Bryan's POV
When I woke up, the sheets were messy, and my clothes were scattered. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to think. Where did she go? And why did she leave like that? But I had no answers.
Someone knocked at the door and startled me.
"Bryan!" I jumped, grabbing a shirt and throwing it on quickly. Antonio stepped in, smiling like nothing had happened.
We've been together since our childhood. He had stayed with us ever since he lost his parents at a very young age. It was not wrong to call him my brother.
"You look like hell," he said, nudging me. "Rough night?"
I gave a short laugh. "You could say that."
Antonio leaned against the doorframe, smirking.
"I heard someone was at your place yesterday… some woman. Did you finally get lucky?"
I froze, narrowing my eyes.
"What do you mean, heard?"
He shrugged.
"Words get around, but don't worry, your little secret's safe with me."
I sighed, running my hand down my face.
"I need to know more about her."
Antonio raised an eyebrow. "And you plan to do what? Stalk her?"
I shook my head. "No, just… find out who she is. Everything. Where she lives, what she does, and her background. Start small."
He chuckled. "You've changed, man. But fine. I can help."
What I didn't tell Antonio was why I really needed to find her. It wasn't just about last night. It was about Sterling & Cross. It was about the evidence she might have. It was about finally getting revenge on the people who destroyed me.
We left the apartment together, and when I got back to the office, I called one of my assistants.
"I need a full search on someone. Alice Morgan. Former employee of Sterling & Cross Holdings. I want everything. Where she lives now, her bank accounts, her phone records, and anyone she's been in contact with. And I want it quietly. No one can know we're investigating."
The assistant blinked and nodded. "Right away, sir."
Even when I sat at my desk, I couldn't focus. My thoughts kept drifting back to her.
She was running from Sterling & Cross. I was sure of it now.
Which meant she had something they wanted, and I needed to get to her before they did.
Then my phone rang and showed my father's name. My chest tightened.
"Yes?" I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Bryan, I need you at home. Now." He said from the other end.
"Home? Why?" I asked.
"No time to explain over the phone. Just come."
I hung up, frowning. Something felt off.
"Everything okay?" Antonio asked, noticing my expression.
I shrugged. "Dad wants me home. Something big, I guess."
Antonio nodded silently. Something in his eyes… It felt like he knew more than he let on. But he said nothing.
I left the office early and drove home. The house was already buzzing. Family members and some company managers were gathered in the living room. My father sat at the head of the table, looking serious, and Antonio stood nearby.
I walked in. "Good evening,"
"Bryan," my father began, his voice steady. "Sit down. We need to talk."
I glanced at Antonio, who gave me a small, unreadable smile. Something in that smile told me… he was part of this, somehow.
I sat with tension in my chest. "Bryan," my father continued, "you will take full control of the company soon… but there's a condition."
My brow furrowed. "Condition?"
"You must get married within three months. No excuses and no delays."
I blinked, trying to process. "Three months? I… I don't even..."
"This is the only way," my father said, cutting me off. "Antonio will help arrange everything. You will meet potential women. Dates will be set. It is your duty. Understand?"
I swallowed hard. Marriage was never my plan, and now I had three months to get a wife. My father knew how much I hated dates. I was a master with flings but not sitting down to talk things out. Just a night with them and kick them out. It felt like my life… suddenly not mine anymore.
Antonio's eyes met mine briefly, then he looked away. I couldn't tell if he was warning me or hiding something. Either way, I felt trapped.
But then a thought occurred to me. Three months. I needed to get married in three months.
And Alice Morgan needed protection from Sterling & Cross.
What if I could kill two birds with one stone?
A contract marriage. Binding her to me legally, giving her protection, and giving me access to whatever evidence she was hiding.
It was perfect.
I sat back, with my hands gripping the chair. "Fine," I said finally. "I understand. But I need time to think."
Father nodded once, satisfied.
"You have three months. No more and no less."
He said, finally, before I left.
As I walked out of the house, my mind was already racing. I needed to find Alice Morgan. I needed to make her an offer. And I needed to do it before Sterling & Cross found her first.
Because if they got to her before I did, everything I'd worked for would be lost.