Chapter 27

Chris's POV

"Who's that girl you're dreaming about?" I scoffed, turning to find my brother Alec looking at me amusingly. I did not have the time or patience to worry about my love life. With my ungodly working hours and always ranting about stocks and shares, any girl would run miles away from me.

"Bethany Walter," I said, biting back a smile.

Alec whacked the back of my head with a file, his eyes narrowed. Bethany was his childhood crush whom he never had the courage to talk to. Just mention her name, and he would blush like a tomato.

"No, seriously, you meet someone interesting?" Alec pressed.

"None up to my standards," I replied, uninterested. True, I certainly don't want aimless airheads on my arm. I want a girl who can hold her ground, who knows how the world is, and will stay by me no matter what happens.

My dad's reputation brought all sorts of people around me, some who want my money, my fame. But I want a girl who likes Chris and not billionaire Alessio Madrigal. When people value your bank balance more than you, your existence becomes merely a way for someone to increase their status in society. Trusting people is a tough job. I have always been careful in choosing my friends, and that also refers to my love life. Having a girlfriend honestly seemed like too much hassle and drama, so working became my priority and still is.

"Dad was telling me about a deal with Forever Gems, how did it go?" Alec asked, randomly flipping through pages of my file.

That reminded me of Raven King. God, that woman was amazing. The face of an angel with the wittiness of a devil. Her confidence was another thing; she killed with a smile. It was truly amazing how she handled the pervert Sam. I would have happily knocked his teeth out, but what she did was even more insulting. The way her deep baby blue eyes analyzed every move and expression sent a shiver down my spine. She showed me that sarcasm was even more effective than fist fights. My respect for her increased, and I looked forward to working with her.

"Sir, we have an issue here," I heard my assistant Mike say nervously. "Mr. Caron wants to see you." Alec and I glanced at each other nervously.

Now what went wrong? I swear to God if he irritates me now, nothing good will come out. Mr. Caron slowly came into my office and quietly sat down, not making eye contact with either of us. Word that he was faking financial statements had gotten out; he was in a very bad situation.

Now his company is being seized, and debtors increasing, the effect on him could be clearly spotted with the dark marks below his eyes. "Mr. Caron, how can I help you?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

"I have a proposition for you," Mr. Caron said, some firmness in his voice coming back. He sat up straight, as though he had done nothing wrong, and we were wrong in accusing him.

"You help me financially, and you can marry my daughter in return," he said easily, as though he was talking about imaginary dolls and not real people.

My jaw tightened; Alec's had almost dropped to the floor. I would have laughed if it was not such a serious situation. He's talking about what?

"What?" I asked, hoping and praying I heard it wrong.

"You can marry my daughter. But in return, back me up financially," he said, shrugging as though he was making a fair proposition.

What is this barter system? His daughter is not a possession to be transferred from one person to another. She is a real person with feelings and emotions. No one deserves to be treated like that. "You want a marriage contract?" I asked, testing the words in my mouth.

"Why not?" He boldly defied. "If my daughter can enjoy my money, she can truly help me in loss."

"Did she agree to this?" Alec asked.

"No, but she will do as I say," he answered. "She doesn't have much of a choice. You know how women are, weak-minded and always yapping about feelings. It takes a man to make tough decisions, and since I'm the man, I have done it." There is so much wrong in that statement. Women get too emotional at times, but that cannot be taken as weakness. I have seen my mom all my life. Never has it stopped her from making tough decisions. She has more emotional stability than any man I know.

"No, Mr. Caron, forget this marriage proposal; go home," I warned. If I do get married, it will never be for financial reasons. Marriage is a commitment between two people who love each other, not some business deal signed on a table.

Want to judge a person? See his opinion on women.

"What would you have done if it was your company at a loss? Would you not agree to a marriage contract?" He sneered. A thousand men like him could not change my opinion.

"Even if my company was in loss, which it never will be, I will never agree to a marriage contract," I admitted.

It shows the emotional capacity of a person who takes the easiest route and does not fight for what he needs. I will not disrespect any woman by forcefully marrying her based on a contract.

I continued, "If I have the capability to run a million-dollar company, I have the ability to provide three meals for myself and my family. I'm not scared of a simple life. I would not compromise my values for the sake of money or even my company."

"Mr. Caron, leave now, before Dad finds out about your dirty plans. Trust me, you don't want to make an enemy out of him now of all times," Alec warned.

Mr. Caron, disbelieving, looked at me and then Alec and left the room, muttering curses under his breath. He should concentrate on saving his money, not on selling his daughter.

"Do you think that poor girl is going to be okay with this lunatic?" Alec asked me worriedly, referring to Caron's daughter.

"She's got to fight her own battles," I replied. Everyone has their battles to fight and fears to overcome. That is what makes us better people. If Mr. Caron's daughter does need help, we are there, but other than that, she's in her own battle.