A Billionaire’s Ruse

Mr. Thorton’s POV

And the argument began. We hardly argued as father and daughter and I was not so sure anymore if this was going to work, seeing that I have not spoken at all to Sarah. It would have been better if she were with me in order to convince Emily.

Sarah came back to the sitting room when she heard Emily and I arguing.

“Mum, can you please help me out here?” Emily said to her mum immediately she got to the sitting room. She is always the umpire in the few times we have had an argument and this time seems to be no different.

“What’s really going on?”

“Dad wants me to get married to an investor. This is all in the name of saving the company but it’s not fair to me at all, mum.”

“Emily calm down now. Robert, can you please elaborate on this.” Sarah said, turning to me.

“Remember I told you about Alex Pierce who wanted to invest in our company?”

“Yes. I recall our conversation about him.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Well, he claims to like Emily and he is asking my permission to marry her. I am just telling her to go on a date with him and see if she likes him. That is all.” I told Sarah doing my best to look innocent. I did not want to scare her.

“Mum, who in his or her rightful mind goes into an arranged marriage in this age and time.”

“That is enough Emily. Your dad says go on one date with him. If you don’t like him, then there is no big deal there. Right, Robert?” She looked at me passing a message which only I could understand.

“Yes Sarah. It is not an arranged marriage.”

“Fine. Getting to know him is not an issue. But if I say no, then you will have to agree with me.” Emily said with a resigned tone. She stood up and left us in anger but I had a peace of mind because I know she will do her best to make it work.

Sarah looked at me and I knew it was time to let her in about everything going on. I can not bring myself to lie to her. No. She deserves so much more.

I told her of Alex’s first visit till the last visit where he came to threaten me because I was not okay with bringing my daughter into office politics.

“I just wanted to see and be sure if Emily might like him back. If not, I will be ready to go to any length to save my daughter from him even if it means losing the company.”

“I know how much you dote on Emily so I have no fear about that. But I don’t want you manipulating her into accepting him. Let her have the free rein over making a decision.”

“I’m really sorry it came to this. Even as a father I was ready to give any guy she brings home trouble but how can I do that with Alex with so much on the line. It’s just as if he is in charge of everything.”

Sarah smiles and kisses me on the lips.

“Come on, enough of that. Let’s go inside. Why don’t you go and bathe while I set the table.” But I could sense the worry on her face

We have become the sort of parents that use their children to gain things for themselves. I felt so disgusted with myself.

Back at the gala event

Alexio’s POV

I tried to calm myself down. I’ve been planning this for years now and I wanted to take over the company without being labeled evil by anyone.

The only good thing that Alexander did was that he got into Thorton. That was his saving grace.

Emily was never part of my plan, but now I must have her in order to pay her back for that night. She does not know what’s coming to her.

She was standing there with her parents trying to look unaffected by the whispers in the room, I could not help but smirk. I really can’t wait for this night to end. I want to know more about her. She intrigued me..

I had to make some last minute change of plan before heading down here and I’m happy they made it here as it will fuel my plan to go faster than I had planned.

“Well, this is going to be interesting.” I said to myself as I made my way out to the podium. I love the way the room became silent from all chatters when they all saw me but my eyes were fixated on Emily. She looked so shocked to see me up here and from the look of resignation on her face which was mirrored by her parents, they must have seen no hope of getting back their company.

They were all shocked to see me. They must be wondering what I am doing up here. I guess they still don’t believe that it was me. No one actually saw me coming in. I had taken the back door and had made sure no one saw me.

A memo has been passed to everyone that the host of this annual gala will be here today. I’ve been doing this for the last three years in order to get to the heart of the elites and it worked.

“Hi everyone. I welcome you all. My name is Alex Pierce and I’m the host of this event.” There was a confused clapping. The few people who were aware of my being the host, were the ones who clapped enthusiastically. Most of them still look down on me despite the fact that I am an informidable force to reckon with. They don’t know anything about me

They never expected to see me here. They never expected to see me as their host. I looked straight at the Thorntons and it was evident that they were not expecting this either.

“So” I continued. “I would like you to give a big round of applause as my wife joins me on the dance floor for the first dance of the night.” There were hush sounds as the whisper began again.

“Emily.” I called out her name as I also moved to the dance floor as everyone made room.