Chapter 291 The Truth of the Business Marriage
Winter in Evergreen City was often dreary, with the buildings in the business district blending into a monotonous gray.
On overcast days, these structures, under the heavy, yellowish clouds, exuded a cold, unwelcoming aura.
Billy sat behind his desk, his gaze drifting through the floor-to-ceiling windows to the bustling street below.
This was one of his rare moments of daydreaming.
Not far from him sat a middle-aged man in a suit and glasses.
Seeing Billy lost in thought for a while, the man couldn't help but speak up, "Mr. Richardson, something on your mind? You haven't finished today's documents."
Billy's brow furrowed as he slowly turned around, his voice icy, "Do I need you to tell me what to do? If you enjoy watching me so much, why don't you handle these yourself?"
"Sorry, Mr. Billy Richardson," the man quickly tried to appease him upon seeing Billy's anger.
"I'm just concerned about you. Mr. Vance Richardson sent me. You're his only son, after all. A father's love can't be called surveillance."
Billy's frown deepened, and he let out a cold snort, "Stop trying to brainwash me. He's just upset he can't control me like he used to. I've already agreed to get married. You don't need to stay here. Go keep him company at the hospital."
Since his last birthday party, Vance had been bedridden, partly due to genuine illness and partly as a tactic.
He was indeed getting old, and years of smoking and drinking had caught up with him.
The doctors had diagnosed him with heart problems and various chronic illnesses, warning that any severe stress could be fatal.
Using this to his advantage, Vance stayed in the hospital, pressuring Billy to get married and cut ties with Diana.
The chosen bride was Chloe, whom Billy had met before.
Billy had resisted and even tried to run away. But with the combined pressure from Charles and Vance, he had nowhere to escape.
To prevent another escape attempt, Vance had assigned someone to watch over him.
The middle-aged man before him, seemingly ordinary, was actually a retired special forces soldier. Stopping Billy was a piece of cake for him.
The man scratched his head, his tone softening, "Sorry, I have to stay until you're married."
Then he added, "Mr. Richardson, why make things difficult? Ms. Washington is quite beautiful. You two make a great couple, a perfect match."
"Enough! Say one more word, and I'll jump out of this window right now. Let my dad find another heir!"
In his heart, no one could compare to Diana. It was his own fault for missing out on her time and again.
Now he had to accept this ridiculous business marriage!
Billy, feeling guilty, tugged at his hair in frustration.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
A woman's clear, gentle voice followed, "May I come in?"
It was Chloe's voice.
In this arranged marriage, if anyone was satisfied, it was her.
At the last birthday party, she had learned about the complicated relationship between Billy, Charles, and Diana.
Instead of being put off, Chloe found herself more intrigued by Billy.
From a young age, Chloe knew her fate—to be married off to a wealthy man as a tool. The man could be old enough to be her father or a useless fool.
But now, she had met Billy, a man deeply devoted to someone else. Even if he didn't love her, she was confident she could win his heart.
Besides, Diana was Charles' woman. No matter how much Billy liked her, he could only watch helplessly.
'Once he falls for me, countless women in Evergreen City will envy me.'
With that thought, Chloe smiled. Just then, Billy's calm voice came from the office, "Come in."
She entered with a lunchbox, immediately spotting the man watching Billy.
She smiled and said, "Sir, I brought lunch for my fiancé. Could you give us some privacy?"
Her bright smile and special status made the man quickly oblige, "Of course, you two talk. I'll take a walk."
As the door closed, Chloe's smile faded. She casually placed the lunchbox on the desk and sat down.
"Eat up. My family's chef made it. It's pretty good. Your dad insisted on this bonding thing. As a rich heiress, I'm tired of bringing you lunch every day!"
Billy chuckled helplessly but didn't touch the lunchbox.
"You seem to have more influence than I do. He's been watching me all morning, even monitoring my daydreaming."
"That's tough," Chloe remarked bluntly.
She was indeed interested in Billy, but she knew he had someone else in his heart. Being overly attentive would only lower her value.
So she interacted with Billy in her own way, maintaining a balance that kept him from being wary.
To Billy, Chloe was also in a tough spot. Such a young, beautiful girl, not even having enjoyed her youth, was being forced into marriage with a man she barely knew.
He was a few years older than Chloe and naturally saw her as a younger sister. They had agreed to a marriage of convenience, each living their own lives after the wedding.
Once Billy was firmly established, he would give her back her freedom.
"By the way, isn't the Percy Group no longer targeting the Richardson Group? You're not that busy. How about you come shopping with me after lunch?"
Chloe twirled a strand of hair around her finger, her tone casual.
Billy pursed his lips, his gaze falling on her, curious, "You want to go shopping with me? I think girls are better off shopping with their friends. I can't offer any advice or emotional support."
Seeing he wasn't taking the bait, Chloe stopped twirling her hair.
"It's because of you! Ever since I agreed to marry you, my friends have been avoiding me. So either you come carry my bags, or stay here and keep being watched."
Her tone was quick, and as she spoke, she turned to leave, as if she genuinely just wanted a shopping companion without any ulterior motives.
She didn't walk fast, and just as her hand touched the doorknob, Billy's voice came from behind, "Alright, I'll go. Consider it compensation."
Out of Billy's sight, Chloe smiled triumphantly.
But when she turned around, her expression was cold, her tone haughty, "It's the least you can do. Hurry up and eat. I want to shop till I drop today."
"I'm not hungry. Let's go now."
Billy stood up, grabbing his coat. His tall frame cast a shadow over Chloe.
Instinctively, Chloe took a couple of steps back, muttering, "Such a baby face, but so muscular."
"What did you say?"
Her voice was too soft to hear clearly.
"I said! If you get hungry later, I'm not paying for your food!" Chloe raised her voice.
Billy laughed, nodding, feeling a bit more cheerful.
But their shopping trip didn't go smoothly.
As soon as they reached the lobby, there was a commotion at the front desk, drawing the attention of passersby.
"Ma'am, we have rules. No entry without an appointment. Please cooperate with us!"
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