CHAPTER 13: CHAPTER 13: JUST A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE

"Eldest Young Master Grant, are you annoyed that I’m not troublesome enough?"

Evelyn Clayton sat in the passenger seat, coldly questioning.

She just wanted to annul the engagement, yet now she was being sent back into the lion’s den.

"I’m only trying to help you. My father has been in the business world for so long that he can see through your lies at a glance. Do you think just mentioning a random name could fool him? In just one night, he could have the whole genealogy of the man you fabricated checked out clearly."

Surprised, Evelyn turned her head, only to see his focused profile while driving.

After shedding his playboy demeanor, James Grant exuded a calm and reliable aura that strangely put people at ease.

James also turned slightly, and as their eyes met, Evelyn saw the amusement in his charming gaze.

He slightly curled his lips, "Are you impressed by my wisdom?"

The admiration she felt earlier vanished instantly, and Evelyn was speechless, "I’m only impressed by your thick skin!"

"Understandable, given my good looks. However, I do have a plan to help you get rid of Matthew Sullivan."

Evelyn was unconvinced, "What plan?"

"A contract marriage," James spoke in such a flat tone, it was as if he was discussing what to have for dinner.

Evelyn froze for a moment, then burst into laughter, retorting unceremoniously.

"Eldest Young Master Grant, did you bump your head on the bedside table? I want to break off the engagement precisely to avoid any involvement with the Grant Family. And now, you want me to contractually marry you and return to the Grant Family? What have I been struggling for, then?"

"Don’t be so quick to refuse; I have valid reasons, and you might want to consider it."

James’ long index finger tapped lightly on the steering wheel, his tone casual.

"Once we have a contract marriage, your engagement with Matthew will naturally be void. Marrying me would perfectly strike at Matthew and Iris. I have influence in the Grant Family, and Matthew, being just an illegitimate son, wouldn’t dare confront me. I can provide you a peaceful living environment, and I also hope you can do me a small favor."

It seemed somewhat reasonable, and Evelyn pondered for a moment.

"What favor?"

James used his tongue to press against his palate, "I’m not getting any younger and naturally hope to find a sensible woman to spend my days with. As long as you don’t interfere with me, I won’t interfere with you. Moreover, with my protection, you’ll save yourself from a lot of trouble, especially from your stepfather."

His reasoning was sound, and Evelyn was almost persuaded.

"Rest assured, it’s just a contract marriage," James emphasized, striking while the iron was hot, "Once your troubles are resolved, we can divorce. You’ll have complete freedom."

The way he acted, it was like he was one step away from having "Please do it for free" written on his face.

Evelyn fell into contemplation.

——

On the streets lit by neon lights, traffic was bustling.

Evelyn had a small apartment of her own in the city center.

She gave James directions, and the car drove all the way to the residential area.

James was uneasy about her going upstairs alone, so he accompanied her.

In the elevator, Evelyn nonchalantly turned back, glancing at the man behind her from the corner of her eye.

In a well-tailored suit, he looked tall and upright, and just his blurred silhouette gave a sense of security.

Evelyn felt a bit regretful.

Such an almost perfect-looking person, and not only was his surname Grant, but he was also a playboy, tsk!

"Ding!"

The elevator reached the floor, and James stepped out first.

His well-defined hand thoughtfully held the elevator door, only retrieving it after Evelyn stepped out.