MR BILLIONAIRE WANTS A WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS

Chapter 2:

James stood before Andrew in the grand foyer of his mansion, looking uneasy. "Boss, we've hit a dead end. The CCTV footage from last night is unusable - it's been destroyed."

Andrew's expression darkened. "What do you mean it's been destroyed?" he demanded.

James hesitated. "It seems someone intentionally damaged the recording equipment. We can't recover the footage."

Andrew's frustration grew. He paced across the room, trying to recall the events of the previous night. "I don't even remember if I met a woman at the club," he admitted.

As he turned to face James, his gaze fell upon Linda, who stood quietly to the side. "Linda, did I bring anyone home last night?" he asked.

Linda's expression remained neutral. "I was asleep, sir. I didn't see or hear anything."

Andrew's eyes narrowed. "Very well. James, go to the hotel and club I visited last night. Invite the secretary and staff who work there to come here. I need to find that woman."

James raised an eyebrow. "Any specific criteria, sir?"

Andrew's voice took on a determined tone. "Anyone with a birthmark will pass the test for the woman I'm looking for. And James? I need a wife by Christmas. Any woman who fits the description will do."

Linda's eyes widened as she watched the procession of ladies from the hotel and club file into Andrew's mansion. She couldn't help but think to herself, "What if the birthmark he's looking for is suddenly 'remembered' to be in a place he's already seen?" Her mind raced as she recalled the small birthmark on her own back.

The ladies were ushered into the grand ballroom, where Andrew stood, flanked by James. "Ladies," Andrew began, his voice booming across the room. "I'm looking for a very specific woman. The one who caught my eye last night has a distinguishing feature - a birthmark."

Andrew's gaze swept the room. "I'm willing to offer a substantial reward to anyone who can prove they have this birthmark. One million dollars, to be exact." The room erupted into gasps and excited whispers.

James stepped forward, a stern expression on his face. "To clarify, ladies, we require each of you to show us your back. If the birthmark is present, you'll receive the reward."

The ladies hesitated momentarily before beginning to reveal their backs. Some blushed, while others seemed unfazed. Linda watched, her heart racing, as she wondered if she should reveal her own birthmark.

Meanwhile, outside the mansion, a group of opportunistic women caught wind of the lucrative offer. "One million dollars for a fake birthmark? Easy money!" one of them exclaimed. They hastily concocted a plan to create fake birthmarks and gain entry to the mansion.

One woman, skilled in makeup, began crafting realistic-looking birthmarks on her friends' skin. "This will be a piece of cake," she said, grinning. "We'll be set for life!"

As the ladies inside the mansion continued to show their backs, James and Andrew scrutinized each one. The tension mounted, with some ladies growing anxious and others hopeful.

Just as the process seemed nearly complete, a knock at the door signaled the arrival of new contenders. The women from outside, sporting freshly created birthmarks, smiled confidently as they entered the ballroom. "We heard there's a reward to be claimed," one of them said, batting her eyelashes. Andrew's eyes narrowed, unsure of what to expect next.

Linda's eyes widened in shock as a parade of women entered the ballroom, each eager to claim the one million dollar reward. First, there was Zoey, who brazenly exposed her back, revealing a suspiciously fresh-looking birthmark.

Next, Kendall stepped forward, confidently displaying her own birthmark. Linda's skepticism grew - something didn't feel right.

Then, Lilian took her turn, exposing her back with a flirtatious smile. Andrew's expression remained unreadable, but James's eyes narrowed.

Finally, Vivian entered, her birthmark prominently displayed. The room fell silent, with all eyes on Andrew.

Andrew's confusion deepened. "This can't be right," he muttered. "I'm sure I didn't sleep with four women last night." I’m very sure about it, He turned to James, seeking clarification.

James's expression turned grim. "It seems word of the reward spread quickly, sir. These women likely heard about the offer and concocted a plan to claim it."

Andrew's gaze swept the room, scrutinizing each woman. "I don't think any of these ladies were the one I spent the night with," James added, his voice laced with conviction.

The atmosphere shifted, tension replacing anticipation. Zoey, Kendall, Lilian, and Vivian exchanged uneasy glances, sensing their ruse might be exposed.

Andrew's voice cut through the silence. "Ladies, I appreciate your... creativity. However, I require discretion and honesty. Since none of you can prove you're the woman I'm searching for, I'm afraid the reward will remain unclaimed." The women's faces fell, their schemes foiled.

Andrew's expression turned introspective, his eyes scanning the room. "Ladies, I appreciate your time and... creative gestures. But what I truly seek is an honest lady, a wife for Christmas who can pass this loyalty test."

His gaze lingered on each woman before continuing. "The lady with the birthmark I'm searching for has it on the right side of her back, but none of yours are in the proper place."

Lilian, attempting to salvage her chances, spoke up. "It doesn't matter, Mr. Andrew. You were probably drunk; you might think it's on the right side, but..."

Andrew's eyes snapped back to Lilian, his voice firm. "That's the one thing I do remember. I removed her bra myself, and my hand touched her birthmark. But, unfortunately, I couldn't recognize her face."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Zoey, Kendall, and Vivian exchanged nervous glances, realizing their ruse was unlikely to succeed.

James, standing beside Andrew, cleared his throat. "Sir, perhaps we should reconsider the approach. This... method may not yield the desired results."

Andrew's jaw clenched. "No, James. I need to find her. The connection I felt was real. I'll know her when I see her."

Linda, observing from the sidelines, felt an inexplicable pang in her chest. Could it be? She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the unfolding scene.

As the silence stretched, Andrew's eyes locked onto each woman, searching for a glimmer of authenticity. "I'll give you all one more chance. Who among you is willing to prove your loyalty, to show me that you're the one I've been searching for?" The room held its breath, awaiting the next move.

Andrew's gaze shifted, his eyes locking onto Linda, who stood quietly to the side. "Come to think of it, Linda, you haven't shown us your back. You're a lady too."

Linda's heart skipped a beat as Andrew took a step closer, his intentions unclear. "Show me your back, Linda," he commanded, his voice low.

Linda's instincts screamed warning, but before she could react, James intervened. "Sir, Linda is your house help. I don't think she can be the one from last night."

Andrew's expression turned cold. "I trust no one, James. Not even my staff. Everyone's a suspect until proven otherwise."

James's eyes widened. "But, sir, Linda has been loyal to you for years. It's unlikely—"

Andrew's hand rose, silencing James. "I'll decide that. Linda, show me your back. Now."

Linda's face burned with embarrassment and fear. She hesitated, unsure what to do.

Andrew's voice dropped to a whisper. "Don't make me ask again, Linda. I need to know."

With trembling hands, Linda slowly turned, exposing her back. The room fell silent. And there, on the right side of her back, was a small, delicate birthmark.

Andrew's eyes locked onto the birthmark, his expression unreadable. The air hung heavy with anticipation, as the truth began to unravel.