The Billionaire's Insignificant Wife novel Chapter 150

Meeting of Two Alphas

Daniel arrived at the client company’s office building with Marcus and the legal team behind him.

They walked into the luxurious lobby with confident steps-Daniel’s posture upright, black suit neat, an aura of power following his every movement.

Today’s meeting was with Hartwell Industries-a medium-sized technology company seeking a strategic partnership to expand into the Asian market.

Not Blackwood Enterprises’ biggest client, but significant enough to build a profitable business relationship.

And more importantly-William Montgomery had a minority stake in Hartwell.

Daniel had researched thoroughly before coming. This was a golden opportunity to build an indirect connection with Montgomery Industries while demonstrating Blackwood’s undeniable value.

The receptionist guided them to the conference room on the fifteenth floor.

The door opened to reveal a spacious room with a long table, large windows facing downtown Chicago, and three people already seated waiting.

Daniel recognized two of them from research photos-Hartwell Industries’ CEO, Michael Hartwell, and his CFO, Janet Rodriguez.

But the third person…

Daniel stopped briefly at the door.

Adrian Lawson sat at the end of the table with a laptop open in front of him. The man wore a dark gray suit and white shirt without a tie. His posture was relaxed but his eyes sharp and alert.

Their eyes met.

Daniel felt something tighten in his chest-a mixture of anger, surprise, and something similar to… respect he didn’t want to acknowledge.

Adrian didn’t blink. He didn’t look surprised or nervous.

Just stared back with a challenging calm.

Michael Hartwell stood with a broad smile and extended his hand.

“Mr. Blackwood,” he greeted in a friendly and professional tone. “So glad we finally meet in person. I’ve heard a lot about Blackwood Enterprises’ success in the Asian market.”

Daniel shook his hand with an equally professional smile-though his mind was still focused on Adrian at the end of the table.

“Mr. Hartwell. Thank you for taking the time for this meeting,” Daniel answered while sitting in the provided chair. Marcus and the legal team sat beside him.

“Of course,” Michael said while returning to his seat. “And let me introduce-this is Janet Rodriguez, our CFO. And Adrian Lawson, our legal counsel.”

Daniel looked at Adrian with a cold smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Mr. Lawson,” he greeted in a tone too controlled to sound natural. “Surprising! We didn’t know you were

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involved in this deal.”

Adrian smiled thinly-an equally cold smile.

“Mr. Hartwell asked me to review the legal aspects of this potential partnership,” he answered in a calm voice but with sharpness behind it. “I’m always happy to help clients ensure they don’t enter into disadvantageous agreements.”

The last words were spoken with a subtle but clear emphasis-as if there was a double meaning behind them.

Michael Hartwell, unaware of the tension between the two men in the room, laughed lightly.

“Mr. Adrian is very thorough with legal reviews. He always handles our sensitive negotiations. We’re very fortunate to have him as counsel.”

Daniel nodded with a forced smile.

“Impressive,” he said while opening the folder in front of him. “Then I’m sure this meeting will be productive.”

The meeting began with a presentation from Marcus about the value Blackwood Enterprises offered.

Market penetration in Asia. Established distribution networks. Political connections that could facilitate regulatory approvals.

Janet Rodriguez asked several detailed questions about finances. Marcus answered with solid data.

But throughout the discussion, Daniel was aware that Adrian was observing every word, every claim, every number with sharp and skeptical eyes.

“Mr. Blackwood,” Adrian called after Marcus finished presenting the financial projections. “These numbers are impressive. But I notice there are some gaps in disclosure regarding recent litigation against Blackwood Enterprises.”

Daniel looked at him with narrowed eyes.

“What litigation are you referring to, Mr. Lawson?”

Adrian opened his laptop and turned the screen to show a document.

“A class action lawsuit from employees at a Blackwood subsidiary in Vietnam. Claims about unsafe working conditions and wage violations. Filed three months ago. Not yet resolved.”

Michael and Janet glanced at the document with concerned expressions.

Daniel remained calm. His expression didn’t change.

He leaned back in his chair with a relaxed but controlled movement. His fingers interlaced in front of his chest with an executive and confident posture.

