Chapter 2
“Carrie, you’re my personal assistant. How can you be brawling in the street like some homeless thug?”
Louis strode over, flanked by a phalanx of suited bodyguards.
“You must be Jessica Bennett?”
I sized up the man in front of me. I had to admit, Dad had decent taste.
Six-foot-one of pure elegance wrapped in an Italian suit. If Hollywood was casting for a billionaire heartthrob, he’d be their first call.
The only imperfection? It would be how cold his eyes looked at me.
“Mr. Johnson, nice to finally meet you. Let me introduce myself properly.”
“I’m Jessica Bennett, and I’m from-”
“Save it.” Before I could finish, he cut me off with an impatient wave.
“This arranged marrige won’t work. Go back to wherever you came from.”
For a second, I thought I’d misheard him.
I’d just driven five straight hours from D.C. to New York-no stops, not even for coffee-and the first thing out of his mouth was to dismiss me before I could even finish a sentence?
What did he think I was, a complete idiot?!
My temper spiked instantly.
You must be the golden boy my father picked out – Louis Johnson, right?”
Don’t you think it’s a bit rude to send me packing before I’ve even finished introducing myself?”
Louis’s expression darkened immediately.
‘Rude?”
‘Miss Bennett, take a good look at that building. Do you honestly think you’re in my league?”
His gaze swept over me dismissively.
‘I can’t fathom what my father was thinking, trying to burden me with a trophy wife.”
The crowd erupted again.
‘Wait, what? This random girl is supposed to be Mr. Johnson’s fiancée? No freaking way!”
“Look at her – some small-town nobody thinking she can marry into New York royalty. Talk about delusional.”
“Mr. Johnson is every woman’s dream guy in our New York. I’m totally against this whole arrangement.”
As the commentary got louder, I stood there somewhat stunned.
Deincose
0.4%
When exactly had I said I wanted to marry this prick?
–
Even if I did want to which I definitely didn’t – something like that would need approval from my superiors anyway.
“Alright, fine. I’m just a trophy wife, you’re the golden boy. Happy now?”
I shrugged with exaggerated indifference. “Since you’re clearly not interested, how about returning the engagement money?”
‘My mom specifically told me that if we didn’t make it, I needed to get our money back.”
That was complete bullshit – Mom had never mentioned anything like that. I just couldn’t stand this guy’s attitude.
The moment I finished speaking, Carrie immediately jumped to his defense.
You little gold-digging bitch! Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?”
Mr. Johnson is the youngest billionaire in New York history. You think he needs your pocket change?”
Watching her performance, I finally understood what people meant by “kiss-ass.”
Carrie, I just want my family’s money back. What does his billionaire title have to do with anything?”
ouis’s face flushed red with anger.
Eight million? Fine, whatever.”
le whipped out his phone and started tapping the screen.
I’m sending you ten million. Consider the extra twenty grand gas money.”
couldn’t help smiling at his petty display of wealth.
How incredibly generous of you, Mr. Johnson.”
ust as I turned to leave, Carrie’s voice cut through the air.
Hey bitch! Don’t you dare walk away!”
paused mid-step and slowly turned back around.
What now, Assistant Carrie? Planning to invite me to dinner?”
Carrie shot me a venomous grin and whispered something in Louis’s ear.
The next second, New York’s youngest billionaire exploded in an instant.
Jessica Bennett! You dare to crash into my car?!”
