Alexander was the ultimate old-money gentleman—so fiercely principled and untouchably elegant that he felt entirely out of reach. But Audrey? Rules were just suggestions to her. She didn’t just want to test his boundaries; she wanted to completely unravel the man. Armed with a little too much liquid courage, she made it her life’s mission to push his buttons. First, she cornered him in a hallway, brazenly tugging at his bathrobe to demand a peek. Next, she pressed a playful finger to his chest and mocked his stamina, calling him a boring old man with absolutely zero game. Audrey thought she was safe behind his legendary wall of self-restraint. She was dead wrong. By the time she pushes him a step too far, Alexander’s halo shatters. And as he finally decides to teach his bratty little tormentor a thoroughly exhausting lesson, Audrey realizes too late that behind the flawless facade lies a dangerously possessive man who knows exactly how to take his time.

Chapter 1It is October 2013. Country K.Rain patters against the glass, the rhythmic sound slipping past the crocheted curtains into the quiet room, blending with the steady tick-tock of a mechanical clock. In the dim light, a lump beneath the soft duvet resembles a bundled cocoon. A slender hand emerges, blindly feeling around the nightstand. The moment her fingers brush against her phone, she snatches it and yanks her arm back under the covers.Seconds later, the duvet goes flying. Audrey kneels on the mattress, her messy hair plastered across her face. She clutches the phone to her chest, her dramatic sigh bordering on tears of joy. If she doesn't beat this jet lag soon, she's going to lose her mind.Earlier this year, Audrey applied for and was accepted into a dual-degree exchange program offered by her university. Now, she is spending her fall semester studying abroad at JQ University in Country K. Her original plan was to arrive two weeks early to adjust to the time zone, but a sudden emergency delayed her until the day before orientation. JQ University is notorious for its crushing workload. Audrey braced herself for it, but she didn't expect the pressure to start on day one. Combined with brutal jet lag and a touch of homesickness, she has been a walking zombie, completely disoriented and unable to sleep. Finally, as her first weekend arrives, she manages a solid eight hours of sleep.Flicking on the bedside lamp, she runs her delicate fingers through her hair, pushing it back to reveal a radiant, luminous complexion. She has striking features—naturally arched brows, full rosy lips, and expressive, captivating eyes. Her features are stunningly delicate, yet the soft curves of her face balance out any coldness, making her look like a vibrant, pampered rose.Audrey flops back onto the plush mattress, holding her phone high to start a video call. It connects almost instantly. Blinking her beautiful eyes, she flashes a bright smile. "Mary, I want to see my sweet Dusty!"On the screen, Mary, the housekeeper, smiles warmly, but her expression instantly stiffens at Audrey's request. Masking her unease, Mary stammers, "Well... Dusty is sleeping right now."Audrey shifts, sitting back up in bed. "I still want to see him, even if he's sleeping."Mary's eyes dart away. She mumbles something about making dinner and being too busy to step away. Sensing that something is off, Audrey drops her playful tone. "Mary," she asks sharply, "what happened to Dusty?"Mary awkwardly denies it. "Nothing."Audrey frowns, pressing harder. "Is there some kind of accident?""No..." Cornered, Mary finally spills the truth about Dusty's predicament.Dusty is a pathetic little rescue cat. When Audrey found him, he was curled up in a corner, covered in burns and infested with worms. She spent nearly a month nursing him back to health at the vet clinic, barely saving his life. That was the emergency that delayed her trip to Country K. Before leaving, Audrey thought she had arranged everything perfectly for Dusty. But the moment she left, her dear father shipped the cat away.Furious, Audrey immediately dials Mitch. When the call connects, she fakes a sweet, soft voice. "Dad."Since Audrey left for Country K, Mitch has been worried sick. He called her several times, but Audrey was always exhausted, claiming she was still adjusting and cutting the conversations short. Now that she is calling him willingly, Mitch eagerly uses her nickname. "Audrey, honey, why the sudden call? Do you need something? I'll get it sorted right away.""I don't need anything." Audrey cuts straight to the chase. "Dad, where's Dusty?""D-Dusty? He's at home," Mitch lies awkwardly, trying to deflect. "I'm in Northport having dinner with an old friend right now. I'm not home.""Dusty...""I had a few too many drinks, and my stomach is burning," Mitch interrupts. He puts her on speakerphone, setting it by a sink. The sound of running water echoes in the background as he tries to change the subject. "My precious daughter doesn't even care about me. She only cares about a cat."Refusing to play along with the happy family act, Audrey snaps, "You threw Dusty out, and you still think you can lie to me!"The running water abruptly stops.Mitch grabs a paper towel, slowly drying his hands, giving up the charade. "I didn't throw him out. I just sent him to a pet boarding facility."Audrey is incredulous. "Why would you do that?""You're not home, so what difference does it make where he is?" Mitch says dismissively. "You can just bring him back when you come home for the holidays."Audrey refuses to accept this. "Dad, Dusty went through so much trauma. He doesn't feel safe to begin with. How could you just toss him around like that? He'll be terrified in a place like that. Call someone right now and have him brought back home!""You're overthinking