“That lawsuit is baseless and will be dismissed,” he answered in a calm but authoritative tone. “We already have a legal team handling it very effectively. Their claims lack strong legal substance, and we’re confident that the legal process will prove that.”

Adrian didn’t look affected.

“However, the fact is, Mr. Blackwood, the litigation is still ongoing. And in comprehensive due diligence, my client has the right to know about potential exposure that could affect the partnership’s value.”

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Daniel smiled thinly-elegant but sharp.

“Of course, Mr. Lawson. Transparency is the foundation of every healthy business relationship,” he said while opening another folder in front of him with precise movements. “And since we’re talking about transparency-it might be useful if I clarify that the lawsuit involves a labor dispute that’s already in active mediation. We’ve already allocated more than adequate reserve funds for potential settlement, which is recorded in our financial statements. So there’s no material impact on this partnership.”

He pushed the document across the table toward Michael and Janet with a smooth movement.

“Complete documentation is available for your review. We’re not hiding anything.”

Adrian opened his mouth to respond but Daniel had already continued in a tone that remained professional but more firm.

“And if we’re talking about full disclosure, perhaps Mr. Lawson could explain whether there are other factors that might affect the objectivity of his review of our proposal?”

Michael looked at Daniel slightly confused. “Other factors? What do you mean, Mr. Blackwood?”

Daniel looked at Adrian with a polite smile but eyes full of calculation.

“Just want to make sure that all parties in this room operate with full transparency. Professional objectivity is very important in business dealings, isn’t it, Mr. Lawson?”

Adrian stared back calmly-but there was new tension in his jaw.

“I have no conflict of interest in this matter, Mr. Blackwood. I do my job objectively and professionally.”

“Good to know,” Daniel said in a tone as smooth as silk. “Then we can all proceed with confidence that every concern raised is based on professional merit, not personal agenda.”

The emphasis on the words “personal agenda” was very subtle-but clear.

Michael cleared his throat, trying to redirect the increasingly tense atmosphere.

“Alright, gentlemen. Maybe we can continue to discussion about the partnership structure?”

The meeting continued, but the dynamic had already changed.

Every time Adrian raised a concern or challenging question, Daniel responded with impressive calm-solid data, logical arguments, and a manner that remained professional despite an edge behind it.

“Mr. Lawson raises a valid point about currency exposure,” Daniel said at one point, after Adrian questioned Blackwood’s hedging strategy. “And I appreciate his thoroughness. However, if we look at our track record in managing similar partnerships in volatile regions-as documented in our portfolio that you can review – you’ll see that we don’t just survive fluctuations, but thrive in those conditions.”

He gave a smile that was confident but not arrogant.

“We’ve navigated challenges far more complex than this, Mr. Lawson. And always delivered value for our partners.

Adrian didn’t give up. He kept probing, kept looking for gaps.

But Daniel-with a combination of strong data, confident delivery, and a manner that remained professional – successfully deflected or addressed every attack effectively.

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Marcus observed his boss with admiration. This was Daniel Blackwood at peak performance-calm under pressure, strategic in response, and absolutely in control.

After nearly two hours of discussion, Michael Hartwell finally stood.

“This has been very productive,” he said while gathering documents. “But I think we need time to review all this information more thoroughly. Maybe we can schedule a follow-up meeting next week?”

Daniel stood with a smooth movement, shaking Michael’s hand firmly but not aggressively.

“Of course. Take your time to review. I’m confident that after you analyze all the facts objectively, our value proposition will be very clear.”

He glanced at Adrian with a polite smile.

“And I’m sure Mr. Lawson will be very thorough in his review.”

Michael and Janet left to get coffee, Daniel walked to the window-looking at the Chicago skyline with a relaxed

posture.

Marcus gathered documents, giving Daniel space.

Daniel heard footsteps approaching from behind. He didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

“Mr. Blackwood.”

Adrian’s voice-calm but something different in his tone.

Daniel turned with a slow and deliberate movement.

Adrian stood a few meters from him, posture upright, eyes steady.

“Mr. Lawson,” Daniel greeted in a neutral tone. “Is there something I can help you with?”

