The Billion-Dollar Marriage Contract Read Online Free Page B

for another rich man she could dig her claws into.
    “Ever the ladies man,” a deep voice drawled beside him.
    Nikos chuckled and hugged his friend as he sat down on the stool that the blonde has just vacated.
    “One brandy for my friend here, please,” Nikos told the bartender.
    When Antonio’s drink arrived, he raised it in front of Nikos. “So what are we drinking to?”
    “The end of Demakis International,” Nikos replied with a groan.
    Antonio raised an eyebrow and waited for his friend to continue speaking. When Nikos did not, Antonio sighed and then downed his brandy in one gulp.
    “So the old man Andrade has finally succeeded, has he?”
    “Apparently,” Nikos replied .
    “Hmm...I can sense that there is something more to this story,” Antonio prodded.
    “Costas Andrade told my grandfather that he is willing to offer a merger for Demakis and Andrade Shipping.”
    “No! Tell me I didn’t just hear you mention a merger!” Antonio exclaimed.
    “I just did.”
    “And what are the terms for this? Your grandfather’s soul?” Antonio chuckled.
    “Funny. I just said the same thing. No. No souls involved. Well, actually, there is one soul dragged into all of this - mine .”
    “How so?”
    “In exchange for the merger, I have to marry Cassia Andrade.”
    Nikos expected his friend to utter a string of curses, or to spit his drink or smash it onto the marble countertop after his announcement.
    What he did not expect was for Antonio to say “Ahh...” like it was a very trivial thing and something that made perfect sense.
    Nikos frowned and poured himself another measure of brandy.
    “I can sense that you expected a different reaction from me,” Antonio said.
    “Well, of course! I just told you that my grandfather wants me to marry the Andrade girl! I mean, have you seen her? Do you know her?”
    Antonio raised another eyebrow. “As a matter of fact, I do. I know she is not accepted into the social circle because of her social awkwardness and her appearance. Which reminds me, where has Costas been hiding his granddaughter all these years? It’s only now that I’ve heard of an Andrade heiress.”
    “Maybe she was raised in another country,” Nikos snorted
    “Maybe. What I can say is she is a sweet girl. She is like a breath of fresh air from all the women who wanted to have a look at your bank account before they would pay you any notice.”
    Nikos downed another drink when he realized that his friend was correct. There was truly something about Cassia Andrade that was different. She was not like the shallow girls who spent their life partying. There was meekness in her posture but there was intelligence in her gaze. Beneath all that, he could sense a strong spirit which was being overshadowed by her insecurities.
    “ Hell . I do not care,” Nikos spat and gulped another drink. The bar started to spin and his head started to throb but he did not want to stop now. Besides, getting drunk tonight was the plan.
    “What is truly so wrong about marrying her? She may not be as beautiful as the others but at least she’s different.”
    “I don’t want her. I want the ability to choose my bride for myself. If I had the choice, I won’t be choosing for another ten or fifteen years! Most certainly not someone like her! I love my life too much! And I would not give it up for a wife that I did not even pick! I can’t be forced to settle down right now!” Nikos exclaimed.
    “I understand. But if this is the only way to save your family business...one that your ancestors worked so hard for! Is that not a small sacrifice to pay for your grandfather who raised you when your parents left?”
    As usual, Antonio was right.
    Nikos did not speak for a long while and proceeded to run his fingers through his hair.
    “I do not know what to do,” he finally admitted.
    “Drink on it tonight and then think about it in the morning. I think that is best for everyone. Do not make hasty decisions, my friend,