Married To a Stranger

Chapter 19

Owen was in the middle of an inspection tour with the plant manager. All the regular workers were kept at a distance, and the entrance was blocked by bodyguards, making it impossible to get close.

Ruby could only watch him from a distance through a large glass window. The man himself was a stunning contrast to the workshop around him. Dressed in a tailored suit, his handsome features and commanding presence seemed to belong somewhere far from the dim, cold machinery he was surrounded by.

He listened intently to the plant manager's report, and the few times he spoke, his comments left the manager looking both surprised and impressed.

After just a few minutes, it was clear the man was completely won over. Then, as if sensing her gaze, Owen slowly turned his head.

As his eyes met Ruby's, she gave him a little wave. What the heck? He frowned.

Ruby waved harder now, thinking this was when he'd walk over to her.

Instead, he just looked away. A moment later, Leo appeared at the window and, with a sharp tug, yanked the blind shut, completely blocking her view.

Ruby was speechless. A few moments later, she was escorted out of the plant by the Knight family's bodyguards.

Leo was at the gate, scolding the guard. Didn't I make myself clear? No interns or temp workers allowed inside.

The guard stammered. But she's not just some temp. She is—

Leo cut him off with a sneer. You're right.

She's definitely not ordinary. After all, what kind of normal person juggles so many jobs? Leo was completely over it.

He turned to Ruby, his voice sharp with anger.

Miss Anderson, Mr. Knight has been patient with you so far, but you keep showing up and causing trouble. If you approach him again, we'll report you for harassment.

Ruby's deadpan face changed to an irritated scowl. If you don't want me bothering him, then go to the city clerk's office and check for yourself.

Mr. Knight and I are married. Why is that so hard to believe? You think I enjoy jumping through hoops just to talk to your boss?

Leo sneered. Actually, I do. And besides, you can't get a marriage license in this country without both parties being physically present.

The whole thing is documented. Your story is delusional. Only a complete i***t would believe something that absurd.

Ruby realized there was no reasoning with him. She just held up her hands and shrugged.

Well, then I guess I'll just have to keep bugging him.

Leo scoffed and crossed his arms.

Do you really think you can just bug him whenever you feel like it? And then I'll just stand here and let it happen?

He leaned in and lowered his voice.

Let's make a bet. If you manage to sneak past me one more time, I'll livestream myself eating a shoe.

Ruby didn't say another word. She just yanked herself free from the bodyguards' grips and walked away.

Fine.

If Owen Knight wants to push me to the extreme, I'll happily grant his wish. She muttered as she headed back to Matilda.

Once they were in a cab, Ruby opened w******p and sent a message to her grandson.

Grandma wants to go home and get some clothes. What's your address?

The contact saved as Grandson quickly sent back a location pin, followed by another message.

I'm almost done with work. Where are you? I'll come get you.

Ruby tapped the pin and froze.

What?

The Summit by the Ridge. Isn't that the Knight Estate?

She wondered. That area was legendary in New York City.

Tucked halfway up a hill, the entire community stretched across 500 acres, with the Knight Estate alone occupying more than 300.

The surrounding smaller mansions were still massive by any normal standard. It was the city's most exclusive ZIP code for the ultra-wealthy.

Ruby figured the old woman's home had to be one of the smaller mansions. She couldn't even let herself imagine it was the Knight Estate.

She texted back.

No, that's okay. We're already in a cab.

Matilda looked exhausted and was asleep almost the second she settled into her seat.

The cab passed through the grand gated entrance of the Ridge community and followed the GPS pin until it stopped exactly at the marked location.

Ruby stared up at the grand, antique-style black gate before her, adorned with intricate carvings.

Grandma, is this your home? She asked hesitantly.

Matilda, still groggy from her nap, looked around, a little lost.

I can't seem to remember.

Ruby felt utterly helpless. She pulled out her phone and texted Matilda's grandson.

I think we're at the wrong place.

His reply came instantly.

Stay where you are. I'm on my way.

Ruby sighed and helped Matilda over to a stone bench to wait.

Your grandson said he'd be here soon. Just wait with me, okay? She said softly.

Moments later, a black BMW X7 pulled up in front of them.

Isabel and Sheila hurried out of the back seat.

Sheila's eyes widened.

Ruby, it is you.

What on Earth are you doing here?