BOUND BY FORTUNE

ander's focus was far from the picturesque view. He was a man driven by ambition, and this morning was no different. He adjusted his tailored suit, the fabric crisp and sharp, reflecting the precisi

s phone buzzed with an incoming message. It was from his father, a stern reminder of the family legacy and the expectations that came with it. "Remember your duty, Alexander. The Langston alliance is as important as any business deal." He scowled, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. His father had always believed in the power of connections, and now, with the arranged marriage to Isabella Langston looming on the horizon, Alexander felt trapped between familial obligation and his desire to maintain his independence. "Love is a luxury you can't afford," his father's voice echoed in his mind, a mantra that had been drilled into him since childhood. Alexander had always prioritized business over personal relationships, believing emotions were a distraction. Yet, the thought of marrying a stranger filled him with uncertainty. What was it like to be vulnerable? He couldn't remember. With a grimace, he pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. He was a master at compartmentalizing his life, a skill that had served him well in the cutthroat world of business. The door swung open again, and David, his right-hand man, entered. "Alexander, we need to discuss the Reynolds deal. There are some concerns about their financial stability," David began. Alexander leaned back in his chair, his expression inscrutable. "Concerns are irrelevant. We move forward. I want an offer on the table by the end of the week." "But if their stock continues to plum