The Billionaire’s Bargain Bride

Lady in Red

SADIE

It may sound like a Q & A in a beauty pageant, but I wanted to help. If there was even a tiny thing, I could help make the world a better place, then so be it. I also reminded myself that I was married to a business tycoon. Cenric had money and power, and he was well connected.

So I decided to show up. It was not my first rodeo to attend events like this, but not with the man of the hour.

Earlier today, he sent a makeup artist to make me look like the woman fit to be in his side. So tonight, they would meet the trophy wife of the great Cenric Wollf.

The birthday slash fundraising gala had already begun, and damn, the strapless sweetheart neckline, high slit red floor-length evening gown in crystals and sequins was eye-catching. It was created in sophistication and class. Added to that, the diamond set around my neck and teardrop earring gave me a Grace Kelly vibe. I also put on my engagement ring and wedding band he returned.

I’d already mastered a different kind of smile before, and it was easy peasy for me to do it again. If I perfectly acted as a perfect daughter, I could be a perfect wife just fine.

I found him. Even if he was wearing a burlap sack, I could recognize his back anywhere in this crowd.

I must say the venue was breathtaking and showstopping in black and white flooring, an off-white soaring ceiling that created an enormous canvas with low-lit chandeliers. Tables were minimalist to dining sets and elegant and tall crystal candelabras. Paintings were already on display on all walls as part of the auctions for tonight.

Before I could snatch a glass of champagne, I was met in the middle by Cas in a black tux. “Aren’t you looking dashing tonight?” I faked my British accent.

His smile widened. “You look stunning, my dear.”

I hooked my hand to the arm he offered. “This is fancy.”

“You know my brother has ref in throwing fundraisings. So what’s been up with you two?”

I slightly stiffened to his not-so intrusive question. “What do you mean?”

“Once upon a time, there was a big bad wolf was overprotective of his mate in heat, a rabid red-eye wolf came in, threatening the mate, he went feral—”

“Okay, okay. I get it. And I try my best not to be offended of the words mate in heat.”

“Good. And it’s a metaphor.” He looked down at me with a smile.

Cas was as tall as his brother—they were gigantic. He was athletic while Cenric was muscly.

“He doesn’t want me to work.” I studied him. “And how do you know?”

“I know my brother better than himself. I know when something’s bothering him. After what happened to you before the wedding and Jasper came assaulting you, I wouldn’t be surprised if he tightened the security around you.”

“I told him I’m fine.”

“He’d been trying to busy himself lately.” He sighed deeply. “Look, I love him, and it’s just the two of us before you came into his life. When he’s this damn focused, something is wrong, and it’s definitely not good for us, for the company, and the people around him. Let’s say everyone is affected. It happened one time, and he just slipped away from us and vanished without a trace. We were so worried. One day, after three months, he just came back out of nowhere a totally different person. When you both came from the honeymoon, I slightly saw the old Cenric, and I was happy. Then, boom, back to the big bad wolf again. I thought something triggered him.”

“I don’t know about that.” I felt guilty and terrified at the same time. And did it feel like he was blaming me for his brother’s changes of behavior? Of course, he was loyal to his brother. But did he know that his brother punished me for days?

Before we reached a group of guys, his brother just turned around as if he just sensed me, and it was annoying how he figured out I was around. It felt like he had sensors or something.

I almost tripped, and the fact that I was wearing high heels didn’t help me with my weak knees. His dark eyes penetrated me like I was some hologram standing in front of him.

He smiled, but something was off about it—forced, surprised? Was there also the excitement that I saw?

“Babe?”Kill me now. The birthday boy could be ridiculously charming as he could be. And right now, he was. At least, he acknowledged my presence, even if it was just a front.

“Be kind. Just for tonight,” Cas whispered in my ear before he gave me to his brother.

“See you later,” I said enthusiastically. Now, it’s time to face the monster.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Sorry for being fashionably late.” I looked at him, smiling as if he wasn’t about to snap my neck. “I had to adjust something to cover some goods because the slit is so high.”Gosh. I should stop talking. This was harder than I thought.

With my family, I just made appearances. I didn’t have to be distracted by this kind of utterly fascinating hotness of a male specimen in front of me.

