Secrets of the Contract
nerves and prepare herself for the meeting with Charles Thompson. Her mother had instructed her to wear something elegant and sophisticated, so Emily had
off, or would it be a disaster? She had so many questions, but no answers. Her parents were already waiting in the fo
ning," her mother said, giving
g a little more at e
the air. Emily's mind wandered, imagining all sorts of scenarios. She pictured Charles as a stuffy,
s even more impressive than their own mansion. The entrance was flanked
e than she had imagined, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features. He was tall
electricity run through her body. Ma
s," her father said, m
Charles took it, his touch se
" he said, his voi
ing a little more
awkwardly holding hands, unti
nk?" he asked, gestu
ul for the distracti
tunity to observe him. He moved with confidence and grace
s, Emily took a sip, feeling the
ying to sound casual. "What
ng at the corners. "I enjoy play
row. "Polo? That's q
y that. I've always loved horses, and p
spite herself. Maybe Charl
feeling more and more at ease. Charles was ch
ling that there was more to Charles than met the eye. Sh
tarting to relax, Charles's
for a minute?" he asked,
sense of trepidation.
r of the room, away from the pryin
low and serious. "But I want you to know that I'm not just
ebrow, intrigued.
this alliance as much as your family does. My own business ventures have be
assumed that Charles was only doing thi
rocess this new information. "
ily. Not just in name, but in truth. I need someone who can help me navigate the comp
o one had ever spoken to her like that be
she asked, her voice
ect love, Emily. At least, not yet. But I do hope that we can grow to care for
er. Maybe, just maybe, this arranged
l glances at Richard. She saw him in a new light now, as a comp
idn't feel the same sense of dread that she had earlier. Maybe this was the