Chapter 25 – A Strategic Agreement

The Langford Estate's private lounge was nothing short of breathtaking. Grand chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the polished marble floors, while floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the sprawling gardens beyond. The air smelled of rich mahogany and aged whiskey—a scent that spoke of legacy and power.

Ethan Cross sat in an opulent leather chair, his posture casual but commanding. Across from him, Myra Langford exuded the same effortless confidence, her gaze sharp as she studied him.

This wasn't just a conversation—it was a negotiation, a silent battle of wits where neither wanted to concede too much ground.

The faint clink of porcelain broke the silence as Myra set down her cup of tea. She leaned back, one leg elegantly crossed over the other. "So, Ethan. What do you think?"

Ethan met her gaze, unruffled. "About what?"

"My father's last wish. This engagement."

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a moment to observe her, to read her. Myra was accustomed to controlling the conversation, but Ethan wasn't one to be led.

Finally, he spoke. "I think it's an arrangement made by a dead man. And dead men don't get to decide my future."

A slow smirk tugged at Myra's lips. "So, you're rejecting it?"

"Did I say that?" Ethan countered smoothly.

Her eyes flickered with intrigue. "Then what are you saying?"

Ethan exhaled through his nose, fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. "I don't make blind commitments. And I certainly don't agree to lifelong contracts without knowing what I'm signing up for." He leaned forward slightly. "So, we date."

For the first time, Myra looked genuinely caught off guard. "Date?"

"To see if this engagement is worth anything at all," Ethan clarified. "No expectations, no forced commitments. If it works, it works. If not, we walk away. Simple."

She regarded him for a long moment before a soft chuckle escaped her lips. "I have to admit, I didn't expect you to be so… practical."

"Is that a yes?"

She lifted her cup again, taking a thoughtful sip before answering. "Fine. We'll do it your way."

Ethan didn't smile, but there was a certain satisfaction in his eyes. He had won the first round.

A pause settled between them, no longer filled with tension but something lighter—perhaps mutual understanding.

Then, Myra spoke again. "Since we're dating now, does that mean you'll take me out on a proper date?"

Ethan smirked. "If you want one, sure. But don't expect flowers and chocolates."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Not my style."

The conversation gradually shifted to neutral topics—business, university, the state of the world's economy. Both of them were careful with their words, testing the waters, but there was an unspoken respect between them.

By the time they finished, an hour had passed. A butler entered quietly and bowed. "Miss Myra, Mr. Cross, your meeting is concluded. Shall I have your vehicles prepared?"

Myra stood first, adjusting her coat. "I have my own ride, but I appreciate the offer, Ethan."

Ethan followed her out of the private lounge, his stride calm, unhurried, as if this was just another business transaction.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

Outside, waiting in the grand driveway, was not his usual low-profile sedan but a sleek, jet-black Rolls-Royce Ghost. Its presence was undeniable—luxurious, intimidating, a silent statement of wealth.

James Windsor stood beside it, his expression unreadable, but Ethan could see it in his eyes. The first impression had been made.

Myra paused mid-step, one brow arching slightly as she took in the vehicle. "I thought you were keeping a low profile?"

Ethan exhaled through his nose. "James has his own way of handling things."

Myra's lips twitched in amusement. "Interesting."

She took a step toward her own Rolls-Royce Phantom, her driver already holding the door open. Before getting in, she turned back to Ethan.

"Since we're dating now, don't keep me waiting too long for that first date," she teased, her voice carrying an edge of challenge.

Ethan chuckled softly. "I'll keep that in mind."

With one last knowing smirk, she slid into her car, and within moments, the Phantom disappeared down the private road leading out of the estate.

Ethan watched it go, his mind already calculating his next move.

James, standing beside the Ghost, finally spoke. "She didn't expect the car."

Ethan let out a low hum. "She didn't expect a lot of things."

As James pulled the door open for him, Ethan slid into the leather interior, the faint scent of new luxury filling the space. As they drove off, he stared out the window, his expression unreadable.

James glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "So? What do you think of her?"

Ethan didn't respond immediately. He thought back to the sharp glint in Myra's eyes, the way she tested him, the way she accepted his terms without hesitation.

Finally, he murmured, "She's interesting."

For the first time in a long while, Ethan found himself looking forward to what came next.