Chapter 2

"I know you don't have money," I said, meeting his gaze. "And I'm not in it for the cash."

Bullet comments:

[HAHAHAHAHAHA NOT IN IT FOR THE CASH?!]

[Girl is a better salesperson than Harrington’s entire PR department!]

[Babe, dial it back! Your smile is about to split your face in half!]

I struggled to suppress the smirk threatening to break out on my lips.

Sean clearly didn't buy it. The way he looked at me shifted. "Then what are you after?"

I’m after the soon-to-be thirty-billion-dollar heir sitting right in front of me, obviously.

Of course, I couldn't say that out loud.

"I'm after you," I replied smoothly. "I liked your photo when I saw it, and seeing you in person... you look even better. Since this is a blind date, let’s be real. If we click, we move forward. Why drag it out?"

Sean was quiet for a few seconds before dropping a direct bomb: "Did Mandy tell you to come here and reject me?"

Direct hit.

My chest tightened, but my game face remained stone-cold.

"She asked me to come meet you, but she never said to turn you down," I lied without blinking. "She was on the fence herself, so she wanted me to scout things out first."

The comments blew up:

[Brilliant! That excuse is watertight!]

[The original girl definitely wanted him dumped, but she had no idea what was coming!]

[Her poker face is god-tier. I would’ve cracked ten minutes ago.]

Sean watched me in silence, seemingly weighing the truth of my words.

I took the chance to study him properly.

To be fair, he was genuinely handsome.

Dark, defined brows, a high bridge to his nose, and a razor-sharp jawline. He was lean—maybe a little too lean, with his collarbone pressing sharply beneath his collar.

His eyes were the most striking feature; when he looked at you, it felt like he could peer straight into your soul.

He had an aura that was far too composed. He didn't look like an abandoned outcast. He looked...

Like someone who was born to sit at the head of a boardroom.

"How old are you?" Sean asked suddenly.

"Twenty-five."

"What do you do?"

"Marketing strategy at an ad agency."

"What about your family?"

I paused for half a beat.

My parents were regular working-class folks. My dad was a high school teacher, and my mom was retired, spending her days gardening.

Compared to silver-spoon heiresses like Mandy, I was as ordinary as it gets.

Then again, Sean was currently an "ordinary guy" too. My conscience was clear.

"Just an everyday family," I said honestly. "No trust funds, no real estate empires, but no crazy baggage either."

Sean studied me for a few more seconds, then said something unexpected.

"Think this through," he said evenly. "I don't have the best luck. Associating with me might drag you down."

Bad luck?

Hearing that, I almost burst out laughing.

Sweetheart, your bad luck ran out after twenty-eight years. Your jackpot is arriving in three days!

Luke's crash left the Harrington patriarch with no other choice. That wasn't bad luck—that was fate handing him the golden keys on a silver platter.

"I'm not worried about being dragged down," I said. "I'm tough as nails."

Sean lowered his eyes, appearing deep in thought.

Right then, another bullet comment floated by:

[What is he hesitating for?! A gorgeous wife literally dropped into his lap!]

[Bro has no clue he’s about to hit the mother lode!!]

[I want to spoil the plot to him so badly aaaaaah!]

I wanted to spoil it to him too.

Too bad I couldn't.

"How about this," Sean finally spoke, his voice measured. "We see each other a few more times, and if things really work out—"

"We don't have time," I blurted out.

Sean looked up at me.

Realizing how suspect that sounded, I scrambled to patch it up:

"What I mean is, feelings can grow over time, but signing the papers is just paperwork. If you don't find me repulsive, let's get the paperwork out of the way. If it doesn't work out later, we can always get divorced."

Bullet screen:

[We can always get divorced later lmao! Are you getting married or signing up for a free trial?!]

[Hold up... does she actually know what's happening in three days?]