Chapter 9 The Gentry Gambit

As Charles sat behind the wheel of his car, his fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles turned white from the pressure. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, despite the air conditioning.

The rhythmic hum of the engine provided a steady backdrop to his racing thoughts.

Through the windshield, the cityscape rushed past him in a blur of colors and shapes, but his focus remained locked on the upcoming meeting at Richard's office. The weight of their impending agreement hung heavily on his mind, making his stomach churn with anxiety.

His eyes darted between the road and the rearview mirror, wondering how the conversation would unfold.

He kept wondering why Richard wished to see him, having told him that he couldn't. Besides, his wife had just come back.

If she should find out that he went to Mr. Richard for help, their peaceful home would turn into a battlefield.

To be on the safe side, he quickly sent a text to Bella, telling her not to inform her mother of his current dilemma.

Charles had parked his car outside Mr. Richard's office building and, with a deep breath, finally released his grip on the steering wheel.

His nervousness remained, but he knew he couldn't delay any longer. He exited the car, adjusted his tie, and smoothed down his shirt, as if these small gestures could help calm his racing heart.

As Charles entered the building, the receptionist greeted him with a warm smile and ushered him toward Mr. Richard's office.

The hallway had been adorned with elegant artwork and soft, muted colors that contrasted with the intensity of Charles's emotions.

He reached the door the blonde, red-haired receptionist had directed him to and knocked gently. A muffled voice from within invited him to enter. Pushing the door open, Charles stepped into a tastefully furnished office, where Mr. Richard sat behind a polished desk strewn with papers.

"Hey Charles," Richard smiled graciously, "I almost wondered if you'd come, I learned your wife is back in town."

"I wouldn't miss it. Yes, she is."

"Please have a seat." Richard offered a handshake.

Charles took his hand and sat on a seat opposite Mr. Richard. The leather chair felt plush and comfortable, a stark contrast to the tension that still lingered in the room.

Both men shared a moment of silence, their eyes meeting as they mentally prepared for the crucial conversation ahead.

"Okay, Charles," Richard cleared his throat, "How should I start?" He paused a bit, "I have an idea that would solve both of our problems."

"Okay, please go on." Charles encouraged.

Richard wasn't a man who loved beating around the bush; he preferred hitting the nail on the head.

He told Charles that it would be perfect for both of them and their businesses if Bella and his son, Alexander, should get married.

"What!" Charles got upset, "This can't work out; my daughter cannot marry your son."

"Listen Charles, they are only getting married until she bears him a son and shuts the press up."

"What if the rumor about your son is true?"

"That can be easily arranged; we can fake a pregnancy and let her adopt. It's not a problem. The only issue here is you saying yes to this agreement."

"I'm not the one to make decisions for my daughter. Bella is no longer a kid anymore. She has the right to choose the man she would want to live with."

"Think about this, Charles. I'm not just giving you a loan; I'm settling all your bills and giving you a financial foothold only if you let this marriage happen. All you have to do is get your daughter to say yes."

Charles was silent. He didn't know what to say; this was an offer he couldn't resist. But as well, his daughter would refuse.

Bella had always complained about how much she hated Alexander; she would complain about his arrogance and pride.

She stated the fact that he was very bad at employee relationships and had a hot temper, she would always say that she pitied Bailey for agreeing to marry him, for her life would be miserable. But that was before the rumours of his condition.

And while she said all this, Charles had always supported her. He couldn't imagine being the same person to tell her that she was going to marry Alexander Gentry, the villain in her story.

"Richard." Charles finally spoke after moments of silence, "Can you give me time to think about this? But if I may ask, why did you pick my daughter?"

"Your daughter is a very noble and loyal girl, and also very smart. I can continue by reminding you of the achievements she has made in the technology world. She has a business mind that would be a perfect match for Alexander's dull brain."

"But Bailey is--"

"I never liked Bailey; I only agreed because of the relationship I had with her father."

Charles knew that at that point, they both needed each other, but he was more at risk than Richard.

"I'll give you a call later today. I hope Bella agrees to this," Charles answered.

"I'll be expecting your call." Richard stood up and gave him a handshake.

"I'll take my leave now." Charles exited his office and headed to his car. He was so in his head that he didn't hear the receptionist greet him.

He walked briskly to his car, and once he was in, he let out a loud cry and began to calm himself down.

"What would I do now?" He muttered.

He picked up his phone and checked his account balance, and that alone was enough reason to force Bella into this marriage thing.

He started his car and drove off, and to worsen the situation, the bank sent him a notification telling him that the date for his payment was in the next 12 days.

"I have to be a man. It's just a marriage contract, no strings attached. All she has to do is give birth," he said as he sent a text to Bella, telling her that once she was back from the office, there was an important discussion they needed to have.