The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride

Episode 003

Chapter 003

The Coral Bay Hotel Platinum Room was an intimate space designed for relaxation. Away from the louder sections, this peaceful retreat was intended for high-end workers, rich individuals, and business people who needed someplace to regroup their energies away from chaos. It became a refuge where high-level workers, rich individuals, and business people could escape the bustle of their hectic lives and take time out for themselves.

Inside a private room was held a gathering of powerful businessmen and bachelors of the city. Everyone in the room focused their gaze on one man sitting quietly in a corner.

Lachlan Blackwood was an enigmatic figure who kept to himself, his cold, distant demeanor creating an aura of mystery around him. Rarely saw someone like him at such events; tonight was different as everyone gathered around simply because of him.

Ethan Harris, Chairman of Lachlan Enterprises, was trying to strike up a conversation with him. "Lachlan, it is rare for me to see you here at these kinds of gatherings—this must be an exception!" Ethan smiled reassuringly; although they had been business partners for some time, this event seemed out of the ordinary for both.

Ethan felt awkward as Lachlan did not respond, which caused Ethan to become nervous that his words had offended Lachlan somehow. To cover his tracks, Ethan motioned for another woman standing nearby to come closer—something which she quickly agreed with.

Ethan told Mia to come over, his voice filled with hope. Mia was dressed in an eye-catching black dress that showed off her curves; Ethan knew she'd catch Lachlan's interest immediately.

"Mia, I have something special for Mr. Blackwood." Ethan introduced Mia to Lachlan, offering it.

Mia stood before Lachlan with thick makeup and a revealing dress. Lachlan didn't even look at her; his expression soured visibly, clearly uninterested.

"It isn't necessary," Lachlan answered firmly and with cold tones as he turned down his offer of assistance.

Mia hesitated, her smile faltering slightly. Unsure of what to do next, Mia forced herself to smile before moving over next to Ethan for support.

"I have heard rumors involving Ethan, your younger sister. She has been spreading lies that she is my fiancée; however, this is completely false, and I have never met your sister," Lachlan firmly and directly stated in a firm voice and tone of voice.

Ethan was taken aback when his sister was accused of creating problems; he had no idea she was creating issues; when he got back home, he'd need to speak with her as his business relationships may have already been damaged by her actions.

"I was unaware she was saying those things, Lachlan. Don't worry; I'll talk to her right away and make sure everything is clear—no need for you to escalate this," Ethan quickly responded in a panic tone.

Lachlan narrowed his eyes slightly as he spoke. "I expect you'll do that, Ethan; otherwise, our deal is off," he stated before standing up and leaving the room to walk toward the men's room.

As soon as Lachlan had left, Mia took her seat next to Ethan and folded her arms across her chest.

"What happened?" Mia asked in displeasure. "You promised that dressing up would get Mr. Blackwood's attention—he never even looked my way!"

Ethan wiped the sweat off his forehead. The last thing he wanted was for Lachlan to back out of their deal, so he comforted Mia: "Don't worry. I have a plan. Just trust me."

Mia wasn't pleased with the result, yet was still curious: "What's your plan?" she inquired.

Ethan approached slowly, his voice gradually decreasing in intensity. "I chose you because no man can resist your charms—not even me! You are perfect for this job!"

Mia blushed slightly before quickly pushing his face away when he attempted to kiss her cheek. "Stop! We're in public," she whispered shyly before moving her hand away quickly to hide it behind her back.

"Do you think I'm subjecting myself to all this stress for no good reason?" Ethan asked as his fingers lightly touched Mia's leg as he raised his hand upward. Mia quickly slapped away his advances as they reached for her hand.

"Ethan, seriously. Mr. Blackwood wasn't looking at me at all; who knows if the rumors about his romantic tastes are true; it seems he is always with that gorgeous secretary of his," she expressed frustration in her voice. "You must come up with something better.

"Mr. Blackwood could see us like this and ruin everything," Mia warned, but for her to work with the group on this project, she needed an opportunity to speak to Mr. Blackwood himself.

At that very moment, Lachlan returned from the restroom. He glanced briefly in Mia's direction before quickly sitting back down.

Mia could hardly believe her ears. "What strategies would work to interest Mr. Blackwood?" she askedtoo try and conceal the disappointment in her voice.

Ethan was pleased with how things were shaping up; he suggested to her that they seduce Ethantoo and win his favor. Leaning closer, Ethan advised they must work at seducing him.

Mia was immediately shocked. "What! Are you suggesting I try again what I already tried!" she exclaimed in exasperation. Her confusion was palpable.

Ethan was amused at Mia's reaction; "I have done my homework, Mia. Lachlan will be here all night, and once the party ends, I will slip a dose of an aphrodisiac into his drink—all you need to do then is head straight for his room; once it kicks in, he won't be able to resist!"

Mia was extremely excited about your plan. However, can't we increase to three doses?" She inquired eagerly to ensure everything would go according to plan.

Ethan's smile weakened. "Three doses? Are you prepared to deal with the potential repercussions if something goes wrong?" He questioned, his voice turning cold and serious.

Mia hesitated for a moment before responding acceptably: "Okay, let's do it. Just go."

As they discussed their plan, neither one stopped to consider what could go wrong if something did go awry.

Lachlan Blackwood wasn't just any CEO. He ran Blackwood Enterprises, an ultra-powerful corporation even the government dared not challenge. His influence was felt far beyond business, and thanks to his connections in the underworld, no one attempted to plot against him; those who did attempt... no longer existed.