Chapter 125
The phone on his desk buzzed a few times. Glancing at the screen and noticing Emily immersed in her got up and stepped out of the office to take the call.
game,
he
“Mom, please stop setting me up on blind dates,” Justin said in a low, exasperated voice, his eyes scanning the area around him.
“I’m only looking out for you. Emma’s character is questionable. She’s not the right woman for you. Don’t you trust your mother’s judgment?” Heidi’s voice on the other end of the line was tinged with urgency, worried her son might end up tricked into marrying Emma.
“I’ve already broken things off with her and made it clear. Don’t bring it up again.”
“You’ve broken up?” Heidi’s happiness practically radiated through the phone. “Good! Then you should meet this girl. She’s your Uncle Jimmy York’s daughter. Do you remember her?
“Just one dinner, for my sake. I’ve already agreed on your behalf. If you don’t like her, I won’t push it,” she pleaded.
“Fine, just this once,” he replied coldly before hanging up.
Heidi frowned at the phone. “This kid. Why does he always talk to me like that?” she muttered to herself.
Justin returned to the office to find Emily lounging on the sofa in a new, comfortable position, still absorbed in her game. He walked over. “I have something to handle tonight. I’ll ask William to take you home. I won’t be back for dinner, so there’s no need for Mrs. Zimmer to prepare anything for me.”
“Really?” Emily perked up, quickly putting her phone away and hopping off the sofa.
Justin’s expression darkened. Did she dislike even just being in his presence while he worked?
Unaware of his thoughts, Emily quickly packed her belongings. “If you’re busy, there’s no need to trouble William. I can just call for a ride myself.”
Justin handed her the rest of her things. “Wait for me at home tonight.”
She nodded half–heartedly before leaving the building. Once outside, she sent a message to Helen and Richard, arranging to visit Richard at the hospital. On her way, she ordered some food, including spicy Cajun crawfish, to share for dinner.
At dinner, Yvonne York nibbled on her food delicately. She had met Justin a few times as a child but had forgotten his face after moving abroad for school. She hadn’t planned on a blind date, but upon meeting him, she found herself unexpectedly satisfied.
Justin, sitting across from her, focused entirely on cutting his steak, showing no interest in conversation.
Setting down her utensils, Yvonne decided to take the lead. Raised with a modern mindset, she didn’t mind initiating things herself.
“Mr. Yates,” she began.
Clearing her throat, she thought back to the recent tabloid rumors surrounding Justin. “Aunt Heidi mentioned your situation to me. Everyone has a past, and I don’t mind yours. For families like ours, marriage is a strategic alliance. I’m looking for a husband who is my equal, and in return, the York family would be a strong support for you.”
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Chapter 125
+25 BONUS
Yvonne spoke with the precision of a seasoned negotiator. In her view, a man like Justin required a practical, results–driven partnership rather than a romantic fantasy. This mindset had been instilled by her father: a woman’s value lies in being an asset to her husband’s career.
She wasn’t concerned about Justin’s previous relationships Confident in her abilities, she firmly believed she could secure his devotion after marriage.
“Your offer is very tempting,” Justin replied, briefly considering her words. Marrying her would please his mother and strengthen his company’s position.
But then Emily’s vibrant, stunning face flashed in his mind, and his resolve wavered. If he truly went through with such a marriage, Emily would undoubtedly leave him for good.
He couldn’t bear that thought.
“But marriage shouldn’t be a sacrifice for work,” he said calmly, pushing the idea aside.