Adrian stepped closer-not threatening, but clearly purposeful.

“I think we need to talk. Without an audience.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow, but a thin smile appeared on his lips.

“Talk about what? The business proposal we just discussed? Or something more personal?”

Adrian didn’t avoid Daniel’s gaze.

“About Alina,” he said in a firm voice. “About the petition I filed on behalf of her father.”

Daniel’s smile didn’t change, but something hardened in his eyes.

“Ah. So we finally get to your real agenda,” he said in a tone that remained smooth but had an edge behind it. “I was wondering when you would drop the professional facade and show your true purpose.”

“This isn’t a facade,” Adrian said with impressive calm. “I am indeed legal counsel for Hartwell. But you’re right -I also have another matter that involves you. And I think we should address it directly rather than dancing around it.”

Daniel looked at him with assessing eyes-like a predator evaluating threat level.

“Fair enough,” he finally said. “Let’s address it. What do you want to discuss about my wife?”

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Adrian didn’t flinch. He stared at Daniel sharply.

“I have testimony from her father. Evidence of systematic isolation. Concerns about a pregnant woman being cut off from proper independent medical care. Pattern of coercion and intimidation toward anyone who tried to help her.”

Adrian paused, letting the words settle.

“I filed a petition for emergency wellness check because there are reasonable grounds to believe that Alina is in a potentially harmful situation.”

Daniel listened with an unchanged expression-calm, controlled, almost serene.

When Adrian finished, Daniel walked closer-but not in an aggressive way. More like an executive approaching a meeting table.

“Mr. Lawson,” he said in a voice that was low but perfectly clear. “I appreciate that you believe you’re doing the right thing. Truly. But you’re operating based on incomplete information from parties who don’t fully understand the complexity of our situation.”

He stopped, letting that statement hang in the air before continuing.

“Alina is my wife. Legally, yes. But also in every meaningful sense. She’s pregnant with our child. She needs stability, peace, and protection from stress that could be harmful to the pregnancy.”

Adrian opened his mouth but Daniel raised his hand with a movement that was polite but firm-requesting to

finish.

“I know how this might look from the outside. A concerned father. Worried friends. But the real situation is that Alina is vulnerable right now-physically and emotionally. And as her husband, my job is to protect her. Including from interference that-though well-intentioned-could destabilize a precarious condition.”

“Are you sure you’re protecting Alina?” Adrian said in a voice that remained calm but had steel behind it. “Or perhaps, you’re protecting yourself. From questions that would be asked if Alina could speak with authorities without you present.”

Daniel smiled sadly but understandingly.

“I understand why you think that,” he said in a tone that was almost gentle. “But the fact is: Alina can speak with anyone she wants. She’s not a prisoner. She’s a pregnant wife who needs rest and care. If she wants to talk with her father, with friends, with you-she’s free to do so.”

“Then why is her phone confiscated?” Adrian asked with sharp eyes. “Why is email access blocked? Why do visitors have to get your explicit permission?”

Daniel didn’t look ruffled.

“Her phone isn’t confiscated,” he answered with impressive calm. “She herself decided to limit screen time because of headaches related to pregnancy. Email access isn’t blocked-she chose to step back from stressful correspondence during the first trimester. And visitors require permission because we’re trying to maintain a calm environment for her health and the baby’s.”

He looked at Adrian with steady eyes.

“All those decisions are hers, Mr. Lawson. With my support as her husband. Not coercion.”

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Adrian looked at him with a skeptical expression.

“And Richard Hayes? Her father? Financial threats that prevent him from contact with his daughter?”

Daniel sighed a sound that seemed genuinely tired.

“Richard has business debts to Blackwood Enterprises. That’s a business matter completely separate from the personal relationship. If he chooses to interpret a standard business collection process as ‘threats’—that’s his misunderstanding. Not my intention.”

He paused, letting those words sink in.

“Mr. Lawson, I understand that from an outside perspective, with pieces of information that are scattered and out of context, this might look concerning. But I assure you-Alina is safe, cared for, and loved. Your petition, though well-meaning, will only cause unnecessary stress for a pregnant woman who doesn’t need additional complications.”

