Page 35 of The Unplanned Wedding

"However, I’m aware of how much you love the Davenport property in Cumbria."

The ol’ geezer clocked that. I shouldn’t be surprised. He didn’t get to be the Chairman of the Davenport Group and hold onto the position,despite the board trying to overthrow him a few times, without being at the top of his game. I tilt my head, waiting for him to elaborate. I bet that was only his opening salvo.

He leans back in his chair and places the tips of his fingers together. "And much as you may deny it, I believe that other than Nathan, you’re the one most keen on forging a career within the Davenport Group. Being the CEO of the media division and exploring the opportunities new media has to offer is something that interests you greatly. Throw in the Cumbria property and?—"

"So, you did come to negotiate my future?" I growl.

"Consider it an ultimatum.”

"An ultimatum?" I lower my arms to my side and tilt back my chair slowly.

Arthur nods. "Get married within the month, and I’ll not only confirm you as the CEO of the media division, but I'll also hand the Cumbria house over to you."

"You’re joking!" I laugh.

"You know better than that. In fact, I’ll make it easy for you."

"Oh?" I frown.

"Since I’m aware you don’t have a woman in mind to get married to?—"

I begin to speak, but he shakes his head. "Don’t bother denying it; I’m aware of the love lives of all of my grandsons."

I narrow my gaze. "So, you’re admitting you keep tabs on us?"

"You boys are my future and responsible for propagating my bloodline; it’s natural that I do." He drums the arm of his chair. "And as I was saying, I’ll make this easy on you."

"I can’t wait to hear what you have to say," I drawl.

He ignores my sarcasm completely. "I have someone lined up for you, who I think would be appropriate for you."

It doesn’t come as a surprise to hear him propose this. Arthur has made it clear, he wants all of his sons and grandsons settled as soon as possible, and he's not above arranging our marriages, if necessary. My older brothers hustled into proposing marriage to women of their choosing. That they happened to fall in love with their wives is beside the point. I made it clear to Arthur, I don’t intend on settling down anytime soon. Onlyproblem is, it resulted in his taking my words as a challenge. He doubled down in his efforts to get me married off.

Still, I pretend to be taken aback by his suggestion. "You’re asking me to have an arranged marriage?"

He holds up his hand. "I’d like to call it a marriage of convenience. You’ll get the CEO title and the property you love so much, and she’ll get access to all the benefits that come from being married into the Davenport clan. Don’t you want to know who the woman is?” Before I can respond, he adds, “Her name is Priscilla Whittington, by the way.”

“Whittington?” I frown. “She’s?—”

“Toren Whittington’s sister.”

Toren’s the scion of the Whittington family. He’s also CEO of the Whittington Group. If there’s a close competitor to the Davenports, it’s the Whittingtons.

“We’ve discussed that it makes sense to have her marry into our family so we can join our fortunes and put the long-running feud between our families to rest.” Arthur taps his fingers on his armrest.

"Do you realize how parochial you sound?" When he begins to speak, this time, I'm the one who raises my hand. "Don’t bother replying. We both know you’re a manipulative bastard who has only one thing on his mind."

"My family’s welfare," he has the temerity to reply.

"I was going to say the Davenport Group’s future, but what-fucking-ever." I roll my neck. "Let’s get one thing straight." I lean forward in my seat. "I may not believe in love or marriage, but when it comes to my future, I choose who my wife is going to be, even if it's in name alone. I saw how you manipulated my brothers and uncle, and I’m not going to give you that chance with my life."

Gramps raises his hands, his features folded into an expression of innocence. "Whatever you say, grandson. And it’s not like I want to put in the extra work involved in arranging your marriage. But if you don’t get married within four weeks?—"

"Yeah, yeah"—I wave my hand—"you have a bride lined up for me. I heard you the first time."

"Did you?" He searches my features. Manipulative bastard that he is, I know he’s not going to let this one go, and sure enough, when he speaks, Iknow I’m right. "It’s heartening that, unlike your brothers, you don’t believe in love?—"

I snort, "Coming from someone who’s currently dating and clearly, in love?—"

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