO Travis Blackwood, were already inside. The way his piercing blue eyes examined the visitors with a menacing and enticing intensity made his control over the room clear.
Travis started up in a smooth, confident voice, "Ms. Dalton." "Your presentation is ready to go."
Deeply breathing, Kimberly began. Talking about the need of sustainability and the potential benefits of her initiative, she could feel the room warm to her ideas. Travis leaned forward a little to listen, even seeming interested. When she was through, the room hushed for a time before cheering.
Superb, Travis mumbled and stood up. I think that all of us can agree that this is a worthwhile initiative. Wait a little, Ms. Dalton.
A thumping in her chest, Kimberly felt the others leave. That was her doing. She had impressed the biggest man in the room.
Once they were by themselves, Travis said, "Ms. Dalton." "I thought your idea was excellent. I believe it may fundamentally alter the way our company sees sustainability.
Kimberly said in a stern voice, "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood."
Laughing, he said, "Call me Travis please." "I would like to discuss your proposal further over dinner. A couple things would need to be cleaned up.
Kimberly's eyes were widened by surprise. And dinner? Over by you?
Of course, Travis said, his smile widening. Imagine it as a business meeting. I want to make sure we are in accord going forward.
Happy and anxious at the same time, Kimberly stated. That evening, at one of the city's priciest restaurants, she was seated across from Travis Blackwood. Entertaining and attentive, he asked insightful questions regarding her plan and described his vision for the company's future. Kimberly was relaxing as the evening wore on and enjoying their conversation.
"Kimberly," Travis said, his voice solemn. Make you an offer, please. Although uncommon, I believe there might be mutual benefits.
Heartbeat skipped over Kimberly. How come?
"I've been considering expanding Blackwood Enterprises," he remarked. "To do that, I need someone I can trust, someone with fresh ideas and a strong moral compass. You should get more active in the company, in my opinion.
Mind racing, Kimberly said. Still, she thought this incredible chance held more. With what kind of function?
Stepping forward, Travis looked straight at her. Who should be my wife? You.
Certainly convinced that she had misheard him, Kimberly shook her head. Your wife, how about her?
Travis looked steadily at me and added, "It's unconventional, as I mentioned." But think about it. Working together, we can be really successful. There will be the tools and platform available for you to implement your sustainability initiatives wherever in the world. In return, you will assist in stabilizing the dynamics and image of the business.
Kimberley was dizzy in her head. Are you asking to be married for business reasons?
Absolutely and no, Travis said. There is no doubt, Kimberly, that we have chemistry. Were you not also a victim? Apart from that, though, I see in you what this company needs to thrive. When you are by my side, we are capable of incredible things.
A mix of ideas flowing around her, Kimberly glanced at him. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, but it came with strings she wasn't sure she wanted to be bound to. Travis, you have a lot on your plate.
I get that, he said softly. Let yourself to. That deserves some thought. But be advised that this is a genuine deal. We can make this work both professionally and personally.
As the evening drew to a close, Kimberly was having problems falling asleep since her thoughts kept returning to Travis's comments. By morning she was no closer to a decision, even though she knew she could not ignore the alternatives he had offered.
Jasmine had already received the proposal and the next day cornered Kimberly at work. 'Did Travis Blackwood actually ask you to marry him?' she whispered, her eyes wide with awe.
Kimberly recapped their conversation and responded, "Yes, but it's not what you think."
Head shaking, Jasmine stated. You are crazy, Kim. Also, nevertheless, rather amazing. Have you given it any thought at all?
Kimberly answered, "I'm not sure. The opportunity is great, but I'm not sure I can rely on his motives. Much is at risk.
It chimed on the office intercom before Jasmine could respond. See you at Mr. Blackwood's office, Ms. Dalton.
Kimberly, heart pounding, went to Travis's office. He was deep in conversation with a man she didn't know, a man whose presence seemed to emanate danger, when she arrived.
"Ah, Kimberly," Travis remarked, looking up. Please meet Victor Crane, CEO of Crane Industries.
Victor put out a hand, his grip firm and his smile frightening. Have enjoyed getting to know you, Ms. Dalton. You have been mentioned to me by several people.
Under strain, Kimberly grinned sweetly. Equally so, Mr. Crane.
Victor looked at me with a nervous sparkle. I know congratulations are due. How soon will you be Mrs. Blackwood?
Kimberly felt her stomach uncurl. Not that I've made any decisions yet.
"Of course," Victor said, his grin unwavering. But, if you do, I do wish you luck. Need it, you will.
Victor turned to go, and Travis got more serious. "I hate that I had to meet him under these circumstances. Victor... is difficult.
How on Earth can he mean that? Kimberly, her anxiety growing, asked.
"For years he has been trying to discredit Blackwood Enterprises," Travis stated. And he will employ whatever means to that purpose. Among other things, targeting you.
Eyes widening, Kimberly said. Now coming for me? How come specifically?
Since he knows how valuable you are to our business and to me," Travis stated firmly. That is the reason this marriage proposal transcends business. Safety of the company comes after safety of you.
Kimberly felt something cold scuttle her back. She had underestimated the stakes. Travis, you must give me some time to think.
As long as you need, he said softly. Never forget though, you won't be making any decisions by yourself.
Days stretched to a week, as Kimberly considered her options. The more she considered it, the more elusive her lines between her personal and professional lives became. An unknown number then left a message on her phone late one evening.
Come see me on the roof terrace at midnight. This information I have has to be heard. Walk out by yourself.
Beat pounding, she looked over the message. She went against her better judgment because she needed answers to the questions that were racing through her mind.
Amazingly quiet, city lights lit up the rooftop terrace. Standing in the cold night air was Kimberly. Quickly a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Kimberly Dalton," the man remarked as he entered the light. That was Victor Crane, I think. That you came makes me glad. It is talking that we need.
You want what, Victor? She asked, voice cool under pressure despite her panic.
To warn you, he murmured, his voice grave. Not Travis Blackwood as you know him. You are not familiar with some of his previous employment and business ventures. Things that could totally destroy you.
Heart hammering in Kimberly. How come I should believe you?
Victor cast a cold, calculating glance around. Since I have the paperwork. And if you marry him, you will be dragged into his network of lies and dishonesties. Come with me and I will show you everything.
Mentally, Kimberly was racing. It was a trap, was it not? Was Victor, alternatively, being honest? She paused between the attraction of information and the danger of trusting a known enemy.
Victor said, a little hurriedly, "Ms. Dalton, make a decision soon." Getting late now.
Being on the verge of making a decision that would change everything, Kimberly was certain that her life would never be the same.
The events of the evening had left Kimberly more inquiring than with answers. Head spinning by Victor's ominous comments, she returned to her apartment. Tucked under her door the following morning was a sealed envelope. Inside was one photo of Travis standing next to an unidentified woman, both of them looking tense.
Do you really know him? The back had writing scribbled on it.
Heart hammering, Kimberly looked at the image, the consequences clear. She had to know the true Travis Blackwood story before it was too late.