Bella Scott, feeling upset, tilted her head back and took another sip of her drink.
Just as she was wallowing in her misery, someone nearby started talking about Edward Anderson.
She loathed Edward and had no interest in listening. However, the louder the other person spoke about him, the harder it was for her to ignore.
"Edward Anderson doesn't want to marry Saylor Bennett, are you sure?"
"He said it himself. It seems like Edward would rather find any random woman to spend his life with, rather than let his family arrange his marriage for him. Right now, he's looking for a suitable woman, hoping to settle down quickly and escape the arranged marriage. My guess is that he's hoping to find someone he can control so he can play around outside while no one will dare to interfere. Isn't that the way with all men..."
At first, Bella had no intention of listening. Yet, as the conversation went on, she suddenly had a flash of inspiration and realized she could form a temporary husband-wife bond with Edward.
If she married Edward and he continued his wild ways, she would even lend him a helping hand. She would definitely become the best helpmate in the world.
Furthermore, it was Edward's elopement two years ago that led to her current predicament. Seeking him out for help was like reclaiming a debt she was owed!
In any case, there was no way she would ever sleep with that disgusting old man with the last name Wu.
But Edward was different. Since he looked down on her for being tomboyish, even if she tried to seduce him, he would never touch her.
Indeed, every cloud has a silver lining, and her chance at life had arrived!
Feeling resolved, Bella left the bar.
Upon seeing Bella's exit, the two gossipers exchanged knowing glances and smiled...
**
Bella planned to visit places Edward frequented and try her luck at bumping into him. If she could catch him, and they could strike an agreement, it would be a grand blessing.
He didn't want to get married two years ago, which led to his escape. Now, he wanted to get married but lacked a bride. She could be the solution to his pressing issue.
Bella visited The Philadelphia Club, the place she had almost burned down two years prior.
The attendant visibly startled upon recognizing Bella's face. He vividly recalled her menacing attitude from two years ago, which had nearly resulted in the Club being burnt to ashes.
"Mi-Miss Scott, Mr. Anderson is not here..." the attendant stuttered.
"Well, since you've said that, I can relax." Bella replied and proceeded to enter the club.
The panicked attendant wanted to stop her but dared not. Instead, he could only watch helplessly as Bella proceeded inside.
Bella reached the door of the private room called "Rose Parlor" and barged in without knocking.
The room was bustling with handsome young men and beautiful women, except for Edward Anderson, who sat alone in a corner, drinking silently.
Bella quickly walked over to Edward, grabbed his hand, and tried to lead him away.
"Be-Bella Scott..." Someone recognized her first and pointed at her face in astonishment.
Without saying a word, Bella pulled Edward out of the room.
Edward also remained silent as he followed Bella out of the club and into the hotel room where she was staying.
"Sit down, I'll be right back!" Bella said, then dashed into the study.
Edward sat for a while, grabbed a beverage, and took a few sips before Bella suddenly reemerged, flinging a contract at him and saying, "Edward Anderson, let's get married!"
Edward's brows twitched as he stared at Bella.