Married to the Secret Stanger

Charles Baker adjusted his suit as he stepped into the towering King Multinational headquarters.

He had been trying to secure a partnership for weeks, and finally, the opportunity had arrived.

If King Multinational invested in Baker Enterprises, it would stabilize his company and give him the financial leverage he needed.

But what he didn't know…

Was that this meeting had been orchestrated by Alexander King himself.

As he stepped into the executive meeting room, his eyes scanned the room.

Several high-ranking executives were seated, but the CEO's chair was still empty.

"Mr. Baker," a man greeted him, shaking his hand. "Welcome. Our CEO will be joining us shortly."

Charles nodded, eager but composed.

He had prepared for this meeting. He would charm, negotiate, and secure the deal no matter what it took.

What he didn't expect…

Was for the doors to open, and for Alexander King himself to walk in.

—

Charles Comes Face to Face with Alexander King

Charles' eyes widened slightly as he took in the legendary CEO.

Tall. Dominating. Powerful.

Alexander King was a name that made even billionaires tread carefully.

His cold, piercing blue eyes swept across the room, completely unreadable.

He moved smoothly, his expensive suit tailored to perfection—yet his wheelchair was unmistakable.

A billionaire CEO, crippled but untouchable.

Charles swallowed.

So, this is Alexander King…

Forcing a polite smile, he stood and extended his hand. "Mr. King, it's an honor to meet you."

Alexander's gaze flicked to him, but he didn't extend his hand. Instead, he took his seat at the head of the table, exuding a silent authority.

"Let's get to business," Alexander said coldly.

Charles clenched his jaw but quickly masked it with a smile.

This man was arrogant.

But it didn't matter. If he could win him over, he would secure the deal.

For the next half-hour, Charles presented his proposal, highlighting why a partnership between King Multinational and Baker Enterprises would be mutually beneficial.

Alexander listened silently, his expression giving nothing away.

When Charles finished, he sat back, expecting negotiations.

Instead, Alexander finally spoke.

"Mr. Baker," his voice was calm but icy, "why would I invest in a company that is barely staying afloat?"

Charles' face stiffened.

"What?"

Alexander leaned forward slightly, his fingers tapping against the table. "Your company's debts have been piling up. Your investors are pulling out. Your competitors are overtaking you. Yet, you expect me to partner with you?"

The room fell into silence.

Charles clenched his fists beneath the table. "Every business faces challenges, but with your support—"

"I don't invest in liabilities."

The finality in Alexander's voice made Charles' stomach drop.

This was not going as planned.

—

A Dangerous Proposal

Charles inhaled deeply, forcing himself to remain composed.

This deal was too important. He had to think fast.

"Mr. King," he said smoothly, "I'm willing to offer you something valuable in return."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, amused. "And what might that be?"

Charles smirked slightly. "A personal arrangement."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "Be specific."

Charles leaned forward. "I know you're a businessman who values leverage. I have something that might interest you."

Alexander's gaze remained unreadable. "And that is?"

Charles smirked. "My daughter, Joanne."

The room went silent.

Alexander's expression didn't change, but the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

Charles continued, unaware of the storm he was walking into. "She's young, beautiful, and intelligent. A partnership between our families could be mutually beneficial. You gain an alliance, and I gain the support of King Multinational."

Alexander's fingers stilled.

Then, he spoke.

"Are you… trying to sell your daughter?"

Charles chuckled, waving his hand. "Come now, Mr. King. That's a crude way to put it. Think of it as a strategic marriage—a union between two families of power."

Alexander leaned back, exuding dangerous silence.

"Do you even know where your daughter is right now?" he asked smoothly.

Charles frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Alexander tilted his head slightly.

"I mean, she's already married."

Charles froze.

"What?"

How did he know

Alexander's lips curled into a chilling smirk.

"You didn't know?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "How unfortunate. I thought you did your research."

Charles felt his blood run cold.

Joanne… married?

So she really meant it, that stupid girl.

Who is that man,that has stolen his leverage?! Why can't I get anything on him. Charles Baker thought.

His mind raced, but before he could say anything, Alexander dealt the final blow.

"There will be no partnership between King Multinational and Baker Enterprises."

Charles' body stiffened. "Mr. King, let's not be hasty—"

Alexander's expression turned ice-cold.

"I don't do business with men who see their daughters as bargaining chips."

Charles gritted his teeth.

This wasn't over.

Not yet.

As he stormed out of the building, one thought consumed him.

He needed to find out who Joanne married…

And when he did, he would use it to his advantage.

What he didn't know…

Was that the very man he had just tried to manipulate…

Was already Joanne's husband.