Chapter 4 — The Price of Protection
494 Words
Emma couldn't take her eyes off the documents on Alexander's desk.
“So you're telling me someone has been buying my father's debts on purpose?”
Alexander nodded.
“Yes.”
“And you know who it is?”
“I have a strong idea.”
“Then tell me.”
Alexander leaned back in his chair.
“His name is Victor Hale.”
The name meant nothing to Emma.
“Who is he?”
“A businessman who believes your father took something from him years ago.”
“My father wouldn't steal from anyone.”
“I didn't say he stole anything.”
Emma frowned.
“Then why is Victor doing this?”
“Because he believes your father betrayed him.”
Emma slowly sat down.
“And what does that have to do with me?”
“Everything.”
Alexander stood and walked toward the window.
“Victor knows your father's greatest weakness is his family. He believes that if he destroys your family financially, your father will eventually give him what he wants.”
Emma's voice became quiet.
“What does he want?”
“I don't know yet.”
She stared at Alexander.
“And marrying you is supposed to protect me?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Alexander turned toward her.
“Because nobody touches what belongs to me.”
Emma's heart skipped.
“I don't belong to you.”
His expression didn't change.
“Not yet.”
The words sent a strange shiver through her.
Emma stood immediately.
“This is crazy.”
“Perhaps.”
“You expect me to marry a man I barely know just because another man might hurt my family?”
“I expect you to consider the alternative.”
Alexander opened another folder.
Inside were photographs of her family's house, her father's company, and even Emma's workplace.
Someone had been watching them.
Emma's face went pale.
“How long?”
“Three weeks.”
“And you knew?”
“I've been trying to find out who was behind it.”
Emma looked at him with anger.
“You should have told me.”
“I couldn't risk frightening you before I knew the truth.”
“You don't get to decide what I can handle.”
For the first time, something changed in Alexander's eyes.
Respect.
“You're right.”
Emma wasn't expecting that answer.
Alexander picked up a contract and placed it in front of her.
“This is my proposal.”
She looked down.
Marriage for one year.
Her family's debts would be completely paid.
Her family home would remain theirs.
And Alexander would protect her from Victor Hale.
Emma looked up.
“And what do you get?”
Alexander's gaze locked onto hers.
“You.”
Her heart began beating faster.
She didn't know why.
But for the first time, Emma wondered if Alexander Blackwood's coldness was hiding something far more dangerous than she had imagined.
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