Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Ryan couldn’t help but ask many questions, only in his mind. He maintained an expressionless face as he got to the table, his jaw clenched

“Grandpa…” Ryan uttered, nodding to the brunette who sat beside his grandfather, he noticed she was holding an envelope, a brown envelope that looked like it had cash in it. He made himself comfortable as he sat opposite the woman who he noticed couldn’t stop stealing glances at him every second.

“Ah yes yes, he’s here. This is Ryan, the one I was telling you about. My grandson to inherit all my fortune after I join my beloved wife..my heir, unless I change my mind” Alfred let out a piercing laugh after his last statement

Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly at his grandfather's threatening tone, but he remained silent, his gaze fixed on the woman. She smiled nervously, her eyes darting between Ryan and the envelope in her hand.

"Ryan, this is Ms Resse," Alfred said, his voice booming across the table.

"She's here to discuss a potential...arrangement, she's very good at what she does, she came in highly recommended to help you find a wife.”

Ms. Reese's gaze remained on Ryan's face for a minute, her smile growing wider, she was taking in every spectacular feature of his, " Ryan. It’s quite a pleasure to meet you. Your grandfather has told me so much about you." she stretched her hands to shake him, Ryan hesitated for a minute before he quickly shook her and removed his hand

Ryan's expression remained neutral, his mind racing with questions. What was in the envelope? And what did his grandfather mean by "unless I change my mind"?

Alfred leaned forward, his eyes flickering with a hint of gladness.

"Ms. Reese has brought some fine possible options for you...proposals for you to consider, my dear boy. Daughters of wealthy families in the city and beyond, they’re sophisticated and smart too, any woman of your choice to get married to…all eager to secure a union with the future president of A.G. Corp.”

Ryan's jaw clenched tighter, his silence a clear indication of his disinterest. He came here hoping to buy some time for himself, he was completely unaware and frustrated with what was going on

Ms. Reese, however, appeared unmoved, her gaze still fixed on him with such intensity.

"Let's get down to business, shall we? Ms. Reese, please, proceed."

?" Alfred said, his voice dripping with enthusiasm as he sipped his coffee

Ms. Reese nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she opened the envelope and pulled out a stack of photographs. Ryan's eyes scanned the images, his mind recoiling at the thought of being tied to any of these women. He recognized some of his ex-girlfriends and shook his head for the next picture. It wasn’t as if he was not able to get a girlfriend for himself, but he just had to play along till he was alone with his grandfather

"Grandpa, I don't think this is necessary," Ryan said, his voice low and even. “And besides, if I remember clearly you stated that I could either introduce my girlfriend or any woman I’m seeing in one month”

Alfred's expression turned stern. "Necessary? Oh trust me, my boy, this is very necessary. And if you care to know I have done my investigations, you currently have no stable relationships, just jumping from one chic to another and your marriage is crucial to the future of the company. You will do what's best for this family, or else say goodbye to the presidency of the company”

The air was thick with tension as Ryan's gaze locked onto his grandfather's, sweat formed on his upper lip, a threat had been passed and he knew his grandfather meant whatever he said. But, why the rush?

After what seemed to be an eternity of moving from picture to picture, to him listening about family backgrounds and their family’s net worth, Ms. Reese was done and Ryan let out a huge sigh to the hearing of his companions.

“Ok… erm, I think some of these ladies have caught my eye, I won’t disclose… I will do my personal background research and get back to you” Ryan said nodding to the woman before him

“Good good… I’m glad you have your choices, you’ll let me know when we get home ok?” Alfred spoke up, a huge smile on his face, and satisfied with the day’s outcome proceeded to ask about the office. Sooner, Ms. Reese got up to go as she was done with her purpose for grandfather and grandson

“I'd like to take my leave now,” She said, rising to her feet.

“Thank you for your services… I’ll make sure to get back to you in no time, trust me”

“ What would you need her for again, Grandpa?” Ryan asked

“Of course, we’ll need her again… she is the one who meets with the bride you choose family and arrange a dinner for both families” Alfred answered

“But we have many assistants too…”

“Ryan!” Alfred interjected, cutting him before he completed his statement, “Let her do her work”

Alfred exchanged goodbyes with Ms. Reese and she left.

After Ms. Reese departed, Ryan and his grandfather discussed the business for some more time. Ryan's eyes moved across the café, while his father made a quick call which implied him leaving soon, technically, their lunch was over. It was a relief for him. His eyes, scanning the coffee shop, landed on a familiar face. A face from last night.

She was sitting at a small table by the window, sipping a latte with her friend. Their eyes met, and Ryan felt a jolt of discomfort. Emily's expression was one of disgust, her eyes rolling in distaste.

“Uh…why is he here”

“Okay. I'm heading home now, want a ride?”

Alfred stood up, his voice booming across the coffee shop.

“No… I brought my car” Ryan said, his voice barely above a whisper

"I'll leave you to it, Ryan. Remember, marriage is important. Don't let your wildness cloud your responsibilities.You know what is at stake here”

With that, Alfred walked out of the coffee shop, leaving Ryan feeling trapped.

Ryan's gaze returned to Emily, who was now whispering to Ruby, her eyes darting towards him with disgust. Ryan could see the extent of annoyance she was feeling, wondering why he was drawn to someone who clearly didn't like him.

He took out his phone and messaged Zak, “I want a background check done on the “ice queen”… Every little detail by Friday”

“But we don’t know her name…” Zak’s replied came through

“Find out her name from the club’s guest list or CCTV footage” Ryan ordered

He got up and walked towards Emily's table, his long strides eating up the distance.

Emily noticed he was coming to their table “Oh great!just what I need to ruin my bright day”

"Mind if I join you?," he asked,facing Ruby, his tone neutral, intentionally ignoring Emily,

Emily's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, please do. We were just discussing how charming you are."

Ryan's lips twitched, his eyes locking onto Emily's. "I'm sure you were."

Ruby, sensing the tension, spoke up “ You couldn’t find a seat anywhere in this shop? Well Emily here doesn’t like your presence”

“But you don’t have any problem right…”

“Lemme guess, you own this café too?” Emily cut him short before he could complete his statement “Because that would be such a bummer,we were leaving” And with that Emily stood up,putting her laptop into her tote when her phone rang. It was an unknown number calling her

She hesitated for a while before grabbing the phone from the table slowly. Emily’s eyes narrowed, sensing something was off.

“Hello” there was a short pause “Yes this is her speaking”

"What?!When," Emily said, her voice trembling as she listened to the caller,Ruby wore a questioning expression,scanning her best friend’s face to see what exactly the person at the other side said for her to be suddenly shook?