CHAPTER 2 : THE BILLIONAIRE’S PROPOSAL

The Hayes mansion had barely recovered from the morning’s chaos when the sharp sound of a car horn echoed through the front gates.

Emma was in the backyard, hanging freshly washed clothes under the warm afternoon sun. Sweat trickled down her forehead as she pinned the last white bedsheet to the clothesline.

“Emma!” Vivian’s shrill voice pierced the air. “Where are you? Stop wasting time and come inside!”

Emma quickly wiped her hands on her faded apron and hurried toward the house.

Before she could reach the front door, another servant rushed past her, looking flustered.

“Mrs. Hayes,” the servant said breathlessly, “there are guests here to see you.”

Vivian frowned.

“I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

“They say it’s important.”

Sophia, who had been scrolling through her phone in the living room, looked up with curiosity.

“Maybe it’s one of your friends, Mom.”

Vivian shook her head.

“No one visits without calling first.”

Straightening her designer dress, she walked toward the entrance with Sophia following closely behind.

Emma quietly remained a few steps away, knowing she wasn’t welcome to stand with the family.

The grand front doors opened.

Standing outside was an elderly man dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, accompanied by several assistants. Behind them, a line of luxury cars stretched along the driveway.

The atmosphere instantly changed.

The visitors carried themselves with quiet authority.

The elderly man offered a polite nod.

“Good afternoon. My name is Richard Blackwood.”

Vivian’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly.

The Blackwood family.

One of the wealthiest and most influential families in the country.

She immediately forced a warm smile.

“Mr. Blackwood… what an unexpected honor. Please, come in.”

The guests entered the mansion, and Emma silently stepped into the dining room to prepare tea.

As she arranged the porcelain cups on a silver tray, she could hear the quiet murmur of conversation from the living room.

Once the tea was ready, she carried it in carefully, keeping her gaze lowered.

Richard Blackwood accepted the cup with a courteous smile.

“Thank you.”

Emma gave a small nod and stepped back.

She remained near the doorway in case more refreshments were needed.

Richard placed his teacup on the table before speaking.

“I came today because of a promise.”

Vivian exchanged a puzzled glance with Sophia.

“A promise?”

“Yes.”

Richard’s expression grew serious.

“Many years ago, your late husband and I made an agreement.”

Vivian’s smile faltered.

“My husband?”

“We agreed that one day our two families would become one through marriage.”

Silence settled over the room.

Even Emma looked up in surprise.

She had never heard her father mention such an agreement.

Richard continued calmly.

“My grandson has now reached the right time in his life.”

“It is my wish to honor the promise we made.”

Vivian clasped her hands together.

“You mean…”

Richard nodded.

“I have come with a marriage proposal.”

Emma’s heart skipped a beat.

Sophia blinked, unable to hide her shock.

Neither woman spoke.

Richard reached into a leather folder and placed a sealed envelope on the coffee table.

“Inside are the details.”

“My family is not asking for an answer today. Discuss it carefully.”

He rose to his feet.

“When you have reached your decision, contact us.”

Vivian stood immediately.

“Thank you for honoring our family with this proposal.”

Richard inclined his head politely.

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

Within moments, he and his entourage left the mansion.

The sound of the luxury cars faded into the distance.

The living room fell silent.

Vivian stared at the unopened envelope on the table.

Sophia’s eyes remained fixed on it as well.

Neither of them said a word.

Emma quietly picked up the empty teacups and walked toward the kitchen, unaware that the envelope on that table was about to change the course of her life forever.