Chapter 5 - The Corporate Trap
Christian’s eyes narrowed instantly, the temperature in the room dropping several degrees. He didn't flinch at her direct question; instead, a slow, predatory smile spread across his lips. ""So, you were listening at the door,"" he noted, his voice devoid of anger, laced instead with a dangerous curiosity. He stepped within inches of her, trapping her between his body and the edge of the desk. ""You're smarter than I gave you credit for, Emma. But playing games with corporate survival is a dangerous sport. The board consists of men who view everything through the lens of profit and loss. If they knew about you, they would try to force an NDA, a settlement, or worse—a managed separation once the child is born."" He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. ""I don't play those games. I control the board, not the other way around. And no one takes my child.""
Emma’s heart pounded against her ribs like a trapped bird, but she refused to back down, her chin jutting out defiantly. ""And what about me? Where do I fit in your grand master plan, Christian? Am I just a ghost in this penthouse until the baby arrives, or do I get a voice in my own life?"" Christian stared at her for a long, agonizing moment, his hand rising to tuck a stray lock of brunette hair behind her ear. His touch was electric, confusing, and infuriatingly gentle. ""You want a voice?"" he murmured softly. ""Prove to me you can handle the weight of being a Vance. Tonight, we host a private dinner with the senior managing partners. You will be seated at my right hand, dressed in the gown my stylist is bringing up in ten minutes. You will smile, you will drink sparkling water, and you will show them that the woman standing beside Christian Vance is untouchable.""
Before Emma could refuse, the smart lock chimed again, and two junior assistants entered carrying a garment bag bearing the insignia of a high-end Parisian fashion house. Christian stepped back, his expression returning to that of an unyielding commander. ""Get dressed, Emma. Show time starts in two hours. Don't disappoint me."" As he turned and walked out of the room, leaving the door unlocked for the first time since her confinement, Emma stared at the designer dress bag. It was her first taste of freedom—or perhaps just a wider cage. She unzipped the bag, revealing a breathtaking emerald silk gown that shimmered under the lights, realizing with a cold jolt of adrenaline that she was about to walk straight into the lion's den.
