From his penthouse office, Damian Blackwood gazed out at the city below. His eyes were fixed on the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers that stretched out before him. The view was magnificent, a testament to his success and the vast empire his family had built over generations. But today, it offered no comfort. The pressure of the looming deadline pressed heavily on him, overshadowing the satisfaction he usually felt when surveying his domain.

Behind him, his family’s lawyers shivering nervously, awaiting his response to the grim news they had delivered. Damian had always known this day would come, but he hadn’t expected it to arrive so soon, or under such dire circumstances.

“Thirty days,” he murmured, more to himself than to the men in the room. “You’re telling me I have just thirty days to find a wife, or everything my family has built will be stripped away?”

Mr. Jennings, the head lawyer, cleared his throat. “Yes, Mr. Blackwood. Your grandfather’s will stipulates that if you do not marry before your thirtieth birthday, the majority share of the company will pass to your uncle.”

He turned, his expression as cold and unyielding as the steel and glass around him. “My uncle is a fool. My uncle would ruin this company within a year.”

Jennings nodded, uncomfortable but agreeing. “That’s why we need to act fast. Your options, however, are…limited.”

He resisted the urge to scoff. “Limited” didn’t begin to cover it. He had spent the last few years cultivating a reputation as a ruthless, uncompromising businessman. Traits that had served him well in expanding the Blackwood empire, but had also made him virtually unapproachable to any woman with a shred of self-preservation. Wooing someone into a real marriage under these conditions seemed impossible.

“And the list of ‘suitable candidates’ my mother provided?” Damian asked, already knowing the answer.

Jennings hesitated before producing a slim folder. “Your mother has identified several potential brides from reputable families. However, given your reputation…” He trailed off, uncomfortable.

Damian snatched the folder from his hand and flipped it open, scanning the profiles of women who were undoubtedly well-bred and well-mannered, but utterly boring. He tossed the folder onto his desk with a sigh of frustration.

“I don’t need a wife. I need a partner,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “Someone who can handle the pressures of my world without flinching, who won’t try to manipulate or undermine me.”

Jennings said nothing, wisely waiting for Damian to work through his thoughts. After a few moments, Damian’s expression hardened.

“There is someone,” Damian said slowly, “who might just fit the bill. But it’s a long shot.”

Jennings looked intrigued but wary. “Who do you have in mind, Mr. Blackwood?”

“Elara Hart,” Damian replied, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. “I choose her. She’s tough, smart, and ambitious. We’ve butted heads before, but she’s not the type to back down from a challenge.”

Jennings raised an eyebrow. “The lawyer? Didn’t you have a rather…contentious encounter with her during that real estate deal last year?”