Page 27 of Knocked Up by My Fake Fiancé
"I mean, what happens at the end? I'm not actually marrying you, if that's what you think."
"Oh, no. At the end of six months, we'll have a disagreement and split up. One of those things. Very sad. Somehow, I'll just have to get over you."
"So then won't your father give the CEO role to your brother anyway?"
"No. He knows I'm the better choice, and as long as he thinks I'm genuinely trying to find a wife, he'll be satisfied. Besides, the board have to appoint someone within the next five months. It's in the regulations. By that time I'll already have been appointed and kicking me out would look really bad for the company, so they won't do that."
She mulls it over, eyes unfocused as she weighs the options.
"If I say yes," she asks, "you'll pay back all the costs we've accrued for you so far—no arguments?"
I can practically see the math scrolling through her head. A million dollars isn't much to me, but for someone like Jenna it'sa life-changer. Another few tens of thousands either way makes no difference to me, so if it sweetens the deal…
"All right. I'll agree to that. But in return, you'll have to come and live with me—and you start straight away."
Her expression tightens, eyes narrowing. "What do you mean I have to live with you? Are you trying to turn me into some kind of prost?—"
"No, no, of course not. Nothing like that. Our relationship would be purely platonic. But as my fiancée, my family will expect you to live with me. You'll have your own room, obviously. It only needs to look like we're a couple—but it does need to look real."
"Oh. Okay… yeah, I think I get it."
She stands there thinking, one hip cocked, lips pressed together. I can see temptation flickering in her eyes. How strong is it? Strong enough to do this? She needs the money—that much is clear. Something about the way she's chased those expenses tells me she can't afford to refuse. Still, it's an unusual request.
She looks so serious, her posture firm and deliberate. Good enough to eat. No. I mustn't think that way anymore. This is business now.
Finally, she looks up, a slow, deliberate smile curving her lips.
"Where do I sign?"
CHAPTER 9
Jenna
Idon't know who's more shocked by my answer—Grayson, or me.
One million. That's six zeroes. A whole stack. A million fucking dollars. I've only ever dreamed of that sort of money, and now it's mine… or it will be in six months.
I'd agree to do a lot of things for that kind of money, because I know exactly how much it could transform my business. I could hire more staff, boost marketing, take on bigger projects. With that kind of backing, I could finally position myself as an industry leader.
Yeah, a million dollars will change my life.
Still, I force my pulse to steady. Keeping a cool head is rule one in negotiation, and this bastard already proved he can't be trusted. There's no way this comes without fine print. He'll try something the second I turn my back, so I need to stay sharp.
And if he plans to play me, fine. I'll make damn sure I'm the one milking this situation dry.
"I assume we're going to put everything in writing?"
"Of course."
"And it'll only last six months?"
"Yes. Perhaps even less—it depends on how stubborn my father decides to be."
The whole not-making-your-son-CEO-because-he's-not-married thing baffles me. I've met plenty of eccentric rich people—worked for some, too—but this is next-level absurd. Usually, it's women forced into those ridiculous ‘arrangements,' not men. In a weird way, it's almost refreshing to see the boot on the other foot. Either way, I'm not wasting a tear on Grayson Wolfe. He deserves every bit of chaos coming his way.
"There's one other thing I want to seal the deal," I say.
"Something more than a million dollars?"