Adrian didn’t look convinced.

“Then let the wellness check proceed,” he said firmly. “Let an independent social worker and physician assess the situation. If everything is indeed fine as you claim, you have no reason to object.”

Daniel looked at him with eyes that suddenly grew colder-though the smile remained in place.

“I’m not objecting because I’m afraid of the findings, Mr. Lawson,” he said in a voice that dropped slightly- lower, more dangerous. “I object because my wife doesn’t deserve to be treated like a victim who needs rescuing from a husband who loves her. She doesn’t deserve the stress of an intrusive investigation when she should be focusing on growing our child in peace.”

He stepped closer-now only one meter separated them.

“But let me be very clear with you, Mr. Lawson.”

His voice remained calm, remained controlled-but there was unmistakable steel behind it.

“Alina is my wife. My family. And I will protect her-and my unborn child-from anyone who attempts to interfere. Including lawyers who might have… personal motivations that cloud their professional judgment.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened.

“I don’t have any inappropriate personal motivations,” he said firmly. “I’m doing my job as attorney for a concerned father.”

“Of course,” Daniel said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Just like you were ‘just doing your job’ as legal counsel for Hartwell when you were deliberately undermining my business proposal in the meeting room earlier.”

He tilted his head slightly.

“Or maybe there’s a pattern here, Mr. Lawson? A pattern of someone who might have more complex reasons for involving himself in my life?”

Adrian stared back with a steady gaze.

“My involvement in Hartwell’s legal review is completely professional. Just like my involvement in this case.”

“Then let me give you some professional advice,” Daniel said in a voice that was soft but menacing. “Withdraw your petition. Back off from a matter that isn’t your concern. Or you’ll find that there are consequences for interfering in other people’s marriages with questionable pretenses.”

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Adrian didn’t retreat.

“Is that a threat, Mr. Blackwood?”

Daniel smiled-a smile that was elegant, almost charming.

“Not a threat, Mr. Lawson. A statement of fact. Actions have consequences. I’m simply suggesting that you consider whether the potential consequences of pursuing this… crusade… are worth the cost.”

He turned, walking back to the table to get his briefcase.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to. And I’m sure you also have professional responsibilities that require your attention.”

Adrian stood in place, watching Daniel with eyes burning with determination.

“I won’t withdraw the petition,” he said in a voice that was quiet but absolutely firm. “And I won’t back off. No matter what threats you make or how much pressure you try to apply.”

Daniel stopped at the door, turning with a graceful movement.

“Then we’ll see each other in court, Mr. Lawson,” he said with a smile that was cold but polite. “I look forward to it.”

He walked out with confident steps, leaving Adrian alone in the room.

***

In the car, Marcus looked at Daniel with a concerned expression.

“Sir… that was quite intense.”

Daniel stared out the window with a tight jaw.

“He won’t back down,” he said in a low voice. “Not with ordinary methods.”

Marcus nodded slowly. “The meeting with William Montgomery is still scheduled for tomorrow morning, Sir. Do you still want to proceed?”

Daniel fell silent for a moment, looking at the building behind them.

“Yes,” he finally answered in a cold and decisive tone. “William may be proud of his son. But he’s also a businessman. And businessmen appreciate profitable partnerships.”

He turned to look at Marcus.

“Prepare all materials for tomorrow’s meeting. I want an impressive presentation.”

Marcus nodded with understanding. “Understood, Sir.”

Daniel closed his eyes, leaning back with a thoughtful expression.

“Adrian thinks he can fight me with a petition,” he whispered in a low and dangerous voice. “He doesn’t realize that the real battlefield isn’t just in the courtroom.”

Meanwhile, Adrian still stood in the conference room, watching Daniel’s car drive away.

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Michael entered with two cups of coffee.

“That looked like a serious conversation,” he said while handing one cup to Adrian.

Adrian accepted with a nod of thanks.

“He’s more dangerous than Emma described,” he said in a thoughtful voice. “More calculated. More controlled. More effective in using charm and logic to deflect accusations.”

Michael looked at him with concern.

“Are you sure you want to go up against him?”

