Page 12 of Ensnared
I forced a smile, acutely aware of the jealous glares surrounding us. "Thank you, Mr. Ashworth. You're too kind."
He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Please, call me Colson. After all, we're going to be getting to know each other quite well tonight."
As he led me away from the group, his hand resting possessively on the small of my back, I caught sight of Melissa's furious expression. The other women watched us with a mix of envy and curiosity, no doubt wondering what made me special enough to capture Colson's attention.
I took another sip of champagne, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead. I was in the lion's den now, surrounded by women who saw me as nothing more than an interloper. But I hadn't come this far to be intimidated. Whatever plan Colson had, whatever these women thought of me, I was determined to hold my own.
As we moved through the crowd, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping onto a stage, about to perform in a play where I didn't know my lines. But with Colson's eyes on me and the burden of my family's future on my shoulders, I knew I had no choice but to give the performance of my life.
Chapter 5
Colson led me down a long, darkened hallway, his hand resting on the small of my back. The only sound was the soft click of my heels on the polished hardwood floor. Halfway down the corridor, a warm glow spilled out from an open doorway, creating a pool of light that seemed to beckon us forward.
As we entered the room, I realized it was Colson's office. The space exuded power and wealth, from the imposing desk with its ornately carved feet to the walls lined with bookcases packed tightly with business and finance books.
Several large monitors hung on the walls, reminiscent of his setup at Ashworth Financial. The air was heavy with the scent of leather, old books, and something else—a subtle, intoxicating aroma that I could only describe as the smell of money itself.
Colson gently took the champagne flute from my hand, setting it on a nearby side table. "Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing towards a plush leather couch.
I lowered myself onto the cool leather, trying to appear composed despite the nervous energy thrumming through mybody. My hands felt clammy, and I resisted the urge to wipe them on my dress.
Colson settled into an armchair across from me, his piercing gaze never leaving my face. "So, Josephine," he began, his voice smooth as silk. "Tell me, what do you know about Ashworth Financial?"
I raised an eyebrow and swallowed hard, willing my voice to remain steady. This seemed like a job interview. "It's one of the largest financial institutions in the country, known for its innovative investment strategies and global reach."
He nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Very good. You’ve familiarized yourself with our company while you’ve been there. I’m impressed."
It sounded like he was interviewing me for a position I already possessed. I’d know about AFC for many years having lived on the grounds of the Ashworth mansion. I knew what they did and their vision for the future.
Colson settled back into his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. The intensity of his gaze made me feel like a specimen under a microscope.
"Josephine," he began, his voice low and measured. "I hope you understand that this I'm looking for a partner in every sense of the word."
I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. "I understand," I managed to say.
He leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "Tell me about your personal life. Do you have many close friends?"
The question caught me off guard. I thought of my solitary life at Yale, focused solely on my studies. "I... I have acquaintances," I admitted. "But my studies have always been my priority."
Colson nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Dedication. I admire that. But as my wife, you'd be required to navigate complex social circles. How do you feel about that?"
I straightened my spine, forcing confidence into my voice. "I'm a quick learner, Colson. I may not have extensive experience, but I'm adaptable and eager to rise to any challenge."
He chuckled softly. "Good answer. Now, let's talk about what being my wife would truly entail. You'd be responsible for managing our social engagements, hosting dinners, attending charity events. Your life would become inextricably linked with mine. Are you prepared for that level of... involvement?"
The gravity of his words settled over me like a heavy cloak. I thought of the future I was trying to secure. "I understand the responsibilities," I said carefully. "I'm ready to commit fully to the role."
Colson's eyes gleamed with something I couldn't quite decipher. "And what about personal attachments? Any lingering feelings or connections that might... complicate things?"
Unbidden, Vaughn's face flashed in my mind. I pushed the thought away forcefully. There was nothing between us. He toyed with me and just wanted what he wanted. Vaughn would never be a consideration in my life. I would just be another conquest.
"No," I said firmly. "There's nothing that would interfere with my commitment to a... partnership."
He stood suddenly, moving to stand directly in front of me. I had to crane my neck to meet his gaze. "You understand, Josephine, that being my wife means sharing every aspect of your life with me. Your time, your body, your future – they would all belong to us, together. Can you truly say you're ready for that?"
My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. This was the moment of truth. Everything I'd worked for, everything my family needed, hinged on my answer.
"Yes," I said, surprised by the steadiness in my voice. "I'm ready, Colson. For all of it."
