Drake’s Perspective

Drake Hawthorne leaned back in his high-backed leather chair, his gaze lazily sweeping over the iconic Wall Street skyline that stretched out beneath him. The dark wood and leather décor of his office at Hawthorne Industries Tower spoke to the old-money heritage his family had built over generations. This was his kingdom, a world of power and privilege, where he played the game of business with ruthless precision.

The news of the arranged marriage didn't faze him. In fact, it intrigued him. Where most people would be rattled by the idea of being forced into a marriage for the sake of corporate interests, Drake saw opportunity. A merger with Morgan Enterprises, secured through marriage, wasn't a burden—it was a way to expand his empire.

Across the room, Harry Knight, his loyal CFO and best friend, didn't share the same enthusiasm. Harry stood by the window, hands in his pockets, his face a mixture of skepticism and unease.

"You don't seem worried at all," Harry remarked, his voice edged with disbelief. "They want you to marry Mila Morgan, Drake. She's not someone you can just… control."

Drake chuckled, his dark eyes flashing with amusement. "You think I'm scared of Mila Morgan?"

Harry shook his head, exhaling slowly. "I'm just saying, she's not like the others. She's just as ruthless as you, maybe even more. This isn't going to be easy."

Drake stood, walking toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the bustling world below. His posture radiated confidence, a man who never once doubted his ability to come out on top. The city stretched before him like a chessboard, each building and business a piece in his ongoing game of domination.

Before he could respond to Harry, his phone buzzed. It was his father, Jonathan Hawthorne, the patriarch of the Hawthorne dynasty. The old man's voice boomed through the speaker as soon as Drake picked up.

"Drake, this merger is the future of our family's legacy. A union between Hawthorne Industries and Morgan Enterprises will create an unstoppable empire. And the marriage—well, it's the perfect way to ensure long-term control."

Jonathan's tone left little room for argument. His father had always believed that business was war, and any tactic—no matter how personal—was fair game. To him, the marriage was nothing more than another weapon in their arsenal, another way to secure dominance.

Drake wasn't opposed to the idea of marrying Mila. He had long respected her as a worthy adversary, someone who didn't fold easily under pressure. But this wasn't about love or even convenience—it was about power. Once they were married, he'd have access to her company, her resources. He'd find a way to absorb Morgan Enterprises into his own, piece by piece, until it was entirely under his control.

"I'm not worried, Father," Drake said smoothly. "This marriage is just the first step. Once we're wed, I'll get closer to Mila, closer to her company. And eventually, Morgan Enterprises will be ours."

His father's gruff voice rumbled through the line, approval clear in his tone. "Good. Don't let her get the upper hand. She's dangerous."

Drake's lips curved into a smirk. "I'm counting on it."

As the call ended, Harry, who had been watching the exchange silently, stepped forward, his concern evident. "You're really going through with this?"

Drake turned to face him, leaning casually against his desk, his expression calm but confident. "Of course. It's the perfect opportunity."

"But you know Mila. She's not just going to roll over and let you take her company. She'll fight you every step of the way."

Drake chuckled again, unbothered by the warning. "Every opponent has a weakness, Harry. Mila's will soon be revealed."

Harry didn't look convinced. "And what if you're wrong? What if you can't outsmart her?"

Drake's eyes gleamed with a dangerous edge, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "I'm never wrong."

He straightened up, crossing his arms over his chest. "We'll play the long game. She'll think she's holding all the cards, but by the time she realizes what's really happening, it'll be too late. Morgan Enterprises will be mine."

Harry sighed, knowing that Drake's mind was already made up. Mila Morgan wasn't like the other rivals they had faced, but Drake's confidence was unwavering. There was no convincing him otherwise.

As Drake looked out over the city once more, his smirk widened. "After all," he said with a glint in his eye, "no one's as good at winning as I am."