3

The caller took the initiative and started talking, "Chloe, it's dad."

"Uh huh," Chloe responded.

David Stark seemed to have gotten used to her attitude long ago. So he just cut to the chase, "Go to Sakura at 7:30 p.m., I will introduce a young man to you. He is a son of a friend of mine with a good-looking. And his family is one of the richest families in Detroit. If you are interested in this, maybe have a few more dates with him. You don't have to get married just yet if you don't want to."

Another one?

This is David's usual way to start a conversation with his daughter. Every time Chloe would refuse to go with all sorts of excuses. But when she realized she would be turning 25 after this year's birthday, she did not bother making up another excuse and simply said, "Okay, I'll go."

After work, Chloe had a bowl of noodles with wonton from a Chinese takeaway. After that, she went back to her apartment, took a quick shower and changed her outfit again. When her roommate Jennifer Clinton was curious about what the occasion was, she simply replied, "Another blind date." Then off she went.

She arrived at Sakura at 7:30 p.m. sharp.

Being late was never her nature.

A waitress in her neatly pressed kimono notified her co-workers of a new customer as she gently opened the door for Chloe.

"Hank, this is my eldest daughter Chloe."

"Chloe, this is Uncle Bolton."

As soon as she walked into the reserved dining room, her father could not wait to introduce her.

Right after David stopped talking, the young man who was sipping a cup of tea turned his head leisurely. He held his jade green cup lightly with his fingertips. Despite the room filled with cigar smoke, it could not hide his impeccable eyebrows and indifference he gave about the occasion.

After Sam's eyes met with Chloe's, Chloe's pupils slightly contracted, and she greeted calmly, "President Bolton."

"President?"

The two fathers, Hank and David, were stumped at first, then gradually showed a smile as they seem to understand what was going on. Chloe had worked in Dane for several years while Sam only joined the company recently as leadership on day one. Since Hank and David thought they had never met before, the two fathers thought Chloe and Sam would need some time getting to know each other. Who would have thought Sam had left Chloe quite an unforgettable impression long ago.

In that case, it would save a lot of time for what happens next.

Sam's eyes widened when he saw his blind date was actually the same woman he shared a bed with the other night.

Chloe, is it? She was not only an employee of his company, but also the woman Hank wished to be his daughter-in-law.

"Chloe, take a seat and tell them about yourself." Watching Chloe just standing in front of Sam, David reached out and tapped her shoulder, signalling her to sit on the zabuton.

Chloe snapped out of it and crossed her legs to sit down. Then Hank tried to start another conversation, "Miss Stark, do you still remember me?"

Chloe squeezed a smile and replied, "Uncle Bolton, you are the former director of Dane. I had seen you coming to the sales department for inspections a couple times when I first joined the company. You don't have to be so formal and just call me Chloe."

Hank nodded with appreciation, "Chloe, I heard from my younger brother you've been in the department for three years now. And you've delivered nothing but exceptional performance and results. On top of that, you never act like a spoiled princess unlike those brats from their rich families! I liked you the first time I heard of you. So I want to introduce you to Sam and welcome you to be the latest member of the Bolton family as my daughter-in-law."

Chloe was dazed, "I am sorry... What?"

Didn't Hank say that this was just a meet-and-greet and there was no rush in getting married?

Chloe thought of the chat David had with her on the phone. She squinted and squeezed another smile at Hank for she had no clue how to respond. In order to convince her to show up, Hank really went above and beyond!

Observing Chloe's facial expression and sensing her confusion, Hank was enlightened. "Has David not mentioned it to you yet? About the marriage between the Starks and Boltons in two weeks?"

Sam, who had been silent since Chloe made her appearance, interrupted heartlessly, 'Dad, you've never mentioned anything to me about a marriage either."

Hank chuckled, "Well, now you know!"

"I don't agree with this." Sam's gritted his teeth.

"Me neither." Chloe added right after.

"Sam and Chloe, this blind date is just a formality to introduce you two to each other. As for whether you agree to this marriage or not, it's been always our duty as parents. We never need your opinion!"

Hank first put down his cup of tea that had gone cold. Though glaring at Sam, Hank's command was for both of them.

Sam wanted to protest. But he hesitated when he saw the same unwillingness from Chloe's face.

There were two reasons.

First, this woman gave him her first time without knowing who he was. That made her completely his possession.

Second, just like him, this woman shared the same reluctance toward marriage. Rather than letting his father keep shipping him with all those women who are crazy about marriages, he might just settle with Chloe.

"Since father has already selected a suitable candidate for his daughter-in-law." Sam swept by Chloe's face filled with worries and concerns and he suddenly changed his tone, "Then I pick her."

He said it in such a casual tone as if he was picking what to eat for dinner.

In spite of the uneasiness Chloe felt, she pondered on the idea of being with Sam as a couple. Although that night in the hotel was completely consensual, whenever she reminded herself of how her first time was "stolen" by a stranger, she would feel like an unmovable rock lying on her chest.

And now, Sam, a fine-looking young man with a prosperous career and from an affluent family, was willing to take responsibility of taking care of her. Where could you find such a good catch?