Married to the Secret Stanger

Charles Baker leaned back in his chair, swirling the whiskey in his glass as he listened to the report from his private investigator.

"I've been digging into Joanne's situation," the investigator said, placing a file on the desk. "Her financial struggles were real—until recently."

Charles raised an eyebrow. "Recently?"

The investigator nodded. "Someone paid off her mother's hospital bills in full. Joanne also attended the gala in an exclusive gown designed by a world-famous designer, something she could never afford on her own. And there are whispers that she's been seen wearing custom diamond jewelry."

Charles' grip on his glass tightened.

Joanne had no money.

She had been cut off.

So how was she suddenly living in luxury?

His mind churned. There was only one explanation.

"She has a man," he muttered.

The investigator nodded. "That's the most likely scenario. But whoever he is, he's extremely private. I haven't found anything concrete on him yet."

Charles smirked. "Then dig deeper. I want to know everything about him—his name, his wealth, and what weaknesses I can exploit."

If Joanne had found herself a rich benefactor, then he could use that to his advantage.

He had tried to pressure her into returning to the Baker family, but she had been too stubborn.

However, if she was hiding a secret…

He could use it to his advantage.

—

Meanwhile, At King Multinational

Frederick walked into Alexander's office, placing a folder on his desk.

"It seems Charles Baker has started digging into Joanne's personal affairs," Frederick reported. "He's looking for information on you."

Alexander's sharp blue eyes darkened.

As expected.

Charles Baker was a greedy man—someone who would never accept defeat.

"What has he found so far?" Alexander asked calmly.

Frederick smirked. "Nothing. We've erased all traces of your involvement with Joanne. The hospital payments, the gifts—everything leads to dead ends. As far as anyone can tell, she's simply a lucky woman with an unknown benefactor."

Alexander leaned back, satisfied.

Let Charles try.

He would find nothing.

But the fact that he was even attempting to manipulate Joanne made Alexander's blood boil.

He tapped his fingers against the desk.

"It's time to send Charles Baker a message," he said coldly.

Frederick nodded. "How would you like to handle it?"

Alexander's lips curled into a dangerous smirk.

"Let's see how he reacts when he realizes he needs me more than I need him."

—

Charles' Business Troubles

Two days later, Charles Baker sat in his office, frustrated.

Every attempt to find information on Joanne's mysterious man had led to a dead end.

Worse, he was suddenly facing business troubles.

Deals that had been secure were suddenly falling through.

Investors who had been eager to work with Baker Enterprises were backing out.

And now, he had received a call from his financial advisor.

"Sir, we have a problem. If we don't secure a strong business partner soon, the company's liquidity will be at risk."

Charles clenched his fists.

What the hell was going on?

He needed a powerful partner to stabilize the company.

And that's when an opportunity landed on his desk.

An invitation to a business meeting with King Multinational.

Charles' eyes lit up.

If he could get Alexander King's support, Baker Enterprises would rise to the next level.

It was the perfect plan.

What he didn't know… was that the game had already been decided.

Alexander had set the trap, and Charles was walking right into it.