“You look—” He licked his lips and sighed as if he was finding the right word…to lie? “Breathtaking.”

“Happy birthday, babe.” I planted a kiss at the side of his lips. I thought he shivered, his fingers deliciously and painfully digging against the flesh of my back.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“Mrs. Wollf,” someone just called me, interrupting our little act.

“Hi. Call me Sadie. Mrs. Wollf was his late mother.” I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Shan. I read one of your books, The Future of Cryptocurrency. I must say it was refreshing. The idea of taking over banknotes in the future is a huge possibility.”

“A woman who has an interest in investing in the future impresses me or scares me. ButI see leadership in you, Sadie.” Well, I just read your book because that was what was on the coffee table, and I studied everyone in the guest lists two hours before I got here.

“Thank you.”

Then he introduced me to the man behind the mission in space. “I’m so honored to meet you.” I was a fan. That was the truth. He was like my hero.

“Pleasure to meet you, Sadie.”

“One quick question, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure.”

“Is there a life-form over there?” I waited in excitement.

He smiled humorously.

“I take that as a yes.” I smiled back. My face hurt.

I waved at him before Cenric took me away. “I can’t believe I just met him.”

“Fangirling?” His hand was still on my waist.

“Don’t ruin my day,” I sang out.

“How did you know about Shan? I thought you don’t have an interest in my world?”

My brow cocked as I met his gaze. “Your world is my world now. I have to learn how to adapt. So suck it up, buttercup.”

“Did you take something before coming over?” He sounded amused. Humor glittered in his eyes.

“Like if I’m high? I saved your ass, ain’t I?”

“I was just joking.”

“I don’t know you are capable.”

“I get it you’re still mad at me.”

“I wonder why are we still talking? My role for tonight is to be a trophy wife.”

His jaw clenched. At the corner of my eye, I spotted Cas.

“Happy birthday, Cenric.” A sophisticated woman in her late fifties. I knew she was the agency director that helped women against violence.

“Thank you, Lydia. This is my wife, Sadie.”

“I admire your work, Lydia. You make such a huge impact and awareness. Even before we married, I knew I would support this kind of advocate one day. And one thing I love about Cenric, he cares about the value of women. Knowing that we can do something to help make a difference, my husband and I have the support you need.”

“Thank you. Cenric values the women in his life, and it now makes sense to me why he supports our advocacy. It’s great to meet you, Sadie.”

“My pleasure.”

When the auction started, we settled into the table in the front. Cas and important figures in finance joined us at the table.

“Can I bid?” I asked drily.

His brow cocked up. His hand was on my thigh. “Wanna make it 26?”

I looked at him in disinterest.

Just a slight curve appeared on his lips before he said, “Of course. The proceedings will go to the charity.”

“But you know I don’t have money.”

“Your card is still active.”

I leaned closer to him.

His gaze dropped to my cleavage. “My prize is too exposed.”

“Not my problem. I believe you chose this gown. Anyway, how much is there?”

“Bid whatever you want. Where’s your necklace?”

My skin blanched. “I lost it.”

“Don’t lie to me.” He squeezed my thigh, and I almost jerked. The heat of his palm spread all over my skin, radiating to my core.

My pulse started beating. My lips had just gone dry as Cenric traced his fingers between the slits of my gown.

“What are you doing?” I said through gritted teeth.

“Touching what’s mine.” He pinned his gaze at me. He looked amused to see the reaction he’d caused.

“I mean here.”

“I’ll book a room up.”

“No way I’m sleeping with you.”

“Not today.” He smirked. Wow! Just like that. He was back. Cenric Thaddeus Gillean Wollf is back.”Now tell me where’s your necklace, and I stop before I get where my fingers intend to go.”

I rolled my eyes. Maybe I want to keep your fingers there.”I borrowed money from Zhuri. I told her to keep the necklace until I pay her.”

“Why? You have the card. Why didn’t you use it?”

“I wanna buy you a gift, duh. And if I get the money from you, it’s not a gift anymore.”

“It’s the thought that counts, Sadie.”

“Well, of course. What does a man like you want when you already have everything?”

“Not everything can be bought by money, babe. For instance, I still don’t have you.”