The next morning, Adrian's father called for a private dinner.
Clara was there.
Of course she was.
The table felt like negotiation, not family.
Mr. Knight spoke smoothly.
"Our international expansion requires stronger ties."
Clara sat poised.
"I've recently acquired majority shares in EastBridge Holdings," she said calmly. "A merger would secure Asia."
Adrian didn't react.
"And what exactly are you proposing?" he asked.
Clara's gaze flickered toward me briefly.
"Alignment."
His father added, "A public engagement between you two would solidify investor confidence."
My chest tightened.
Engagement.
Again.
But this time it wasn't romance.
It was politics.
Adrian stood.
"I will not marry for strategy."
His father's expression hardened.
"You're thinking emotionally."
"No," Adrian replied. "I'm thinking independently."
Clara didn't look offended.
She looked… curious.
As if studying how far he would go.
Should Adrian fake an engagement to gain advantage… or refuse completely?
Comment: FAKE IT or REFUSE.