“But if you lose, not only must your new company be handed over without compensation, but the original shares of the Hernandez family must also be sold to me at half their market value.”
Michael’s brows knit slightly. Losing meant total collapse.>
“What are we betting on?“>
“We’ll bet on this year’s profits. Whoever earns more, wins.”}
His shoulders relaxed a little. “Then draft the agreement. Let’s sign it now.”
He smiled, self–assured.
I looked at him wordlessly and signed the papers.
We both knew his company, built on imitation and price–cutting, naturally had the upper hand.}
Especially since he was snatching up my tech talent like it cost nothing.
Even if both of us bled by the end of this, he’d still be the one left standing.”
But was that really the case?}
As the deadline neared, both companies released their financial reports, and mine fell far behind his.
My assistant panicked. “Their numbers are obviously fake, President Davis! We could forge ours, too. Just this once, to beat someone like him!”
“If we fake it, our stock price will inflate too. Then we’d either have to keep lying to maintain that illusion, or the moment the truth breaks, the investors who bought in at the top will be the ones to suffer.”
I shook my head. “No matter the result, that’s something I will never allow.“}
The assistant pressed her lips into a thin line.
“Then, do you really plan to marry him if we lose?“>
“Of course not.”
“But if we do…”
I fell silent.@
That night, Michael came to see me in person.
He looked radiant, far more spirited than the last time we met.”
“I’m here to offer you an out,” he said with a calm, confident smile.
“If you admit defeat now, we’ll pretend this bet never happened. Otherwise, once you lose to me and lose your footing, your reputation in the startup world will be in ruins. It’s better if you marry me willingly. That way, public opinion will be on your side.“}
My eyes swept over the hickey on his neck.
He followed my gaze and quickly rubbed at the lipstick mark.}
“Too many social events. Too many scheming women. Don’t worry, I pushed her away.“>
“Emily?”
He froze for a beat, his gaze shifting.”
“I told you, I already sent her away.“}
I gave a cold smile. “Who says sending her away means it’s over?“}
In our past life, he had also “sent Emily away.“}
But long after our marriage, even up to my death, I had no idea he’d quietly funneled massive marital assets into her hands.
“I have emotional boundaries, Michael. I won’t marry you.”
He let out a low sigh and shook his head.}
“Abigail, you’re far too naïve. Being forced to marry me after losing and choosing to marry me willingly, those are two very different things.”
“That’s none of your concern, Mr. Hernandez.“}
My assistant, Harper, clearly upset, stood up and gestured politely toward the door.”
“Please leave.”
Michael turned his gaze to me.}
I didn’t look back.
“Abigail, I’ll wait for you.“}
Leaving behind that heavy remark, he finally turned and walked out.”
After the door closed, Harper hesitated before speaking.
“President Davis, did I mess up?“!
“Hmm?”
“I mean, I saw how smug he looked, so I told him to leave. Should I not have done that?”
“You did great.“}
She let out a breath of relief. But the worry in her eyes quickly returned.
“Still, if we really lose, President Davis, what will you do?”
