The Billionaire’s Choice

The Ultimatum The Soft light from the gleaming chandelier over the dining room at the King’s Mansion illuminated the room. Robert King was seated at the long table, moving food around his plate without taking a bite. Across from him, his grandmother, Evelyn King, was sipping her tea with a cool expression on her face. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> “You heard me, Robert,” Evelyn said, with authority in her voice. “If you’re not married by your thirtieth birthday, the inheritance goes to your uncle Harris.” Robert’s jaw tightened, his usual charm replaced with a rare flicker of frustration. “Grandmother, this is absurd. Why would my marital status have anything to do with running the company?” Evelyn set her cup down precisely, spearing him into his seat with her gaze. "You are the only heir, Robert, and this family's legacy depends on stability. A man not willing to settle cannot be trusted to run a multi-billion dollar empire. Harris may not have your charm or talent, but he has stability and a wife. That is what the board wants to see." "I can assure you I do not need a wife to make good decisions," Robert replied, his voice clipped. "Neither do I need to have this conversation again. You have six months to prove me wrong," Evelyn said, rising from her seat. Her fragile frame hid the steel within her. "Or Harris will take everything your parents worked so hard for. Have a goodnight.” He ran a hand through his dark hair. Marriage? It was a ridiculous thing really. He had grown up seeing toxic love and betrayals that he had swore never to be found in any relationship. But his grandmother was serious, and Harris was circling like a vulture. Robert knew his uncle would do anything to snatch the inheritance. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The next evening, he sat in a small downtown bar, miles away from the luxury of his home. He needed an escape from the suffocating expectations of his family, a place where nobody knew the name Robert King, the billionaire heir. Sipping a glass of whiskey at a corner table, he was lost in thought, when a jolly voice snapped him out of his distress. "Refill?" He looked up to see a waitress with striking green eyes and confident looks. Her name tag read Ava. She leaned slightly over the table, her black hair fell down her shoulder. "No, thanks," he said briefly, but she didn't leave. "You look like someone who's either lost a fortune or found out his dog hates him," she said, her voice rippling with amusement as she tipped her head. Despite himself, Robert quirked a smile. "Neither. Just having some… family drama." "Ah, the rich man's curse," she rejoined wryly, her glance raking his tailored suit, which he hadn't bothered to change out of. You don't know anything about me," he sparred back, the boldness in her placating his irritation. "True," she allowed, shrugging and taking a half-step back. "But I do know that people come here to drown their problems. I also know we have the best wings in the city, so maybe try those instead." Her ready humor was a welcome diversion, and Robert felt himself relax for the first time in days. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The next day, Robert sat in his study, flipping through the contact list on his phone. Looking at a parade of ex-girlfriends and potential matches that's blurred before his eyes, but none felt right. He slapped the phone down in frustration just as a memory of Ava's sharp wit and easy smile crept into his mind. "Why am I even considering this?" he muttered. Yet, later that night, he was back in the bar. Ava was again present and was taking a break at the counter this time. "You're back," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Did you try the wings?" "No," he answered, leaning against the bar. "But I do have a proposition for you." Her curiosity lifted, Ava folded her arms. "I'm listening.” "What do you say to a… business arrangement?" She frowned. "What sort of business arrangement?" "A contract marriage," he said out bluntly and watched her reaction. Ava blinked then burst into laughter. "You're serious?" Utterly," Robert said. "I have to be married on my thirtieth birthday, or I won't get my inheritance. You're feisty, quick on your feet, and you don't seem to be intimidated by wealth. Perfect candidate." "Wow," Ava said, shaking her head. "You really know just the right things to say to a girl. 'Quick on your feet' is the new 'You're beautiful,' huh?“ "I'm offering you financial security," he said, still not even catching his breath. "You'll get a considerable amount of money when the arrangement is over, and in the meantime, you will have everything the King name offers." Ava looked at him for a second, running it over in her mind. "And what exactly do I have to do?" "Convince my grandmother that we are in love," he said so easily. “That’s it?” she asked, still sceptical. “That’s it,” Robert confirmed. Ava tapped her chin thoughtfully. “What’s the catch?” “No catch,” he replied. “Alright,” she said finally, extending her hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Mr. King.” >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Two days later, Robert escorted Ava to King Mansion. Clad in a modest but elegant outfit he had chosen for her, she was every inch the billionaire's fiancée. "This place is huge," Ava whispered as they walked up the marble steps. "Just stick to the script," Robert murmured back. Evelyn King was waiting for them in the spacious living room, her keen eyes performing an ocular dilatory exercise on Ava as they entered. "Grandma," Robert started, "this is Ava Jones, my fiancée." Ava walked further with a bright smile. "Nice meeting you, Mrs. King." "Call me Evelyn," she said, though she sounded nowhere close to being friendly. "Tell me, Ava, how did you and Robert meet?” "At a small café downtown, Ava said smoothly. "I spilled coffee all over him. He was so sweet about it, even though I ruined his suit. We started talking, and one thing led to another…" Robert watched his grandmother carefully. Evelyn's expression softened ever so slightly. "Well, you've certainly piqued my curiosity," Evelyn said. "But if you're serious about this marriage, you'll need to live here for three months. I need to know you're not just after the King fortune." Ava faltered, but Robert stepped in. "Grandma, isn't that a bit much?" "No," Evelyn said firmly. "Three months, or no wedding." Ava forced a smile. "Of course. I'd be happy to stay." As they exited the room, Ava hissed under her breath, "Three months? You didn't mention that part." "I didn't know she'd demand it," Robert replied. "I'll increase your payout." "You'd better," Ava muttered. But as they strolled down the hall, Ava's mind was racing. Three months with Robert's sharp-eyed grandmother was just a little more than she had bargained for. If she was going to pull this off, she needed help. And she knew just who to call. Mia.