The Billionaire Bargain.

Cameron Reed stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office, gazing out over the city skyline. His mind wasn't on the breathtaking view, but on the financial reports scattered across his desk. The numbers were bleak.

Reed Corporation, the family business he'd dedicated his life to, was struggling. The once-thriving empire now teetered on the brink of collapse. Cameron's gut twisted with anxiety. He couldn't let his family's legacy crumble.

The intercom buzzed, breaking the silence. "Mr. Reed, your mother is here to see you."

Cameron's assistant, Rachel, ushered his mother, Catherine Reed, into the office. Catherine's elegant presence commanded attention. Her silver hair was styled impeccably, and her designer suit exuded confidence.

"Cameron, darling, I've come to discuss the business," she said, her voice firm but laced with concern.

Cameron nodded, gesturing for her to sit. "What's on your mind, Mother?"

"The board is growing restless. They're questioning your ability to lead the company." Catherine's words cut deep.

Cameron's jaw clenched. "I'll turn this around. I promise."

Catherine's expression softened. "I believe you, dear. However, there's another issue. The will."

Their family's patriarch, Cameron's late father, had left a stipulation in his will: Cameron must marry within the next six months to inherit the majority share of Reed Corporation. Cameron had dismissed it as an outdated clause, but now it loomed over him like a ticking time bomb.

"Find me a wife, Mother?" Cameron suggested, half-joking.

Catherine's eyes sparkled. "Actually, I've already found someone."

Cameron raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Aurora Wellesley. Brilliant lawyer, beautiful, and from a good family. She's the perfect candidate."

Cameron's curiosity piqued. "Tell me more."

Aurora "Rory" Wellesley was a rising star in the legal world. Her intelligence and determination had caught Catherine's attention. Cameron's mother had done her research, presenting him with a comprehensive dossier on Rory.

Cameron scanned the pages, impressed. Rory's credentials shone, but it was her photo that caught his breath. Stunning. He couldn't deny the spark of attraction.

"Arrange a meeting," Cameron said, his mind racing.

Catherine smiled, triumphant. "I'll set it up for tomorrow evening."

The wheels were in motion. Cameron would propose a contract marriage to Rory, securing his family's business and his own future.

Little did he know, this bargain would change everything.

Cameron's mind whirled with thoughts of Aurora Wellesley. He couldn't shake the feeling that this contract marriage might be the solution to his problems. His mother's words echoed in his mind: "She's the perfect candidate."

The next evening, Cameron arrived at the upscale restaurant where his mother had arranged for him to meet Rory. He took a deep breath, adjusting his cufflinks. This was business, after all.

Inside, Rory waited, sipping a glass of wine. Her beauty struck him anew. Porcelain skin, raven hair, and piercing green eyes that sparkled with intelligence.

"Mr. Reed," she said, extending a manicured hand.

"Cameron," he replied, shaking it firmly.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly. Rory's sharp wit and quick humor drew him in. Cameron found himself laughing, feeling at ease.

Rory, however, remained guarded. Her responses were measured, revealing only glimpses of her true self. Cameron sensed a depth to her, a complexity he wanted to unravel.

Over dessert, Cameron broached the subject. "Rory, I must admit, my mother has told me a great deal about you. I'm impressed."

Rory's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what, exactly, has she told you?"

"Your intelligence, your drive... your beauty." Cameron smiled.

Rory's cheeks flushed, but she didn't falter. "Flattery won't get you far, Mr. Reed."

Cameron chuckled. "I assure you, my intentions are genuine. I have a proposal for you."

Rory's gaze never wavered. "I'm listening."

Cameron took a deep breath. "I need a wife. A partner to help secure my family's business. In return, I'm willing to offer you a substantial sum."

Rory's expression remained neutral, but Cameron detected a flicker of interest.

"Go on," she said.

"The terms are simple: three years, $15 million. You'll be well taken care of."

Rory's eyes widened, but she didn't speak.

Cameron pressed on. "We'll maintain separate residences, of course. Public appearances will be necessary, but I assure you, it won't be too taxing."

Rory's silence stretched out, making Cameron uneasy.

Finally, she spoke. "I'll need time to consider it."

Cameron nodded. "Of course. But know this, Rory: I'm not a patient man."

Rory's lips curved into a sly smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

Their meeting concluded, Cameron left the restaurant feeling hopeful. Had he found the perfect partner?

Rory watched Cameron depart, her thoughts swirling. $15 million was a life-changing sum. But at what cost?

She pulled out her phone, dialing a familiar number.

"Piper, it's me," Rory said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You won't believe what just happened."

Cameron's mind whirled with possibilities. Marriage to a stranger wasn't ideal, but desperate times called for drastic measures. He needed someone intelligent, beautiful, and willing to play the part.

"Mother, what makes you think Aurora Wellesley is the right choice?" Cameron asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Catherine smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I've had my people research her. She's impressive, Cameron. Top of her class at Harvard Law, beautiful, and charming. She'll make an excellent wife."

Cameron raised an eyebrow. "And what about her motivations? Why would she agree to this arrangement?"

"Financial struggles, dear. Her family's been hit hard. Medical bills, mortgage payments... She's desperate for a solution."

Cameron's gut twisted. He understood desperation.

The next evening, Cameron stood outside the upscale restaurant, adjusting his cufflinks. His mother had arranged for him to meet Aurora here.

He took a deep breath and entered the restaurant. The maître d' escorted him to the private dining room.

Aurora Wellesley stood by the window, her beauty striking. Long, dark hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. Her bright green eyes sparkled as she turned.

"Cameron Reed," she said, extending her hand.

Cameron's handshake was firm. "Aurora Wellesley. Pleasure to meet you."

The dinner conversation flowed effortlessly. Aurora's intelligence and wit impressed Cameron. He found himself laughing, relaxing in her presence.

Over dessert, Cameron broached the subject. "Aurora, my mother tells me you're interested in our proposal."

Rory's expression turned serious. "Yes, Cameron. I'm willing to consider it."

Cameron leaned forward, his voice low. "I want to be upfront. This marriage would be a business arrangement. Three years, renewable if mutually agreed upon."

Rory's eyes narrowed. "And what would I receive in return?"

"Financial security for you and your family. A generous settlement, plus a yearly stipend."

Rory's gaze never wavered. "I want $15 million upfront, plus $1 million annually."

Cameron's eyebrows rose. She drove a hard bargain.

"I'll need to discuss this with my lawyers," Cameron said, impressed by her negotiation skills.

Rory nodded. "I understand. But let's be clear: I'm not interested in a real marriage. This is business."

Cameron smiled, intrigued. "I assure you, Aurora, our arrangement will be strictly business."

Their eyes locked, the tension palpable.

"I'll have my lawyers draw up the contract," Cameron said, standing.

Rory rose, her smile polished. "I look forward to reviewing it."

The deal was set in motion.

Cameron couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just made a deal with a shrewd businesswoman – and possibly his future wife.