3 : A Proposal As A Pretext -

"To the pretext," he replied, already wondering how he would convince her to stay when the twenty-four months were up.

Elena looked at the ring, then up at him. The logic was cold, efficient, and utterly ruthless—exactly like the man standing before her. "A pretext," she whispered, testing the weight of the word. "Purely," Julian lied. 3 : A Proposal as a Pretext

"A small price for a billion-dollar empire," Julian said, offering his hand to help her up. "To the pretext," he replied, already wondering how

Elena arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow. "I’m listening." "A pretext," she whispered, testing the weight of the word

Julian stood, walking slowly around the desk until he was inches from her. He didn't offer a handshake. Instead, he reached into his pocket and placed a velvet box on top of the legal documents. He flicked it open. A four-carat emerald shimmered under the chandelier. Elena didn't gasp. She went still. "What is this?" "A proposal," Julian replied. "This is a business meeting, Julian. Don't be absurd."

Julian leaned back, the amber liquid in his glass catching the dim light. He wasn't looking at the merger papers. He was looking at the way Elena’s jaw tightened when she was bluffing.

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.