Chapter 4 The Man Who Offered Too Much
Serena's POV
I let out a long breath when I realized Caspian Vale wasn't walking toward me after all. He was heading to someone behind me and so my shoulders dropped in relief.
" Thank God." I whispered under my breathe, although I didn't know why his eyes had locked on me like that but I was glad it wasn't about me.
When it was finally my turn, I stepped onto the stage. My legs felt a little shaky but I held the microphone steady and spoke about Mom's foundation and how it helped low-income patients get the care they needed.
My voice stayed mostly steady though I was shaking on the inside. I explained why we needed funding and support right now more than ever. The crowd listened politely, some nodded while ohers looked distracted checking their phones or talking quietly to the person next to them. I kept going anyway.
When I finished the host smiled at the room. "Anyone willing to contribute or partner with the Moretti Medical Foundation, please signify."
A brief silence followed as no one moved at first but then a hand went up. I turned slightly expecting maybe a distant sponsor or an assistant. But it was Caspian. Everyone looked confused because they knew Caspian Vale doesn't supports small firms else the ones he'll benefit from.
I froze for a second unsure if I had imagined it,but he stayed calm with that unreadable expression on his face. Just like that the attention moved away from my speech.
Later when the gala began to wind down and people started leaving a staff member came up to me.
"A major sponsor would like to speak with you privately Miss Moretti." I turned and it was Caspian. No one was around him so I walked up to him.
He looked at me directly.
"I'll fund the entire foundation" he said simply. "Fully. No partial support." He adss
I stood there stunned. "You... you'll cover everything?" I asked as I searched his face trying to understand.
He nodded once. "Everything." He confirmed.
I thanked him carefully, still cautious.
"I'll send all the details and financial reports to your company by email tomorrow" I said as I stepped back a little and I thought that was the end of it but it wasn't. As I turned to leave he stopped me.
"There's more" he said with a calm voice.
I turned back confused.
"Why would you offer me anything else? We don't even know each other. You've never met me properly before tonight." I rushed the words because if I had stopped, I might change my mind.
Caspian watched me for a moment.
"In my world nothing is given without something in return" he replied.
He paused then said it clearly. "Marry me."
I froze completely because for a second I genuinely thought I misheard him but then that disbelief turned into shock then anger.
"Are you joking?" I asked as my voice rose a little. "You want me to marry you in exchange for funding? I came here for help not this kind of manipulation." I added angrilly.
Caspian didn't react emotionally. He just watched me with those cold grey eyes.
"Think about it. It's a contract marriage and for a limited time. I'm in some kind of crisis right now, and it's only best to marry someone who's not a public figure, and since you need my help too..." he said as he pulled out a business card and placed it in my hand.
I looked at the card then tried to give it back immediately.
"If marriage is your condition then I don't need your help at all" I told him as I held it out.
He didn't take it back. Instead he closed my fingers around the card with his hand. Then he turned and walked away into the crowd.
I stood there confused shaken and angry at how easily he controlled everything. After a moment I left the gala with the card still tight in my hand.
When I got home, Mom stood outside with a few personal belongings in her hands looking confused and distressed. Inside the house men moved around quietly inspecting documents and placing sealing notices.
I rushed forward. "What is happening?" I asked as I looked from Mom to the men.
One of the men handed me papers.
"The house was used as collateral for the medical foundation loan. The payment deadline passed and the property is being reclaimed. You have two days before removal." He explained
I stood frozen as the words sank in. Mom's treatment,the foundation, our home. Everything was collapsing at once and the red legal notices were already on parts of the building. We
Mom noticed how quiet I had become.
"What happened at the gala Serena?" she asked as she touched my arm gently.
"Did it turn out well? Is anyone willing to help?" She asked me
I didn't answer right away. My mind kept replaying Caspian's words and i hated that I thought about something like this of all things.
But then suddenly it all connected. This wasn't romance or coincidence, it was survival and a perfect opportunity to get my long wanted revenge. I could get to know the truth about Luca's death and destroy Caspian totally.
I looked at Mom slowly and after a long pause I finally spoke. "Mom... I think I'm going to get married."
She froze. "What?"
I held the business card tightly in my hand.
"I said I'm going to get married" I repeated more firmly this time.
Mom stared at me completely stunned unable to process what she just heard.
"What?" she said again her voice shaky as she looked at the card in my hand.
