Alexander's POV
After that whole scene with my mother. I called up my receptionist to send a message to the board members and the whole department about the organizational Dinner. Minutes later, I got acknowledgement from the board members that they will be there. Of course they would. They dare not go against my word.
I also called her up to send a message to news stations. I wanted it to be big so it can cover up the environmental violations of the East coast drilling site. Atleast now, none of the board members will know about it and it can go away silently as it came.
My mind recalled what happened earlier. My mother was unbearable. Then Victoria, I need to warn her from barging into my house like she owns it. She and my mother can meet elsewhere, I don't care. Elena's look of discomfort, strangely it bothered me a little.
I had already handled the press, ensuring the engagement news would flood the major newspaper by morning. Eleanor wouldn't be able to manipulate this situation this time. But there was one person I knew would have something to say about all this.
Daniel.
My best friend. My only friend. And the only man who wasn't afraid to tell me when I was being an idiot which in his opinion was most of the time.
I smirked. I arrived at his penthouse later. His place gave this peaceful and calm eerie feeling. The exact opposite of mine. Warm lighting, leather couches, bookshelves filled with actual books and medical books. Daniel is a medical Doctor. The place was medium sized, not extravagant like mine.
Daniel was already pouring a drink when I walked in, his expression unreadable.
"Took you long enough" he muttered, handing me a glass of whiskey. "I assume this has something to do with the news about your engagement."
I sank into the chair across from him, rolling the whiskey between my fingers before taking a sip. "Yh, It's done and now my mother can leave me be."
"So how did you guys meet in less than a week? You suddenly found a fiancee when you weren't even interested in getting married, what changed." He asked, raising a brow.
"Nothing changed. It's a contract, strictly transactional.
He chuckled, settling into his own seat. "You're engaged to a woman you barely know?"
"She knows the terms." I said simply
Daniel shook his head. "And she agreed?"
"She needed the money"
His expression darkened slightly. "And you're completely fine with that?"
I exhaled sharply. "It's a business transaction Daniel. I needed someone my mother couldn't manipulate. She needed financial security to pay her mum's medical bills."
He scoffed. "Right. Because everything is just simple with you."
"My mother wasn't pleased"
Daniel smirked. "You don't say."
Silence stretched between us for a while as Daniel studied me. He always had a way of seeing more than I wanted him to.
Finally, he leaned forward. "Tell me the truth, Alex. Why her?"
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"There were dozens of women you could have chosen. Someone from our circle. Someone who understands what a contract like this really means but instead you picked her?"
I met his gaze. " That's exactly why I chose her. She's not like them."
Daniel let out a knowing hum. "So you wanted someone pure."
I didn't respond.
Because he wasn't wrong.
Eleanor has been parading potential wives in front of me. People like the likes of Victoria Langford, Her golden girl. Spoiled Socialites, women who knew how to manipulate their way to power just like she did.
Elena was different.
She hadn't asked for any of this. She didn't even want it. She hadn't begged for my attention or flaunted herself like Victoria constantly did. She was no trouble.
And for some reason that made all the difference.
A call brought me out of my thoughts. It was Victor.
"Your mother and Victoria just arrived as we were about to leave. They are about to create a scene" He said, going straight to the point.
I ended the call. " I have to go."
He looked at me confused. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, just my mother at it again."
I quickly entered my car and d
rove to the boutique where they were.