As soon as Lily left the dining room, Julian's expression changed. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on his uncle's.
"So, Uncle Richard, what's the real reason behind your sudden interest in my personal life?" Julian asked, his voice low and calculated.
Richard's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Oh, Julian, I'm just concerned about the future of the company. You know how important it is to have an heir to inherit the business."
Julian raised an eyebrow. "I think you're more concerned about getting your hands on the company, Uncle Richard. But I'll play along. After all, I have a plan of my own."
Richard's eyes narrowed, his expression suspicious. "What are you talking about, Julian?"
Julian just smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Let's just say, Uncle Richard, that you're not the only one with secrets up your sleeve."
As they spoke, Julian's mind was racing with strategies to outmaneuver his uncle. He knew Richard would stop at nothing to take control of the company, and Julian was determined to protect his legacy.
As soon as his uncle left, Julian called out to his assistant, Rachel. "Rachel, please ask Lily to meet me in my study. I need to discuss some matters with her."
Rachel nodded and quickly dialed the phone. "Lily, Mr. Julian would like to see you in his study," she said, her voice professional.
Lily received the message and made her way to Julian's study. As she entered, she found Julian sitting behind his desk, looking every bit the confident CEO.
"Ah, Lily, thank you for coming," Julian said, his voice smooth. "Please, have a seat."
Lily sat down, her eyes locked on Julian's. "What's this about?" she asked, her voice curious.
Julian leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile on his face. "I think it's time I told you more about my plan, and why I needed your help," he said, his eyes glinting with intrigue.
Julian leaned forward, his eyes locked on Lily's. "Lily, I think it's time we made our arrangement official. I'd like us to sign a marriage contract."
Lily's eyes widened in surprise. "A marriage contract? You mean, like a prenup?"
Julian nodded. "Yes, exactly. It would outline the terms of our arrangement, including the duration of our marriage, our roles and responsibilities, and the division of assets in case of a divorce."
Lily's mind was racing. She hadn't expected this, but a part of her was curious. "What kind of terms are you thinking of?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Julian smiled. "Don't worry, it's all very straightforward. I'll have my lawyers draw up the contract, and we can discuss the details together."
Lily hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of her was attracted to Julian, but another part of her was wary of getting involved in his complex life.
Lily's eyes scanned the contract, her mind racing with the implications. The terms were clear: she would marry Julian, and when she was ready, they would try for an heir. If she produced an heir, the contract would expire, and she would be free to go her separate way.
Julian leaned back in his chair, his eyes watching her. "Take your time, Lily. Read the contract carefully. I want to make sure you're comfortable with the terms."
Lily looked up at him, her expression thoughtful. She had to admit, the idea of having a child was both thrilling and terrifying. But the prospect of being tied to Julian for a shorter period, with a clear exit strategy, was tempting.
"What do you think?" Julian asked, breaking the silence.
Lily hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She needed time to think, to weigh her options.
"I'll get back to you," Lily said, her voice firm. "I need some time to think about this."
Julian nodded, a small smile on his face. "Of course, take all the time you need. I'll have the contract sent to your room for your review."
Lily stood up, her mind racing with thoughts and questions. She left the study, feeling a mix of emotions. As she walked back to her room, she couldn't help but wonder what she was getting herself into.
Once in her room, Lily sat down on the couch and pulled out her phone. She dialed a number, waiting for her best friend to answer.
"Hey, girl! What's up?" her friend's voice chimed in.
Lily took a deep breath. "I need your advice. I've been presented with a rather... unusual proposal."
As Lily spoke to her friend on the phone, she explained the situation with Julian and the contract. Her friend listened attentively, asking questions and offering her thoughts.
"So, let me get this straight," her friend said. "This CEO guy wants you to marry him and have a kid with him, all to secure his position in the company? And if you have a kid, the contract is over?"
Lily sighed. "That's right. It's all about him keeping his job, basically."
Her friend hesitated. "Lily, I don't know if this is a good idea. It sounds like he's using you to get what he wants."
Lily thought about this. Was Julian using her? Or was this a mutually beneficial arrangement? She wasn't sure.
Meanwhile, Julian was dealing with his own family drama. His uncle, Richard, was rallying the family members to vote against Julian's leadership.
"We need to take back what's rightfully ours," Richard said, his voice full of conviction. "Julian's not fit to lead this company. He's too young, too inexperienced."
The family members nodded in agreement, their faces filled with determination. Julian knew he had to act fast to protect his position.