The mention of Blackwood's name sent a surge of surprise through Selene, still groggy from sleep. "Yes, this is Selene Hart. How can I help you?" she responded, sitting up straighter, her mind racing.
"I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Blackwood," Elena continued, her tone formal yet urgent. "He would like to extend an invitation for you to meet with him this morning regarding a potential opportunity. He believes there was a misunderstanding last night and wishes to discuss a proposal that could be mutually beneficial."
Selene's confusion deepened. After the way their encounter had ended, she had assumed that any bridge there might have been was thoroughly burned. "This morning? I have other appointments planned... Can it wait until tomorrow?" she asked, hoping to gain some time to prepare—not just her schedule but mentally, for whatever this unexpected turn might entail.
Elena's reply came with a gentle yet firm insistence, "Mr. Blackwood emphasized the importance of meeting today. He assured it would not take long and it could be significantly advantageous for you."
Feeling a mix of curiosity and irritation, Selene sighed. It seemed her day was about to take an unexpected direction. "Alright," she relented, "I can rearrange my schedule. What time does he expect me?"
"If you could be here by 11 AM, that would be ideal. Mr. Blackwood will make himself available to suit your arrival," Elena responded.
"Fine, I'll be there," Selene hung up, her thoughts a whirlwind as she prepared for the meeting. Despite her reluctance, the possibility that this could somehow help her dire financial situation nudged her forward. After a quick shower and dressing in her most business-like attire, Selene set out for Blackwood Tower, her mind abuzz with speculation.
As she entered the sleek lobby of the Blackwood corporate headquarters, she couldn't help but feel out of place amidst its modern architecture. Guided swiftly up to a spacious office suite, she was greeted by a woman, who offered her a polite smile and a cup of coffee.
"Mr. Blackwood will be with you shortly. Please, make yourself comfortable," The woman said, gesturing to a plush seating area.
The office was impressive, the walls lined with awards and recognitions, the furniture expensive and tasteful. Selene took a seat, her nerves slightly calmed by the serene view of the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She sipped her coffee, trying to steel herself for whatever was to come.
Soon, the door opened and Adrian Blackwood entered. "Ms. Hart, thank you for coming on such short notice," he began, extending his hand in greeting. Selene froze. Seeing him in person in broad daylight made the previous night's encounter even more surreal. Her gaze was stuck on the man's flawless face, which seemed almost chiseled from stone yet softened by the warmest of smiles that did not quite reach his eyes. His presence was undeniably intimidating yet magnetically appealing, which added a layer of complexity to her already mixed emotions.
"Mr. Blackwood," Selene managed to say, recovering her composure as she took his hand. His grip was firm, confident, and reassuring in a way that slightly eased her tension.
Adrian gestured for her to sit, and he took the seat opposite her. The light from the office windows highlighted the contours of his high cheekbones and the blue in his eyes as he prepared to speak. "I will cut to the chase, Miss Selene. I have a proposal for you. A mutually beneficial one."
"A proposal?" Selene mumbled in confusion.
"Yes. Marry me." Came the blunt response sending her further reeling in shock.
Selene stared at Adrian, completely taken aback by the abruptness and audacity of his proposal. Her mind scrambled to process the words, and for a moment, the room seemed to spin as it had the previous night. "Marry you?" she echoed, her voice a mix of disbelief and incredulity. "What are you talking about?"
Adrian's expression remained calm, his gaze steady. "I understand this must sound rather forward, if not outrageous," he admitted. "But allow me to explain. This isn't a romantic proposition but a strategic one. My intentions are purely professional and beneficial for both parties involved."
He leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the table. "Bring in the contract."
Almost immediately the door opened and a tall elegant woman waltzed in. She was so beautiful that she could put many models to shame. She approached them with a slim leather-bound folder. She set it down in front of Adrian, offering a slight nod to both before stepping back discreetly. Adrian opened the folder, revealing several documents neatly arranged inside.
"Here's the contract outlining the terms of our proposed marriage," Adrian explained as he slid the folder across the table towards Selene. "Before you react, let me clarify. Our marriage would be in name and contract only, designed to protect and leverage our mutual interests."
Selene, still trying to anchor herself in the reality of the proposal, cautiously opened the folder. The documents were meticulously organized, with terms and conditions laid out in precise, legal language. Adrian continued, "You are in need of substantial financial resources to save your estate, which I am prepared to provide. In return, I require a partnership that extends my influence and credibility in certain social and business circles where your family name holds significant prestige."
He paused, allowing her to absorb the information. "This arrangement would be temporary—five years—at the end of which you would retain full ownership of your estate, free of any encumbrance or debt, and a substantial divorce settlement that would leave you financially independent."