The Blackwood estate sat quietly on the edge of Upper Manhattan, hidden behind tall iron gates and centuries of old money pride. Unlike Kayden's glass-and-steel kingdom in the city, this place breathed history—dark wood floors polished by generations, oil paintings of stern-faced ancestors lining the walls, and silence that demanded respect.
Kayden had not been here in months.
He stood in the grand living room now, hands in his pockets, posture rigid, as his grandmother poured tea with calm precision. Evelyn Blackwood was a small woman with silver hair and sharp eyes that missed nothing. Age had softened her body, but not her mind. She had survived wars both political and personal,and raised the Blackwood legacy with iron resolve.
"You look thinner," she said, handing him a cup.
"I'm fine grandma," Kayden replied.
She studied him over the rim of her own cup. "You look like a man who believes rest is weakness."
He did not even bother to argue.
they both sat quietly and the silence stretched, heavy with unspoken things. Evelyn finally placed her cup down and folded her hands.
"Do you remember your father?" she asked suddenly.
Kayden stiffened. "Enough grandma."
"He believed love made men careless," she continued. "And it destroyed him."
Kayden's jaw clenched. "Then you understand why I won't marry."
Evelyn smiled faintly. "No. I understand why you must."
He turned to her sharply. "I won't be forced into this."
"I'm not forcing you," she said calmly. I'm trying to protect you.
From a side table, she picked up a thin brown file and slid it across to him. Kayden did not touch it.
"Open it," she said.
Against his better judgment, he did.
Inside were documents, old photographs, and family records. Names he recognized. Some he wished he didn't.
"Whitmore?" he muttered. "Old banking family."
"Yes," Evelyn said. "And one of the few families who understand what it means to survive in this city without losing their soul."
Kayden closed the file. "This is ridiculous even from you grandma."
"You are powerful," she said quietly. "But power without an anchor drifts. You are surrounded by enemies, Kayden some you see, others you don't. You need a partner who is strong, clean, and untouched by the darkness that follows you.
His eyes narrowed. "You want to use marriage as a shield?."
Of course not "I want to give you a reason to come home alive."
The room grew colder.
"I will not drag an innocent woman into my life," Kayden said.
Evelyn leaned forward. "She is not as innocent as you think. Karen Whitmore is intelligent, resilient, and stubborn. She refused this arrangement three times."
Kayden froze. "Refused?"
"Yes," Evelyn said with a hint of pride. "She wants love. Not a title. Not your money."
That… intrigued him against his will.
"She agreed only after I gave her a choice," Evelyn continued. "Know you before she commits or walk away forever."
Kayden scoffed. "And how do you plan to make that happen?"
Evelyn's smile sharpened, she knew at that moment she had him where she wanted him.
Across town, Karen Whitmore sat across from the elderly woman who had changed her life with one unexpected visit.
Evelyn Blackwood had not arrived with threats or promises. She had arrived with truth.
"I will not lie to you," Evelyn said, her voice steady. "My grandson is a difficult man. Powerful. Guarded. Dangerous in ways you cannot imagine."
Karen's hands tightened around her cup. "Then why involve me in this?"
"Because he has never touched a woman," Evelyn said plainly. "And because he has never allowed himself to be loved."
Karen's heart ached at the quiet honesty.
I won't marry for convenience, Karen said firmly. My parents loved each other deeply. I won't settle for less.
Evelyn nodded. "Then don't."
Karen blinked. "What?"
"I want you to work for him," Evelyn said. Disguised. Close enough to see the man behind the rumors.
That's deception, Karen whispered.
It's protection, Evelyn corrected. For both of you.
Karen stood abruptly. What if he's exactly what people say he is?
Then you walk away, Evelyn said. "No contract, no marriage."
Karen hesitated. "And if he's different?"
Evelyn's eyes softened. "Then he will fall in love with you without knowing why."
The room fell silent.
Karen thought of the stories. The fear. The cold name whispered in business circles.
Yet something inside her refused to turn away.
"I'll do it," she said finally. But I won't lie about who I am forever.
Evelyn smiled. I would expect nothing less.
~
Back in the Blackwood estate, Kayden stood, anger simmering beneath his calm exterior.
You planned this, he said.
"Yes," Evelyn replied. "Your new executive assistant starts tomorrow."
Kayden's eyes darkened. You're meddling in my affairs and I don't like it grandmother.
"I'm saving you," she said gently. "Whether you like it or not."
As Kayden left the estate, a strange unease followed him.