"Where is my grandfather?" Christian asked curtly.
"In the drawing room, sir. With Mr. Luke."
Christian gave a brief nod and proceeded down the corridor.
In the drawing room, Leonard Knight sat opposite his son, Luke, both men sipping espresso and discussing forthcoming acquisitions. The air was calm-almost deliberately so.
Christian entered without ceremony.
"Grandpa, may I ask why I have just learned of an engagement I never agreed to?"
Luke's head lifted sharply. Leonard, however, merely placed his cup upon its saucer.
"I assumed you would appreciate decisiveness," he replied mildly.
"Decisiveness?" Christian let out a humourless laugh. "You have arranged my marriage without so much as consulting me."
His gaze flickered towards his father.
"Surely this concerns my life as much as the company's."
Luke shifted uncomfortably but remained silent.
Leonard regarded his grandson steadily.
"If you intend to take the position of CEO of Knight Group, you will marry the young lady I have selected. If you do not, the position shall pass to Jake. He has expressed both readiness and enthusiasm."
Christian's composure fractured.
"I have devoted years to getting that role," he said tightly. "You cannot attach marriage as a condition of employment."
"I can," Leonard replied evenly. "And I have."
Christian exhaled sharply. "I am already in a relationship. You met Lia yourself."
"I did," Leonard said. "And I was not impressed."
A brief silence settled over the room.
"The woman I have chosen for you," Leo continued, "is accomplished, well-educated, and from a respectable family. She possesses qualities that endure beyond charm and flattery."
Christian's voice hardened. "And if I refuse?"
Leonard folded his hands. "Then you forfeit the company, the estate, and any claim to the Knight legacy. You will have two hours to gather your personal belongings. Nothing more."
Luke rose from his seat. "Father-"
"The decision is made," Leonard said calmly.
Christian stared at his grandfather, disbelief giving way to wounded pride.
"So that is it? Years of hard work reduced to a transaction."
"No," Leonard corrected. "Years of preparation culminating in responsibility."
Christian straightened.
"Very well. If I must choose between your empire and the woman I love, I choose Lia. I shall build something of my own."
Leonard studied him for a moment, something unreadable passing through his eyes.
"I wish you every success," he said. "You have two hours."
And with that, he left the room.
Christian stood motionless, staring at the doorway long after his grandfather had disappeared.
The man who had mentored him since childhood had just cast him aside for a woman he had met during a recent visit to India.
A flicker of anger returned. Without another word, Christian turned, swept a decanter from the bar, and left the estate exactly two hours later.
***
Three Hours Later – Lia's Penthouse
"You did what?" Lia's voice rose despite her attempt to remain composed. "You left everything?"
Christian removed his jacket and draped it over a chair.
"I won't be coerced into marriage," he said quietly. "Not even for the company."
Lia stared at him.
'If that coffin dodger forfeits the company, everything changes. The penthouses. The lifestyle. The security. I can not afford to lose any of this. Christian has to go back!' She forced a concerned expression.
"Oh, Chris... you shouldn't have done that for me."
"I did it because I love you," he replied. "I'll build my own firm. It will take time, but I'm capable."
She stepped closer.
"I know you are. But why sacrifice what you've worked towards for years? I can't let you sacrifice everything for me!"
He looked at her searchingly. "What alternative do I have? Return and marry that Indian bitch?"
Silence lingered.
Then, slowly, Lia's expression shifted.
"There may be another option," she said thoughtfully.
Christian arched a brow. "Go on."
"You marry her," Lia said carefully. "But only in name. A private agreement. A contract. Once you secure the position of CEO, you dissolve it."
Christian stared at her.
"You're suggesting a sham marriage."
"A strategic one," she corrected smoothly. "No one needs to know the details. Your grandfather receives the alliance he desires. You receive the company. And when the time is right... You end it."
"And if he discovers it?"
"He won't," Lia replied, her tone confident. "Provided discretion is maintained."
Christian considered the proposal, tension visible in his posture.
"I resent the very idea," he muttered. "Being manoeuvred like a chess piece."
Lia reached for his hand.
"Then ensure you are the one making the moves."
Christian fell silent, unaware that in attempting to regain control, he might already have surrendered it.
"Fuck, I already hate her so much. She is pushing me to do things I never wanted to do!!"
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