At his desk, Louis was busy preparing financial reports for tomorrow morning's meeting. On his computer screen, the graphs of income and expenses for Dimitri Group were clearly visible. Occasionally, he consulted with Sarah, the financial manager of Dimitri Group, who stood beside him holding several documents.

"Louis, I've prepared the details of last year's income and expenses," Sarah said as she placed a folder on Louis's desk. "As you can see, there's a significant increase since Cleopatra became CEO. Profits have surged by 20% compared to the previous year."


Louis stared at the data in front of him, nodding slowly. "Yeah, I see that. But there are a few areas where we might still optimize. Operational expenses are still a bit high in some sectors, especially in marketing."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "Right, the marketing expenses are indeed quite large, but that's because Cleopatra made some strategic changes. For example, they increased digital campaigns and invested in new equipment to improve efficiency."

"True," Louis replied as he examined the marketing report in more detail. "But we also need to be cautious with the budget allocation moving forward. We can't let expenses outpace the expected results."


Sarah furrowed her brow, thinking for a moment. "I agree. We need further evaluation. I'll reanalyze the marketing budget and suggest some changes for savings," she said.

Louis gave a thin smile. "Good. Please update me on that soon. If possible, make sure there's also a reduction in spending on non-essential items."


At that moment, another financial staff member, Adrian, approached and joined the conversation. "Louis, Sarah, there's an update on our overseas investments. The results are higher than expected, so we can allocate more funds for expansion next year," he said while holding a stack of documents.

Louis turned and took the documents from Adrian's hands. "Good, we definitely need additional funds for expansion, especially in the Asian market. We'll discuss this further in tomorrow's meeting."

Adrian nodded and smiled. "Of course. Oh, and I've also received information about the performance of our new branch in Europe. It looks like we can be more aggressive in approaching the European market next year."

Sarah smiled, looking satisfied with the information provided. "That's great news. So, we're really on the right track with our international expansion strategy."

Louis organized the documents and looked at his colleagues. "I feel like we're in a really good position. Profits are up, and the expansion is on track. But we still need to be careful; we shouldn't rush into big moves. Everything has to be balanced."

Sarah gently tapped the table, as if in agreement. "I'll prepare a detailed report for tomorrow's meeting and put together some recommendations. We need to be ready with all the options."

Louis quietly admired Cleopatra's figure. Cleopatra's leadership had truly impacted the company's success, and Louis couldn't hide his admiration. However, as he checked the financial data, his thoughts turned back to Cleopatra. He couldn't deny the fact that her presence left a profound impression, even with her cold demeanor.

Suddenly, the door to the finance room opened, and Cleopatra appeared, causing a stir among the employees in the meeting. Everyone turned to look in surprise, and Louis knew Cleopatra was staring at him. She immediately approached and said, "Could we talk for a moment, Mr. Toreto?"

Everyone whispered to each other, exchanging glances. Louis stood up from his chair and nodded politely. "Of course, Ms. Thompson," he replied, trying to remain calm.

They left the finance room. Cleopatra invited Louis to lunch. At a quiet, upscale restaurant, Cleopatra ordered aglio e olio and pasta with wine for both of them. However, Louis didn't touch his food. He just sat silently, staring at the dishes in front of him.

Cleopatra raised an eyebrow, noticing Louis's lack of interest in the meal. "Why aren't you touching the food I ordered? Do I look that disgusting to you?" she said with a sarcastic smile, though her voice remained sharp.

Louis felt uncomfortable but quickly grabbed his fork and began eating without saying a word. Cleopatra watched him intently, her expression softening just slightly.

After a moment, Cleopatra set her wine glass down and sighed deeply. "I didn't just invite you for lunch, Louis. I want to talk about our contract marriage," she said, her tone now more serious.

Louis stopped eating and gave Cleopatra his full attention. Cleopatra sighed again before continuing.

"I came all the way from London not just to be the CEO of Dimitri Group," Cleopatra said flatly, "but to uncover the truth about my father's death, James Thompson, the former CEO of Dimitri Group." Cleopatra's eyes became sharp and full of hatred. "I'm sure my uncle knows something. He was too involved, too close to everything. He may even be involved in his death."

Louis listened closely, a sense of curiosity beginning to grow in him. He also shared the same suspicion about Theodore William Blake, Cleopatra's uncle, and whether he was involved in her father's death. "I don't believe in fate. But... that's what I'm trying to investigate here. My father's death."

"Your father?"

"It's hard to explain. But right now, it's only Theodore William Blake on my mind."

Cleopatra's eyes narrowed. "So, you're secretly investigating him?" Louis remained silent. "Here's the thing, what if we help each other? We both investigate my uncle, and we prove if he's really involved in our fathers' deaths. Damn, this sounds weird to me, but I'm sure that's why I need to choose you as my fake husband."

"You're right. He might be involved in someone's death."

Cleopatra looked at Louis with a piercing gaze. "That's why I need your help, Louis. I need you to help me uncover the truth, and in return, we'll fulfill this contract marriage. You'll be my partner, both in marriage and in the investigation. Together, we'll make sure my uncle can't take everything from me."

Louis sat back, processing everything Cleopatra had just revealed. He knew there were many hidden secrets within the Thompson family, but now, hearing it directly from Cleopatra, everything started to make more sense. Their goals seemed to align more than he had anticipated.

"I agree," Louis finally said after a moment of silence. "I'll pretend to be your husband, but with one condition."

Cleopatra raised an eyebrow, curious. "And what's that condition?" she asked, her tone almost casual.

Louis stared at her seriously. "You have to promise, Cleopatra, that you won't fall in love with me."

Cleopatra was taken aback by his request. She paused for a moment, staring at Louis. For the first time, she seemed somewhat surprised by what she had just heard. Of course, their arrangement was supposed to be strictly business, but hearing Louis put it into words made her feel unexpected.

Louis and Cleopatra exchanged silent glances, and the atmosphere grew tense. Finally, Cleopatra smirked, as if not taking Louis's words seriously.

"Why would I fall in love with you, Louis?" she said, her voice somewhat amused yet firm. "This is just a business agreement, nothing more."

Louis nodded, feeling relieved. "Alright. I just wanted to make sure we're clear."

Cleopatra didn't immediately respond, her eyes focusing on the window for a moment as she took another sip of wine. A few moments passed, and then she spoke again in a softer tone.

"It seems like we have an understanding," Cleopatra finally said. "But for now, let's stick to the plan."