Adrian turned from the window, looking at Michael with eyes burning with unwavering determination.

“He may be dangerous. But I won’t back down.”

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Report from Within

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While Daniel fought against Adrian in Chicago, in the dark and quiet mansion, Alina lay in bed with her eyes open staring at the ceiling.

Mrs. Helen sat in a chair beside the bed, half asleep with her head leaning against the wall.

It was almost midnight.

Alina wasn’t sleeping. She couldn’t sleep even though her body was tired and her mind was empty.

Junior’s words still echoed in her head like a painful mantra.

“I hate you.”

“I hope you leave forever.”

Alina looked at her wrist wrapped in white bandages-the result of last night’s failed suicide attempt.

She didn’t regret that Mrs. Helen had saved her.

But she also didn’t feel relieved to still be alive.

Alina just felt empty.

Like a doll that was still breathing but not really living.

Her bedroom door opened very slowly-almost inaudibly.

Alina didn’t react. She didn’t care who entered. Didn’t care what would happen.

But Mrs. Helen woke with a quick movement, almost falling from her chair.

“M-Mrs. Clarissa?”

Clarissa stood at the door with her index finger to her lips, gesturing silence.

“Ssshhh,” she whispered while entering with very careful steps. “I don’t want to disturb Alina. Just want to make sure she’s okay.”

Mrs. Helen stood with a tense face. “Mrs. Sterling, it’s already midnight. You shouldn’t—”

“I’m worried about Alina’s health,” Clarissa cut in with a voice made soft and concerned. “Junior said she looked very sick yesterday. I just want to see for myself.”

Mrs. Helen looked at her with eyes full of suspicion.

But Clarissa had already walked closer to the bed, looking at Alina with an expression that was hard to read.

Alina lay with eyes open but unfocused. Pale face. Hair disheveled on the pillow. Thin body looking fragile under

the blanket.

Clarissa took her phone from her pocket and-with very quick and discreet movements-took several photos.

An angle from the side showing Alina’s empty face. An angle from above showing the thin body on the large bed. A close-up of the wrist wrapped in bandages.

Mrs. Helen saw the very dim flash and immediately stepped forward.

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“Mrs. Sterling! What are you doing?!”

Clarissa put the phone back in her pocket with a smooth movement.

“I’m just documenting Alina’s condition,” she answered in a tone that remained soft but had steel behind it. “For Junior’s sake. He needs to know the condition of his supposedly sick ‘stepmother.””

“You have no right to-”

“I have rights as the mother of the child living in this house,” Clarissa cut in with a voice that was sharper now. And I have legitimate concerns about the environment where my child lives. If Alina is indeed sick as Daniel claims, then there are questions about whether this is a safe environment for Junior.”

Mrs. Helen looked at her with eyes burning with anger.

“Mrs. Alina is sick because-”

But she stopped. Couldn’t finish that sentence.

Because Alina was sick because of people like Clarissa who tortured her.

Clarissa smiled thinly as if knowing what couldn’t be said.

“Because what, Mrs. Helen?” she asked in an innocent tone but eyes full of victory. “Please continue.”

Mrs. Helen pressed her lips tightly. Tears began to gather in her eyes but she wouldn’t give Clarissa the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

“Please leave this room now,” Mrs. Helen said in a voice that trembled but was firm. “Mrs. Alina needs rest.”

Clarissa looked at Alina once more. She looked at the fragile woman lying there with satisfied eyes.

“Of course,” she said in an almost cheerful tone. “I already got what I needed.”

She turned and walked out with light steps, leaving Mrs. Helen trembling with anger and helplessness.

As soon as the door closed, Mrs. Helen sat back in the chair with her face covered by her hands.

She cried silently-for Alina who didn’t even react when photographed like a specimen. For herself who couldn’t protect this woman from predators roaming freely in the house.

The next morning, Clarissa arrived at Margaret’s penthouse with a wide smile and radiant energy.

Margaret greeted her in the living room with coffee in hand and a curious expression.

“You look very pleased with yourself,” Margaret said while sitting on the sofa. “Any new developments?”

Clarissa sat across from her and took out her phone.

“More than developments,” she answered while opening the photo gallery. “I have the documentation we needed.

