The Billionaire's Reluctant Partner.

Killian's Pov  The numbers weren't in my favor. For the first time in years, I was looking at a scenario where control was slipping through my fingers. Royce Industries had always been a powerhouse, untouchable in the corporate world, but the recent shift in boardroom politics was threatening my hold over everything I had built. I sat at the head of the boardroom table, listening with controlled indifference as one of the senior board members droned on about public perception. "Your divorce had affected your standing more than you realize, Killian," Richard Graves, the longest-serving member of the Royce Industries board, said, his tone heavy with disapproval. "The numbers speak for themselves. Investors prefer stability, and a bachelor at the helm-especially one with a failed marriage in the public eye-raises concerns." I sighed slowly, tapping my fingers on the polished table. "I don't see how my personal life affects the company's performance." "Because perception is reality," Richard shot back. "And right now, the perception is that you're reckless. That you lack the steady foundation required to lead Royce Industries into the next decade." Steady foundation. What he really meant was that my father had managed to maintain the illusion of a perfect family, and in comparison, I was faltering. "You need a solution," another board member chimed in. "A way to present stability. A united front." The unspoken words hung in the air. I already knew where this was going... I actually have for the past few years. They wanted me married again. Or at least, to appear as if I was in a solid, committed relationship. I clenched my jaw. "I'll handle it." Before anyone else could add their unsolicited advice, I pushed back my chair and stood. "This meeting is over," I announced. As I walked out of the boardroom, a thought settled in my mind, one that I had been planning since the scandal, one I hadn't even realized it until my feet led me out of the building, down the street, and into the sleek black car waiting for me. By the time I realized where I was subconsciously heading to, it was too late to turn back. ***** Naomi's office building seemed smaller than I remembered. Not in terms of size-Lancaster Luxe Events had always been housed in a sleek, modern space in the heart of the city-but in presence. The sleek, modern building was a big change from the small, shared office she had started with years ago. It had Naomi's style: sleek, sophisticated, and attention-grabbing without trying hard. Inside, the lobby was spotless, filled with the light scent of fresh flowers and vanilla. Employees moved around, their heels clicking on the marble floors, their conversations quiet but efficient. They all had twin looks of exasperation and doom on their faces, like they were all just waiting for the final word from their boss to confirm that their job offers were revoked. I had to give them props for staying this long tho, many other people would have bolted for the hills by now. As I walked past them, they all stopped whatever they were doing to openly gawk at me. Some gazed were filled with curiosity as to why I was here but a few of them were rounded in shock... They probably recognized me as Naomi's ex-husband. I walked toward the front desk, where a young woman-Naomi's assistant, I presumed-froze as soon as she looked up. Her eyes widened. "M-Mr. Royce?" I arched a brow. "I'd like to see Naomi." She hesitated. "She's-" "Tell her I'm here." My voice left no room for argument. She swallowed hard before nodding rapidly, picking up the phone with trembling fingers. After a hushed exchange, she looked up, still visibly startled. "Ms. Lancaster said to send you in." I nodded and walked past her toward Naomi's office. I reached the door with her name on it, grabbed the handle, and pushed it open. The moment I stepped inside, my eyes found her. Naomi. She stood by her desk, arms crossed, eyes sharp as they locked onto me. And just like before, she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. It wasn't just her looks-though those were impossible to ignore. It was the way she carried herself, with quiet strength and effortless grace. Her dark hair was pulled into a neat bun, showing off the soft angles of her face. High cheekbones, full lips, and those piercing eyes that missed nothing. The emerald-green dress she wore fit her perfectly, making it hard to look away. For a moment, I just stared. The way she stood, the slight lift of her chin, the way her fingers tapped against her arm-she was already annoyed with me. "Are you here to just stare, or do you actually have a reason for darkening my doorstep?" Her voice was cool, unimpressed. I smirked, a slight tug at the corner of my lips. "I promised I'd see you soon, didn't I?" She gave a dry laugh and shook her head. "Right. Because that was exactly what I needed to complete my day-my ex-husband showing up unannounced." I stepped further into the room, my hands going into my pockets. "You look well." She arched a brow. "And you look just the same-infuriating." I laughed, noting the sharpness in her tone. Her passion had always been strong, even when aimed at me. Especially then. Naomi sighed and crossed the room to sit at her desk. "What do you want, Killian?" "Can't I stop by to see how my ex-wife is doing in her business?" She scoffed and scoffed back in her chair. "Cut the act. Are you here to gloat?" I arched a brow. "Gloat?" She crossed her arms. "Don't play dumb. My business is falling apart, and you know it. You always did like watching people squirm." I tilted my head to the side. "You seem to be on...edge. Are you somehow bothered by my presence?" She copied my movement, looking bored. "Don't get too full of yourself, Royce," she said, rolling her eyes. Lies. Naomi was always good at hiding her feelings. But I knew better. The slight tension in her jaw and her fingers tightening on the armrest-I was under her skin. I stepped closer, noticing her expression shift. "I have a proposal." She exhaled sharply. "If this is about buying me out, you can forget it. I'm not selling." Another smile tugged at my lips. "I don't want your business, Naomi." Her brows met together in a tight frown. "Then what?" I merely lifted my shoulders in a small shrug, and made my way to the chair in front of her table. "It's just a proposal, one that could benefit and save your company." A humorless laugh escaped her lips. "Right. Because trusting you has always gone well for me." Her words were sharp and bitter, an emotion I knew all too well. "You don't have to trust me, Naomi. You just have to listen," I told her. She sighed and ran a finger through her hair. "Fine. I'm listening." I leaned in slightly, my voice lowering. "A partnership." Her brows pulled together. "What?" I tapped my fingers against the table. "You need damage control. You need to show people that Luxe Events is still the best in the business. That the scandal from that wedding isn't a reflection of you." She crossed her arms. "And what? You're just offering to be my charity case?" I chuckled. "Not quite. I have an event coming up that needs discretion and attention to detail-your specialty." A look of suspicion crossed her face. "What kind of event is this?" I hesitated for a beat. "A wedding." Her body tensed. "You want me to plan a wedding?" I gave a slow nod. She gasped and shook her head. "You must be out of your damn mind." "Am I?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. "Think about it. If you pull this off-if you execute a flawless, high-profile event-it'll rebuild your reputation. People will forget about the last wedding disaster." She looked at me, disbelief in her eyes. "And let me guess... there's a catch." I smirked. "There's always a catch." Silence hung between us, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Finally, she sighed yet again-she seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "I don't trust you." "You already said that." "And yet, here I am, thinking about whatever crazy plan you have." I just pinned her with a look. "Because you know I'm right." Her eyes narrowed for the slightest second before she nodded. "I need details." "You'll have them. But first..." I took out my phone, quickly typing a message before putting it back in my pocket. "You'll get a contract by tomorrow," I said. "Look it over. Then we'll talk." Naomi studied me for a long moment, as if searching for the catch, for the angle. Finally, she sighed. "Fine. Send it over." A slow smile pulled at my lips. Checkmate.