Chapter 2 HOW MUCH IS HE WORTH

OOP"Ruby, wake up!"

Ruby pulled the blanket over her head.

"No."

Tessa stood beside the bed, holding a printed document.

"Wake up. We have a serious situation."

Ruby opened one eye.

"Is the landlord here?"

"No."

"Is the apartment on fire?"

"No."

"Then whatever it is can wait."

Tessa shook the paper.

"We might become rich."

Ruby immediately sat up.

"Where?"

Tessa stared at her.

"Where what?"

"Where is the money?"

"Ruby!"

"What? You said we're becoming rich. I need details."

Tessa climbed onto the edge of the bed.

"I've been thinking about Margaret's offer."

Ruby rubbed her eyes.

"And?"

"I think we should consider it."

Ruby stared at her for several seconds.

"Are you suggesting we marry strangers?"

"Technically, wealthy strangers."

"That doesn't make it better!"

"It makes it slightly better."

Ruby threw her pillow at her.

"Have you lost your mind?"

"Not yet. But our landlord is helping me get there."

Ruby sighed and reached for her phone.

"Okay. Let's talk about it properly."

Tessa nodded.

"First, we need to know how much money we're getting."

"Second, we need to meet the men."

"Third, we need to know whether they're secretly criminals."

Ruby raised an eyebrow.

"Why would you think that?"

"Because rich people in movies are always hiding something."

"We're not in a movie, Tessa."

"Exactly. That's why I don't want surprises."

Ruby laughed.

For the next hour, they discussed the offer from every possible angle.

They talked about money, houses, allowances, shopping budgets and what would happen if the marriages didn't work.

Eventually, they reached one conclusion.

They would meet the brothers.

Nothing more.

At least, not yet.

---

At Sterling Mansion, Adrian Sterling was having a terrible morning.

Not because of work.

Not because of a business deal.

But because his grandmother had scheduled a meeting with two women he had never met.

"You're coming with me," he told Dominic.

Dominic looked up from his breakfast.

"Where?"

"To meet the women Grandmother selected."

Dominic slowly placed his fork down.

"Today?"

"Unless you have another wedding scheduled."

Dominic laughed.

"Very funny."

Adrian picked up his phone.

"I don't have time for this."

"Neither do I. I have a lunch meeting."

"Cancel it."

Dominic stared at him.

"You're already acting like a married man."

Adrian gave him a cold look.

"Be quiet."

Dominic grinned.

This was going to be entertaining.

---

At exactly eleven thirty, a black luxury car pulled up outside a large restaurant.

Tessa and Ruby were already waiting.

Tessa adjusted her blouse.

"Do I look expensive?"

Ruby examined her.

"You look like someone who is trying to look expensive."

Tessa frowned.

"That's not encouraging."

"You look beautiful. Relax."

"I'm not nervous."

"Your hands are shaking."

"That's excitement."

Before Ruby could respond, two men entered the restaurant.

The first was tall, broad-shouldered and dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his expression suggested that he didn't enjoy being around people.

The second man looked slightly younger. He wore a navy suit and carried himself with an easy confidence.

Tessa leaned towards Ruby.

"Please tell me those are the brothers."

Ruby glanced at them.

"Unless there are two other handsome men wearing expensive suits."

Tessa nodded.

"Good. At least the money comes with attractive packaging."

Ruby nearly laughed.

The brothers approached their table.

"Miss Miller and Miss Bennett?" the older man asked.

Tessa stood.

"Yes. I'm Tessa."

"Ruby," her friend added.

"Adrian Sterling."

"Dominic Sterling."

They exchanged greetings before taking their seats.

Adrian looked at the girls.

"I'll be direct. I have no interest in marriage."

Tessa blinked.

"Good afternoon to you too."

Dominic coughed to hide his laughter.

Adrian ignored her.

"My grandmother has made this arrangement without consulting us properly. I don't intend to pretend otherwise."

Ruby nodded.

"That's understandable."

Dominic looked at her.

"And you?"

Ruby smiled politely.

"I also didn't wake up this morning planning to marry anyone."

"Then we're already in agreement," Dominic said.

Tessa leaned forward.

"Actually, before we continue, I have a few questions."

Adrian looked at her.

"Go ahead."

"How much money are we talking about?"

Ruby closed her eyes.

"Tessa."

"What? It's an important question."

Dominic laughed.

Adrian didn't.

"The financial arrangements will be discussed in the agreement."

Tessa nodded.

"Good. Another question. Will we have access to the family cars?"

"Why?" Adrian asked.

"Because I don't enjoy public transportation."

Dominic burst out laughing.

Ruby covered her face.

Adrian stared at Tessa as if he couldn't decide whether she was serious.

She was.

Very serious.

"Anything else?" he asked.

"Yes. Do you have a swimming pool?"

Dominic leaned back.

"I like her."

Adrian shot him a look.

Ruby finally spoke.

"We're sorry. She's a little excited."

"A little?" Tessa whispered.

Ruby ignored her.

"We would like to understand the arrangement before making any decisions."

Adrian nodded.

"That's reasonable."

For the next thirty minutes, they discussed the proposed marriages.

The brothers explained that their grandmother wanted them married, but neither intended to give up their independence.

The girls listened carefully.

There would be financial security, luxury homes, personal allowances and other benefits.

However, the marriages would come with expectations, including public appearances and family events.

Tessa looked at Ruby.

Ruby looked at Tessa.

They didn't need words.

The offer was becoming more interesting.

Finally, Dominic looked at the two women.

"So, what do you think?"

Tessa smiled.

"I think we need to read the agreement."

"Of course," Adrian replied.

"And I think we need to discuss the shopping allowance."

Adrian closed his eyes briefly.

Dominic laughed so hard that he had to put down his glass.

Ruby nudged Tessa.

"Please behave."

"I am behaving!"

"You're negotiating a shopping allowance before agreeing to the marriage."

"Exactly. I'm a responsible future wife."

Adrian looked at her.

"You're certainly an unusual one."

Tessa smiled proudly.

"Thank you."

"It wasn't a compliment."

"I'll accept it anyway."

For the first time that morning, Dominic noticed his brother looking genuinely irritated.

And he loved every second of it.

---

When the meeting ended, the girls stepped outside.

Tessa immediately grabbed Ruby's arm.

"Did you see that?"

"See what?"

"His face!"

"Which one?"

"The older one! Adrian! He looks like he hasn't laughed since he was born."

Ruby started laughing.

"And Dominic?"

"He's better. At least he knows how to smile."

Ruby looked back towards the restaurant.

"So, what do you think?"

Tessa took a deep breath.

"I think we should read those contracts very carefully."

Ruby nodded.

"Agreed."

Tessa smiled.

"But if the shopping allowance is good, I'm getting married."

Ruby burst out laughing.

"You're unbelievable."

"And you're coming with me."

"Obviously."

Neither girl noticed the two brothers watching them through the restaurant window.

Dominic shook his head.

"Those two are going to be trouble."

Adrian picked up his phone.

"Then let's hope the agreement keeps things simple."

Dominic smiled.

"Brother, I have a feeling simple is the last thing we're getting."

And he was absolutely right.