Chapter 4

The tension was thick in the air as Victoria watched closely, going back and forth between Alexander and Marcus. This atmosphere was an accumulation of secrets that weighed heavily on her shoulders. All of this reality hit her at once, leaving her uneasy but more resolved than ever.

“How come they know about me?” Victoria shouted at him urgently.

Marcus quickly nodded at Alexander before continuing. They’ve heard about possible marriage proposals made by us; there is something wrong in their minds that they need to get rid of. The board believes that it’s all about saving the company’s name.

In Alex’s usually composed face, he reveals displeasure because, as he always possessed, it has started to fade away, leaving only frustration behind. Where did you get such information? He asked fiercely.

Marcus took time before responding because it was like they were putting pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together with limited time. It was bad timing nonetheless. They want to hold an urgent meeting within an hour; hence, we need to act fast or else shareholders will take away the business from you.

In her brain, thoughts raced enough for her heart to beat outside its’ cage. Just last night, she had finished negotiating with Alexander; now everything seemed to be coming undone even before it kicked off properly. What happens if board members send him packing? And there were those anonymous letters sent via mail! The people behind them might just be closer than anyone believed possible.

“You should take that meeting,” Victoria said, though inside her heart she stormed.

They need to know that this is not a desperate move. We should make them believe in this alliance we have.”

For an instant, Alexander looked at her, something unreadable passing through his eyes. “How do you mean to do that?”

We give them what they want to see, said Victoria. “A strong united front it will be. If they think this marriage is legit and beneficial for the company, we are off the hook. But we have to sell it to them right away.”

Alexander pondered, nodding slowly as if he were working out the possibilities of things. “That is true, but it is not only about appearances.” He continued, “We must prepare for war because board members are sharks—they can smell blood from miles away and pounce on us when we are vulnerable.”

Victoria held her head high. She was aware that the road ahead would not be easy, but she wouldn’t surrender now. We need to make sure we don't give them any signs to suspect us.

The boardroom was completely different from Alexander’s lavish office in all respects. The long, polished table surrounded by leather chairs resembled more of a war ground than an office space. As Victoria and Alexander entered the room, there was no one whose eyes did not shift towards them, amidst an air filled with suspicion.

The board was already seated, with most of the members dressed in tailored suits and older men.

The expression on their faces ranged from curiosity to outright hostility. William Davenport, the board’s chairperson, sat at the head of the table, looking at Alexander with a hard stare that appeared to see into his very being.

“Mr. Carrington and Ms. Sinclair,” “I assume you are aware of what this meeting is all about."

“I have an idea,” replied Alexander, maintaining an air of coolness as he took his place on the table. Victoria followed suit on his right side, imitating his confident demeanor.

“We’ve received some disturbing reports,” continued Davenport in measured tones, but hidden tension could still be felt underneath it all, “which indicate your intention to have a marriage of convenience so as to stabilize the corporation’s public perception. Is there any truth in these rumors?”

Alexander remained unperturbed. “Ms. Sinclair and I are indeed planning to marry,” he said finally, “but it’s not just for convenience. It’s more or less a parallel relationship—one that would lend strength and stability to Carrington Enterprises.”

Davenport’s stare now turned towards Victoria, studying her like someone who has seen everything but believes nothing much about anything anymore after all is said and done anyway, no matter how much one says otherwise depending on their perspectives, basically because—what does Ms. Sinclair bring into this so-called partnership?

Victoria did not flinch under his gaze.

I am proud of Carrington Enterprises’ goals by bringing in new ideas, relationships, and an envisioned future. Our partnership extends beyond preventing firm closure; it is a quest for greatness.”

A ripple of conversation traversed the room, and board members exchanged glances. Victoria could sense their doubts, yet she stood firm without giving them any hint of her weakness.

“Ms. Sinclair has built her own business from scratch,” Alexander added with a tone of pride. “Her experience and insight will be helpful to us in the future as we take steps towards success. This marriage is not just about me; it is about the future of this venture.”

Davenport leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he contemplated their remarks. “What you have painted, Mr. Carrington, is quite attractive indeed. However, we do require more than just words; we want some guarantees indicating that this marriage will work for the benefit of the company and not only serve to keep your position safe.”

Alexander clenched his jaw while Victoria could feel how much pressure he was already feeling from them; they really were going hard on him, hoping to find some openings they could exploit.

Your assurances will be given,” said Alexander in a strong voice.

But there is something you need to know if you want to undermine our partnership:

It will be more dangerous than any good we might derive from it.

We are stronger together than apart, and the performance of this company will epitomize that strength.”

The atmosphere in the room became tense as Davenport listened to Alexander’s words. Finally, he nodded slowly after what seemed like an eternity.

“Alright,” he said. “Let’s go on with this arrangement, but if there is any crisis, then necessary precautions shall be taken by us to save this company.

Victoria released a breath she did not know she had been holding back before. Although they still had a long way ahead of them, they had won this battle against the odds so far. She observed Alexander’s eyes exude relief before they became cold and unreadable as always.

“Thank you, Mr. Davenport,” he added while standing up from his chair. “You shall not regret making such a choice.”

“We shall see about that,” replied Davenport, still sounding tense.

The moment they got out of the boardroom, Victoria felt a wave of adrenaline wash over her body like an ocean tide. Even though their board remained closed off from whatever was brewing, it was only beginning for them, really! This time around, the stakes were too high for mistakes, which are really not possible now.

In contrast, back in Alexander’s office, everything was still charged with tension. On entering, I found Marcus waiting, whose face appeared serious.

Before he asked, Marcus had that expression all over his face.

“We bought ourselves some time,” Alexander replied, “but Davenport and the board are watching us like suspects." We need to act quickly.”

“What’s next?” Victoria asked; her mind is not at rest.

“The deal is closed,” Alexander said. “We have discovered who leaked the information earlier.”

“Agreed,” Marcus affirmed. “But there’s something else we need to consider.”

Alexander turned to him, a question in his eyes.

“The board is really shaken,” Marcus continued. “If anything else comes up—something indicating that this union isn’t as strong as we are claiming now—they would pounce on it. Everything we do should portray a united front.”

Victoria nodded. From now on, we need to start acting like this marriage is real. However, we should not limit ourselves only to business places but be seen together generally, making people believe it is more than just an agreement.”

Alexander gazed at her; silently, their decision loomed large in between them. “Is that what you want?”

Victoria fixed her eyes on him without blinking once. If it is between the two of us, then count me in.”

The room became silent for a moment as the reality of what was at stake dawned on them. They were about to blur the lines between business and personal life; once they crossed that boundary, there would be no going back again.

"Well, let’s do it,” Alexander pronounced finally, his tone laden with authority. Let's convince them and make it happen.”

Later that evening, when Victoria left Alexander’s office, she found a new message buzzing on her mobile phone screen. She glanced at it only to freeze upon seeing ‘Unknown Number’ as a sender.

The message read, "Victoria, you are getting too involved now; it is time to get out before things get worse."

A shiver ran through her as she read those lines down her spine; something ominous lurked in the air around her. And now that she was so entrenched, it hardly made sense, but was there any way out?