Chapter 2

Jonathan Morales, Edward's assistant, looks alert. He already saw that his boss was crossing the corridor of the AlphaBeta building towards his office from a distance. Since returning from Los Angeles a few months ago, Edward decided to return to lead the construction and mining company owned by the Martin family in London. 

Although his status is not officially a CEO, he is still busy with various complicated work that must be completed. Luckily, Edward has had a handy assistant like Jonathan. The man, besides being ingenious, also has high loyalty. He has made countless sacrifices to help advance the company. 

"Finally, you came too," said Jonathan when Edward stood perfectly before his study. "Mr. Hans was almost waiting for you for 30 minutes inside," he continued. 

"Good grief!" Edward called out softly. "I forgot I had an appointment with him this morning." 

Edward then went straight in and walked over to Hans sitting on the sofa. The big man looked annoyed because he had waited too long. "No wonder Mr. Alexander doesn't want to make you a CEO," said Hans when he saw Edward is sitting on the sofa. "You have no respect for time, Ed," he grumbled. 

Instead of being offended or angry, Edward laughed. He knew Jacob Grey's bodyguard was upset because he had forgotten about the appointment between them. "I'm sorry, Hans. It was a pure accident. I was thinking so much that I forgot to have an appointment with you this morning." Edward spoke earnestly.

Hans shrugged. "Forget it. Now straight to the point. What did you call me here for? You know, I have a lot of work to do. Not to mention Joshua's task is not easy to complete." Edward knew very well what Hans was talking about.

So far, Hans is like Joshua's or Jacob's right-hand man. The two often relied on Hans' ability to solve various problems. Because of this skill, Edward was finally interested in asking for help from the big man. Who knows, the issue that occurred to him could soon be resolved after this. "I want you to investigate a woman named Chloe," Edward said.

Hans frowned. He was staring at Edward as if demanding more explanation. "Chloe? Is she your new prey?" asked Hans. The man said without the slightest burden.

"You talk like I'm a female predator, Hans." Edward felt disapproved.

"Everyone knows who you are, Eduardo Martin. So, which other Artist or model are you dating this time?" said Hans casually.

"I don't know. I don't think this woman is an artist or a model. I'm just curious." Edward shook his head several times and then continued his sentence. "I'm not only curious but want to know who this woman is." 

Hearing that, Hans was made even more confused. "Can't you tell me? How can I help you if you give half-assed information like this." 

"It's a long story, Hans." Edward sighed softly. 

As if reluctant to tell the story clearly to Hans. "For what? Along memory lane? I'm even ready to listen to it for you," replied Hans indifferently. 

Edward took a deep breath. He was Changing the sitting position from reclining to upright. His eyes were now fixed on Hans. "A few days ago, I met a woman in Liverpool. All I know is her name is Chloe. I don't know what kind of family she comes from. I don't know. Long story short, we both had a one-night stand. Unfortunately, it Turns out she was a virgin. It wasn't my fault. The woman was drunk. Even then, she was the one who looked aggressive and led the game. For a virgin, she was quite astute. I even felt like I was raped, Hans."

Standing not far from Edward, Jonathan looked surprised that he coughed at his boss's story. "Seriously, Ed!" cried Hans. "Where is there a term for a woman raping a man. Moreover, the man is you who is a playboy." Hans was made to shake his head.

"Jeez, I'm telling the truth, Hans. I've forced her to stop what she's doing. But that woman doesn't care."

Hans just chuckled and looked back at Edward with a questioning look. The man was more or less like Joshua, claiming to be a Playboy but never once taking a woman into bed.

Moreover, as a descendant of nobility, Edward must be more selective in choosing a date. But hearing the man's confession just now, Hans became curious, who exactly is this, Chloe? Until he manages to make it, the man submits and breaks his commitment. 

"So, what's the problem? Is that woman pregnant? Ask you to answer? Set you up? Or what?" said Hans without pause. Edward's sigh started the answer. 

"Never mind asking for an answer. I had offered money, he flatly refused. Even clearly said that she was not the least bit interested in me. Can you imagine how I feel, huh?" 

Instead of pity, Jonathan and Hans together laughed at Edward. The man must have lost his pride. Accustomed to the worship of women, it was not even looked at in the slightest this time. This dropped his dignity as a handsome and wealthy man. 

"I'm sorry, Ed. It would be best if you felt it was not worth it. Just imagine a woman who isn't interested in the most handsome man in this country. Doesn't that sound ironic?" made fun of Hans openly.

Edward took a deep breath. He was frustrated now. Moreover, instead of helping, Hans and Jonathan were busy laughing at him. 

"Oh, come on. I called you here to help me, Hans. Can you be professional now?" 

Hans stopped laughing. His face turned serious. "Okay... okay, I'm sorry. Now I ask, do you have a photo of her? I'll track that woman down today." 

When asked that, Edward then shook his head. Let alone the photo. He certainly doesn't know the woman's full name. Their meeting was brief yesterday. "So you don't have the picture? So how do I find it? I'm not a psychic to guess, Ed."

Edward chuckled softly. "Yesterday I stayed at Joshua's hotel in Liverpool. You can ask the hotel to show CCTV footage. There, the woman's face can be seen." 

