Chapter II

Although Alexander was Oliver's uncle, there was no love lost between them.

Rumor had it that Alexander was a workaholic. There were even whispers that he had been injured in a skiing accident, rendering him... cold in certain aspects, which was why he had no female companion to this day.

Whether the rumors were true or false, I didn't care. With modern medicine, what problem couldn't be solved? And even if he truly couldn't perform, I would happily enjoy the peace and quiet.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused by the ambition and boldness in my eyes. "Are you sure? I am not the type of man who will play house with you."

"Absolutely," I answered firmly. Alexander was infinitely superior to Oliver—that shallow fool who only knew how to drive sports cars—in looks, wealth, and status. Even if only to see the look on Oliver's face when he had to call me "Aunt," this deal was worth it.

Anything was better than becoming the laughingstock of all New York.

Alexander scrutinized me for a few seconds before finally nodding. "Very well."

His large hand, adorned with a ring bearing the family crest, grasped mine. The heat of his palm sent a tremor through my heart.

The engagement party continued, merely with a change of leading man. I didn't even need to change my gown. When I walked back to the center of the banquet hall on Alexander's arm, the air in the room seemed to freeze.

The guests reacted quickly. Oliver's escape had become an open secret; everyone knew, though no one spoke of it. The media reporters were nearly fainting with excitement—this was a drama of the rich and powerful far more explosive than the original script.

When Alexander announced our engagement, the entire room erupted.

He took the ring that had originally belonged to Oliver, tossed it carelessly to a waiter, and then removed the black diamond ring from his own pinky finger, sliding it onto my ring finger. It was a bit loose, but he held my hand tight, preventing it from slipping off.

Next came the obligatory formality.

I felt a surge of nervousness. Alexander was known for his coldness; I worried he would refuse to display intimacy in full view of the public.

I even began to suspect I was playing with fire.

However, before I could retreat, he had already leaned down.

My lips felt a sudden warmth, accompanied by the faint scent of tobacco and mint.

My eyes widened in surprise as I crashed into his bottomless gaze.

Seeming dissatisfied with my stiffness, Alexander gripped my waist and deepened the kiss. I closed my eyes, sinking into this dizzying sense of control, while the thunderous applause and the clicking of camera shutters rang in my ears.