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She turned the phone showing the photos taken at midnight.

Margaret took the phone and scrolled through the images with eyes that widened-not with shock or empathy, but with satisfaction.

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“Excellent,” she whispered while zooming in on the photo of Alina’s empty face. “She looks like someone having a mental breakdown. Exactly what we need.”

She scrolled to the close-up photo of the wrist wrapped in bandages.

“And this… what is this? A new injury?” Margaret asked again.

Pretending not to know about Alina’s suicide attempt. Though Margaret had already witnessed it through the CCTV she had installed and Clarissa had told her about it last night.

Clarissa nodded with a cold smile.

“Suicide attempt,” she answered in a casual tone. “As I said, last night Mrs. Helen stopped her just in time. But the wound on her wrist is clearly visible under that bandage.”

Margaret looked at the photo with calculating eyes.

“Perfect,” she said in a low and satisfied voice. “This is exactly the kind of evidence we need to prove that she’s a danger to herself. And by extension-a danger to the baby.”

Margaret put the phone on the table and looked at Clarissa with a sharp smile.

“Daniel is still in Chicago?”

“Yes,” Clarissa answered. “He won’t be back until the end of the week. Mr. Harris said he has a series of meetings that will occupy all his time.”

Margaret nodded slowly, wheels clearly turning in her head.

“Good. That gives us a window to gather more evidence without Daniel breathing down our necks.”

She stood and walked to the bar to pour two glasses of wine even though it was still morning.

“I’ve already collected some testimonies from staff,” she said while pouring. “There are several very revealing incidents. Alina not eating for days. Crying episodes lasting hours without apparent reason. Appearing completely detached from reality according to the reports I received.”

Clarissa accepted the wine glass with an appreciative smile.

“So we’re building a comprehensive case,” she said in a satisfied tone. “Photos. Witness statements. Documentation of multiple incidents. An undeniable pattern of instability.”

“Exactly,” Margaret said while sitting back down. “And when the timing is right-when Daniel is most vulnerable or most confident, haven’t decided which-we present all this evidence.”

She sipped her wine with an elegant movement.

“To Daniel. To the court if necessary. To the media if the situation requires public pressure. We will prove beyond any doubt that Alina Hayes is not stable, not fit to be Daniel Blackwood’s wife, and definitely not fit to be the mother of the Blackwood heir.”

Clarissa raised her glass in a toast gesture.

“To a brilliant strategy,” she said with sparkling eyes.

Margaret touched their glasses with a soft clink.

“And to an inevitable victory,” she answered with a cold and triumphant smile.

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They drank together-two women celebrating the destruction of a woman who didn’t even know she was being documented for her own downfall.

“There’s one more thing,” Clarissa said while putting down her glass. “I heard from my source in social circles that there’s a lawyer-Adrian Lawson-who filed a petition for a wellness check on behalf of Richard Hayes.”

Margaret’s smile faded slightly.

“Adrian Lawson?” she repeated in a sharp tone. “William Montgomery’s son?”

“Yes,” Clarissa answered. “Apparently he took this case as legal counsel for Richard. And he filed an emergency petition requesting a court-appointed social worker and independent physician to assess Alina’s condition.”

Margaret fell silent, processing this information with an expression full of thought and slight worry.

“That’s… a complication,” she finally said in a measured voice. “Adrian Lawson is not an easy opponent. He’s skilled, has extensive connections, and-most problematically-he truly believes in the causes he fights for.”

“Should we be worried?” Clarissa asked.

Margaret looked at her with calculating eyes.

“Worried? No. Careful? Yes.”

She stood and walked to the window, looking at the city below with upright and graceful posture.

“Adrian’s petition could actually benefit us,” she said in a quiet voice full of thought. “If the wellness check is granted and independent professionals assess Alina-they’ll see exactly what we’ve already documented. A woman who is clearly unstable. Unable to care for herself properly. Potentially dangerous to herself and the unborn child.”

She turned to look at Clarissa with a smile full of calculation.

“We just need to make sure that when the assessment happens, our evidence is readily available. Accidentally leaked to the right people if necessary. The social worker and physician will make their own conclusions-but we can help guide those conclusions by providing… comprehensive context.”

