HIS RELUCTANT BRIDE

Evelyn it's over.” She stopped typing and looked up. “What?” Her father stood in the doorway, pale and exhausted.”The company.”Thomas said. “What happened to the company?” Evenly asked The bank took over this morning. Dad you must be joking. That's not possible. I wish it was a joke Evelyn pushed her chair back. How much do we owe. Her father went stil.He finally looked at her. Two hundred million dollars. Two hundred million dollars.Evenly was shocked.She let out a disbelieving laugh. You are telling me you lost two hundred million dollars and thought you could keep that from me? I was trying to keep things under control. You've been trying to keep things under control for how long? Eight months.I didn't want you involved. You didn't want me involved? But do you have any idea that this is my family’s company. Of course I do , her father replied No, I don't think you do. You let me spend every day building this company with you while you were secretly watching it collapse? She said in anger I made a mistake. What kind of mistake ? Thomas did not answer. Dad answer, ohhhh now I understand what else are you hiding from me? She asked with tears in her eyes . Before she could push him further, someone knocked. The door opened and Mrs. Collins, the company secretary, walked in. Mr. Carter Thomas, they are waiting, Mrs. Collins said. Thomas’s face tightened. Who? The bank representatives. Evelyn turned toward her. How many are they Three. Mrs. Collins hesitated. And there is another man with them. Thomas immediately looked at Evelyn. Go downstairs. Why should I go downstairs ? Evelyn I'm coming with you.This is not a discussion. Neither is this. She grabbed her phone from the desk. Let us go. Thomas stared at her for a moment before walking out. Evelyn followed. The office was unusually quiet. Employees watched them as they passed. Nobody spoke. Nobody smiled. That worried her more than the debt. When they reached the conference room, Thomas stopped. Evelyn nearly walked into him.He lowered his voice. Whatever happens in there, let me handle it. She frowned. Why? Because I do not want you making a decision you will regret. That made her suspicious. What decision? Thomas opened the door. You will understand. Evelyn stepped inside. Three men sat around the table. Two of them wore bank badges. The third man did not need one. He sat at the head of the table as if the room belonged to him—black suit, dark hair, calm expression. He looked younger than Evelyn expected and far more dangerous. His eyes found hers immediately. He stood. Evelyn Carter. She did not move. How do you know my nameEveryone in this industry knows your name. Thomas stepped forward. This is Alexander. So that was him. Alexander Kingston. The billionaire who had bought three failing companies in the last five years and turned every one of them into a success. Evelyn had seen his face in business magazines. She had never expected to meet him like this. She crossed her arms. So why are you here? Alexander glanced at the bank representatives, then back at her. Your father owes the bank two hundred million dollars. I know. I cleared the debt. Evelyn blinked. What? But why Thomas’s head snapped toward him. Alexander, we've agreed You've agreed to my terms, Alexander said calmly. Evelyn looked at her father. What terms? But her father said nothing I Alexander cleared this debt because I wanted this company. Evelyn’s eyes narrowed. You bought Carter Interiors? Not exactly. Alexander placed a document on the table. I bought the debt. She stared at him. And now? “Now the company belongs to me unless you accept my offer. Evelyn laughed once. You are kidding.I don't joke about business. She picked up the document. The numbers made her stomach drop. Her father’s entire company was on the line. She looked at father. You agreed to this? I had no choice. There is always a choice. Evelyn put the document down. Fine. You bought the debt. What exactly do you want? Alexander’s gaze settled on her. You. She frowned. Excuse me? I want you to marry me,Alexander said .The room went silent. Evelyn stared at him then she looked at her father. He could not even meet her eyes. Her face went pale so you knew. Thomas swallowed. I knew he was going to make the offer. And you were going to let him? I don't have a choice “You want me to marry a stranger to save the company? Alexander leaned back in his chair. I am not a stranger Evelyn turned toward him. You are a stranger to me. I'm not a stranger entirely,he said She frowned. What does that mean? Alexander’s expression changed. For the first time, the calm mask slipped slightly. You will find out when the time comes. Really, Evenly smiled but why did you choose me? He looked directly into her eyes. Because I don't want your father’s company. Evelyn’s expression hardened. Then what do you want? I want you, I mean I want to marry you You already said that earlier. Evenly turned to her father and Said you expect me to marry you for a company? No.Alexander stood. I expect you to marry me because your family has something I want. Evelyn’s blood ran cold. What do we have dat you want? Alexander picked up his coat. Sign the agreement and I will tell you. She stared at him. You are asking me to sign a marriage contract without telling me why you want me? Yes. I am.He walked toward the door, then stopped beside her. His voice dropped. Ask your father what happened ten years ago. Evelyn froze. Alexander walked out. She slowly turned toward her father. What happened ten years ago? Thomas did not answer. Dad? Evelyn’s stomach twisted. Why did he say that?What happened ten years ago? Dad answer me. He covered his face with his hands. For the first time in her life, Evelyn saw something she had never seen before. Fear. Not fear of losing the company. Fear of Alexander Kingston. Dad, she whispered. What did you do? What are you hiding from me? Thomas looked up. You cannot marry him. Evelyn stared at him. Why? You were the one who agreed to his terms. Thomas spoke ,I agreed to his terms because i had no choice. He stopped. Evelyn stepped closer. What happened ten years ago? Dad speak up I'm losing my patience. Thomas looked toward the closed door. Your mother did not die in an accident. Evelyn stopped breathing. What? Her father’s eyes filled with tears. Alexander’s family was involved. The door suddenly opened. Alexander stood on the other side. His expression was no longer calm. Thomas. Her father went silent. Alexander’s eyes moved to Evelyn. Now you know enough to make your decision. Evelyn stared at him. Did your family kill my mother? Alexander did not answer immediately. Then he said, No. A pause. But your father knows who did.