After Divorce, I Found Love Within the Walls of your Family

Rose's POV

“So... you're the lady claiming to be Miss Rose Vale?”

Alexander said, his sharp eyes studying me.

I smiled.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Alexander.” I stretched out my hand for a handshake, but he ignored it.

“How do I know you're the real Rose Vale?” he asked.

“For all I know, the real Rose has been away from the public for years. So why come out all of a sudden... and why choose to show yourself to me?”

I let out a small sigh. “Can I at least sit down?”

He looked at the man standing beside him before turning back to me. “You have five minutes. Tell me why you're here.”

I smiled and helped myself to the chair opposite him.

“I know you find it hard to believe that I'm truly the Vale heiress, so I came with proof.” I placed a document on the table.

He glanced at it before handing it to the man beside him. “Confirm everything in this file.” The man lowered his head and quietly left the office.

“It took you two days to respond to my request,” I said.

Alexander scoffed.

“That’s because you were lucky enough to get my attention. Just pray those documents are genuine... or you'll have me to deal with.”

I smiled.

“I have no reason to hide my identity just to ask you for a favor.” He leaned back in his chair.

“I don't care whether you're the Vale heiress or not. If your proposal isn't useful to me, this meeting will be a

waste of both our time.” I rolled my eyes.

“At least you're honest.”

A few moments later, the man returned. He whispered something into Alexander's ear before placing the documents back on the desk.

Alexander stared at me for a while before sliding the file toward me. “So... you're really the legal heir to Vale Group.”

“Yes.”

He folded his arms. “How does your presence benefit me?” I smiled.

The rumors were true. He really was arrogant.

“I'm here to make you a deal.”

“I don't make deals based on emotion, Miss Vale.”

“This isn't about emotion.”

“Then what is it about?”

“Mutual benefit.”

He rested one leg on the table. “My secretary will escort you out.”

“This deal will benefit both of us.”

He didn't even blink. “Same answer, Miss Vale. I don't care who you are or what deal you're offering. If it doesn't benefit me, I'm not interested.”

I let out a quiet sigh.

“Ask me for anything, Mr. Alexander. As long as it's within my power, I'll do it.” That finally got his attention.

He slowly lowered his leg and rested both hands beneath his chin, studying me. “And what exactly do you think you can offer me, Miss Vale?” He smirked.“Go on. Tell me.”

“I can help you gain power much faster with my father's name.”

He chuckled. “Your father's name?” He leaned closer.

“And what makes you think my name can't open every door I need?”

I held his gaze. “As I said—”

Before I could continue, his assistant leaned over and whispered something into his ear. Alexander looked at me again.

This time, his expression changed slightly, as though he was searching for something he hadn't considered before, Silence filled the office then he finally spoke.

“Before we continue... you said you'd do anything within your power.”

“Yes, Mr. Alexander, as long as it's within my power.”

He nodded. “Good.”he leaned back. “So, what do you want from me?”

“"I want you to terminate your contract with Carter Logistics."

He frowned. "Who are they?" He turned to his assistant. "The Carter Group is a logistics company, sir. Adrian Carter is the CEO. We recently signed a collaboration with them."

Alexander looked back at me. "And why exactly do you want me to cancel the contract?"Alexander reached for his tablet.

I frowned.

“You're asking me to terminate a multimillion-dollar collaboration with a company I recently approved.”

“I am.”

“Based on what?”

“Because Adrian Carter isn't capable of handling a project of this scale.” His eyes narrowed.

“That's a serious accusation.”

“I know.”

“And you're asking me to take your word for it?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I'm asking you to investigate him.” That seemed to interest him then he turned toward his assistant.

“Conduct a complete review of Carter Logistics.”The assistant nodded. “His company's financial records, leadership, business ethics, current projects, and the circumstances surrounding this collaboration.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And find out why Miss Vale is so determined to end this particular deal.” I remained silent as Alexander looked back at me.

“I don't make business decisions based on someone's personal feelings.”

“I never asked you to.” His lips curved slightly.

“Good.”

He closed the file. “Now tell me something.”

“What?”

“Why him?”

I held his gaze. “Because he's not the man you think he is.”nAlexander studied me for several seconds.

Then he leaned back. “Very well.” He paused. “I'll investigate.”

My shoulders relaxed slightly. “But I'm not terminating anything yet.” I nodded. “That's fair.”

He studied me again. “You're surprisingly calm for someone asking me to destroy a deal worth millions.”

“I know what I want.”

“And what is that?”

“To make sure Adrian Carter doesn't continue benefiting from opportunities he isn't qualified to handle.” Alexander's expression remained unreadable.

“Interesting.”

He tapped his fingers against the desk."In exchange..."

"I want you to become my business partner."

"No problem, Mr. Alexander. I wi—"

"I'm not finished." He cut me off. "I'm not married and right now… I need a ceremonial wife."

I blinked.

"How do I fit into that picture?"

He met my eyes. "I want you to be my wife."

I turned to look at Sofia and Her eyes widened. She quickly shook her head, silently warning me not to agree.

He looked at me.

“I need to secure the chairmanship position. Certain members of the board believe a chairman should represent stability, both professionally and personally.”

He paused. “A family image would strengthen my position.”

I understood immediately. “You need a ceremonial wife.”

“Exactly.”

I stared at him.

“And what does that have to do with me?” He met my eyes.

“You're the Vale princess. Your family name carries influence. Your reputation is clean, and you understand the business world.” He paused. “And dnt forget you owned me so definitely youwould fit the position perfectly.”

I turned to look at Sofia and her eyes widened. She quickly shook her head, silently warning me not to agree but I ignored her.

Alexander continued.

“I'll terminate the collaboration with Carter Logistics once my investigation confirms your claims. In return, I want you to become my ceremonial wife for three years .” I looked back at him.

In exchange for getting Adrian out of Alexander's business circle and finally cutting the one connection that can take Adrian to the next level of his career.

It was a deal. “I accept.” Alexander raised an eyebrow.

“You didn't even think about it.”

“There's nothing to think about.”

“You still have time to change your mind, Miss Vale.”

“I A faint smile crossed his face. "You still have ten seconds left to change your mind, Miss Vale."

"Once this deal is sealed..."

"There will be no turning back."

I smiled. "There's nothing to think about, Mr. Alexander."

"Unless...You're the one who's scared."

A small laugh escaped him. "Interesting." He stood up, so did I. "Then we have a deal. I'll have my secretary send you the marriage agreement."

"That'll be all for today."

“I hope you'll keep your side of the bargain, Mr. Alexander.” He stretched out his hand. “Our deal is done.”

This time, I shook it. “I'll be waiting to hear from you.”

I turned and walked out of his office with Sofia following behind me.

The moment we got into the car, she finally spoke.

“Ma'am... don't you think you went too far?”

I looked at her. “Why?”

“You're agreeing to marry a man you've barely met.”

I leaned back in my seat. “I'm not marrying him for love.”

She sighed. “That's exactly what worries me.”

I looked up at the towering Blackwood building through the car window.

“ The rumors said Mr. Alexander was heartless. They said he had rejected every woman who had tried to get close to him and had no interest in marriage. People believe he is gay and he has no intention to clear the rumors.”

“ I didn't care what the rumors said, As long as Adrian didn't get to work with Alexander…”

“ I was keeping my side of the deal.”

The car slowly drove away.