Billionaires Unlikely Bride

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Charles Barrett and Michael Prescott sat across from each other in the drawing room of the Barrett family estate, the room was decorated with dark wooden panels. Charles leaned back in his chair, a glass of whisky in his hand, while Michael gazed thoughtfully at an old painting that hung on the wall. Both men sat across from each other in the drawing room, their expressions filled with anticipation.

"This has been the best idea we've come up with so far," Michael said with a big smile spread across his face as he broke the silence. 

"So it's settled, we've come to a decision." Charles began, his voice holding the same excitement as Michael's. "This alliance between our families will guarantee our family's union for generations to come."

Michael nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on a particular painting on the wall. "The marriage would be between our firstborns, your son Mason, and my unborn daughter." He replied, his voice holding hope.

Charles took a sip of his whiskey and leaned forward, his expression serious "Don't you think it's about time I met your wife?" Charles asked, a curious look in his eyes. "We've been friends for a long time and you've never introduced me to her."

Michael let out a soft sigh, his gaze falling to the floor. "Don't make me seem like a bad guy, Charles; you know the circumstances surrounding our marriage. You are the only one who knows she's pregnant with my child." He replied with a hint of regret in his voice.

"I understand, it's just that I don't even know what she looks like. But I'm sure once she gives birth, everything will fall in place." Charles assured him, offering a reassuring smile. 

Michael nodded, his mind still occupied with thoughts of his wife. "You're the only one I trust to keep my family safe, in case something happens to me." He said softly, his voice filled with a vulnerability that he rarely showed.

Charles reached out and clasped Michael's shoulder firmly. "I give you my word, Michael. I will make sure our families are united." He vowed, his voice steady.

And so, the alliance between the Barrett and Prescott families was sealed.

PRESENT DAY 

The Barrett family's mansion was as quiet as a graveyard today, Mason was finally returning from France after so many years. But the circumstances surrounding his return were what caused the whole house to be on edge. 

Mason emerged from a sleek black car, the car gleaming in the afternoon sun. As the door opened, Mason stepped out, his tall frame exuding an air of confidence and authority. He adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit, his expression unreadable as his polished leather shoes clicked against the driveway. He paused for a moment, taking in the familiar surroundings before heading inside. 

He made his way to his father's home office, his heart pounding from anger. Mason's father, Charles Barrett awaited him as he quietly gazed down at the documents in front of him. The room was lined with bookshelves and a large window offering a view of the estate. 

Charles looked up as Mason stormed in, his son's anger evident in every step. "Why would you do this Dad?" Mason demanded, not bothering to hide the bitterness in his voice. 

"Welcome back son," Charles greeted his son with a nod, ignoring the hostility in his tone.

"Don't," Mason snapped, his voice laced with frustration. "Don't, don't act like you're happy to see me because you and I know that it was you who sent me away in the first place,"

Charles sighed, setting down his pen and leaning back in his chair. "I sent you to France for you to focus and get your life back on track. You were a mess, and I did you a favor." Charles replied, his tone measured and controlled. "You should be thankful you have people who care about you."

Mason's jaw tightened as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. "The only thing you care about is yourself," he retorted, his voice low and full of resentment. "I admit my life was a mess, but did you ever stop to think that you were the cause?"

Charles's expression hardened, but he said nothing as Mason continued. "Mom, your wife, died, and not even three months after that, you remarried. You made me end my relationship with Darcy, and when I refused, you threatened her and sent me to France so I could handle the business over there."

"I remarried because I didn't have a choice," Charles replied, his voice firm. "I made some mistakes after your mom died, but I did what I thought was best for you. As for Darcy, I didn't threaten her; I simply asked her to name her price, and she did. She was only after your wealth, Mason."

Mason shook his head in disbelief. "Then why did you change the deal we had before I went to France?" He asked, his frustration mounting. 

"I didn't change the deal, Mason. You just didn't read the whole thing before you signed," Charles replied calmly. 

Mason clenched his fists, struggling to contain his anger. "Whatever alliance you formed with your friend,  has nothing to do with me," he said, his voice shaking with fury. "You can't go around gambling with my life. I don't even know who this girl is, so how do you expect the marriage to work out?"

Charles leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Then get to know her," he said, his tone cold and unyielding. "It's not that difficult. Your mother and I knew nothing about each other when we got married. If you refuse to marry her,  then you can kiss your position as CEO goodbye."

Mason's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious, Dad," he said, his voice filled with disbelief. "Last time I checked, you don't have any other sons, and Julie knows nothing about the business,"

Charles smirked, knowing he had struck a nerve. "Justin is more than capable of running the company, and I'm sure he'll do an excellent job," he replied, his tone dripping with satisfaction. 

Mason's mind raced, anger coursing through him like wildfire. Justin had always been a rival, someone he had never been able to fully trust. The thought of losing the company to him was unbearable.