Clarissa smiled with understanding.

“So we let Adrian do the heavy lifting to bring outside scrutiny,” she said. “And then we use that scrutiny to confirm our narrative about Alina’s instability.”

“Exactly right,” Margaret said in a satisfied tone. “Sometimes the best strategy is to let your enemy’s moves work to your advantage.”

She returned to the sofa and took Clarissa’s phone, scrolling through the photos once more.

“Send these to my secure email,” she ordered. “I’ll compile them with some evidence I have. Build a comprehensive dossier ready to be presented when the timing is optimal.”

“I’ll do it today,” Clarissa answered.

Margaret looked at her with satisfaction. Pleased that her chosen daughter-in-law was reliable.

“Daniel is lucky to have you. I hope you two get back together soon.”

Clarissa smiled with satisfaction. Flattered to hear Margaret’s praise. “Thank you, Mama. I’m just trying to do what’s best to get my family back.”

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An Offer Hard to Refuse

At nine in the morning, William Montgomery entered the luxurious restaurant in downtown Chicago with an aura that commanded the room.

Daniel was already waiting at a corner table with a smile that was warm but full of calculation.

“Mr. Montgomery,” Daniel greeted while standing and extending his hand. “Thank you for taking the time.”

William shook with a firm grip-his eyes sharp and wary.

“Mr. Blackwood. Your proposal was intriguing enough to make me curious.”

They sat facing each other like two chess players studying each other’s opening moves.

Daniel knew exactly why he was here.

Not to discuss technology or market projections.

But to buy influence over the man who could pressure Adrian Lawson-the lawyer who was targeting Alina.

A waiter came. They ordered-William ordered an egg white omelet with asparagus, Daniel the same.

Then the meeting began.

“Let’s get straight to the point,” William said while placing a napkin in his lap. “You’re proposing a strategic partnership for a joint venture in Southeast Asia. Why should I consider this?”

Daniel smiled confidently but not arrogantly.

“Montgomery Industries is reaching its ceiling in the Vietnamese and Indonesian markets. You have superior technology and abundant capital. But you’re struggling with complex regulatory approvals.”

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William’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flash of interest in his eyes.

“Continue.”

Daniel opened a tablet and turned the screen to show graphs.

“The Vietnamese market alone is worth three hundred million dollars for cloud computing in three years. Indonesia is bigger-five hundred million. But regulations require a minimum of sixty percent local ownership. The approval process can take two to three years without the right connections.”

William took the tablet and studied the data.

“You’re saying Blackwood can expedite this?”

“Not just expedite,” Daniel answered. “Blackwood has been operating in Vietnam for ten years. We have joint ventures with three major local conglomerates. We also have direct relationships with the Ministry of Industry there.”

He opened the next slide.

“In Indonesia, we have partnerships with Salim Group and Sinar Mas. With Blackwood as a local partner, Montgomery could bypass two years of regulatory bureaucracy and enter the market in six months.”

William stared at the data, food almost untouched.

“And what does Blackwood get from this arrangement?””

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Daniel smiled.

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“Thirty percent equity ownership in the joint venture. Priority access to Montgomery’s cloud infrastructure af discounted rates. And a strategic alliance for expansion into other markets.”

William put down the tablet and looked at Daniel.

“An interesting proposal. But I need to understand why you’re suddenly interested in a partnership with Montgomery Industries. There’s Microsoft, A****n, Google-all with deeper pockets.”

Daniel didn’t flinch.

“You’re right. But they come with massive bureaucracy and slow decision-making. Montgomery is a three- generation family business. Just like Blackwood. We understand the value of long-term relationships and sustainable growth.”

William nodded slowly, skepticism still visible.

“Are you sure there’s no hidden agenda behind these impressive numbers?”

Silence.

Daniel put down his fork with a deliberate motion and looked directly at William.

“Mr. Montgomery, every business deal has dual motivations. I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending this is purely altruistic.”

He leaned back with an open posture.

