Chapter 3

Margaret had finally told her husband she was ready to be involved in the family business. She left out the details, but that was enough for Martin Scott to request a meeting with their daughter.

Mia walked into her father’s study the next morning, mentally preparing herself for whatever questions he might have.

Martin barely looked up from the documents on his desk.

“So, you couldn’t survive out there on your own after all?” he scoffed.

Mia swallowed the irritation rising in her throat.

“Your mother said you’re ready,” he continued. “Are you?”

“Yes, I am.”

Her answer came immediately.

Martin leaned back in his chair before tossing a file across the desk.

“Then read that.”

Mia opened it.

The first thing that caught her attention was the name boldly printed on the first page.

Ethan Brooks.

Her heartbeat slowed.

Everyone knew the Brooks.

The Scotts were wealthy and influential, but the Brooks operated on an entirely different level. Across the country, their name commanded respect and fear. No one challenged them.

Mia flipped through the pages.

“He wants to invest in the company?”

A humourless smile appeared on Martin’s face.

“The Brooks aren’t interested in investing.”

He folded his hands together.

“They want a marriage alliance.”

Mia stared at him.

“You.”

The single word settled heavily between them.

“You marry Ethan Brooks and the alliance becomes official.”

Silence filled the room.

Strangely, Mia wasn’t shocked.

After everything that had happened with Noah, she had already expected something like this.

A marriage for business.

A transaction.

A deal.

She had prepared herself before walking into the study.

“If this helps the company, I’ll do it.”

Martin raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by how quickly she agreed.

“When do I meet him?”

“He’ll contact us.”

That was all he said.

Mia nodded and stood.

She wanted to prove she was serious.

For the first time in her life, she wasn’t running away.

After leaving the study, she headed straight to find her brother.

Mason was in his office when she arrived.

She closed the door behind her.

“Tell me about Ethan Brooks.”

Mason blinked.

“You’re actually going through with it?”

“Just tell me.”

He sighed.

“I’ve never met him personally.”

That wasn’t the answer she wanted.

“But I’ve heard things.”

Mia sat down.

“What things?”

Mason rubbed the back of his neck.

“He’s private. Extremely private.”

He paused.

“He was married. But his wife died in a car accident.”

Mia had heard about this.

Something about that bothered her.

“What else?”

“He doesn’t socialise.”

“What else?”

“He’s cold, Ruthless.”

Mia folded her arms.

“Anything positive?”

Mason laughed.

“Depends on who you’re asking.”

She couldn’t help smiling slightly.

“Seriously.”

“He protects what’s his.”

The smile disappeared.

That answer somehow felt more dangerous than everything else.

She hesitated.

“Do you have a picture?”

“No.”

“You don’t?”

“He isn’t exactly posting his pictures online.”

Mia rolled her eyes.

Mason studied her carefully.

“Mia.”

“What?”

“What happened?”

She looked at him.

“I don’t understand.”

“You agreed too easily.”

He leaned forward.

“You’ve spent years avoiding anything connected to this family.”

Mia forced a smile.

“People change.”

“Mia.”

“I’m fine.”

She cut him off before he could continue.

The truth was she wasn’t fine.

Not even close.

But she didn’t want to talk about Noah.

Not again.

That evening, she returned home with more questions than answers.

What did Ethan Brooks look like?

Why would a man who had recently lost his wife agree to another marriage so quickly?

Did he even want this?

Did she?

Had she really given up on love?

The questions followed her all the way back.

She had barely stepped inside when a servant approached.

“Miss Scott, your father would like to see you.”

Again.

Mia headed back to the study.

Martin didn’t waste time.

“Ethan Brooks wants to meet you.”

Her stomach tightened.

“When?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“The details will be sent to you.”

This was happening.

Actually happening.

“If you want to prove you’re ready for the family business,” Martin said, “seal this deal.”

A bitter laugh almost escaped her.

Funny.

Somewhere along the line, marriage had become another business transaction.

The next day, Margaret accompanied her shopping.

If she was meeting Ethan Brooks, she intended to make a good first impression.

They visited one of the most exclusive boutiques in the city.

After trying several gowns, Mia finally found one she loved.

It was burgundy.

Elegant.

Sophisticated.

The fitted design highlighted her figure without being excessive. A tasteful slit ran along one side, while delicate straps crossed the open back. Her long blonde waves fell effortlessly over her shoulders.

She stared at herself in the mirror.

For a moment, she barely recognised the woman looking back.

Beautiful.

Confident.

Strong.

Somewhere between loving Noah and working endlessly for his family’s company, she had forgotten that version of herself existed.

“It looks like it was made specifically for you.”

The sales assistant’s voice broke through her thoughts.

Mia smiled.

Maybe the countless compliments she’d received throughout her life hadn’t been exaggerated after all.

Margaret loved the dress immediately.

Before leaving, Mia purchased several corporate outfits as well.

She had been informed Mason will carry out a company tour for her the following day.

When she approached the counter to pay, the cashier smiled politely.

“It’s already been taken care of.”

Mia frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Your bill has been paid.”

“By who?”

The cashier glanced at her screen.

“Ethan”

Mia froze.

Her mother looked equally shocked.

“How does he even know I’m here?” she murmured.

No answer came.

As they exited the boutique, Mia was still trying to process it.

A large man in a black suit approached her.

An earpiece rested in one ear.

Without speaking, he handed her a black card.

Then he turned and walked away.

Mia watched as he entered a sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom parked across the street.

The car pulled away smoothly.

She looked down at the card.

Dinner.

7:00 PM. Tomorrow.

For the first time since agreeing to the marriage alliance, Mia felt genuinely nervous.