Chapter 4: Disastrous Blind Date
"Jean, let's not waste time. We both know this isn't about romance. Your family wants stability, and mine values partnerships with people who understand their place in society. Marrying me would be mutually beneficial." Brandon said.
Jean took a sip of water, gathering her thoughts before answering. "And what exactly do you mean by 'understanding their place'?"
Brandon smirked as if amused by her question. "I mean knowing when to speak and when to listen. I mean standing beside me, supporting my ambitions without unnecessary distractions. My wife will be a reflection of me, Jean. She won't chase after trivial things like businesses or independence. She'll trust that I know what's best."
Jean gripped her glass tighter. "And what if I have ambitions of my own?"
He chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "I assumed Divine Beauty was more of a hobby. But don't worry, you won't have to concern yourself with all that stress once we're married."
Jean's pulse pounded in her ears. She wanted to throw her drink in his face, to get up and leave, to tell him that she built her company from the ground up, that it wasn't some hobby, it was hers. But she could already hear her mother's scolding in her head.
You can't keep ruining these dates, Jean. Do you know how embarrassing this is for our family?
So she swallowed her fury and forced a smile. "That's... quite the perspective."
Brandon nodded, clearly thinking she was agreeing with him. "Good. I like a woman who knows when to listen."
Across the room, Logan swirled the wine in his glass, his gaze flickering to Jean's table.
He hadn't meant to eavesdrop. He really hadn't. But the moment he noticed the stiffness in Jean's posture, the way she barely touched her food, the way her fingers twitched slightly in frustration, he knew something was wrong.