Boardroom Bride for the Billionaire

Chapter 1

Julian

I take a sip of my coffee, the bitter taste waking me up more effectively than any alarm clock. The morning sun streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse, casting a golden glow over the marble floors.

I glance at the tabloids spread across the kitchen island that I picked up from the local newsstand, their glossy covers screaming for attention. Reading the tabloids, which seem to involve me more often than not lately, have become some sort of an unhealthy compulsion for me, for lack of better terms.

One headline catches my eye: "Julian Hart: More than just a pretty face."

I can't help but snort. Pretty face, my ass. Ever since the breakup with Katherine, which seemed to shock the world more than a well-loved boyband breaking up, It feels like I grace their pages daily. I pick up the paper, skimming through the article.

"At 35, Julian Hart is the youngest ever CEO of Hart Enterprises. Hailing from a wealthy family, Hart didn't rely on daddy's money to climb the corporate ladder. Instead, he used his intelligence and wit to secure his position. Rumor has it there's a big merger in the works that will be his next major focus. Despite his tough, cold exterior, Hart has been seen multiple times visiting housing for the underprivileged in the city."

They always have to mention my family, as if I didn't earn every damn thing I have. And that "tough, cold exterior" bit—yeah, right. If they only knew. I skim the article further, feeling my irritation grow.

"But can Julian Hart maintain his success without the support of his longtime girlfriend, Katherine Lane? Their high-profile breakup left many wondering if Hart's emotional stability might affect his business acumen. Sources close to the couple say Lane was a grounding force for Hart, often advising him on critical decisions. With her out of the picture, will he still have what it takes to lead Hart Enterprises through the impending merger?"

I crumple the paper and toss it into the trash. "Grounding force," my ass. Katherine had been more interested in my bank account than in me. She loved the spotlight, loved being seen with me at charity galas and business dinners. But when it came to real support? Emotional connection? She was as absent as my parents.

I lean against the counter, running a hand through my hair. It's not like I haven't heard these questions before. Hell, I ask them myself sometimes. But I've built this company with my own hands, made decisions that have brought us to the brink of this monumental merger. I won't let some tabloid gossip shake me.

I toss the paper back on the counter, anger bubbling beneath my calm facade.

My phone buzzes on the counter, and I see a message from Mark, my COO: "Meeting at 10 to discuss merger details."

I text back a quick confirmation and head to my bedroom to get dressed. The walk-in closet is filled with tailored suits in various shades of gray and navy. I choose one almost at random, slipping into it with practiced ease.

I step out into the hallway and head toward my private elevator. The doors slide open with a soft chime, and I press the button for the lobby.

Time to get to work.

* * *

Stepping out of the sleek black town car, I adjust my tie and glance up at the towering glass edifice of Hart Enterprises. The morning sun glints off the windows, casting reflections like sharp daggers. This building, this company, represents everything I’ve fought for. It’s my legacy.

Inside, the familiar scent of polished marble and fresh coffee greets me. Assistants and employees nod as I stride through the lobby, their eyes a mix of respect and curiosity. They know today’s meeting is critical.

The elevator doors slide open to the executive floor, revealing the conference room at the end of the hallway. Through the glass walls, I see the board members already seated, their faces a mix of anticipation and skepticism. My pulse quickens slightly—not from nerves, but from the thrill of the challenge.

I push open the heavy door, my entrance commanding immediate silence. “Good morning,” I say, stepping forward with confidence.

A murmur of responses greets me as I take my place at the head of the table. The tension in the room thickens as everyone waits for me to speak.

“Let’s get straight to it,” I begin, locking eyes with each member in turn. “We’re here to discuss the merger with ArgoTech.”

Franklin, one of our longest-serving board members, leans forward, adjusting his glasses. “Julian, there are concerns about this move. ArgoTech is unproven in our market.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Unproven? ArgoTech has revolutionized tech in Europe and Asia. Their innovation pipeline alone is worth billions.”

“But their leadership is unpredictable,” argues Sylvia, her tone sharp.

“They’re risk-takers,” I counter smoothly. “That’s what we need right now—calculated risks that push us ahead of our competitors.”

A few nods ripple around the table.

“Think about our long-term strategy,” I continue. “This merger isn’t just about expanding our portfolio; it’s about securing our future in an increasingly tech-driven world.”

Franklin clears his throat. “How do you propose we handle potential integration issues?”

“We’ve already mapped out a comprehensive integration plan,” I reply, sliding a folder across the table toward him. “We’ll retain key talent from both companies to ensure a smooth transition.”

Silence follows as they digest my words.