"Gosh, you crazy bastard!" cursed Hans loudly. "You're telling me to go the extra mile." 

Edward responded to Hans' words. "Come on, Hans. I know you can be relied on. You can uncover the mafia network. She was especially looking for a woman's background like now. It's not worth your skills. Don't worry. I'll pay you right now. Tell me the amount." 

Everyone also knew who Hans was and what his specialty was. The man had previously been an elite member of the army unit for years. He has the expertise to easily track the ins and outs and even dismantle enemy secrets. Somehow at first, Hans could meet Joan Grey, Jacob's father, and eventually becomes the most loyal bodyguard in the Grey family. Hans leaned forward. "Okay, deal. I was hoping you could give me a maximum of 2x24 hours to find all the information. I will contact you as soon as possible."

A smirk appeared on Edward's face. He then straightened himself up and held out his hand for a handshake. "I'll take your word for it. Jonathan will be sending you a reasonable fee in a minute."

After Hans did, the man immediately sat down in his work chair. He looked at his watch and found that he had to go to the meeting room in a few minutes. At the same time, Jonathan was ready beside him with several piles of documents to be discussed at the meeting later.

"Mr. Edward..." Jonathan muttered under his breath. "Sorry if I'm being a bit presumptuous, Sir. Are you sure want to find that woman?"

Edward's gaze shifted to Jonathan. "I'm inquisitive, Jo. I can hardly believe that there is a woman who isn't attracted to me at all in this world. Unless she's not normal." 

Jonathan shook his head at his boss's excuse. But there's some truth to that too. Where in the world is there a woman who doesn't want to be the partner of Martin's offspring? A wealthy aristocratic family who is so respected throughout the United Kingdom. 

"I'm just afraid the woman has a purpose, or maybe she wants to set up, mister," Jonathan said carefully. 

Edward shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. That's why I asked Hans to investigate. We'll find out later." This time Jonathan just nodded, then motioned for Edward to get up and rush to the meeting room quickly.

***

Alexander Edgar Martin is enjoying green tea in the CEO's room. Today, he purposely visited Edward because he had something important to discuss. Accompanied by his bodyguard, he waited while reading the thick book he had brought. 

"What do you need Papa to visit me here suddenly?" Edward asked as he had just entered his room. 

Alexander lowered his reading glasses. He closed the book he was holding and looked at Edward, who was now sitting in front of him. "Shortly, I will be holding a general meeting of shareholders. There, I will also announce the transfer of the CEO position. And the next step is to announce to the public who the new CEO of Alexis is."

Edward then stared intently at his father's face without a word. The man still looks healthy and fit at half a century. In addition to maintaining a diet, Alexander does exercise regularly. But that wasn't what he was thinking. If you think about it, Alexander can still dream of Alexis in five or even ten years. Then, why should Edward rush to replace him? 

"I ask you to find a future wife, Ed, immediately. The requirement to become a CEO is a man who already has a partner. If you really can't find it yourself, don't blame Papa for setting you up."

Edward gasped in surprise at his father's threat. "Why so soon? I'm only 30 years old. Isn't it too young to get married at that age?"

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "Then at what age do you want to get married? 40 years? 50 years? Could it be that you are not selling well? Just pretending to be a playboy?"

Hearing the sneer from his father's mouth, Edward chuckled loudly. "Jeez, what kind of father is this insulting his son? You should be proud to have such a handsome son like me, esteemed Mr. Alexander." 

"Handsome but don't have couple, still useless. What do you want to be proud of?" Alexander sneered again. 

"Oh, God!" Edward shook his head in disbelief. "Dad insulted me." 

"I don't want to know, Ed. You must immediately bring your future wife to your mother's birthday party. I'll give you a month. If you don't bring me a future son-in-law within the stipulated timeframe, be prepared to accept all my decisions." 

Alexander is not kidding this time. He felt he could no longer delay the transfer of the CEO position. While Edward just stood still and looked at his father in disbelief. Although he often uses harsh words, Edward has tremendous respect for Alexander. He was the person he was most proud of. Always be a role model and role model in making all important decisions. Whatever the older man said, Edward was never offended in the slightest.

"I'll try my best. Just pray that when you get home, your handsome son meets a nice woman on the side of the road and wants to be his future wife," Edward replied casually.

Alexander shrugged his shoulders dramatically. "It's okay. Even though we're of royal descent, Papa isn't a picky guy. You want to take a woman on the street, whatever. You're an adult, Ed. You can tell what's good and what's not for you." 

Edward gulped. Alexander's answer just now felt so striking. He knows the requirement to become a CEO at Alexis must be married. Of course, his father was worried. How could he transfer the position to Edward if the man was still single? Playing too much makes him think the marriage bond is optional until he realizes he is not young anymore. 

And now, he's getting into trouble himself. Will Edward be able to find a prospective wife according to the criteria within a month? Should it be possible for a Playboy like him? Ah, suddenly, she felt vital for Jonathan, now. The man had the same fate as him. Must find a companion within a month. No, this is not a bug. But it was Edward's karma. Because in the past, he and Jacob had provoked Aunt Cassandra to pressure Nicholas to find a wife immediately. Now, he feels deja vu with what he did before.