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CAMPBELL'S MANSION.

Jason's POV

Being CEO of Campbell’s Group, I was used to getting calls that turned my day upside down. But when I saw Grandpa’s name flash on my phone, I hadn’t expected the bombshell he’d drop.

I poured wine into a crystal glass, watching the dark red liquid swirl as I added ice. My phone buzzed, breaking my thoughts.

“Hey, kid,” he greeted me, his voice gruff as usual. “Edward’s granddaughter is back in town. You remember her, right?”

I took a sip of wine, leaning back in my chair. “Elena Brooks, right? Yeah, we met once three years ago.”

“Well, it’s time for you two to get to know each other better,” he said, not even trying to sugarcoat it. “We’re reviving the engagement for the sake of both our family businesses. Get ready for the marriage.”

I nearly choked on my drink. “Wait… what? Grandpa, you can’t be serious! I barely know her! And you think I’d just… marry her because it’s good for business?”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” he chuckled. “You’re a Campbell, Jason. You know what comes with that. Besides, from what I hear, she’s a beautiful, curvy and charming young woman. You won’t regret it.”

“Beautiful and charming? That’s supposed to make me want to marry her?” I scoffed, running a hand through my hair. “You didn’t even ask if I liked her. Or if she likes me, for that matter.”

“Haha, don’t worry. You’ll fall for her,” he said with a dismissive tone, as if he’d already made up his mind. “She’s back in the city now, and I expect you to start spending time with her. Get to know her, Jason. She’s family now.”

Before I could protest, he hung up, leaving me staring at the phone in disbelief. *Family now?* I thought bitterly. This wasn’t a relationship; it was a transaction.

I sighed, gripping the glass tightly. The idea of marrying a stranger felt impossible. I sipped the wine, trying to calm my racing mind.

I muttered to myself, “I can’t marry someone I barely know.”

*Marriage,* I mused, letting the word sink in. Not that I had any aversion to women—far from it. I had a well-earned reputation as a playboy, but *marriage*? That was a whole other beast.

Still, if I was being forced into this arrangement, I wasn’t going in blind. *If Grandpa wanted a business deal, then I’d approach this the same way I approached any merger—with research.*

I picked up my phone and dialed Vulgar, my private investigator. He's reliable, discreet, and thorough. If there was anything to know about Elena Brooks, he’d dig it up.

“Vulgar, I need you to look into someone for me. Her name’s Elena Brooks. I want to know everything—who she is, what she’s been up to, everything. I'm expecting it soon.”

“Yes, boss,” Vulgar replied, his voice steady.

It wasn’t long before my phone chimed with a message. Vulgar had worked quickly, as always. I opened the file he’d sent, my eyes scanning through the details. Pictures of Elena filled my screen—laughing, smiling, posing with friends. She was undeniably beautiful, with captivating green eyes that held a spark of mischief. But beyond her looks, I noted other details: her career, her family background, even her hobbies. *Interesting.*

Then came another message from Vulgar: *Elena Brooks and her best friend, Samantha, are currently at one of your clubs. They’re at the bar right now.*

A smirk crossed my face. *Perfect timing.*

I pressed call on Vulgar’s number, and he answered after the first ring. “Yes, sir?”

“I’ve got a job for you,” I said, still grinning. “I need you to keep an eye on Elena Brooks tonight. But don’t approach her. Just… observe.”

“Understood,” Vulgar replied, his tone professional.

“Good. I’ll take it from here.” I ended the call and leaned back in my chair, feeling a thrill of anticipation. If I was going to be shackled to this woman, I wanted to know exactly who she was. And what better way than to see her in her element, without the facade people often put on in the business world?

With that thought in mind, I called my manager at the bar where Elena was currently chilling. When he picked up, I didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Listen, I’ll be there shortly, but I don’t want any staff or security acknowledging me. If anyone sees me, they’re to pretend I’m just another patron. Got it?”

“Understood, Mr. Campbell. No one will bother you,” he replied, sounding puzzled but compliant.

I hung up, tossed my phone on the bed, and changed into a casual outfit—a plain black tee and jeans. No one would recognize me in my usual suit, and I needed to blend in. Tonight, I wasn’t Jason Campbell, the CEO. Just Jason, an ordinary guy looking to chill off.

I grabbed my keys and headed downstairs, only to be intercepted by Mary, one of my household staff. She emerged from the kitchen with a warm smile. “Sir, I just finished preparing dinner. Would you like me to set it up in the dining room?”

“Not tonight, Mary. I have somewhere to be,” I said, already stepping past her.

She gave me a curious look, the kind that came from years of knowing my habits. “It’s not like you to skip a meal, sir.”

I forced a quick smile, trying to seem casual. “Don’t worry, I won’t starve. I’ll be back later.”

Without waiting for a response, I slipped out the door, heading toward my car. As I climbed in, my mind was already racing with ideas. *So, Elena, let’s see what you’re really like when no one’s watching.*

---

At the Club

The club was alive with energy, the dim lights casting a moody glow over the patrons. Music thumped through the speakers, and laughter filled the air. Normally, I’d be tucked away in a VIP booth, but tonight, I was a ghost, drifting unnoticed among the crowd.

I spotted Elena almost instantly. She was at a small table near the bar, laughing with her friend, a brunette who was clearly her confidante. Her laughter was genuine, her smile unguarded, and for a moment, I was struck by how different she seemed from the polished photos I’d seen. She was real, grounded, and refreshingly… normal.

She and her friend exchanged a few words, and then, to my surprise, her friend nudged her toward the bar. “Your turn to grab the drinks, Elena!” she teased, laughing.

Elena rolled her eyes, flashing her friend a playful look. “Fine, but don’t blame me if I make them strong.” She stood and sauntered to the bar, I signaled vulgar to do his job.