Chapter 6 Unexpected Spouse

• As Chase mulled over his predicament, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from Elm.
• Rising from his seat, he strolled onto the balcony and answered.
• "Got a wife?" Elm's deep voice resonated through the phone.
• Chase scratched his head and sighed. "Yeah, I'm married, but she won't let me get close to her!"
• He confided his woes to Elm.
• "Hey! You naive boy," Elm chuckled. "What's the fuss about? Just win her over! That'll solve everything!"
• A spark of understanding lit up Chase's eyes.
• Of course!
• They have the marriage certificate! They are cohabiting!
• Winning her over would solve everything.
• "I know what to do now," Chase said, his goal suddenly clear.
• Elm nodded and added, "Oh, by the way, there's something else I need you to do."
• "What is it? Tell me."
• "Ten years ago, I saved someone in Gemville and promised to help extend their life after a decade. I can't leave right now, so I need you to go in my place."
• "Sure!" Chase agreed without hesitation.
• After receiving Elm's instructions, Chase hung up.
• Returning to the living room, he found a woman seated on the sofa.
• Though not as stunning as Sydney, she was still a striking beauty.
• "Chase, this is my best friend, Sara," Sydney introduced her to Chase.
• "So you're Chase," Sara said, rising to scrutinize him from head to toe.
• Sara's expression turned disdainful. "Chase, let's be frank," she remarked.
• "Sydney only married you out of necessity. Given your background, you're unworthy of her. Don't harbor any inappropriate thoughts about her. Sydney lets you stay here out of pity, so you'd better behave yourself. If I catch you making any advances, you won't get off easily!"
• Chase met Sara's warning with indifference, seeing it as a show of solidarity between close friends.
• Back in those days, when the village girls got married, their fathers often gave their sons-in-law stern warnings, even harsher than this.
• Noticing Chase's silence, Sydney pulled her friend aside.
• No matter how things turned out, she still felt a twinge of guilt towards Chase. After all, it was she who had chosen him.
• From the very beginning, she had decided that even if they got married, she wouldn't fulfill her duties as a wife.
• Then, after some time, she would find an excuse to divorce him and give him a sum of money as compensation.
• Sara snorted and dismissed Chase entirely.
• Sydney massaged her temples, exasperated. "Forget about him for now. I called you here to discuss how to keep my position."
• "Don't worry," Sara said with confidence. "I've already come up with a solution. Hailey wants to oust you as chairman and general manager, but she needs more than half the shareholders' votes to succeed."
• "Our goal is to get more than half of the shareholders to vote against it," Sara continued.
• "I know the third largest shareholder, Wessel Preston. Mr. Preston holds 16% of the company's shares. You need to get him on our side first."
• "Next, we have to persuade Blackhaven Ventures, the second largest shareholder with 35% of the shares. If we get these two on board, Hailey's resolution will fail."
• "You should contact Mr. Preston right away," Sydney urged.
• Sara glanced at her watch and smiled. "I've already arranged a meeting with Mr. Preston. It's almost time; let's go."
• Newly married, Sydney felt it was inappropriate to leave Chase alone at home, so she brought him along.
• On the way, Sara warned Chase sternly, "Don't say anything inappropriate at dinner, do you understand?"
• "Don't worry. I'm not interested in your affairs," Chase shrugged.
• To be honest, he had no interest in Sydney's company at all.
• Even if she lost her job, he could still support her.
• …
• Waterside Delights Bistro, a renowned private establishment in Gemville, exuded an air of elegance and exclusivity.
• Chase followed Sydney and Sara into a secluded dining room.
• After a brief wait, a man entered.
• "Apologies for keeping you two lovely ladies waiting."
• The man, stylishly dressed, entered the room, his gaze immediately landing on Sydney and Sara, completely disregarding Chase beside them.
• Sara and Sydney promptly rose to their feet.
• "Mr. Preston, please take a seat. We just arrived," Sara said graciously, gesturing towards Sydney and introducing her.
• "This is Sydney Saffer from Komet Inc., Ms. Saffer."
• Wessel, smiling warmly, extended both hands. "I've heard so much about you! Your reputation precedes you, Ms. Saffer. Meeting you today, I'm truly astonished by your presence."
• "You're too kind, Mr. Preston."
• Accustomed to such flattery, Sydney simply smiled and shook hands.
• However, unexpectedly, when Wessel released her hand, he deliberately—or perhaps inadvertently—brushed her palm, causing Sydney to feel uneasy.
• Needing something from him, she chose not to say anything.
• Nonetheless, this subtle gesture did not escape Chase's notice.
• He fixed his gaze on Wessel, holding it for a moment until he finally managed to capture Wessel's attention.
• "This is...?" Wessel gestured towards Chase, his curiosity evident in his inquiry.
• "I am Sydney's husband, Chase Gatzby," Chase responded nonchalantly.
• Upon hearing this, Wessel's smile faltered, freezing momentarily on his face.
• He had heard of Sydney's need for assistance and had hoped to seize the chance to draw closer to the most captivating woman in Gemville. Yet, to his astonishment, she had brought her husband along!
• As the dishes were served, Wessel's eyes flickered around before he broached another topic. "Mr. Gatzby, where do you find employment?"
• At that moment, both Sydney and Sara turned their attention to Chase.
• Sydney and Chase's marriage had been hastily arranged, leaving her with scant knowledge of his professional background.
• "Um..." Chase hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
• He had never held a steady occupation.
• Since the tender age of sixteen, under the guidance of his mentor, Elm, Chase had been tasked with various assignments to further his development.
• His ventures had led him across continents and seas.
• However, such exploits were not fit for the present conversation.
• Ultimately, Chase could only shake his head in resignation. "I am presently without employment."
• Ah, a vagrant without occupation!
• He appeared as though he lived off others' labor!
• Wessel's lip curled in a sneer, his eyes brimming with disdain.
• Sara stole a quick glance at Chase. She had just cautioned him against any missteps, yet here he was, making a blatant blunder.
• To lack a job was embarrassing enough, but to declare it so confidently was even more mortifying.
• In her estimation, Chase seemed increasingly unworthy of Sydney.
• Sydney, too, sighed inwardly. She had not foreseen Chase's lack of employment.
• At that moment, Wessel assumed a patronizing demeanor, addressing Chase, "You seem robust enough. Why not consider employment as a security guard at my establishment? I can offer you three thousand five hundred per month. What say you?" With those words, Wessel erupted into laughter.
• Chase regarded Wessel calmly before replying, "You lack the merit to warrant my services as your security guard."