Chapter 3

The next morning, I wore another plain, unbranded dress.

At ten sharp, I walked into the high-floor executive boardroom.

Sitting across the long glass table was the CEO of Apex Dynamics, Richard Cole—Derek's father.

His company's latest R&D project had burned through its capital, leaving them on the verge of collapse. I was the only venture capitalist in the city with enough cash to bail them out.

The meeting went smoothly.

Richard Cole spoke with deferential, almost desperate humility.

I asked a few sharp questions about their cash flow and inspected their balance sheet. I already knew the verdict.

The patent had potential, but the management team was weak, and Richard Cole was small-minded and shortsighted.

As the meeting wrapped up, Richard leaned forward nervously. "Ms. Vance, what do you think about our proposal...?"

"I need some time to consider," I said, closing my portfolio. "By the way, Mr. Cole, I hear your son works in investment banking here in the city?"

Richard blinked, surprised, before breaking into a proud grin.

"Ah, yes! My boy, Derek. Very talented, very sharp. Do you know him, Ms. Vance?"

"I've heard of him," I said, glancing at my watch. "I have a lunch date. We'll wrap things up here."

At eleven, I stood on the curb outside the small digital marketing agency where I supposedly worked.

Derek's BMW was already idling by the sidewalk. He was tapping his steering wheel, visibly annoyed.

When he saw me, he looked me up and down, his face darkening. "You're wearing that to meet my mother?"

"What's wrong with it?" I glanced down. "It's clean and neat."

"You..." He swallowed his temper with a sharp breath. "Whatever. Get in. My mother hates being kept waiting."

He booked a private room at an upscale French bistro. Derek's mother, Eleanor Cole, was already seated at the head of the table.

Her cold, calculating eyes raked over me the moment I stepped inside.

"Hello, Mrs. Cole," I greeted politely.

She responded with a dismissive hum through her nose.

Once I sat down, she got straight to the interrogation. "Amber, isn't it? What do your parents do?"

"They're ordinary working-class folks," I replied, sticking to my cover story.

"I hear you make barely four thousand a month?" Her eyebrows drew together in disgust. "In this city, what does that even buy? After you marry Derek, are you planning on leeching off him entirely?"

"Mom, don't be so harsh," Derek chimed in half-heartedly, shooting me a pointed glare that urged me to apologize and submit.

"Mrs. Cole, I have a steady job and I can support myself," I said calmly.

"You call that little gig a job?" Eleanor scoffed. "Once the wedding is done, resign immediately. Your only focus should be taking care of Derek and giving our family grandchildren as soon as possible."

"I also hear you have a younger brother."

She leaned forward, her gaze icy. "Let's get one thing straight: you will not be funneling my son's hard-earned money to your maiden family. A married daughter belongs to her husband's household. Your priorities need to be here."

The food arrived. As Eleanor ate, the lecture continued.

"For the wedding, a simple gathering will do."

"No expensive photo shoots. That's just throwing cash out the window."

"And the family gift will be ten thousand dollars. Not a penny more. Girls these days are so shallow, always scheming for money."

I ate in silence, not bothering to argue.

Eleanor clicked her tongue at my lack of reaction, turning to Derek. "Look at how dull she is. How is she ever going to help you network? You're going to have to discipline her thoroughly."

"I know, Mom," Derek replied, casually placing a piece of fish on my plate. "Eat up, Amber. Look how skinny you are."

When the meal ended, Eleanor pulled a thick envelope from her designer handbag and tossed it onto the table in front of me.

"A welcome gift. Take it."

I opened it. It was ten crisp hundred-dollar bills.

"Thank you, Mrs. Cole."

"Mhm." Eleanor stood up, smoothing her skirt. "My flight home is this afternoon. Derek, drive me to the airport. Amber, you can take the subway back. Try to be a little sharper next time."

They walked out together.

Standing outside the restaurant, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

"David, that share-purchase agreement for Apex Dynamics I had you draft? Send it to my inbox."

"Yes, exactly. Start buying up the minority shares from the retail investors."

Three days later, Derek asked me to tour a luxury condo with him.

"Look at this view! Look at the layout!" Derek spread his arms wide, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows. "This will be our home."

"I did the math. The down payment is about a million and a half. I'll cover the mortgage, and your paycheck will handle the groceries and your personal expenses."

"Naturally, the deed will only be in my name for now, since I'm putting up the down payment."

I ran my fingers across the expensive marble island. "Will your parents be living here too?"

"Of course! I'm their only son. I have to bring them here to enjoy life."

"You'd better start learning how to cook my mom's favorite dishes. She's very particular."

"Oh, and the master bedroom goes to them. We'll take the guest suite. Older people are light sleepers and need their quiet."

I looked out at the sprawling skyline and smiled faintly. "Sounds lovely."

A week later, Derek called me in a full-blown panic.

"Amber, we're in huge trouble! My dad's company just lost its lead investor!"

"It was basically a done deal! Out of nowhere, some mystery fund swooped in and killed the term sheet! Their cash flow is completely choked!"

On my end of the line, I was quietly reviewing the newly acquired share certificates. "Is it really that bad? Is there anything I can do?"

"You? What could you possibly do?" Derek snapped, his voice tight with frustration. "Forget it, it's useless talking to you. I'm just stressed. Come meet me for dinner tonight. Our usual spot."

That evening, Derek looked hollow and exhausted, downing glass after glass of scotch.

"Amber... if... if my family goes under, would you still marry me?" He stared at me with bloodshot eyes.

"Why wouldn't I? You're so capable," I said, pouring him some water.

"Right! I still have my career!" He latched onto the words like a drowning man clutching a lifebuoy. "Even if my dad's company tanks, I still make two million a year! I can still give you a good life!"

"Trust me, I will bounce back!"

He lunged forward and grabbed my hands. "So, please, just sign the prenuptial agreement."

"Let's get our license tomorrow. Once you're officially mine, we can get through this storm together."

Looking at his twisted, desperate expression, I slowly pulled my hands away. "I still want to think about the agreement."

"What is there to think about?!" Derek exploded, slamming his glass onto the table. "Amber, don't push your luck!"

"My family might be in a tight spot right now, but you still don't have the right to look down on me!"

"Besides me, who else is ever going to give you a life like this?"

"Derek," I said evenly, staring straight into his eyes. "Do you even know who I am?"

A flicker of suspicion crossed his face. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing." I grabbed my designer clutch. "I'm tired. I'm heading home. Who knows? Maybe a miracle will happen with the investment."

And the miracle arrived right on schedule.