1 Chapter 1: Bargaining

A great speech was spoken by none other than the man of the night, Adam Stone. He was the highest fundriser at the charity ball. After all, the man was title as the richest man in the country not for nothing. Everyone loved seeking his support, gaining his support meant that their chances of success would be higher. Once he stepped down from the stage, everyone rushed to him, showering him with compliments while he remaining cold and distant. They were like dogs trying to lick their master's shoes in order to get their favorite bone.

Diana sipped her champagne; a bit amused by the sight. But this was certainly nothing new for her. People would always be drawn to him, whether it was because of his notable good looks, commanding presence, or money; it had the same effect.

Diana looked up to see him coming towards her in confident and calm steps after dealing with the crowd. His black tuxedo fitted his body perfectly which designed specifically for him by the best designer in the country. He was tall, around six feet two inches; she had to look up to meet his eyes despite wearing heels. His face was blank, yet it still made him look flawless and handsome with that angular jaw and full lips that rarely smiled. His jet-black hair was neatly pulled back in a slick-back style, and his dark blue eyes that can make anyone do his demands.

"Have you made up your mind, yet?" he asked once he stopped in front of her.

She played with her glass for a few seconds. "I still don't think it's a good idea."

He regarded her calmly. "Have a diner with me and we can talk everything there."

When she came to the fundraiser, she was just being a representative of her father's company as one of the fundrisers, but Adam Stone came out of nowhere and offered his hands in marriage to her surprise. A few hours later, the man expecting her to already have her answer, like marriage was just a business deal.

Diana sighed. "You are quite the persistent one, aren't you?"

The tip of his mouth lift a little, "I wouldn't be here today if I'm not like that."

"So, I've heard." She looked at him, she must admit his persistence earned him a plus point, and she did curious about his thoughts. "Let's go then."

He nodded, and then he led her toward the exit. As they walking together, she could feel everyone eyeing them. She mentally sighed; associating herself with him would make her the center of attention which she didn't particularly enjoy. Hopefully, this was just a one-time thing that would end tonight.

…

"How come you insist?" Diana asked when the expensive menus had already been served to them. He brought her to one of his famous and luxurious restaurants that could hardly be reserved as this restaurant was famous for only serving big names. But today, no one was around except the servants and themselves, not a difficult arrangement for Adam Stone, the owner himself.

"You are the perfect candidate for me," he answered casually before taking a sip of his wine.

"You want me to be your wife. I find it hard to believe. I'm sure there are plenty of women who are very eager and will like to be your wife. You should have asked them, not me."

"Yes, but I don't need them. I need you." He looked her in the eyes with those blue gaze intensity that hard to not succumb to his demand.

"Then tell me why I should accept this... proposal of yours."

He leaning his back on his chair, his gaze entirely focus on her yet the way he carries himself dominating the room, fully showing his ownership of this extravaganza place. "Do you hate me, Diana?"

She frowned at his sudden question, his stoic face didn't show anything.

"No." He had never caused anything to harm her that could trigger such a strong emotion as hatred.

"Do you care for me?"

What was he trying to do? She considered slicing his head open to see what was going on his mind, so unreadable.

"No." He might be in her life since they were in high school, but they were never friends. He was just someone who happened to be in the same social circle as her due to the fact that both of their parents were business partners. More than that, they liked to avoid each other's lives. So, caring for him was certainly something that she never felt for him either. Like he could die tomorrow and she wouldn't bat a tear for him.

"Then, are you in love with me?"

"Of course not," she snorted.

He chuckled and seemed satisfied with her answers. "Those are the very reasons why you are perfect for me, Diana."

She looked at him with confusion. "I'm sorry, but… I don't understand what you mean."

"You felt nothing for me. That's what I need in a wife."

What?

She looked at him as if he had just grown two heads. "Don't you want to marry someone you love? A loving wife?"

His eyes suddenly turned darker; she could even feel its coldness.

"Love is overrated. That sentiment is not for me."

A heart of stone. Do she want to marry someone like him? Diana thought quietly. One of the many reasons he was dangerous was that he didn't believe in love, which made it even more difficult for her to accept his offer.

She knew the answer. She did not want to marry him.

"It sees that we don't share the same sentiment. I'm sorry, Adam, but I must refuse you. For me, marriage is crucial and cannot be treated like a business."

"How about your father?"

"Pardon?"

"I'm familiar with your father. He had refused many suitors that had been asking for your hands in marriage. I believe you know the reasons." He looked at her with calculating gaze.

Adam wasn't wrong, her father did refuse some men who had offered their hands for her. Her father won't accept someone who is below him. For that matter, she knew her father's thirst for power. He would only accept someone above him, that kind of person hardly exists as he is already wealthier than most men, except, of course, for this man in front of her now, Adam Stone.

His father would never refuse him.

She almost cursed, but she held her tongue, keeping her gaze on his blue eyes. This man came prepared.

"Someone did his homework well."

His plump lips curled a little. He certainly knew what he was doing.

"Two years. That's what I need, after that, we could go our separate ways."

She kept her silent.

"Think about this as a good opportunity for you too, Diana. By marrying me, wouldn't it please your father? "After we split up, you can marry whoever you want; your father will have no reason to refuse them."

He knew that her father wanted someone like him to be his son in-law. "If you accept this, I will help your father's business greatly. I promise you that."

He knew her soft spot, and that's why he played his cards very well. No wonder he managed to dominate the business world. He was a master negotiator; his opponents always yielded to his demands. Trapping her like this, what a clever man.

"I'll think about it." she responded. She noticed his satisfying smirk, a smile that came from knowing he had won a round.

Yes, he had completely baited her with his words.