“But the fact is: this proposal benefits both companies. Montgomery gets market access that would normally take years and millions in lobbying costs. Blackwood gets a strategic partner with technological advantages that strengthen our competitive position.”

Daniel looked steadily.

“You’re a smart businessman. You can evaluate the proposal based on its merits-financial projections, strategic value, risk mitigation. The numbers don’t lie. Our ROI projections are conservative but realistic.”

He opened another folder.

“I have case studies from three similar joint ventures that Blackwood has run in the region. All exceeded initial projections within two years. All are still profitable to this day.”

William took the documents and scanned them with assessing eyes.

“Impressive track record,” he said with a tone that was still cautious but less skeptical. “But I still need comprehensive due diligence before committing.”

“Of course,” Daniel said. “I expect nothing less. Blackwood will provide full transparency financial records, regulatory compliance documentation, partnership agreements. You can audit everything you need.”

William stared at him for a long time.

“I appreciate your directness, Mr. Blackwood,” he said finally, “Too many executives dance around their real motivations. At least you’re honest about the fact that this isn’t charity.”

Daniel smiled thinly.

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“Good business is mutually beneficial business. I don’t believe in win-lose scenarios. I believe in partnerships where both parties get real and sustainable value.”

William leaned back, fingers steepled.

“This solves a major bottleneck for our expansion plans. The Vietnamese and Indonesian markets are indeed attractive. And the regulatory challenges are real obstacles.”

Daniel sensed the shift-subtle but significant.

“Blackwood’s connections are valuable,” William continued. “Especially with the Ministry of Industry in Vietnam. We’ve been trying to get a meeting for eight months without success.”

“I can arrange a meeting within two weeks,” Daniel said. “Minister Nguyen is a personal contact of mine.”

William looked at him with renewed interest.

“And Indonesia?”

“I serve as an advisor to the Technology Committee of the Investment Coordinating Board. Direct access to decision-makers in the approval process.”

William fell silent, studying the data more carefully.

“I’ll consider your proposal seriously,” he said finally. “But I need to bring this to the board. Consult with the CFO and legal team for proper due diligence.”

He stood.

Daniel stood, extending his hand.

“That’s all I ask. Objective consideration based on merit.”

William shook firmly.

“I’ll be in touch within two weeks. We can schedule a follow-up in the capital-assuming the initial review is positive.”

“I look forward to it.”

William left with his posture still upright.

Daniel sat back down and exhaled slowly a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

Marcus, who had been sitting at a separate table pretending to work on a laptop, approached.

“How did it go, Sir?”

Daniel looked at the door where William had just exited, then smiled satisfied and full of triumph

“He’s interested. Skeptical, yes. But interested in the proposal.”

Marcus sat in the chair William had vacated.

“That’s a good sign.”

“More than good,” Daniel said. “William Montgomery is a smart businessman. He can see value even while being suspicious about motivations. And the value I’m offering is real. Worth millions in saved time and resources.”

44

He put down his cup.

⚫30 Bonus

“Once the partnership is established, Montgomery Industries will be publicly aligned with Blackwood in a significant joint venture. The narrative will shift. It’s hard to maintain an image as a ‘dangerous businessman’ when you’re a trusted partner of a company as large as Montgomery Industries.”

Marcus nodded in understanding.

“Public perception will work in your favor.”

“Exactly.”

Daniel stood, straightening his jacket.

“Business is about leverage, Marcus. Understanding what people value and offering it. William values market expansion and regulatory access. I have both.”

He walked toward the exit, Marcus following.

In the car to the airport, Daniel looked at his phone, scrolling through messages from the legal team about the petition response and from Mr. Harris about Alina’s condition.

No worrying updates. Alina was still quiet. Withdrawn. But stable in a fragile sense.

Daniel typed a brief message:

“I’m returning tomorrow night. Make sure Mrs. Helen continues to monitor Alina closely. No visitors without my approval. Let me know immediately if there’s any change in her condition.”

A reply came within seconds:

“Understood, Sir. Everything is under control here.”

Daniel put down his phone and closed his eyes.

A thin smile appeared-not reaching his eyes but filled with absolute determination.

“I’ll do anything for you, Alina,” Daniel whispered. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you by my side.”

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