Chapter 3

Meeting an elder demanded propriety, so Diana abandoned the idea of wearing her tattered dress.

She chose a shirt from Richard's wardrobe instead.

It hung loosely on her frame.

Looking up at Richard, she said, "I'll change back into my own clothes and have yours cleaned and returned."

Richard strode ahead without turning. "No need. It's just a shirt."

His disdain for her was palpable.

Diana's eyelashes fluttered, but she remained silent, following him downstairs.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

Gordon Haynes beamed at the pair.

Diana, feeling uneasy, stood to greet him. "Hello, Gordon."

Gordon chuckled warmly, waving for her to sit.

"Frank's a good kid. He picked you out for me, and I'm pleased."

Diana had been mulling over how to explain herself, but Gordon's words implied she had been the intended choice all along.

She hadn't entered the wrong room after all.

Her earlier excuses to Richard now seemed like a calculated ploy.

Sure enough, she glanced over to find Richard's face etched with a mocking half-smile.

"Richard's got a sharp temper, same with everyone. Don't hold it against him if he's rough around the edges."

Diana shook her head, quickly insisting she wouldn't.

"In that case, I'll make the call. When I'm back from Audria, you two will get married. We'll hold the ceremony later."

A faint shock rippled through Diana.

She recalled Frank's vague words when he briefed her.

The contract was with Gordon, but the arrangement involved Richard.

Richard frowned, looking up. "I don't even know her. How could I marry her?"

The word "know" stung, and a flicker passed through Diana's eyes.

"How could you not know her? Jessie told me everything last night. Miss Davis spent the whole night in your room.

Besides, I heard she looks a bit like that Mila girl. You'd be better off with the one I chose."

Richard cut him off, his brows knitting. "I don't know her. And you know why last night happened, Grandpa."

He shot a subtle, icy glance at Diana, who sat nearby.

Diana stayed still, her fingers under her sleeves paling slightly.

Gordon, who had been all smiles moments before, turned stern.

"This isn't up for discussion. Either marry her, or don't expect to inherit your mother's company. The Haynes family will never partner with the Lowes. And you're done with that other person."

The second statement seemed to hit Richard harder than the first.

A trace of restraint crossed his face.

After a pause, he replied, "Fine."

Diana stayed quiet.

Marrying someone she liked sparked a faint hope in her heart.

With time, feelings could grow.

She did resemble Mila in some ways.

If that was his type, maybe, just maybe, she could win him over.

Satisfied with the agreement, Gordon left.

Feeling stifled, Diana stood to leave as well.

Richard suddenly grabbed her arm.

She looked down, catching a strange, unreadable smile on his lips.

"Since we're getting married, are you still planning to restore your virginity?"

Diana froze, embarrassment washing over her.

Richard didn't relent, lifting his gaze to continue. "I despise schemers, yet you and my grandfather teamed up to trap me. I hope you can handle the consequences."

Diana gently freed her arm, pressing her lips together without responding.

The contract was real, as was the transaction.

Any explanation now would sound like an excuse to him.

Richard didn't hold her again, his expression cool and distant.

"Wait for my call. You're coming with me to a business meeting. Since you climbed into my bed, be ready for everything."