Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 56: See It Through

Chapter 56: See It Through

Alexander’s face remained dark throughout his drive. Instead of heading straight to his penthouse, he drove to their ancestral mansion in the capital city to check on his father.

Ben had called earlier to inform him that his father was already back home and resting. Upon arrival, Alexander went straight to the bar and poured himself a drink. Closing his eyes, he tried to push away the scene that kept replaying in his mind—Rain and Clifford together.

"What is wrong with me?!" he cursed under his breath. It was unlike him to overreact like this, but the idea of Clifford being near Rain bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

"Hmm, how about a drink, buddy?"

Ben’s voice interrupted his thoughts. Ben poured himself a glass of the whiskey Alexander had opened.

"How’s Dad?" Alexander asked, taking a sip.

"He’s resting and feeling better now," Ben replied. "He knows you’re staying here tonight, so he asked me to wake him up later so you can have dinner together. He said he has something to discuss with you."

Alexander simply nodded, swirling the whiskey in his glass.

"I heard William was here briefly?" Alexander asked, changing the subject.

"Right, he did show up," Ben said with a chuckle. "But as usual, he made a quick escape as soon as Rock started talking about the blind dates he’d arranged for him."

"That’s so like him. William always avoids me when he’s done something he knows I won’t like. I’m pretty sure he’s behind this whole marriage situation," Alexander said, his voice laced with frustration. "Did you or Father find out anything about it?"

"I’m not sure if Rock asked him directly. I wasn’t around during their discussion," Ben replied, shrugging. "I only walked into the study when I heard the thudding sounds—books hitting the walls, I think. William made a quick exit to dodge the ones Rock was throwing his way."

Alexander chuckled, easily picturing the scene. It was like old times.

"Don’t you think this marriage might actually work out?" Ben asked suddenly. "Rock seems to like your wife a lot."

Alexander didn’t respond, instead pouring himself another drink, his expression unreadable.

"Is it because of Miss Carla?" Ben pressed. He knew Ben’s curiosity wasn’t unwelcome; after all, Ben was practically family, a father figure to both Alexander and William.

"Carla will be back this winter," Alexander said simply, avoiding the question.

"I see. Is that why you only agreed to a four-month marriage contract?" Ben asked knowingly.

Alexander wasn’t surprised that Ben was aware of the details of his arrangement with Rain. There was little one could hide from Liam Rock Lancaster. His father had eyes and ears everywhere, and Alexander knew better than to keep secrets from him. He suspected that by now, his father had already uncovered the truth behind his sudden marriage and who had orchestrated it.

"Probably," Alexander admitted, taking a long sip of his drink. Alexander was honestly unsure. It wasn’t in his nature to negotiate with a stranger, yet something about Rain had made him agree to this unusual arrangement.

Normally, he would have resolved this situation swiftly with a divorce and legal action against those responsible for orchestrating his marriage without his consent. And if William was involved, there would be consequences, a punishment severe enough to ensure his brother would never meddle in his life like this again.

Ben nodded, sensing the turmoil beneath Alexander’s calm exterior. "So, what’s your plan now?"

Alexander leaned back, staring into his glass as if the answer might appear there. "I’ll figure it out as I go..." he replied, his voice trailing off. He was truly navigating uncharted waters, uncertain of where this would lead, yet determined to see it through.

*****

Tim Clayton clenched his jaw as he sat in the private room of a restaurant, waiting for the man who truly held the reins of power in the Capital City. It was already thirty minutes past their agreed-upon time, and there was still no sign of him. Just as his patience was wearing thin, the door finally creaked open.

Tim quickly stood, bowing his head as he did so.

"Did I keep you waiting?" Michael taunted, spinning his wheelchair in playful circles. "This wheelchair is quite fun!" he exclaimed before abruptly stopping, rising to his feet, and casually walking over to his seat.

Tim’s frustration was barely contained, his jaw tightening further. He knew the truth: Michael wasn’t truly crippled. As Michael’s personal surgeon, Tim had provided the false diagnosis, giving Michael the perfect alibi for his numerous crimes. The man before him was evil beyond imagination, and the facade only made it more insidious.

"Father’s letting me handle your matters now," Michael began, his tone dripping with condescension. "Since you’ve been so helpful, I convinced him to approve your facilities. But how come you still haven’t delivered Rain to me, father-in-law? I thought you could handle it easily. So, what’s going on?" Michael’s frown deepened as he questioned Tim, his voice laced with irritation.

Tim felt a cold sweat form on his brow. He had promised Rain to Michael, thinking it would be a simple matter, but things had become complicated.

"I’ll need more time..." Tim weakly responded, his voice betraying his unease.

Michael clicked his tongue, his expression shifting to one of impatience. "But my patience is wearing thin. Why don’t you let your other daughter entertain me while I wait for the main course?"

Tim’s face darkened, and he hissed through clenched teeth, "Dina is off-limits. I’ll deliver Rain to you soon, so just be patient."

Michael grinned, the menace in his smile unmistakable. "Hmm, should we also delay your request in the upcoming campaign?" He added with a mocking pout, "You do realize the person you want me to deal with isn’t an easy target. But I’m willing to do the dirty work for you... in exchange for a simple, easy favor that you’re still failing to deliver."

Tim gritted his teeth, feeling the walls closing in around him. He knew he had no choice but to comply. "Proceed as planned. I’ll have Rain file for divorce after Dina’s engagement party. You’ll have her then, as promised."

Michael leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. "Good. Make sure you keep your end of the bargain, Tim. I’d hate for things to get... complicated."