His Dangerous Love On Ice (Olivia and Zane) novel Chapter 131

Zane’s POV

“My wife told me,” Grayson explained calmly. “About you owning an underground racing operation. Which I promise to keep secret. But only if you agree to become the Chief Executive Officer of Hopkins Enterprise.”

The words hung in the air like a bomb waiting to detonate.

I stared at him, genuinely stunned for the first time in years.

Shocked at his offer because I never would’ve expected a man who wanted nothing to do with my family to decide to hand me control of his company just like that.

But my face remained expressionless. I’d learned long ago never to show surprise.

You’re offering me your company,” I said slowly, “while simultaneously threatening me with information about my racing club. I could make you not speak about it if I wanted to.”

Grayson’s eyes flared, his face instantly turning icy.

“And she will hate you forever,” he said quietly. “You become CEO until I’m able to pay you back for the company.”

I’m not interested in your company,” I said flatly.

“I don’t care if you’re interested,” Grayson replied, and there was finality in his voice. “You become CEO. You can choose to remain in the shadows while I work with the board members. But I get final approval on major decisions. I want your input. Your strategic mind. Your protection.”

He looked so serious. Like he’d thoroughly thought this through and wasn’t going to back down.

“And why would you want me to become the CEO of your company?” I asked.

“Are you concerned my pockets are dry?” I added with a slight smirk. “A billion dollars is nothing to me. And I wouldn’t make the world know I saved your ass.”

I thought my words would be enough to make him reverse this insane idea.

But Grayson just stared at me, unwavering.

I glanced down at the documents, briefly scanning through the proposal.

‘CEO Appointment Agreement – Confidential Appointee: Zane Mercer Term: Until full reimbursement of acquisition costs Authority: Full executive decision-making power Public Status: Anonymous/Undisclosed

“Because I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future,” Grasson said quietly, pulling my attention back to him. “And I need to be sure that if anything happens to me, my company stays in safe hands.”

There was something in his voice now. Something that sounded almost like… fear.

“What do you mean?” I asked, my eyes narrowing.

Grayson leaned back in his chair, suddenly looking older. Tired,

“Whoever tried to buy my company before you did-whoever your father was working with or for-they’re not going to just disappear,” he said. “They’ll come back. Harder. Smarter. More vicious. And next time, they might not just go after the company.”

His jaw tightened.

“They might go after my family.”

The words settled between us, heavy with implication.

“And you think making me CEO will protect you?” I asked.

“I think,” Grayson said carefully, “that you’re the most dangerous man I’ve ever met. I think you have resources and connections that even I don’t understand. I think whoever is behind this will think twice before going after a company that has Zane Mercer’s protection.”

He paused.

“Even if they don’t know it’s you.”

I studied him for a long moment.

This wasn’t just about business. This was about survival. About protecting his family from threats he couldn’t see or fight on his own.

And he was asking me-his enemy’s son-to be that shield.

“I’ll have my lawyers review the documents,” I said finally, standing up. “If the terms are acceptable, I’ll sign.”

Grayson’s face showed genuine shock.

“You’re accepting?” he asked, standing as well.

“Yes,” I confirmed. “As long as I remain anonymous. No public announcements. No board meetings where I have to show my face. I run things from the shadows.”

“Done,” Grayson agreed immediately.

“And one more thing,” I added. “Whoever is after your company whoever threatened you-they won’t come after you or your family. I’ll make sure of that.”

Grayson studied my face, searching for something.

“I believe you,” he said finally.

“Good.” I turned toward the door. “I believe that’s all for now.”

“Actually,” Grayson said, stopping me. “Since we’re going to be business partners, I need to give you an update. About Olive.”

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