Awakening The Hidden Dragon

CH 0007 A CONDITION

Byron's excitement faltered. "Condition? What condition?"

"The representative learned about your wedding today to Emilia Martin. Knowing that post-marriage typically involves extended honeymoon periods and divided attention, they want the partnership to begin immediately with your full focus. Therefore, the condition is simple: you must call off your wedding and not marry anyone for the duration of this partnership—at least until the project between Gates Corporation and the Voss family is completed."

Byron's face went through a series of emotions—confusion, disbelief, fear.

"You want me to... cancel my wedding? Right now? For a business deal?"

"For an eighty-million-dollar partnership with one of the most prestigious corporations in the country, yes," Watson confirmed.

"But the Martins—Emilia 's father will—he'll destroy us! He has connections, power! If I humiliate his daughter like this—"

"With all due respect, Mr. Voss," Watson said quietly, "the Martin family's investment was going to be what? Ten million? Twenty million? And that comes with marriage obligations, family entanglements, loss of autonomy. This is eighty million dollars, clean partnership, with the backing of Gates Corporation's global network and reputation."

Byron's hands were shaking. He looked at the empty ballroom, at the altar where he was supposed to marry Emilia in minutes, at the flowers that cost a fortune.

Then he looked at Knox—really looked at him for the first time. This man in casual clothes who hadn't said a single word but somehow felt more dangerous than anyone Byron had ever met.

"Who are you?" Byron asked Knox directly.

Knox didn't answer. Just met Byron's gaze with those cold, calculating eyes.

Watson stepped smoothly between them. "My associate here represents certain interests aligned with Gates Corporation. That's all you need to know, Mr. Voss."

Byron swallowed hard. Something about this felt wrong. But eighty million dollars. Gates Corporation. Salvation for his family.

"I need to think about this," Byron said finally, his voice hoarse.

"Of course," Watson replied, pulling out a folder. "But according to the representative, you only have 24 hours to decide. Otherwise, the proposal will be withdrawn immediately. Here's the paperwork. All the details, terms, and conditions. Please go through it carefully and sign if you make up your mind."

Watson handed the folder to Byron, who took it with trembling hands.

Byron stared at the Gates Corporation logo on the cover, then back at Watson, then at the silent, intimidating figure of Knox in the background.

"24 hours," Watson confirmed. "After that, the offer disappears. Forever."

"And my wedding?"

"That decision is entirely yours, Mr. Voss. But I should mention—the Martin family is waiting outside. Very angry. I am very confused. The longer you delay, the more... complicated that conversation becomes."

Byron closed his eyes, the weight of the decision crushing him.

When he opened them again, he looked at the contract in his hands.

Eighty million dollars.

Or a marriage to save his family through someone else's wealth.

"I'll... I'll read through this," Byron said quietly. "I'll give you my answer soon."

"Very good," Watson said with a slight bow. "You have my number in the contract. When you're ready, call me."

He turned to leave, gesturing for Knox to follow.

Byron watched them until they were out of sight. He stood alone at his ruined altar, clutching an eighty-million-dollar deal in his shaky hands. His mind was unsettled and filled with so many thoughts.

The Martins family might destroy his family for this humiliation. Emilia's father had connections everywhere—politicians, judges, business moguls. One phone call and the Voss family would be blacklisted from every major deal in South City.

Byron looked at the contract in his hands, then at the empty chairs where his wedding guests should have been.

Outside the hotel, chaos reigned. The Voss family stood in a cluster—Lady Morgan in her expensive gown, looking murderous. The Martin family stood separately—Emilia in her wedding dress, crying, her father red-faced with rage.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Lady Morgan shouted at hotel staff. "Where is my son?!"