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.”

Only one thought consumed my mind: I was going to see Olive Monroe.

Even if it was purely business. Even if she refused to look at me. Even if she hated me for what I’d done.

I was going to see her.

And then I was going to ask her why the fuck she’d been avoiding me for a week.

I turned back to find Grayson watching me with an expression that looked almost like amusement.

“I guess you received the message?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said flatly. “It came later than expected.”

I started walking toward the door, and Grayson fell into step behind me.

“So what are you going to do now?” he asked.

I stopped at the door and turned to look at him.

“I’m going to officially work with your daughter,” I said. “And I hope she’s as competent as you believe. Because if she’s not-

I let the implication hang in the air.

“She is,” Grayson said with absolute certainty.

“We’ll see,” I replied.

And I walked out, my mind already racing ahead to what I was going to say when I saw her.

How I was going to handle seeing her face again after a week of silence.

How I was going to keep myself from crossing that conference room and pulling her into my arms regardless of who was watching.

Because the truth was, I’d meant every word I said to Grayson.

I would burn the world down for Olive Monroe.

And if working with her-even in this cold, professional capacity-was the only way to be near her right now?

Then I’d take it.