Chapter 2 The Marriage Partner

• Now that her escape had failed, Blair had no choice but to marry, but she was determined to reclaim her mother's inheritance.
• "Everything is no longer up to you now. You must marry into the Lennons whether you want to or not. As for your mother's inheritance, I'll consider it only if you curry favor with the Lennons and bring benefits to the Piersons."
• Had Susan Lennon not taken a liking to Blair, he wouldn't have brought her back from the orphanage.
• After all, Zachary, the most powerful man in Acorith, could elevate the Piersons several tiers with a mere flick of his finger, bringing endless profits.
• Seeing Isaac's expression, he had reneged on his promise, her heart full of resentment. "Uncle, those are my mother's inheritance she left for me. You have no right to take them away!"
• "You want to talk about the rights? I raised you; that gives me the right. Do you know the disgrace your mother's scandal brought upon the Piersons? This is just what you two owe us."
• At this point, he paused, softening his tone. "Blair, it's not that I want to make things difficult. Zachary is the dream husband of many women. Marrying him is no loss. Staying in the Lennons benefits both you and the Piersons." After finishing his words, he turned and left.
• Tears fell silently from Blair's eyes. Who wants to marry someone they've never met before?
• Yet now, for the sake of her mother's inheritance, she had no other choice.
• The wedding was set for the following day. Blair descended the stairs in a long white dress.
• Her slender figure was graceful and alluring, her delicate face serene and refined, like an ethereal being untouched by the world's impurities.
• Zachary's cold eyes narrowed. He had seen countless women, but Blair possessed a rare elegance.
• Blair also gazed at Zachary.
• The man stood tall and imposing, his features stern and handsome, with thin lips and broad brows. His deep, dark eyes fixed on her, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.
• His presence was commanding.
• Impatiently, he dismissed the crowd.
• Blair stepped forward. "Mr. Lennon?"
• "I won't marry you," stated Zachary in a detached tone.
• "That's wonderful! Please inform Isaac about this."
• As if I want to marry him! If he has no intention of marrying me, he should say it earlier, instead of making me run away from a wedding for nothing.
• Zachary was surprised by her happiness, feeling a slight annoyance.
• He grabbed Blair's arm and said, "However, you must cooperate with me."
• "Just stick to talking, no touching." She snapped, shaking off his hand.
• His face darkened; no one dared to defy him like this. She was the first! "Come with me if you agree to cooperate with me."
• Blair weighed her options. She realized staying with Isaac promised nothing good. While the man before her seemed difficult, he needed her help, giving her an advantage.
• "What do I gain from cooperating with you?"
• He calmly assessed the woman, noting her audacity in speaking to him in such a manner. "What do you want in return?"
• "A sum of money for me to leave and never return."
• Elegant and innocent-looking, yet so greedy. Zachary's initial sliver of goodwill vanished.
• "Okay."
• Blair hadn't expected his quick agreement, her mood lifting. "Then it's a deal."
• The wedding was exceedingly simple, merely a formality, which Blair didn't mind.
• Back in the room, Zachary felt cold and began to remove his clothes. She was frightened and instinctively clutched both shoulders. "What are you doing?"