Amelia hadn't slept a wink.
Her night was consumed with research—everything she could dig up on Asher. His routines, his past, even his coffee preferences. That, and the so-called urgent matter her father wanted to discuss with her.
"Gosh, I'm so tired," she muttered, stretching out her sore limbs. She'd spent the entire night in the study room, buried in articles and databases. What she needed now was a cold shower and maybe a nap in another life.
She shut her laptop, snatched up her notebook (just in case), and walked out.
After a quick rinse, she stood in front of her wardrobe, picking an outfit that said, I'm here to murder your expectations and also look fabulous doing it.
A high-neckline black jumpsuit hugged her athletic frame, paired with a tailored leather jacket. The fitted top showcased her toned shoulders, while the flowing pants allowed easy, silent movement. The jacket added a touch of elegance—and concealment.
She kept accessories simple but sharp: a slim silver watch on her left wrist, and a delicate diamond-studded necklace resting just above her collarbone. Her black boots had a low heel—perfect for kicking ass and looking graceful doing it.
Raven hair tied in a sleek high ponytail. Subtle makeup. Bold red lips.
"Perfect," she whispered to her reflection, a small smile tugging at her lips. She grabbed her notebook, slid it into her jacket, and headed out.
---
Meanwhile, in Mr. Davis's office...
Asher was already seated, calm and collected.
"Thank you, Mr. Reed, for this opportunity," Mr. Davis said, his expression polite but eager.
Asher returned the smile. "The pleasure's mine. Really, I should be thanking you. You paid a big price for this project."
Mr. Davis chuckled.
Their discussion continued until the office door opened. Amelia walked in—and instantly, the temperature in the room shifted. She moved like she owned the floor.
"Nice of you to finally join us, Amelia," her father said.
Amelia didn't even look at him. She strolled to the couch and sat, legs crossed. "So, what was the emergency?" she asked coolly, completely ignoring Asher.
Asher smirked. Mr. Davis cleared his throat.
"As you may have noticed, there's someone else in the room," he said.
Amelia turned to Asher, her expression unreadable.
He looked oddly familiar. Of course—Asher Reed. She'd been up all night studying his face.
"Didn't your parents teach you that staring is rude?" she said, voice dry.
"I'm pretty sure that rule doesn't apply to your future husband," Asher replied smoothly.
Her brow furrowed. "Future what now?"
She turned to her father. He paused, then said it.
"Mr. Reed offered our company a huge project—one that could redefine our status. But his condition... was your hand in marriage."
There it was. The punchline to the joke that was her life.
"And you agreed," she said, finishing it for him with a humorless chuckle. Every time she thought her father couldn't stoop lower, he got out a shovel.
Still... maybe this wasn't entirely terrible. If she married Asher Reed, killing him would be easy. Suspicion might fall on her, but proof? Ha. Let them try.
She closed her eyes briefly, then looked at her father again.
"Okay."
Both men froze.
"What?" her father said, stunned. Even Asher blinked.
"I said I'll marry him. Isn't that what you wanted?" she asked lazily.
"I... uh..." Mr. Davis stammered. He'd prepared for a fight. For screaming. For bargaining. Not this. Not... compliance.
"If that's all, I'll take my leave. Text or email me the marriage arrangements," she said, standing. Then, turning to Asher: "You can get my contact details from him if you need to reach me."
Asher gave her a long, amused look. That smug smile again.
She nearly punched it off his face—but kept her cool. Barely.
Without another word, she turned and walked out. If she stayed any longer, something was definitely getting broken.
---
Back in the office...
Silence.
Then Asher chuckled.
"She's... peculiar," he said.
Mr. Davis smiled faintly. "I hear that a lot."
"Well, I should go. I've got other business to handle," Asher said, rising to his feet.
"Thank you again for this opportunity," Mr. Davis said, still trying to piece together what had just happened.
Asher nodded politely—and didn't forget to take Amelia's contact on his way out.
Mr. Davis stood alone now, processing everything. Amelia agreeing... that easily? It didn't make sense. She was up to something.
---
Outside, Asher was already on his phone.
"Tell everyone to meet at the usual place. I have something to say."
"Yes, sir," a cold, metallic voice replied before the call ended.