He Offered Him a Marriage Deal… After His Pregnant Daughter Was Abandoned
Chapter 2
Noah thought Alexander had lost his mind.
“You came to my house to offer me a marriage deal?”
“Yes.”
“And you expect me to say yes?”
“No.”
Alexander remained calm.
“I expect you to listen.”
Noah crossed his arms.
“My daughter is eight months pregnant because your son abandoned her.”
“I know.”
“He stole her money.”
“I know.”
“He left her with nowhere to go.”
“I know.”
“Then why would I trust anything you say?”
Alexander looked toward Emily.
“Because I’m not asking you to forgive my son.”
“Then what are you asking?”
“My company is facing a crisis.”
Noah laughed bitterly.
“Not my problem.”
“No.”
Alexander nodded.
“But it will become yours if the wrong people take control.”
Noah stared.
Alexander explained.
His late wife had left him a large controlling stake in the family company.
But the inheritance came with a condition.
He needed to remarry before his next birthday.
If he didn’t, the voting shares would transfer to a family trust controlled by his late wife’s brother.
That man, Victor Reed, had spent years trying to take over the company.
Alexander had refused every marriage arranged by his business associates.
Until now.
His attorney had suggested a legal marriage arrangement with someone outside the family.
Someone trustworthy.
Someone who wouldn’t manipulate the company.
Alexander had investigated Noah.
He knew Noah was financially modest.
He knew he had never been involved in corporate scandals.
He knew he had a reputation for helping people.
But there was another reason.
Alexander was sick.
Not terminally.
But seriously enough that he didn’t trust the people around him.
He needed someone legally recognized as his spouse.
Someone who could help protect the company if his condition worsened.
Noah listened.
“This still sounds insane.”
Alexander nodded.
“It is.”
“Why me?”
“Because you don’t want my money.”
Noah laughed.
“I definitely don’t.”
“And because you’re willing to protect your daughter.”
Alexander paused.
“I need someone who understands what responsibility means.”
Emily stepped into the room.
“Dad.”
Noah looked at her.
“Go rest.”
“No.”
She looked at Alexander.
“If you’re Ryan’s father, why didn’t you stop him?”
Alexander’s face tightened.
“I tried.”
“Not hard enough.”
“No.”
He accepted it.
“You’re right.”
Emily looked surprised.
Alexander continued.
“I spent years believing my son would eventually become responsible.”
“He didn’t.”
“No.”
“And now?”
“Now I’m trying to repair what I can.”
Emily stared at him.
“You can’t fix what he did.”
“I know.”
Alexander’s voice softened.
“But I can make sure you and your child are safe.”
Noah remained skeptical.
“What exactly are you proposing?”
“A legal marriage.”
“To you?”
“Yes.”
“For one year.”
“No romance required.”
Noah almost laughed.
“That’s supposed to make it better?”
“You would receive financial security.”
“I don’t want your money.”
“You would receive legal authority over my estate if something happens to me.”
Noah froze.
“Why?”
“Because I need someone I trust.”
Emily looked at her father.
“Dad, don’t.”
Noah nodded.
“I won’t agree tonight.”
Alexander stood.
“I expected that.”
He placed a folder on the table.
“Read it.”
Then he walked to the door.
Before leaving, he turned.
“Your daughter doesn’t need a rich man.”
He looked at Emily.
“She needs someone who won’t abandon her.”
Then he looked at Noah.
“That’s why I came to you.”
The door closed.
Noah stared at the folder.
Emily stared too.
Neither touched it.
Until Noah saw one sentence on the cover.
MARRIAGE AGREEMENT — ONE YEAR — FULL PROTECTION FOR EMILY CARTER AND HER CHILD
