Chapter 236 Marriage of Convenience
Billy shifted a bit, listening to the suggestion, and strolled into the main hall.
As soon as he showed up, some young rich acquaintances came over to say hi.
Vance's political buddies also noticed him and gave him friendly pats on the shoulder, saying, "Billy, you've really grown up!"
The conversations all felt the same, like they were reading from a script.
Billy kept a polite smile, but his eyes were blank.
Today's birthday party wasn't just about celebrating Vance's birthday; it was also a chance for Billy to make an impression on these folks.
Before long, someone came over with a glass of wine.
The guy was about Vance's age but looked pretty good for his age, barely any wrinkles.
"Billy, right? Long time no see. I'm Vincent Washington. Do you remember me?" Vincent's voice was deep as he introduced himself.
Billy thought for a moment, not really remembering, but he smiled and said, "Of course. I've been so busy with work since I got back that I haven't had a chance to visit. My bad."
Their conversation flowed smoothly, no awkward pauses.
But soon, Vincent got to his real point. "Billy, you're not getting any younger. Got a girlfriend? Your dad's eager to see you settle down."
"Thanks, Mr. Washington, but I'm not thinking about marriage right now. The company needs my attention, so my dad will have to wait." Billy's face was calm, but his words were clear.
Vincent, however, wasn't giving up easily. He smiled kindly and shook his head, "Don't be so quick to dismiss the idea." He then waved to someone in the distance.
A girl in a light blue dress made her way through the crowd, holding onto Vincent's arm and calling out sweetly, "What is it, Dad?"
Vincent patted her hand and nodded towards Billy, "This is Vance's son, Billy. You two are about the same age. You should get to know each other."
The girl had a charming look with sharp, intelligent eyes. She confidently extended her hand to Billy, "Hi, Billy, I'm Chloe Washington."
Billy kept his polite smile but didn't shake her hand. Instead, he addressed Vincent.
"Mr. Washington, the Richardson Group is currently in a growth phase. I really don't have time to entertain your daughter. There are many other young talents here tonight. You might want to consider them." His words were polite but clearly dismissive.
Chloe's smile vanished, replaced by a look of displeasure.
The Washington family used to be one of the top families in Evergreen City. Chloe was used to being pursued wherever she went.
If it weren't for her cousin's betrayal years ago, she wouldn't be here for a matchmaking attempt with Billy.
She raised her chin and said disdainfully, "What do you mean? Don't you understand basic social etiquette? I thought people who studied abroad were supposed to be gentlemen."
Vincent stayed calm despite Chloe's anger. He knew that while there were many young wealthy men here tonight, few had the political and business influence of the Richardson family. Plus, Billy was the only child, which meant no internal family conflicts.
Vincent smiled and reassured Chloe, "Chloe, calm down. He didn't mean any harm."
Chloe bit her lip, glancing at Billy before crossing her arms and turning away with a huff.
Billy was about to refuse again when he felt a familiar hand on his shoulder and heard a deep voice.
"Vincent, long time no see. Is this your daughter? She's a beauty." Vance had been watching from behind and couldn't resist stepping in to stop Billy from saying more refusals.
Vincent, ever the smooth talker, continued, "Vance, your son is the one to be envied. Unlike my own. We were just saying that Chloe and Billy are about the same age and should spend more time together."
Vance liked the sound of that. Although the Washington family wasn't as powerful as before, their resources combined with the Richardson family's influence could elevate both families.
This win-win situation was clear to both Vance and Vincent, and they continued their conversation, ignoring the feelings of Billy and Chloe.
Billy stood by, listening to their discussion, and subtly freed his shoulder from Vance's grip.
He then turned to the equally displeased Chloe and said, "Ms. Washington, since everyone insists, shall we take a walk?"
"Who wants to walk with you..." Chloe's refusal was interrupted by Vincent, "Go on, Chloe. Vance and I have some matters to discuss." He gently pushed her forward.
Chloe, though reluctant, couldn't defy Vincent and walked off in a huff. Billy followed her, silent as a shadow.
Chloe expected him to start a conversation since he suggested the walk, but Billy remained silent until they reached the chilly corridor outside the banquet hall.
He finally spoke, stopping Chloe, "Ms. Washington, let's talk."
Chloe paused, irritated, "What is there to talk about?"
"I already have someone I care about and am not interested in a marriage of convenience," Billy said calmly. "While such arrangements are common in families like ours, a loyal husband is important for a woman."
Chloe's hands clenched her dress, wrinkling the fabric. But as Billy finished, she exhaled and relaxed.
"I can't make decisions. My marriage is already planned by my father. He has his sights set on your family, and I'm just a pawn. As long as we're both unmarried, he'll keep trying to pair us up. I think your father has the same idea."
Billy pressed his lips together. As the sole heir of the Richardson family, he had some leverage against Vance, but Chloe was in a different position without any real power.
A cold wind blew through the corridor, making Chloe shiver in her thin dress. She rubbed her arms for warmth.
The next moment, a warm jacket was draped over her shoulders, blocking the cold air and carrying a faint scent of men's cologne.
"Sorry, I underestimated the situation. I need to handle my side first," Billy said sincerely, realizing the complexity.
Rejecting the Washington family would only bring more suitors. It was better to face the pressure and marry Diana.
Perhaps it was the warmth of the jacket, but under the lights, Billy looked kind and courteous.
Chloe's breath hitched, and she impulsively suggested, "Maybe we can pretend to be together to keep our families at bay."
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