BOUND BY FORTUNE

g with thoughts of the impending meeting. She had spent hours choosing the perfect outfit, a delicate cream dress that flowed gracefully around her knees, paired with understated pearl earrings. Sh

nd intrigued her. As they settled in, Eleanor initiated small talk, discussing the latest developments in the Langston family's business ventures. Isabella found it difficult to concentrate, her mind swirling with thoughts about Alexander. He sat with an air of confidence, listening attentively but maintaining a guarded demeanor. She noticed the way his jaw tightened slightly when he spoke, revealing a man used to being in control. "So, Isabella," he said, shifting the conversation toward her, "what are your interests outside of the family business?" Caught off guard, she hesitated. "Well, I enjoy painting and reading. I also volunteer at a local shelter," she replied, trying to present herself as more than just a prospective wife. "I believe in giving back to the community." "An admirable pursuit," he said, his expression softening just a fraction. "It's important to find a balance between personal passions and responsibilities." Isabella felt a flicker of connection at his acknowledgment, but it was quickly overshadowed by the weight of their situation. "And what about you, Mr. Knight? What does a billionaire do with his free time?" He chuckled lightly, a sound that surprised her. "I suppose I work. It's a bit of a curse, really. Business consumes most of my time, but I enjoy it. There's something satisfying about building and creating." His eyes sparkled with a passion that intrigued her, and for a moment, she saw beyond the cold exterior. "What do you create?" she asked, genuinely curious. "Opportunities," he replied, his tone serious yet contemplative. "I thrive on challenges. Life is a series of negotiations, and I intend to win every single one." A shiver ran down her spine at his intensity. Was this really the man she was supposed to marry? The prospect both thrilled and terrified her. She had always envisioned love as something sweet and tender, not a battleground. Their conversation continued, but the tension between them simmered just beneath the surface. Isabella noticed the way he studied her, his gaze unwavering, and it sent her heart racing. There was an undeniable chemistry, yet it was laced with uncertainty. As the discussion shifted to their families and the future, Isabella felt a knot tightening in her stomach. She was acutely aware of the stakes involved in this arrangement. This was not merely a meeting of two people; it was a c