Alexander gave him a harsh expression. "Your time begins now. If I were you, I'd rush out of here to get started. I would hate to see you lose your job because you were unable to act soon enough."
James did not need to be warned again. He turned on his heel and sped out of the room, determined to face the challenge and maintain his position.
As the door closed behind him, Alexander sat back down, his eyes filled with hope and worry. This was the start of a new chapter in his life, one that would shape not just his future but also his legacy.
James moved out of Alexander's study and into the bustling office, his thoughts immediately racing about the next moves. He needed to find a suitable candidate for a marriage of convenience within 48 hours, which looked nearly impossible. He took a deep breath and set off to face the task.
Over the next 24 hours, David interviewed dozens of ladies, each ready to marry the tycoon. However, none of them suited Alexander's rigorous requirements. As time ran out, David began to lose hope.
James stared at the clock, his tiredness obvious. It felt like fifteen years had been added to his age in just a day and a half since being assigned this task.
"You realize you only have 24 hours left, and standing here isn't going to help you," Alexander replied, peering across his study desk at the angry assistant.
James, red-faced and with black bags under his eyes, wiped the sweat from his brow. Despite the air conditioning, the stress of the approaching deadline was palpable.
"Get going unless you want to lose your job," Alexander stated harshly, his stare unyielding. "If not for the conditions of my grandfather's will, I wouldn't even consider getting married, much less do this."
James nodded excitedly and dashed out, realizing that time was running out.
Twelve hours later, James returned, exhausted but determined. He had carefully chosen this new set of prospects. He carried with him: Ten candidates from the upper classes: Professionals with outstanding credentials but lack the distinguishing characteristics Alexander required.
Ten candidates from the middle class: Individuals have steady careers, but none fit Alexander's specific criteria. Five candidates from lower classes: He thought that having applicants from various backgrounds would provide a fresh perspective.
Alexander carefully examined the profiles. Of the 25 prospects, he dismissed 20 almost immediately. James' heart hammered in his chest. He was aware that if Alexander did not find an acceptable candidate among the remaining five, he would lose his position. As the rejections piled up, James' uneasiness increased.
Finally, James was left with just one option: Lily Evans. Her profile stood out from the others: she came from the lower classes yet exudes quiet confidence and a caring demeanour. When Lily Evans entered the study, James' heart raced.
She was a young woman with serene eyes and a pleasant demeanor that stood out against the stress of the situation. Alexander glanced up from the final profile as Lily entered.
He motioned for her to sit, his look a mix of interestand scepticism. "Ms. Evans, please have a seat," Alexander asked, motioning to the chair across from him.
James exhaled a sigh of relief, and his stormy heart calmed. He whispered to himself, "At last"
Lily took a seat and held Alexander's gaze with unwavering calm. "Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Kane."
Alexander looked at her for a minute, seeing the quiet determination in her eyes. "You understand the nature of this agreement, right? This would be a convenient marriage rather than a conventional one."
Lily nodded. "Yes, I do understand. I understand the terms and conditions of this agreement."
Alexander persisted, his tone questioning. "Why are you interested in this arrangement? "What do you hope to gain from it?"
Lily took a deep breath and met his gaze without wavering. "I've been fighting to make ends meet, and while this position is unconventional, it provides a possibility for stability. More significantly, I think I am capable of fulfilling the duty assigned to me without pretense or false expectations."
Her response was well-crafted, but the truth was much more intimate. Lily had been in love with Alexander for several years. She had followed his career through the media and adored him from a distance, hoping that one day she would have the opportunity to meet him.
When she discovered the possibility of applying for this position, she jumped at it, hoping against hope that she could find her way into his life.
Alexander squinted his gaze slightly, thinking there might be more to her story but not delving more. "You understand this will be an official, legal agreement, correct? There will be no romantic involvement, only a mutual commitment to meet specific obligations."
"Yes," Lily responded, her voice steady. "I understand that this is a formal arrangement. "I am prepared for that."
Alexander looked at her for a minute longer, looking for any signs of insincerity. However, her calm demeanor and earnestness in her gaze convinced him that she was truly dedicated to the conditions of the pact.
"Very well," he replied, reclining back in his chair. "If you're ready for this arrangement, we can proceed. I'll have the legal documentation ready and we can start the process of registering the marriage."
Lily's heart skipped a beat, but she remained composed. Thank you, Mr. Kane. I'm prepared to proceed."
Alexander nodded, signaling that the meeting had ended. "James will handle the details from here." I am confident you will work with him to complete the appropriate documentation."
James came forward, his relief obvious as he seized control. "Thanks for your time, Ms. Evans. I'll get started with the arrangements."
Lily left the study with a mix of optimism and apprehension. She had finally landed the role she had secretly sought for so long, but the reality of the situation was just starting to sink in.