Page 47 of Ruthless Rebel

“That’s not fair.”

“Life is not fair, and neither is business. I’ll say the same thing to you that I have to the others. I won’t do anyone any favors, and I won’t show favoritism or hand you your legacy on a silver platter. To do so would be insulting to me and the work I’ve put into this company.”

“I understand that.”

“Good.”

“So, I do hope you’re keeping to your end of the contract.” He gives me a death grip stare, one that’s sharp and searching, probing for the truth.

To make everything official, he made me sign a contract. It might as well have been in blood. I find a wife within the time frame he set, and I’d get the CFO position and my share of the company.

Those were the terms and conditions, but my grandfather knows me the same way a father would. That look in his eyes tells me he suspects there isnopotential wife I’ve been dating all these months.

I love and respect him to no end. I also want my share of the Grayson empire more than anything because that’s all I have in my life to look forward to, but my grandfather is not the boss of my life. No one but me will wield that sword.

Just like a game of chess, I will be the king of my court, so I will continue to do things my way. However, I know that still means I have to meet him halfway.

“Of course, I’m sticking to my end of the contract.” I give him a clipped nod.

“I hope so. I could have arranged your marriage, but I opted against that because I feel you should have the freedom to choose who you marry.”

At least he gave me that much. “I’m grateful you gave me the choice.”

“I thought that was only fair, but time is passing fast. We’re already in the middle of March.”

“I know. I’ve just been busy. I’ll organize a dinner where we can all meet as soon as I can.”

“Actually, I think it would be a better idea for us all to meet this girl of yours at the fundraiser next Wednesday.”

Shit.

No. That is not good. Not good at all.

This is what happens when two titans bump heads and try to overpower each other. Both fight back with everything they have to outdo the other.

“The fundraiser?”

“Yes. That shouldn’t be a problem, should it?” He raises his gray bushy brows questioningly.

“No,” I lie, doing my best to appear nonchalant when really, I’m shitting myself.

“Great. I think the fundraiser would also be a great opportunity to announce your engagement and get publicity under control. You know what the media are like. I also think news of your engagement would take the heat off Bastian’s scandal.”

Just fucking great.This is all I need now to make me go fucking crazy. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Believe me, I am. Your grandmother is also eager to meet your wife-to-be and start planning your wedding.” He nods, and I feel guilty for the spark of pride in his eyes.

If he looks like that, I can just imagine what my grandmother will be like. She adores me. For some reason, although she loves us all without playing favorites, I’m the grandchild who garners all her attention. I get extra everything. Cookies, hugs, and grandma’s special birthday treats.Jesus.

“Well, Grandma won’t have to wait too long.” I can’t think of anything worse, but I look at him as if everything is happy, shiny, wonderful.

“Then next Wednesday works perfectly.”

No, it’s not perfect at all. God. Next Wednesday cuts my time down significantly. I’ll have ten days. No longer seven weeks. What the hell am I going to do?

So far, I’ve only met one woman on Luc’s list. I have dates lined up this week and next between my trip to Arizona, but that’s not enough time.

Ten fucking days isnotenough time to find a wife.

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