Each time had been to criticize something Allesia had done wrong. “Did she say what about?”
Allessia asked, setting down her polishing cloth. “No, but she looks like she could bite through steel, so I’d hurry if I were you.”
“Great.” Alessia quickly washed her hands, smoothed down her simple black work dress, and made her way to Margarit’s private office, a room she’d cleaned a thousand times, but had never been summoned to.
She knocked. Enter. Alessia stepped inside to find Margarite Bowmont sitting behind her massive mahogany desk, though looking like ice incarnate in a cream colored powers suit, her silver hair swept back in an elegant shinon.
You wanted to see me, Mrs. Bowmont? Sit. Allesia sat in one of the leather chairs facing the desk, her spine straight, hands folded in her lap.
Margarite studied her for a long, uncomfortable moment. How old are you, Allesia? 25, ma’am.
And you’re approximately what height? 5’7, ma’am. Similar to my granddaughter, Margarite observed. You have a similar build and complexion as well.
Allesia had no idea where this was going, but alarm bells were starting to ring.
I’m going to make you an offer, Margarite said, pouring herself a glass of brandy from a crystal decanter.
And I suggest you think very carefully before answering. Okay. 25 years ago, I made a business arrangement with the Castellan family, a merger between our companies.
It to be sealed by marriage between my granddaughter Aurelia and Atlas Castellan. Allesia nodded slowly, having no idea why she was being told this.
Atlas died in a car accident 5 years ago. The merger contract had a contingency.
The marriage obligation could transfer to a sibling. Atlas had an older brother, Luther Castellan.
I’m sorry for your loss, ma’am, but I don’t understand what this has to do with Luther is 45 years old.
My granddaughter is 26. When I informed her she was expected to marry him, she refused.
Said he was too old, that she’d rather lose her inheritance than marry some elderly man.
Margarit’s voice dripped with disdain. She didn’t even bother to look him up, didn’t care that Luther Castellan is one of the most successful, powerful, and yes, attractive men in Atlanta.
She just heard his age and said no. Allesia was starting to get a very bad feeling about where this was going.
Um, the wedding is in 3 weeks, Margarite continued. The merger contract expires if the marriage doesn’t happen.
I cannot afford to lose this opportunity because my granddaughter is a foolish child. Mrs.
Bowmont, you’re going to take her place. Allesia’s mouth fell open. Excuse me. You’ll wear a veil.
You’ll say the vows under Aurelia’s name. By the time Luther lifts the veil, it will be too late.
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