THIRD PERSON POV
The boardroom was silent except for the faint hum of the city below. The city light spilled through the glass walls, glinting off the edges of the long mahogany table where two men sat facing each other — one composed, one desperate.
Alexander Voss leaned back in his chair, calm, unhurried, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. Across from him, Richard Stone adjusted his cufflinks for the third time in five minutes. The air between them was heavy, thick with the scent of polished wood and unspoken agendas.
"I appreciate your… cooperation, Mr. Voss," Richard began, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "This alliance will be beneficial for both our families. The merger of Voss Enterprises and Stone Corporation will—"
Alexander cut him off with a faint raise of his hand. "Let's not pretend this is a merger, Mr. Stone." His voice was low, smooth, edged like a blade. "Your company is drowning. I'm simply offering a lifeline."
The older man stiffened. "We both know my company still has influence."
A faint smile curved Alexander's lips. "Influence?" He leaned forward, eyes locking onto Richard's with icy precision. "Influence doesn't pay debts. Nor does it save reputations." He tapped the document between them — the Voss–Stone Alliance Contract. "What you need is stability. And I'm giving you that. In exchange, I get your daughter."
The silence that followed was suffocating. The ticking clock in the corner sounded louder than usual.
Richard's jaw tightened. "You speak as though this marriage is a transaction."
Alexander's expression didn't waver. "It is."
For a moment, something flickered in Richard's eyes — guilt, pride, maybe both. But Alexander didn't care to find out. He'd learned long ago that men like Richard Stone always thought they were the puppeteers, never realizing how easily their strings could be pulled.
A knock at the door broke the tension. Alexander's secretary stepped in, elegant and efficient. "Sir, the press statement draft is ready for your approval."
"Leave it on the desk," he said, not looking away from Richard. The door closed again with a soft click.
Richard exhaled, forcing another strained smile. "Well, as long as we understand each other. I'll have Amara ready for the engagement announcement by next week."
Alexander nodded once. "Good. I like efficiency."
He waited until Richard rose to leave before he spoke again, his voice almost casual. "You've done well to secure your family's future, Mr. Stone. Just remember—every choice has a cost."
Richard paused at the door, but didn't turn around. "I know what I'm doing, Voss."
Alexander's smirk deepened. "I'm sure you think you do."
When the door closed, the mask fell. The smile vanished, replaced by something darker. He reached for the contract, flipping it open again — his name beside hers.
Amara Stone.
He ran a thumb over the signature line, a quiet storm brewing in his eyes.
The girl from last night. The one who vanished before dawn.
Fate was funny that way. Or maybe it wasn't fate at all. Maybe it was the universe finally tipping the scales in his favor.
He rose from his seat, crossing to the window. Below, the city stretched wide — ruthless, beautiful, and entirely his.
Soon, she would be too.
He whispered under his breath, voice cold and deliberate.
"You don't know it yet, Amara… but you're already mine."
The city was quiet by the time Alexander returned home.
His mansion sat on the hill like a fortress, glass, steel, and silence. Inside, the lights were low, the air cool, expensive.
He loosened his tie, walked straight to the mini-bar, and poured himself a drink. The bitter taste hit first, then the weight of the day followed.
A voice came from the staircase.
"So Ryan told me," it said, casual but edged.
Alexander turned. His younger brother, Lucas Voss, leaned against the rail, arms folded. Dressed in black, he looked like the quieter mirror of Alexander—same eyes, same cold sharpness, but softer where Alexander was steel.
"You're really doing this?" Lucas asked, stepping closer. "Marrying her? Forming a deal with him?"
Alexander's jaw flexed. "It's business, Lucas."
Lucas let out a dry laugh. "Business? Since when do you sign marriage contracts for business?"
Alexander met his gaze without flinching. "Since the Stones learned what it feels like to lose control."
Lucas frowned. "You think punishing the daughter fixes what her father did?"
There was silence. Heavy. Thick with things unsaid.
Finally, Alexander set the glass down. "It's not about her. She's just part of the price."
Lucas studied him, eyes narrowing. "You keep saying that like you believe it."
Alexander didn't respond. He only turned toward the wide window, looking out at the sprawling city below, lights flickering like dying embers.
"She'll move into the estate soon," he said quietly. "And tomorrow, the press will know."
"And about the deal you made with her father?" Lucas asked him
"There" Alexander nodded to his suitcase
The silence stretched as Lucas flipped open the thick folder again. The golden emblem of Voss Enterprises gleamed at the top "Integrity. Power. Legacy."
Underneath it, bold and cold, were the words:
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AGREEMENT
Between VOSS ENTERPRISES and STONE CORPORATION
He scanned the clauses, every word was crafted with precision — Alexander's precision.
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Key Clauses:
Clause 1 – Asset Integration:
Stone Corporation will transfer 45% of its shares to Voss Enterprises for management restructuring. Voss Enterprises retains full decision-making authority during the five-year merger period.
Clause 2 – Debt Clearance:
Voss Enterprises will settle all outstanding debts owed by Stone Corporation to its investors and stakeholders. In exchange, Stone Corporation forfeits independent operational rights until the debt is cleared.
Clause 3 – Public Image & Merger Announcement:
Both parties will present this alliance as a mutual merger to the public. Any internal conflicts, past legal issues, or financial instability must remain confidential. Violation results in breach penalties.
Clause 4 – Personal Alliance Clause:
The marriage between Amara Stone (daughter of Richard Stone) and Alexander Voss (CEO of Voss Enterprises) will serve as a public reinforcement of this alliance. The marital union will symbolize the merging of both families, binding the corporations for a minimum of five years.
Clause 5 – Termination Terms:
Should the marriage dissolve within the stated period without cause acknowledged by both parties, Stone Corporation will lose all stake rights and privileges under this contract.
Clause 6 – Authority & Representation:
During the alliance, all board decisions, press releases, and strategic projects will require Alexander Voss's final approval.
Lucas eyes lingered on Clause 4. The marriage clause.
He could almost see Richard Stone's trembling hand signing beneath it, blinded by desperation.
He closed the folder with quiet finality, a faint sigh left his lips.
"Desperation makes men predictable," he murmured to himself.