The next morning, Chloe woke later than usual, the events of the previous night still weighing on her. She was sipping coffee in the kitchen when Mrs. Hargrove entered with an envelope in hand.
"This arrived for you, Mrs. Kane," the housekeeper said, placing it on the counter.
"For me?" Chloe asked, frowning.
Mrs. Hargrove nodded. "From Mr. Wentworth's office."
Chloe's stomach twisted as she tore open the envelope. Inside was a handwritten note in elegant script:
Mrs. Kane,
It was a pleasure meeting you. Your poise and charm were refreshing, a rare quality in these circles. Rest assured, I've decided to move forward with the partnership. You've convinced me that KaneTech is in good hands—with both of you.
Warm regards,
Charles Wentworth
She stared at the note, a mix of relief and irritation flooding her. The meeting had worked, but the idea that she'd been judged like some prize cow still made her blood boil.
Sebastian walked into the kitchen moments later, his usual polished appearance marred only by the slight looseness of his tie. His eyes immediately fell on the note in her hands.
"What's that?"
She held it up. "A thank-you note from Wentworth. Apparently, my 'poise and charm' saved your deal."
He took the note, scanning it quickly before nodding. "Good."
"That's it? Just 'good'?" she asked, her irritation bubbling over. "I go out there, play the perfect wife, and all I get is a one-word acknowledgment?"
Sebastian sighed, setting the note down. "What do you want, Chloe? A parade?"
"No," she snapped, standing up. "But a little gratitude wouldn't kill you. You keep throwing me into these situations without a second thought, like I'm just another piece on your chessboard."
"You agreed to this arrangement," he reminded her, his tone cool.
"Yes, and I'm starting to regret it," she shot back.
Their argument was cut short by the shrill ring of Sebastian's phone. He pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen before answering.
"Kane," he said tersely.
Chloe watched as his expression shifted from irritation to something colder.
"When?" he asked. A pause. "I'll handle it."
He ended the call, shoving the phone back into his pocket.
"Problem?" Chloe asked, her anger momentarily replaced by curiosity.
"Not your concern," he said, moving toward the door.
"Typical," she muttered.
Sebastian stopped, turning back to her. "I need you to come with me."
She blinked. "Excuse me?"
"We have another problem," he said. "And this time, it's not optional."
---
An hour later, Chloe found herself in a sleek conference room at KaneTech's headquarters, surrounded by men and women in sharp suits. The tension in the room was palpable, and Sebastian was in the center of it, his usual icy demeanor on full display.
"What's going on?" Chloe whispered to him as they took their seats.
"One of the board members is attempting a hostile takeover," he replied quietly. "They've called this emergency meeting to question my leadership—and, by extension, our marriage."
"Great," Chloe muttered. "Another round of 'prove you're not a fraud.'"
Sebastian didn't respond, his attention shifting to the man who stood at the head of the table.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the man began, his voice smooth and confident. "As you're all aware, KaneTech has seen unprecedented growth under Sebastian's leadership. However, recent… personal decisions have raised concerns about the company's stability."
Chloe bristled, recognizing the thinly veiled jab at their marriage.
"I've called this meeting to ensure the board remains confident in our leadership," the man continued, his gaze landing on Chloe. "Mrs. Kane, as you are now a public figure tied to this company, perhaps you can shed some light on how your presence has benefited us."
Chloe felt every eye in the room turn toward her. Her heart raced, but she forced herself to stay calm.
"I don't claim to be a business expert," she said, her voice steady. "But I do know that stability comes from trust. And if there's one thing I've learned about Sebastian, it's that he doesn't do anything without a plan. If you doubt him, you're underestimating the very reason this company has thrived."
The room fell silent. Even Sebastian looked slightly surprised.
The man smirked. "A compelling speech, Mrs. Kane. But words are just that—words."
"Then let me show you results," Sebastian cut in, his voice sharp. "The merger with Wentworth Industries is moving forward, thanks in no small part to my wife. If anyone here doubts her role in securing that deal, feel free to review the terms."
The man's smirk faltered, and murmurs spread through the room.
Sebastian stood, his presence commanding. "KaneTech has always been my priority, and it will remain so. Anyone who questions that is welcome to resign."
The tension was palpable as Sebastian's gaze swept the room. One by one, the board members nodded in agreement, and the man at the head of the table sat down, his challenge effectively neutralized.
---
Aftermath
As they left the building, Chloe let out a long breath. "Do you always have to deal with this much drama?"
Sebastian smirked. "Welcome to my world."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You owe me, Kane. Big time."
He glanced at her, his expression softening. "Dinner. Tonight. My treat."
"Is that your way of saying thank you?" she teased.
"It's a start," he said, leading her to the car.
Chloe climbed in, wondering how she'd managed to survive another day in Sebastian Kane's whirlwind life—and what new chaos tomorrow might bring.
---