Chapter 3 The Arrangement

• Theodore said decisively, "Take it or leave it."
• "Alright."
• The most economical option was to just get married by getting the marriage certificate—no ceremony, no frills.
• If Travis simply proposed this to the Jensons, they would probably beat him senseless.
• But when his boss gave him an order, he had to carry it out.
• As the chief assistant to Jackman Capital, Travis never failed to impress. Even though it was Theodore who was being stingy and refusing to hold a wedding, Travis made it sound grand and noble. He began, "Mr. Bryce, as you know, in today's efforts to curb corruption and promote environmental conservation, both the Jackmans and Jensons, being prominent names in Northlorn and Southras, should follow the nation's direction. Whether it's a traditional wedding or a foreign one, both are extravagant and wasteful. Mr. Theodore has his heart set on the greater good. He has decided to donate all wedding expenses to support underprivileged children in Westland. How does that sound?"
• Bryce was always calm and gentle. He replied, "He has a point. Our family has always been committed to charity as well. Let's proceed as he suggested."
• Travis could barely contain his excitement.
• It worked! And now the year's charitable obligations have been fulfill!
• After hanging up, Bryce glanced at the young woman seated across from him. He smiled softly and said, "Your workload just got lighter. No wedding ceremony is necessary, just a simple trip to City Hall to sign the marriage certificate with Theodore Jackman."
• Summer raised an eyebrow and stressed, "This isn't my fault. They canceled the wedding. I'm not refunding the money."
• Bryce smiled and agreed, "Of course not."
• "Well then, care to explain why Yelena can't get married herself?" Summer asked.
• A brief look of embarrassment flickered across Bryce's face.
• He knew that the young woman in front of him, despite her age, was sharp and astute.
• There was no point in hiding it; she would find out eventually.
• With a helpless smile, Bryce confessed, "To be honest, my sister bolted when she heard about the betrothal. She drove off in the middle of the night."
• Summer was speechless.
• How bad could Theodore be to make a girl flee overnight?
• "Why not call it off?" She asked, baffled.
• "If we could, I wouldn't be asking you for help."
• Summer pressed, "So, Theodore doesn't even know what his fiancée looks like?"
• Bryce admitted, "Nope."
• Summer clarified, "And all I have to do is help with the paperwork, then I get two million dollars."
• "That's right."
• "Deal!"
• With two million in her pocket, Summer wasted no time closing down the restaurant. She paid off her father's debts and transferred the remaining money into Winter Norton's medical account.
• Packing only two outfits, she followed Bryce to the Jenson Estate in the Northlorn.
• Summer had always thought her university classmate Neil Hanson was wealthy. When she stood in front of the grand gates of the estate, she realized that the gap between nouveau riche and old money was an entire galaxy apart.
• A courtyard the size of a plaza, buildings with museum-like design, a parking lot as intricate as a mall's — no wonder they looked down on her tiny restaurant.
• "She looks like her. Really like her."
• "Almost identical."
• "Though Yelena's not quite as well-behaved," said someone in the living room.
• Summer stood under scrutiny like a zoo exhibit.
• She didn't mind. After all, she had received two million dollars.
• It was as simple as that: work for pay.
• "This is my father, Curtis Jenson, chairman of Jenson Capital. And this is my mother, Zelena Jenson." Bryce introduced her to each family member. "You need to remember everyone. Don't slip up."
• "Don't worry, I have a great memory," Summer replied with a calm smile, exuding neither arrogance nor greed.
• The Jensons were thoroughly impressed.
• They were concerned that Summer might become enamored with their wealth and refuse to leave when the real Yelena returned.
• After all, being Mrs. Jackman, wife to the heir of Jackman Capital, was a highly coveted position.
• Though she had only graduated two years ago, Summer had been navigating the real world for over a decade.
• She knew exactly what the Jensons were thinking.
• "Remember, I'm just here to help with the marriage registration. Once that's done, you'll send me back home," Summer said, feigning concern. "I've got a restaurant to run."
• The Jensons were completely reassured by her remark.
• Once Summer went to her room to rest, Zelena grumbled, "It's all our fault for spoiling Yelena. How could she just run off at such a critical moment? Thank goodness Bryce found this girl, or we would've offended the Jackmans!"
• Curtis's face was still livid with anger. He chided, "That ungrateful brat! Running off like that!"
• "Honey, do you think the Jackmans will figure out we've switched her?" Zelena asked.
• "They shouldn't. After all, they've never seen her before."
• Summer's room was directly across from Bryce's.
• Though hastily arranged, the room was filled with all sorts of brand new items.
• Summer carefully opened and closed the drawers. She was mindful not to break anything, as she couldn't afford to compensate.