Season 2 — Chapter 7: The Offer He Couldn't Refuse
The next morning felt different.
Heavier.
Like something unseen was closing in.
Lina woke early again.
But this time, she didn't feel calm.
She felt restless.
Uneasy.
She walked downstairs slowly.
Adrian was already there, speaking on the phone.
His expression was cold.
"I'll handle it."
He ended the call.
When he saw Lina, his tone softened.
"You're up."
She nodded.
"You didn't sleep much, did you?"
He gave a faint smile.
"Neither did you."
She didn't deny it.
Because it was true.
—
Breakfast was quiet.
Too quiet.
Lina stirred her coffee absentmindedly.
"Adrian…"
He looked up.
"Yes?"
"What if Marcus… goes public?"
His expression darkened slightly.
"He won't."
She frowned.
"How are you so sure?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Because the truth was—
He wasn't sure.
"I won't let him."
She sighed softly.
"You keep saying that…"
Her voice wasn't accusing.
Just tired.
Adrian looked at her carefully.
"I mean it."
She nodded slowly.
"I know."
But the worry didn't leave her eyes.
—
Just then—
Lucas entered.
"Boss."
Adrian stood.
"What is it?"
Lucas handed him a tablet.
"You need to see this."
Adrian frowned.
"What is it?"
Lucas's expression was serious.
"Marcus made an announcement."
Lina's heart skipped.
"What kind of announcement?"
Adrian looked at the screen.
His eyes darkened instantly.
"What did he do?"
Lina asked anxiously.
Adrian turned the tablet toward her.
On the screen—
A news headline.
"Blake Group Acquires Major Stake in Harrison Corp — Merger Talks Expected"
Lina froze.
"Merger…?"
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"He's forcing it."
Lucas nodded.
"He's calling for a board meeting."
Adrian's eyes turned cold.
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
Silence fell.
Lina felt uneasy.
"So… what does that mean?"
Adrian answered calmly—
"It means… he wants control."
Her chest tightened.
"And if you refuse?"
Adrian looked at her.
"Then he'll use other methods."
She understood immediately.
Her face paled slightly.
"The baby…"
Adrian didn't deny it.
Silence filled the room again.
—
Later that afternoon…
Adrian stood in his study alone.
Looking at the city.
Thinking.
For the first time—
He felt trapped.
Because Marcus wasn't attacking directly.
He was playing smart.
Slow.
Precise.
A knock came.
"Come in."
Lina entered quietly.
She walked toward him.
"Have you decided?"
He didn't turn.
"Not yet."
She stood beside him.
"If he exposes everything…"
Her voice trembled slightly.
Adrian turned to her.
"I won't let that happen."
She looked at him.
"But what if you can't stop him?"
Silence.
Then—
She said something unexpected.
"Then accept the deal."
Adrian froze.
"What?"
She looked at him seriously.
"If that protects everything…"
His expression hardened.
"No."
"Adrian—"
"I said no."
His voice turned firm.
"I won't give him anything."
She stepped closer.
"This isn't just about business anymore!"
His eyes darkened.
"I know."
"Then think about it!"
She raised her voice slightly.
"If he destroys everything—"
"I don't care about the company!"
He cut her off.
She froze.
His voice softened slightly.
"I care about you."
Her heart stopped.
Silence filled the room.
She looked at him.
Speechless.
Adrian stepped closer.
"I lost too much already."
His voice was low.
"I won't lose you too."
Her eyes trembled.
"Adrian…"
But before she could say anything—
Her phone rang.
Both of them looked at it.
Unknown number.
Her heart skipped.
She answered.
"Hello?"
Marcus's voice came calmly.
"Lina."
Her expression hardened.
"What do you want?"
Marcus chuckled.
"I think it's time we talk again."
Her fingers tightened.
"I already said no."
Marcus's tone didn't change.
"This time… it's different."
Adrian's eyes darkened.
He stepped closer.
Listening.
Marcus continued—
"I'm sending you something."
Her phone buzzed.
A message.
She opened it.
Her eyes widened.
"What…"
Adrian took the phone.
His expression turned ice-cold.
On the screen—
A hospital report.
And a photo.
Lina… lying unconscious.
Blood everywhere.
And another image—
Her medical report.
Pregnancy.
Loss.
Her hands started shaking.
Marcus's voice came again—
"Now… tell Adrian…"
His tone turned cold.
"Does he still want to refuse?"
The call ended.
Silence.
Heavy.
Crushing.
Lina's breathing became uneven.
"He… he's going to expose it…"
Adrian clenched his fists.
His eyes filled with rage.
"I'll kill him…"
His voice was dangerously low.
Lina grabbed his arm.
"No!"
He looked at her.
She shook her head.
"Don't…"
Her voice trembled.
"This is what he wants."
Adrian stayed silent.
But his anger didn't fade.
Instead—
It grew stronger.
And now—
The game had changed.
Because Marcus didn't just threaten anymore—
He made his move.
And this time—
It was personal.