Chapter 5 Marry Me

Evelyn's POV

The decision to arrange a meeting with Alexander wasn't an easy one, but desperation left me no choice. I had spent the entire night pacing my small apartment, unable to sleep, replaying every interaction I'd had with him.

From the cold dismissal at his mansion to the shocking realization that he was the one buying my father's company.

He held all the cards, and I hated it. Yet, I couldn't ignore the undeniable truth: if anyone had the power to save my father's legacy, it was him.

By the time morning arrived, I was drained, both physically and emotionally. Clutching my phone with trembling fingers, I dialed the number Felix had given me when he handed over the check.

"Miss Evelyn," Felix answered on the first ring, his tone polite but guarded.

"I need to speak with your boss," I said, trying to sound confident despite the lump forming in my throat.

"There was a pause, and I could hear him breathing at the other end." "Mr. Alexander isn't available for unscheduled meetings. Perhaps if you-"

"It's urgent," I cut in sharply. Tell him it's about the company. "I'll meet him anywhere, anytime."

Another long pause. I wondered if he'd hang up on me, but instead, he sighed. "I'll let him know. Expect a call back."

The hours that followed felt like forever. I tapped the table in front of me, waiting for the call that seemed not to come at any moment. I kept checking my phone, my anxiety growing with each passing minute. Finally, when I was beginning to think he wouldn't respond, my phone buzzed.

"Miss Evelyn." This time, the voice on the other end wasn't Felix-it was him. Alexander's voice was as cold and commanding as I remembered. "Meet me at The Orchid Hotel. Penthouse suite. Seven sharp."

He hung up before I could respond. I wondered what made him think I would come, but I had played out all my cards. I immediately got into the shower and walked out for a few minutes to get dressed.

By the time I arrived at the hotel, my nerves were frayed. The penthouse suite was as luxurious as I'd expected, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Alexander sat by the fireplace, a glass of whiskey in hand, looking every bit like the untouchable billionaire.

"Miss Evelyn," he said without looking up, his voice as indifferent as ever.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to keep calm. "Mr. Alexander, thank you for agreeing to meet me."

He finally looked up, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. "You said it was urgent. Speak."

I hesitated, suddenly hyper-aware of how insignificant I must seem in his world. "I need your help to save my father's company. Please."

He set his glass down and leaned back in his chair, studying me like I was some puzzle he was trying to solve. "Why should I help you?"

I swallowed hard. "Because you can. You have the resources. The influence. The company means everything to me. I'll do whatever it takes."

His lips curved into a faint, almost cruel smile. "Whatever it takes?"

"Yes," I said firmly, though my voice wavered slightly.

He stood and walked toward me, his presence overwhelming. "Do you even know what you're asking of me?" Saving a company drowning in debt isn't a charity project. It's a risk. Besides, I bought a company to use it for other means. "I am not necessarily buying it because I wanted to continue in your father's line of work."

"I understand that," I said, meeting his gaze despite the knot tightening in my stomach. "I'll find a way to pay you back." "I'll work for you. Just name your price."

He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. "There is one way. But I doubt you'd agree with it."

My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

"Marry me."

The words hit me like a slap across the face. For a moment, I thought I'd misheard him. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," he said, his tone unreadable. "You want me to save your father's company? Marry me, and I'll make it happen."

I stared at him, struggling to process his words. "Why would you... why would you want to marry me?"

He smirked, but there was no humor in it. "Let's just say it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. You need my money. I need a wife."

"Is this some kind of joke?" I asked, my voice rising.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" he countered, his expression turning cold.

I took a step back, my mind racing. This wasn't what I'd expected. "There has to be another way."

"There isn't," he said bluntly. "Take it or leave it."

My hands trembled as I clutched my bag. "I need time to think."

"Think all you want," he said, walking back to his chair. But don't take too long. "My patience is limited," he said with a wide grin. I watched him take his cap and walked out, leaving me seated in the penthouse lost in my own thoughts.