CEO's Substitute Bride

A large smile appeared in Jason's face as he leaned back against his seat. It seemed that he had won this argument yet again. Afraid that Alyssa would go back on her word, he immediately said, “What time you are available? I'm free today."

"I don't have the time today. How about tomorrow?" While Jason was celebrating, Alyssa remained indifferent as she organized her things. She wasn't worried at all. After all, Jason was the one who needed her, not the other way around.

Back when she had been in the Moore family, she was far too obedient. Some had even compared her to a yapping dog, and her family always took advantage of that. Jason was no exception to that rule. That was why he wasn't used to listening to her demands.

Upon hearing her brief response, Jason frowned in impatience. "You don't have a job right now, right? What else are you busy you with?"

"Just because I don't have a job doesn't mean I sit in the villa and do nothing all day long." Alyssa rolled her eyes and paused for a bit before saying deliberately, "Let's leave it at that, shall we? I'll send you the address of the restaurant later. We'll meet then."

Alyssa hung up the phone after that, not even bothering to hear his reply. After a short paused, she quickly typed in the address to Jason's contact number. A playful smile appeared on her lips.

As soon as Jason received her text, he couldn't help but frown.

In his eyes, Alyssa was still the dense and ugly daughter that Aurora had given birth to. He expected her to send the address of a cheap restaurant down the block, not an expensive clubhouse like Golden Fountain. He wondered if he read his daughter wrong over the past few years?

Thinking of all the expenses awaiting for him was enough to make his heart ache.

Golden Fountain was the same place where “Justin” had taken her out to eat the last time. She remembered practically melting upon seeing the expensive prices, and that was precisely the reason why she had chosen the place.

As for the other reason, Golden Fountain was a high-class club. Even if her family wanted to resort to other means to threaten her, they wouldn't dare cause a scene. They care for their reputation far too much. Even Skylar wouldn't be stupid enough to stomp into that place.

Now, all she needed was a lawyer.

Right now, even if she was Young Madame Lawrence, it would be hard to find an experienced attorney at the last minute. She needed someone she could trust, someone that would help her rather than go against her.

…

Xavier continued calling Emmett every night to complain about how badly he was being pestered by the old directors. "You have to help me. You're the only one who could deal with them. I may not jump off the building, but you don't want me to suffer, right?"

That was the reason why Emmett had gone to the company. Plus, with all the recent events going on, it was something that he needed to do.

After two meetings, he finally handled all the cranky directors and arranged project plans for the rest of the week. He coldly said to Xavier as he was on his way out. "I better not hear you complaining tonight, you got that?"

Without another word, he went back to his house.

As soon as he arrived in his villa, a delectable scent drifted from the kitchen. He took a deep breath. His eyes glinted in interest as he turned his head, spotting a young woman walking around with an apron wrapped around her waist. The sight was enough to make him grin.

She's cooking?

Emmett passed his suit jacket to the bodyguard behind him and strode into the kitchen.

Emmett passed his suit jacket to the bodyguard behind him and strode into the kitchen.

There, he saw Alyssa with her back facing towards him. She was standing on her tiptoes with her fingers stretching towards the pump.

His villa didn't really have any maids or cooks, as such it was designed for his bodyguards to move around much easier. Everything was placed in high places, even the counter was placed a few inches higher to adapt to their tall figures. Seeing that she was struggling, he walked over and stretched his arm over her head, helping her press it.

Alyssa turned around. She didn't look like she had put on her makeup, showcasing the gentleness of her features. Her frizzy hair was also combed down to light curls. Holding the spatula in her hand, she looked quite sweet–like an actress in a cooking show.

"You're back!" She clapped her hands together, smiling. "Give me a second, I'm just doing the last finishing touches." After all, she needed something from him.

There were plenty of people who strived to please him, even just for a while. Emmett generally ignored all those people-pleasers, but when it came to her, he couldn't help but brighten up.

Although he didn't show it on his face, his voice was much lighter. "Sure."

He shoved his hands into his pockets and watched her from the side. His expression was calm and serene, but his eyes shone with so much intensity. And it was all trained to Alyssa's back, drinking it up as if she was the only source of water he had left.

The sizzling sound from the frying pan made up for their silence.

Once she was preparing to plate the food, she tilted her head, only to see that “Justin” still hadn't gone out.

"What are you standing here for?" Did he like the smell of oil and smoke?

Emmett turned around and walked out. "Nothing."

He actually found her quite pleasing without her makeup, like a nymph in her own natural element. He couldn't help but gaze at her a little while longer.

Other than the occasional crosstalk, the two finished their meals in silence. Alyssa took this opportunity to look at him with a smile. "You and Emmett, the both of you have private lawyers, right?"

"Yes." He wiped his hands with a wet towel. "Are you in a lawsuit?"

"No." She shook her head. "I need a corporate lawyer who handles business contracts. I was wondering if you could lend me a hand?"

Although there wasn't any expression on his face, she could tell that he looked dissatisfied with her request. Alyssa pursed her lips.

What was he dissatisfied with?

Emmett originally thought that she'd be asking him for an incredibly large request given that she had taken every initiative in pleasing him. In the end, she did something so extraordinary for something so mundane by borrowing his lawyer.

He was expecting much more.

"I'll help you, if you'd do something for me." He looked up at her.

Alyssa froze as his gaze went down her clothes. Had she done something wrong? She looked at herself. There was nothing wrong with her cloths. Or was he thinking of anything shameless?

As soon as the thought occurred to her, she straightened her back and regarded him with constant vigilance. She even stretched out her arms and crossed her hands over her chest.

'Let's see you try anything now,' she thought.

Emmett saw the change of her features and wanted to laugh out loud. He could only place his hand over his lips, coughing to hide his smile. This girl really was something else.

A second had passed, and his expression reverted to being indifferent again. "You have to cook from now on."

"From now on?" She blinked. "How long will I be cooking?"

"Depends on my mood."

She gritted her teeth before reluctantly agreeing, "Fine."

“Justin” didn't have any obligation to help her anyway. Plus, his request wasn't that extraordinary. Since she was staying here every day, it wouldn't be too much to ask for her to cook for him from time to time. Nodding her head, she leaned back against her seat, more relaxed.

"Go and slice me some fruits now," Emmett commanded, tilting his head towards the kitchen.

"Our agreement only stated cooking," Alyssa bit back. She wasn't a maid!