Chapter 5
Grace's POV
In Charles's luxurious sedan, I finally allowed myself to relax slightly, watching the Wilson Manor recede in the rearview mirror.
"Elizabeth will try again," Charles said matter-of-factly. "She's spent the last decade positioning Andrew as Robert's successor. Your appearance threatens everything she's worked for."
"What about you?" I asked directly. "Where do you stand in all this?"
Charles smiled. "Family is family. Robert would have wanted you to take your rightful place."
I wasn't entirely convinced, but for now, Charles didn't seem hostile toward me.
"Tell me about the Morgan family," I said, changing the subject. "Why is this dinner invitation important enough to make Elizabeth back down?"
"The Morgan family controls forty percent of the East Coast's financial assets," Charles explained. "Alex Morgan is their family heir, already named one of Fortune magazine's most influential young business leaders."
"I'm also here on the orders of my father... your grandfather, Brandon Wilson," Charles continued.
"So the Morgan family is far more powerful than the Wilson family," I said bluntly.
He nodded. That explained why Elizabeth had backed down at the mere mention of the name.
"What's he like?" I asked, curious.
Charles paused. "He's... not easy to get along with," he admitted reluctantly. "Frankly, he's reclusive, acerbic, and his business methods are often described as ruthless."
I found myself laughing for what felt like the first time in days.
"I know this is difficult for you, but..."
"Fine, I agree," I interrupted him.
He didn't react immediately, but then seemed to understand something from my determined look.
"A wise choice."
I looked out the window at the passing city, weighing my options. Part of me wanted to take the hundred million and vanish, start a new life free from all these complications. But a stronger part—the part that had endured Richard's betrayal—refused to run away.
And my current situation had become dangerous with Elizabeth and Andrew eyeing me like predators.
"Rather than fighting alone and being devoured, better to find a worthy ally," I said finally.
Charles pulled up at a shopping center. "Get yourself ready for tonight's meeting. He'll send someone to pick you up."
---
The exclusive boutique was a far cry from the department stores where I'd previously shopped. A team of stylists fussed over me, bringing outfit after outfit for my approval.
"This Valentino dress was absolutely made for you," the consultant gushed as I emerged from the dressing room in a pale lavender slip dress. "Even our models couldn't wear it so perfectly."
When I moved to pay, the manager approached with a deferential smile. "Your bill has been settled, Ms. Wilson."
"By whom?" I asked.
"Mr. Morgan," the manager replied.
This made me question Charles's earlier assessment of Alex as "reclusive and acerbic."
Just as I was leaving the mall, a black Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of me. The young man who had delivered the invitation opened the door for me.
I smiled politely and got into the car.
I studied the young man, noting that from his demeanor, he was clearly not an ordinary driver.
"Lucas, Mr. Morgan's assistant," he introduced himself simply when he noticed me watching him in the rearview mirror.
"Does Mr. Morgan choose his business partners based on family connections?" I asked as we pulled away.
"Mr. Morgan selects his associates based on individual merit," Lucas replied evenly.
"Then I'm curious why he chose me," I said half-jokingly. "He doesn't have any peculiar features, does he?"
Lucas merely smiled without answering.
---
The restaurant was discreetly exclusive—no sign outside, just a plain door leading to a dimly lit interior where tables were spaced far enough apart to ensure privacy. The maître d' led me to a private room at the back where a man stood gazing out the window.
When Alex Morgan turned to face me, I nearly held my breath. Dressed in a perfectly tailored dark gray Tom Ford suit, his chiseled features and deep blue eyes made him possibly the most handsome man I'd ever seen.
"Ms. Wilson," he said, his voice deep and smooth. "That dress suits you very well."
"Thank you for the gift."
Throughout dinner, conversation remained minimal.
After all the main courses were cleared and dessert was served, he finally spoke again.
"Does the cuisine meet your expectations?" he asked.
I had just taken a bite of what looked like a cloud made of sugar but tasted like concentrated passion fruit. I swallowed quickly.
"It's very refined," I answered carefully. "The textures are complex, and the presentation is like art."
He lowered his gaze to his own plate, expression unreadable. Damn, I sound like I'm reading from a script.
"If you don't like it, we can go somewhere else next time," he said.
"No, I do enjoy it," I hastened to explain. "I just don't often go to high-end restaurants. And I'm a bit nervous for our first meeting."
I tried a more candid approach. "Perhaps next time we could choose a more relaxed setting? We might communicate more that way."
He nodded once, decisively. "That's reasonable. I'm not good at small talk myself."
The atmosphere eased slightly. I found myself stealing glances at him when he wasn't looking. The cut of his suit emphasized his athletic build, making me wonder if he worked out or if those muscles were natural.
After dessert, Alex leaned back slightly. "I understand from Charles that you've agreed to our marriage alliance."
I nodded.
"Why did you choose me?" I asked after some hesitation.
He looked directly at me. "I have no interest in your personal assets or Wilson Holdings. My family simply thinks it's time I settled down."
"Family pressure?" I pressed.
"Something like that," he admitted.
"I see."
"But one thing, I just need an obedient wife who cooperates fully with everything."
His words reminded me of Richard—another man who only wanted my compliance and convenience. But unlike before, I wasn't naive anymore.
"I am the primary heir to Wilson Holdings," I said, meeting his gaze with determination. "The Wilson family has deep roots in Starport. If the Morgan family wishes to expand its influence on the East Coast, this would be the most direct path."
I continued confidently, "As someone newly recognized by the family, I would struggle facing Elizabeth and Andrew alone. For you, this marriage adds a strategic asset to the Morgan family. For me, it provides the support I need. A fair transaction, don't you think?"
He didn't answer verbally, but his slight nod told me he understood completely.
When preparing to leave, I realized my car was still at the upscale apartment I had just purchased that morning. I had been driven around by others all day.
"Lucas will take you back," he said.
"Mr. Morgan, you have an important meeting and need to get to the airport," Lucas reminded him.
I politely declined his offer. "Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I have some matters to attend to as well."
He then called a taxi, arranged everything, and only turned to leave after watching me get in the car and depart.
I must say, his gentlemanly manner left a deep impression on me.
On the drive home, my phone rang. It was Charles.
"How did it go?" he asked eagerly.
"Well enough," I replied. "We got along just fine."