5 – THE

gest problem is the person you leas

-

s thoughts ran through his mind-the pressure from his family, the necessity of finding a wif

estion refused to lea

ately sought his attention. Yet, none of them had challeng

g before him, confusion and un

mething about Chase's gaze unnerved her-it was as if he was trying to figure her

eyes

you, Emma," Chase fin

wed hard. "

ne hand casually slipped into his pocket, while t

ve a problem w

s if a bucket of cold wat

forehead creased in worr

s expression unreadable.

stant, her initial anxiety va

wha

n't trust people easily, Emma. I had t

whether to be more furious o

ize that's an inv

t emotion. "At least now, I kn

she was at a loss for words. Who does this ma

was right? What if she really had no choice bu

between them. Then

to hel

f evident in her expression.

d, his voice lowering slightly, as if he was about to propose s

lity had slapped

e rose, unable to

flinch at her reaction. It w

wn," Chase continued, observing her closel

as CEO was intense, but she hadn't realized

s that have t

mile played o

ng to be my

ntire bo

a slap of reality. "

ly calm. "You need money, and I need a wife. If you agree t

erwhelmed by shock and apprehension. This fel

hispered, unsure if she w

my family's trust, we'll separate. N

haled s

riage..." s

t deal," Cha

ed about business. And yet, here he was, offeri

most... was the fact t

s. This was a way to save her ho

agree to something where her he

wrong. She knew

hing was

uld never be the same. If she sa

For a man of wealth and power, why her? Why not a woman

almost not realizing she ha

every emotion flickering across her f

h you barel

rything about you to see

or a compliment, but one thing was cl

f I re

owing smile. A smile she couldn't decip

absolute confidence. "Because y

moment, Emma

s only just