Flash Marriage Husband is an Alpha-Chapter 20: My condition is simple

Though I was the one asking Oswald to name his price, I couldn’t help the knot of dread tightening around my chest.

With his reputation as heinous, greedy, lustful and scheming, I dreaded to think what the price might be.

But then, I’d trade with the devil as long as I could put her in her place and make Bruce not care a damn about her.

He hadn’t said it out loud, but I had noticed how he still wanted her smile, how he wanted her close, how he wanted to hold her in his bosom.

When he said he was discussing the design, I knew he was protecting her; but telling her that would only feed her pride.

Though I was the heiress and first daughter of Norton household, pampered and held in my parents’ palms, yet the fact that she had always overshadowed me at every turn was a score I long wanted to settle.

And the opportunity couldn’t be any other time than now.

"Miss Phina Norton," he called coldly, "are you sure you want me to name my price?"

I met his gaze head on, not backing down...I really had to prove my point and, like every other business... sincerity really matters.

"Mr. Oswald, if I was uncertain, I wouldn’t ask." I smirked, forcing myself to look calm despite my heart thumping hard in my chest.

His gaze trailed over my body one more time; his lips curled up with that lustful stare that clawed deep in my veins.

"Well, my condition is quite a simple one." He paused, as if savoring my reaction..."A night with me and ...ten percent shares of the Norton family." he smirked.

My whole body froze; my lips parted to speak but the words dried on my tongue and I couldn’t form any words properly. I stared at him in shock.

After what felt like an eternity, I was able to calm my racing heart. I met his gaze head on, a soft smile crossing my features. "Isn’t this price too much?"

"I don’t think so. You wanted my wife to bear such an image, you don’t expect I wouldn’t be taking something for the damage it would have on my reputation."

""I would not spend a night with you," I said, voice small and brittle, "but the shares... I can give you five percent." I let out a helpless sigh.

He raised his hand to touch my cheek, but I stepped back a bit. "Don’t forget we can’t have any contact because I’m..."

"Engaged to Bruce, taken over from your sister." he finished for me, smirking.

My face flushed; my fist trembled. But then I couldn’t lash out on him. I still hoped to finish this deal peacefully; then I would put him in his place.

"So?" he raised his brow. "If you accept my terms, meet me tonight at 8pm with her. And by tomorrow morning...holla, everything is done..." he smirked and walked past me.

My gaze trailed after him as he walked towards Stella who was standing by the car carelessly, his attention fully engaged with her phone.

I watched them closely to see how much they could discuss. But seeing her smile, my fist clenched by my side and I made my way back towards them.

By the time I walked up to them, his hand was holding Stella’s, his gaze trained on her with emotions I couldn’t place flickering through them.

"Sister, thank you for scheduling the meeting." Stella smirked.

"I’m still your elder; I hope you won’t have any regrets before you sign the marriage registry...so better to meet as you requested."

I turned and met Oswald’s gaze; his lips curled up with a cynical smirk I couldn’t place. "Miss Norton, I hope we can meet...my baby seems shy but with you around...I’m assured." he said.

I stood staring at him, stumped. "Did he just say my baby...wait, shy?"

My gaze snapped to my sister who was holding his hand in what seemed like a handshake; doesn’t she feel nauseous?

I don’t understand, aren’t they developing too fast?

"Well, see you later." he smiled, turned around and left. My gaze trailed after him spewing daggers at him.

As though he could feel my gaze, he raised his hand and waved without a glance backward.

Stella chuckled. "This marriage might not be bad after all," she said.

"What?"

She simply shrugged.

"Well, father had already set it in motion, who am I to object?" she sighed. "They are all trying to protect you."

She slid her phone into her purse, patting my shoulders. "Let’s go in...there’s so much to do."

Seeing her head held higher, her steps confident, my fist tightened. I wasn’t ready to leave her unbroken.

And I’m pretty sure that with Oswald playing his role well, she would surely lose her place and her head lowered.

With no option left, I made a decision.

*****************************************

Stella’s POV

Phina’s face turned to a scowl when I stepped out of the kitchen.

Not ready to miss my target, I bothered not to look at her but rather walked towards the door.

With approximately two hours before Oswald arrives and with one hour drive distance with clear and unhindered traffic flow, there’s no need to idle around.

Seated in the car, I was grateful we had created a clear distance from ourselves. I took the time to familiarize myself with some of the projects of Dallas Group.

If he must work with me.... definitely I had to give him something he doesn’t have.

My thumb scrolled through the information that was sent over a few seconds after we left the mansion. I hoped to find out his pressing need or project that had been insurmountable.

Surprisingly, he was anxious to partner with Myth Technologies Inc. and had worked hard for the past eight months with no headway.

His purpose of visiting this hotel was to seek the assistance of their boss in connecting to the top echelon of Myth Technologies.

My lips curled up softly.

Swiftly, I typed out a text to Prince Lucas, the boss of Myth Technologies Inc. and the reply came immediately.

The only requirement was Dallas meeting the standard.

I requested a copy of the standard requirements. After a few minutes, his responses came immediately with a document attached.

I exhaled softly. My shoulders sagged with relief. With bargaining power in my hand, I was much more confident to meet this man.

Over the years, the Norton family had never really bothered about how I’d cope, or what I do.

Given a choice they would have thought, I was just as worthless as any piece of trash. But that changed the night their daughter took Bruce.

This time... I’d make them fear the very air they breathe.