Chapter 3: Strategy
948words
I hadn't wasted a moment of my second chance. While maintaining the appearance of a dedicated student, I'd been meticulously building my secret identity: Lady Crain. Using my knowledge of future market trends, I made a series of calculated investments that quickly multiplied my modest savings into substantial capital.
Bitcoin, tech startups that would become giants, companies on the verge of breakthrough innovations—I knew exactly where to put my money and when to pull it out. Each success built upon the last, and I was careful to keep my identity concealed behind layers of shell companies and discreet financial managers.
Today, I sat in my London apartment, staring at my laptop screen with growing concern. Despite my efforts to change the timeline, some events seemed determined to unfold. The news headline glared back at me: "Reed Corp Faces Financial Pressure as Market Shifts."
My phone rang. Dad's name flashed on the screen.
"Lara," he said when I answered, his voice strained. "I assume you've seen the news."
"I have," I replied, keeping my voice calm despite the dread pooling in my stomach. "How bad is it?"
"Bad enough. We're facing some unexpected challenges in the market. Nothing we can't handle, but it's concerning." He sighed heavily. "We need you to come home, Lara."
I closed my eyes. This was the moment I'd been preparing for. "What about Cindy? She's thriving here."
"She can stay if she wants. Her internship at Barclays is going well, isn't it? But the board wants to discuss succession planning, and as my heir apparent, you should be present."
"Of course," I said, relief washing over me that Cindy could remain safely in London. "When do you need me back?"
"As soon as possible. And..." he hesitated. "There's been an interesting development. The Frost Group has reached out with a proposal."
A chill ran down my spine. "What kind of proposal?"
"Chris Frost has suggested a marriage alliance. He specifically asked for you, Lara. In exchange, the Frost Group would provide the capital Reed Corp needs to weather this crisis."
I gripped the phone tighter. I'd successfully avoided the Kappa mixer in this timeline, making an excuse to Cindy at the last minute. I'd never actually met Chris in this life—yet somehow, he'd still found his way to me.
"That's absurd," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "I've never even met him."
"Apparently he's seen you at some industry events. I know it sounds medieval, but the board thinks we should consider it. Reed Corp needs this cash infusion, Lara. We're in a more vulnerable position than I've let on."
My stomach dropped. Just like before. The same trap, different setup.
"I understand," I said, my mind already formulating a plan. "I'll book a flight today."
After hanging up, I quickly packed my essentials. I called Cindy to explain the situation, keeping it brief.
"You're leaving? Just like that?" she asked, clearly disappointed.
"Dad needs me. Reed Corp is in trouble, and apparently the Frost Group is offering financial help—with strings attached."
"What kind of strings?"
"The matrimonial kind. Chris Frost wants to marry me."
"What? That's insane! You've never even met him!"
"I know. But I need to go back and handle this." I hesitated. "You should stay here, Cin. Your career is taking off."
She studied me for a moment. "Be careful, Lara. I've heard things about the Frost family. They're ruthless."
If only she knew.
"I'll be fine," I promised, hugging her goodbye. "I'll call you every day."
Two days later, I was back in New York. The Reed Corp headquarters looked exactly as I remembered—a gleaming tower of glass and steel in midtown Manhattan. Dad was waiting in his office, looking older than I remembered.
"Lara," he said, rising to embrace me. "Thank you for coming so quickly."
"Of course, Dad," I replied. "Tell me everything."
He gestured for me to sit. "The situation is worse than I let on. We're facing a cash flow crisis. Several major contracts fell through simultaneously, and our stock has taken a hit. We need capital to tide us over until the new product line launches."
"And the Frost Group proposal?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral.
Dad looked uncomfortable. "Chris Frost approached me directly last week. Said he would provide the funding Reed Corp needs if you would agree to marry him." He shook his head. "I told him it was your decision entirely, of course."
"Of course," I echoed, my mind already racing ahead. "Has he been told I'm back?"
"No. I wanted to speak with you first."
I nodded, a plan forming in my mind. "Don't tell him. I want to surprise him."
Dad raised an eyebrow. "What are you thinking?"
"I'll go to his office tomorrow. Unannounced. I want to see his reaction when I walk in." I kept my voice casual, as if this were merely a business tactic rather than the beginning of my revenge.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Dad asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Trust me," I said with a confidence I didn't entirely feel. "I need to see what kind of man thinks he can buy a wife with a business deal."
Dad studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. But be careful, Lara. The Frost Group didn't get where they are by playing nice."
"Neither did Reed Corp," I reminded him with a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
