Her soft body leaned against him. Instead of rising quickly, she lifted her head and flirtatiously pushed her hand against his chest.

Pulling Arianna closer, Noah held her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Tell me," he said, "what's in it for me if I work with you?"

"Lily will surrender to you!" Her jaw was firm, though the pain she felt was hidden behind a smile. "Isn't that what you want?"

If Noah wanted Lily's surrender, he would have already taken her down. Why wait? Lily was clearly stubborn; she hadn't even flinched when boycotted.

"She relies on La Beauté Group and the Russell family," Arianna explained. "If we cooperate to take her down, it won't just be Lily—Alexander will be implicated. Then, we can split the beauty market instead of letting La Beauté Group monopolize it. With the Richards and Tanner families united, no one in the country will stand against us." She said this sheepishly as Noah squeezed her chin and laughed.

"It's a good idea," he mused, "but why should I cooperate? What's in it for me?"

"Because we're both sensible—a perfect match for two sensible people," Arianna replied, wrapping her arms around his neck and moving closer. "I know you admire Lily; you think she's talented. But I know her better. She's overcome countless adversities, but aside from luck, isn't Alexander the one truly supporting her? And you know she's a Lodge. Regardless of your skills, she'll always be harder to handle than an ordinary woman. You can't force someone like her. You can only break her spirit by destroying her. Isn't that what you want?" She looked at Noah's face, speaking slowly and deliberately.

He was a man who lacked nothing. His life had been a smooth ascent, fueling a powerful desire to conquer. Giving him that conquest was the key to negotiating this cooperation.

"If I understand correctly," Noah said with a smile, "you're proposing marriage. But can you tolerate your husband desiring another woman?"

His eyes were dark and inscrutable, like an endless, storm-tossed sea.

Arianna smiled indifferently. "You underestimate me. I've been forged in the fires of various challenges. In families like ours, do men remain with only one woman forever? I won't stop you from pursuing or conquering anyone after we're married. Successful men often have female confidantes—that's not unusual. But my husband will only be me!

"You won't find another woman with my background, beauty, and intelligence. Our marriage will be the ultimate power play, and I'll give you complete freedom after we're wed!"

She was brimming with confidence, certain her offer was irresistible.

Noah was silent, seemingly considering her proposal seriously.

Watching his face, Arianna hugged him tightly and kissed him.