“We can’t afford to stagnate,” I press on. “Hart Enterprises needs this merger to stay relevant and competitive.”

Franklin clears his throat again, but this time his eyes hold a different kind of scrutiny. “Julian, there’s another matter we need to address.”

I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Go on.”

Sylvia exchanges a look with Franklin before speaking. “Your bachelor status, Julian. Some of our investors are concerned it portrays instability.”

A ripple of discomfort moves through the room. I keep my face neutral, though irritation bubbles beneath the surface.

“Instability?” I let the word hang in the air for a moment before continuing. “My personal life has no bearing on my ability to lead this company.”

“It’s not about your capabilities,” Franklin says carefully. “It’s about perception. After what happened with Katherine—”

I cut him off with a sharp look. “That was nearly a year ago now.”

“But it was very public,” Sylvia interjects, her voice gentler now. “Her criticism of your non-committal nature still lingers in some circles.”

My jaw tightens at the mention of her. Hearing her name feels like salt being rubbed into a festering, gangrenous wound.

“I’m here to talk about the merger, not my past relationships,” I say, keeping my tone even.

Franklin shakes his head slightly. “We’re not questioning your leadership, Julian. We’re simply pointing out that some stability in your personal life might reassure our investors.”

I glare at her, my mind racing. "So what are you suggesting?"

Sylvia exchanges a look with Franklin before speaking again. "We need you to present a family-oriented image."

"A family-oriented image?" I repeat, incredulous. "You want me to parade around some fake family to appease investors?"

Franklin raises a hand to calm me down. "Not a fake family, Julian. Just... show that you're capable of maintaining a stable personal life."

I scoff, leaning back in my chair.

"Perception is reality," Sylvia says quietly. "If the investors see you as unstable or distracted, it could affect their confidence in Hart Enterprises."

I rub my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "And how exactly am I supposed to do that? Hire an actress to play my wife? Rent some kids for the weekend?"

Sylvia's expression softens slightly. "No one's asking you to be disingenuous, Julian. Just... consider the optics. Maybe show that you're open to a serious relationship."

"Open to a serious relationship," I repeat slowly, shaking my head in disbelief.

Franklin clears his throat again. "Julian, we understand this is an imposition, but it's important for the future of the company."

I let out a heavy sigh, realizing I'm cornered. They're not going to let this go.

"Fine," I say finally, my voice flat. "I'll see what I can do."

Sylvia smiles faintly, relief evident in her eyes. "Thank you, Julian. This will go a long way in reassuring our stakeholders."

I nod curtly, feeling like I've just made a deal with the devil.

“Let’s get back to the merger,” I say, steering the conversation back to solid ground.

The board members slowly turn their attention back to their notes and the presentation in front of them, though I can feel their lingering doubts hanging in the air like an unwelcome specter.

I sit back, letting the chatter fade into the background as my mind drifts to the implications of this merger. The tech advancements ArgoTech brings are groundbreaking. AI, blockchain integration, renewable energy solutions—the possibilities are endless. Hart Enterprises could dominate new markets, outpacing competitors by miles.

But beneath that excitement lies a nagging discomfort. Katherine’s betrayal isn’t just a memory; it’s a scar that still aches. She knew how much this company meant to me, yet she used our relationship to gain insider information for her own firm. Trust shattered like glass under a hammer.

The thought tightens my grip on the leather armrest. I won’t let anyone else get that close again. Business is war, and in war, you can’t afford to show weakness.

“Julian?” Sylvia’s voice cuts through my reverie.

I look up, meeting her eyes. “Yes?”

“We were discussing the integration timeline,” she says cautiously.

“Right,” I reply, straightening up. “We need to move fast. Six months for full integration.”

Franklin raises an eyebrow. “That’s ambitious.”

“It’s necessary,” I counter. “We can’t afford delays.”

A few murmurs of agreement ripple through the room.

I see Sylvia nodding, but there’s something in her eyes—a lingering concern about my personal life affecting my decisions. I push it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

“We’ll draft a more detailed plan for the next meeting,” I announce, wrapping up the discussion on my terms.

As they start gathering their things, I stay seated, lost in thought. Katherine’s betrayal serves as a reminder: trust no one fully in this world of cutthroat business.

Once everyone has left the room, I stand and walk over to the window, looking out over the cityscape below. The view from up here is breathtaking—skyscrapers stretching as far as the eye can see, each one a testament to ambition and power.

I won’t let anyone jeopardize what I’ve built again. Not Katherine or anyone else.

Hart Enterprises will succeed on my terms alone.