HOL

ing over my career, forcing me into something as ridiculous as marriage, sent a wave of anger through m

gh my office window. My thoughts raced, and just as I

?" Noelle, my assistant's

ice echoed through the room, harsher than I in

hock. "I'm sorry, sir." She hurried o

as ridiculous. The board was breathing down my neck, questioning my leade

because I earned it-because I was the best man for the job. But now, with the board

s time, my father strode in with his usual air of authority, unbothered by

his voice deep and fi

y where this was going. "I alread

unimpressed. "Then i

"You want me to step down and let Simon

that any more than you do, Nicholas. But the bo

siness, not some ancient family fairytale. I don't

values that tradition. It's not just about appearances, Nicholas. It's

do you suggest I do? Rush out and marry the f

nd yourself a wife, or I will have no choice but to agree wit

ned. "A month?

ding. "One month, Nicholas. That

left my office, leaving m

onth to find a wife or lose everything I had worked for. I

arked, summon

door, her eyes still somewhat

ppointments for today," I snap

she said quietly

ion to focus on anything else. I had to get out of there. The drive home felt longer than usu

Blackwell. One of the most cr

ed, trying to kee

e edge. "I've heard some rumblings about the board.

b Vortex? Isn't

e," he interrupted

"Fine. I'l

the dark streets, and the heavy bass of the music inside was already vibrating through the walls. Club Vor

Henry was blunt, advising me to play my cards carefully. His tone

was

ly lit room, her figure confident, but her expression seemed distant, lost in her thoughts. And

for her and her friend. If anything, I nee

on. The bartender whispered something to her, and she hesitated, her f

up to leave, together with his bodyguard. I

ng me carefully. "What is a handsome businessman like you doing in

. "And what is a beautiful woman l

e was something about her-shy, yet bold. Her eyes flickere

re less noisy?" I asked, m

ded club, then nodded, biti

hand, and without a sec