Chapter 167 Start as Friends
James glanced at Charles when Laura called him over, noting Charles' subtle smile before Charles murmured, "I'll wait for you in the car."
"Okay!" James nodded and walked toward Laura.
Laura looked nervous and took a couple of steps back as James approached.
"What's up?" James asked softly.
"James, thanks so much for today. If you hadn't brought Mr. Wilson, I wouldn't have gotten this investment!" Laura said politely.
"You're my fiancée; it's what I should do," James replied with a faint smile.
"I feel awful. You've helped me so much, and I kept thinking you were a fraud. I'm really sorry!" Laura apologized, not just for today but for everything before.
She had never taken James seriously as her fiancé, but he still helped her, making her feel guilty.
"It's okay, I'm not that petty," James said, feeling better after her apology. Hearing Laura's apology eased a burden from James' heart. Despite all the misunderstandings, they had finally cleared the air, and Laura was beginning to accept him.
"When we first met, I thought I could never love you, so I set those ground rules. But since we're engaged, we'll eventually get married, so..." Laura paused, looking at James.
"So what?" James asked, puzzled.
Laura hesitated for a moment, then changed her words, "Actually, it's nothing. I just wanted to tell you that I think we can start by being friends."
"Okay! Let's start as friends!" James nodded lightly.
Although Laura didn't say what was on her mind, James could guess what she wanted to say.
After this incident, Laura's view of James had changed significantly. Although she hadn't fallen for him yet, she was willing to start trying to accept him.
"James, I've always been curious about something," Laura said, changing the subject.
"What is it? Just say it," James replied.
"How do you know someone like Charles? You two shouldn't have any connection, right?" Laura asked, puzzled.
"I know Charles because I saved him once. He came to invest in your company to repay that favor," James said, making up an excuse. He couldn't reveal his true identity yet.
"You saved Charles?" Laura asked, surprised.
"Yeah, he had a heart attack, and I took him to the hospital," James said lightly.
James had anticipated Laura's question and had already thought of this excuse while she and Charles discussed the contract.
"I see!" Laura nodded. Though it seemed a bit far-fetched, James' explanation was acceptable.
James, worried he might slip up if they kept talking. So, he was on the lookout for an opportunity to leave.. "Do you need anything else? If not, I'll head back."
"I originally called you to get our marriage license, but so much happened today!"
Laura checked the time. "City hall's probably closed now. Do you have time tomorrow? We can get the certificate then."
"Yes, I have time!" James nodded quickly.
"Okay, see you tomorrow," Laura said softly.
"See you tomorrow!" James nodded back.
"I'm heading back. You should go home early too!" Laura waved and walked back into the company.
James watched her leave, sighed, and then headed to Charles' Bentley.
"James, I'm really sorry about today. I didn't expect the flight delay. I came straight to your fiancée's company as soon as I landed," Charles said nervously as James got in.
"You arrived just in time," James replied flatly. "Keep an eye on Laura's company. Help her if she needs it."
"Don't worry, James. I'll provide whatever resources Miss Hall's company needs without revealing your identity," Charles assured him.
"Good!" James nodded. "By the way, once I get the marriage license with Laura, can I tell her my identity?"
"Well..." Charles hesitated. "Technically, once you get the license, you can inherit the old chairman's estate. But there's another condition: Miss Hall must willingly be with you for the inheritance to take effect."
"Willingly be with me? What does that mean?" James asked, confused.
"It means Miss Hall must genuinely fall in love with you," Charles explained.
"Is that in the contract? Are you kidding me?" James shouted, agitated.
"It's in the contract, very clear. I can show you if you want," Charles said with a smile.
James felt defeated. 'What kind of rule is that?' he thought.
He had assumed that getting the marriage license would be the end of it, and he wouldn't have to hide his identity anymore.
But now, he realized his grandfather's cousin had set a twisted condition: Laura had to genuinely fall in love with him for the inheritance to kick in.
James couldn't reveal his identity and had to make Laura fall for him willingly. This was going to be a monumental challenge.
