Emily stood nervously in front of the giant mirror inside the mansion.
She had changed outfits three times already.
"Why am I so nervous?" she muttered to herself.
Because today she was meeting Alexander's grandfather—the man who apparently controlled most of the Knight family's empire.
The door behind her opened.
Alexander walked into the room, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
His sharp eyes immediately noticed her anxious expression.
"You look fine," he said calmly.
Emily turned to him.
"Fine? You said your grandfather is extremely strict."
"He is."
"That doesn't make me feel better," she replied.
Alexander walked closer and adjusted the sleeve of his watch.
"Just remember our agreement," he said. "You're my wife."
Emily crossed her arms.
"Yes, a temporary wife."
Alexander ignored that comment.
"My grandfather values confidence and loyalty. If he believes our marriage is real, everything will be easier."
Emily sighed.
"And if he doesn't?"
Alexander paused for a moment.
"Then things will become… complicated."
Thirty minutes later, their car stopped in front of another massive estate.
Emily stared out the window.
"This family really likes giant houses," she whispered.
Alexander smirked slightly.
"This one belongs to my grandfather."
A tall security guard opened the gate and allowed their car inside.
Emily's heart began beating faster as they approached the large mansion.
When they entered the grand living room, an older man was already sitting in a large leather chair near the fireplace.
His presence filled the entire room.
Alexander stopped walking.
"Grandfather."
The old man slowly looked up.
His sharp, intelligent eyes immediately moved from Alexander… to Emily.
"So," the old man said slowly.
"This is the woman who married my grandson without telling me."
Emily swallowed nervously.
Alexander placed a steady hand on her back.
"Grandfather, this is Emily. My wife."
The old man studied her carefully for a long moment.
The silence felt unbearable.
Finally, he spoke again.
"You don't look like the type of woman Alexander usually associates with."
Emily wasn't sure if that was an insult or an observation.
But she gathered her courage and replied politely,
"With respect, sir… I didn't expect to marry a billionaire either."
For a moment, the old man simply stared at her.
Then, surprisingly…
He laughed.
Alexander looked slightly shocked.
"That's the first honest answer I've heard all week," the old man said.
Emily relaxed a little.
But the old man's expression suddenly turned serious again.
"There's just one problem."
Emily felt her stomach tighten.
"And what problem is that?" Alexander asked.
The old man leaned forward slowly.
"I have already arranged another marriage for you."
The room fell completely silent.
Emily turned slowly to look at Alexander.
"What… does he mean?"