He Humiliated Her and Threw Her Out — Then the New Billionaire CEO Proposed in Front of Everyone
Chapter 6
Their first kiss happened in the office after midnight.
No planning.
No strategy.
No billionaire drama.
Just two exhausted people who had finally stopped pretending.
Daniel kissed her gently.
Emma pulled back.
“Are we making a mistake?”
“Probably.”
She laughed.
“That’s reassuring.”
He smiled.
“But I don’t regret it.”
“Neither do I.”
They agreed to keep the relationship private until they could restructure their professional connection.
Daniel helped Emma move into an independent strategic role.
Her compensation was reviewed by the board.
Her reporting lines were separated.
No favoritism.
No secrets.
It was important to both.
Then a major crisis hit.
A hostile investor group attempted to force Daniel out.
They claimed he was inexperienced with Westbridge.
They also leaked rumors about Emma.
The goal was obvious.
Discredit her.
Discredit Daniel.
Force the board to side with them.
Emma wanted to fight.
Daniel told her:
“Don’t respond emotionally.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“I’m angry.”
“I know.”
She took a breath.
“What do we do?”
“Show the truth.”
They released audited records.
Employee retention data.
Financial recovery.
Independent investigations.
The board supported Daniel.
The hostile group failed.
After the meeting, Emma asked:
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“You almost lost the company.”
“I knew we’d win.”
“How?”
He smiled.
“You.”
She laughed.
“You really trust me.”
“Completely.”
That word changed everything.
Emma had been humiliated because she was powerless.
Now she had power.
But she didn’t want to become arrogant.
She wanted to use it well.
Daniel respected that.
Their relationship deepened.
They started seeing each other openly in private.
Lily, Emma’s younger brother, liked Daniel immediately.
Emma’s mother did too.
One evening, her mother said:
“He’s serious about you.”
Emma smiled.
“I think so.”
“Do you love him?”
Emma hesitated.
“Yes.”
Her mother smiled.
“Then don’t let his money scare you.”
Emma laughed.
“That’s easier said than done.”
Her mother touched her hand.
“Look at the man.”
“Not the bank account.”
Emma knew.
That was exactly what she intended to do.
