Pearl's fingers trembled as she clutched the phone to her ear, her breath caught somewhere between her chest and throat.
"Miss Grey?"
She hesitated. "I'm sorry… May I know who this is?"
There was a pause, followed by a voice as smooth and deep as thunder muffled by silk. "It's me. Richard Harrison."
Pearl's eyes widened. She looked at Aria, who mouthed, Is it him?
Pearl gave a subtle nod.
"I hope I didn't wake you," Richard continued, voice steady but laced with tension.
"No… I was already awake," she said, voice barely above a whisper.
"Good. We need to talk. In person."
Pearl's stomach flipped. "Okay. When?"
"I'll send a car for you. Be ready in an hour. I'll text the address."
He didn't wait for her to respond. The call ended.
Pearl stood frozen in the middle of the
room, phone still clutched in her hand, Richard's voice echoing in her head. She couldn't believe he had called her. And now he was sending a car?
"I don't think I can do this," she said in a breathless rush, turning to Aria. "What if it's a trap? What if he wants to scold me or worse, sue me for ruining his reputation?"
Aria rolled her eyes, tossing a throw pillow onto the couch. "Pearl, please. He doesn't sound like the type to sue a woman he literally rescued from a drunk predator and held like a damn prince in front of the entire city."
Pearl groaned. "Stop romanticizing it."
"Seriously," Aria said, crossing her arms. "Think about it. If he was that upset, he wouldn't have called you. He wouldn't be sending a car. He could've just issued a press release, denied everything, and let you burn."
Pearl flopped onto the couch beside her, burying her face in her hands. "God, Aria… what if this changes my life forever? What if this becomes who I am now, just a headline girl?"
Aria's voice softened. "Maybe it will change your life. But maybe that's not such a bad thing."
Pearl looked up, eyes wide. "You don't understand. I didn't ask for any of this."
"I know. But sometimes life throws you into the spotlight before you're ready." Aria offered a faint smile. "Now it's up to you to decide how you're going to shine in it."
Pearl leaned back, quiet for a beat. "I'm not ready."
"You're more ready than you think."
Just then, a low honk echoed from outside. Aria peeked through the curtain.
"That's your chariot," she said, turning to her. "Black SUV. Very mafia boss energy. I love it."
Pearl's stomach turned. "This isn't a fairy tale, Aria. This is real."
"Exactly," Aria said with a wink. "So go be really unforgettable."
You're really going," Aria whispered, both amazed and nervous.
Pearl nodded slowly, her fingers already curling around the hem of her shirt. "I don't know what he wants… but I can't ignore him." she said to herself.
She disappeared into the small bathroom to change, her hands trembling slightly as she pulled on the dress Aria had laid out earlier, a soft cream wrap dress that hugged her waist and flared gently at her knees. It had delicate lace trimming at the cuffs and neckline, hinting at elegance without being too formal. Her skin still held the faintest glow from last night's rooftop lights, and the quiet vulnerability in her eyes made her seem softer, more delicate.
She brushed her hair quickly, then swept it into a low bun with loose strands framing her face natural, but intentional. Her lips trembled slightly as she applied a hint of gloss.
When she stepped out, Aria blinked. "Damn, Pearl. You look… like you're about to walk into a romance novel."
Pearl gave a weak smile. "Or a nightmare."
Aria stepped forward and hugged her tightly. "Whatever it is, you'll face it like you always do, with heart. Just breathe. You've got this."
Pearl's throat tightened. "Thanks, Aria. For everything."
Aria brushed invisible lint off her shoulder. "Call me the moment you're out of that meeting. I mean it."
Pearl nodded and stepped out into the cool morning air.
The car waiting outside wasn't the type to blend in, it was a sleek, black SUV with tinted windows and a quiet engine. The driver gave a slight nod, confirming she was expected.
She sank into the plush backseat, the scent of leather and faint cologne lingering in the air. Her heart pounded against her chest as the car pulled away from the curb. The city passed in blurs of coffee shops just opening, joggers on sidewalks, students waiting for buses—but Pearl barely saw any of it.
What does he want from me?
Why didn't he send a message instead of calling so suddenly?
What if this is a trap?
The car eventually pulled up in front of a discreet, gated estate tucked into the quiet outskirts of Montelucia. No visible signs. No guards at the front. Just a high wall and an elegant iron gate that opened slowly at their arrival.
A private villa.
The driver stepped out and opened the door for her. Pearl stepped onto the stone-paved driveway, her heels clicking lightly. Her eyes widened as she took in the surroundings tall cypress trees, a gentle fountain trickling in the center of the courtyard, and warm cream stone walls covered in ivy.
She was ushered to a shaded outdoor lounge with linen curtains that swayed gently in the breeze. A low, elegant table sat in the middle, already set with bottled water and two glasses.
She sat, her fingers curled tightly in her lap. The silence buzzed in her ears.
Then she heard footsteps.
He appeared from around the villa's side entrance, walking toward her with a quiet, unhurried stride.
Richard Harrison.
But not in his usual tailored suits and sharp ties.
Today, he wore a crisp, dark olive shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbows and slim black trousers. No tie. No jacket. Just clean lines and quiet confidence. His hair was still damp from a recent shower, swept back in a tousled style that softened the hard angles of his face. His eyes, however, remained sharp.
Pearl's breath caught.
He looked… different. Less CEO. More human.
Their eyes met..
Then, with calm precision, he looked directly at her.
His gaze swept over her, unreadable, pausing just briefly at her eyes. Then he spoke, voice low and deliberate.
"You came."
Pearl nodded once. "You asked."
A beat passed.
Richard took a slow step forward, and something in his expression shifted, less guarded.
"This won't be easy," he said quietly, "but it matters."
Pearl's breath caught.
He gestured gently to the seat opposite hers. There's something I need you to understand."
Then he spoke.
"The press already has the story, it's already everywhere. By tonight, it'll be undeniable."
"So what happens now?"
He leaned back slightly. "We can either deny it and let the media tear you apart... or we take control of the narrative."
Her brows pulled together. "What do you mean take control?"
He paused, choosing his words with the same care he used signing billion-dollar contracts.
"I mean… we pretend the story is real. That you are my fiancée."
Pearl blinked, sure she hadn't heard him correctly. "What?"
"A fake engagement," Richard said calmly. "We let the public believe it. It'll protect your name… and buy me time to finish the Zenith deal without distractions."
Pearl's mouth went dry. "You want me to… lie to the world?"
"It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. Temporary. Clean. No strings."
She stared at him, heart pounding. "And what happens when it's over?"
He didn't blink. "Then we both walk away. Untouched. Unscathed."
Pearl couldn't speak. Her entire world shifted again in the space of seconds.
Then Richard's voice dropped just slightly, his eyes searching hers. "Say yes. I'll handle everything else."