this. He's just a cat," Mitch scoffs.Audrey's voice rises. "He's not just a cat. He's family! I chose Dusty, and he chose me. That makes him family! You know how stubborn I am. Once I claim him, he's mine to take care of for the rest of his life, whether you accept him or not! I will never abandon him. Over my dead body!""Don't talk like that!" Mitch sighs, realizing it's easier to give in over a pet. "Fine, fine! I'll have him brought back."Her anger deflating, Audrey asks softly, "Do it quickly, okay? I read the news, and some of those boarding places..."Before she can finish, Mitch's voice drops to a low whisper. "I have business to attend to. We'll talk later."The call disconnects before she can reply, but just as it ends, Audrey hears a deep, masculine voice say Mitch's name.Later, she will realize this was the very first time she heard Alexander's voice.Not wanting to interrupt her father's work, Audrey shoots him two messages.Audrey: [Dad, make sure you get Dusty home quickly. Waiting for your update.]Audrey: [*Heart*]Tossing her phone aside, she walks to the window and pulls back the curtains. Raindrops blur the glass, obscuring the view. This city is notorious for its endless rain. She cracks the window open, letting in a gust of damp, cold air. Today, it is a fine, misty drizzle. In the distance, a historic river winds through the ancient city. Few pedestrians bother with umbrellas as they hurry along the cobblestone streets. It is a picturesque scene.Audrey has never visited this country during this season, nor does she have the luxury to enjoy the scenery now. She has a mountain of assignments and a seminar to prep for next week. Ordering a quick breakfast, she eats mindlessly and dives into her coursework.As she types away, her phone buzzes. She glances at it and casually picks it up. It is a friend request on her social network.The message reads: [Hello, I am Alexander Minton.]Alexander Minton? Audrey rolls the name around in her head. She doesn't know anyone by that name. Ignoring the request, she sets the phone down and goes back to her research.A little while later, her phone rings loudly in the quiet room. Annoyed at the interruption, her mood instantly brightens when she sees her dad's name on the screen. "Dad! Are you done with dinner? Did you bring Dusty back?""I'm working on it," Mitch replies hastily, pivoting the conversation. "Audrey, did you accept Alexander's friend request? Listen to me, you need to be polite and chat with him. Don't say anything...""Alexander?" Audrey frowns, suddenly remembering the ignored request. "No, I didn't.""Then accept it right now and talk to him."Realization hits Audrey like a freight train. This is a blind date setup. Resting her chin in her hand, she groans. "Dad, did you sell your precious daughter out over dinner with an old friend? Does Mom know you're auctioning me off?""What are you talking about?" Mitch counters. "I'm more worried you'll say something stupid and he won't be interested!"Audrey pauses, thoroughly offended. Not interested in her? Is he joking? She is a gorgeous, long-legged stunner from a wealthy family with top-tier grades. Who wouldn't be interested in her? Does this guy think he's God's gift to women? Well, she isn't interested in him either!Audrey flat-out refuses. "No! Stop trying to set me up!"Mitch lowers his voice, trying to reason with her. "Alexander isn't just anybody. He's the new CEO of Belvedere Group, and he's strikingly handsome. I'm not crazy, Audrey. I've looked into him. He's incredibly capable, not just some rich playboy, and he doesn't have any bad habits..."Audrey has zero interest in his resume. "I don't care! I'm not doing blind dates, and I'm definitely not doing an arranged marriage!""Arranged marriage? We aren't quite at the level to arrange a marriage with his family. He specifically asked for your contact info. He's interested in..." Mitch pauses, keeping it vague. "Do you understand me, little troublemaker?"Audrey rolls her eyes dramatically. "No! And I'm not adding his contact!"Mitch stays quiet for a beat before switching to a persuasive, reasoning tone. "Would I ever steer you wrong? Trust my judgment. I am extremely impressed by this man. Just try talking to him. Get to know each other.""I'm too young for this!" Audrey groans in frustration. "Even if I wanted to date, ask me again in a few years.""I know you're young, but men like this are a rare catch," Mitch pushes. "You two actually have a lot in common. He studied at JQ University back in 2002. You're alumni..."A suffocating wave of despair crashes over Audrey. Her temples throb, and the world goes completely silent except for the horrifying echo in her mind.2002?Like, the year 2002?As in, over a decade ago?Audrey shudders, snapping back to reality. How old is this guy?!Worse, Mitch is still talking, finally dropping his ultimate weapon. "Add him right now, and I'll send someone to pick up Dusty."Speechless, Audrey realizes he has checkmated her. "Dad, that is literal blackmail!""Your call," Mitch says firmly.Calculating her options rapidly, Audrey sighs. "Fine. I'll add him."Shortly after hanging up, she receives a message from Mitch.Dad: [Dusty is safely back home.]Audrey types back sweetly: [Dad, it's late over there. Don't drink too much, and get some sleep.]She tacks on a sticker: [Love_You.gif]Mitch doesn't let her deflect: [Did you add him?]Audrey pouts, ignoring the text. She tosses her phone aside and goes back to her homework.Around ten o'clock that night, just as Audrey crawls into bed, her phone buzzes. She checks the screen. It is another friend request from the older man.The message is identical: [Hello, I am Alexander Minton.]This guy is relentless. Besides, what time is it back in the home country? Barely six in the morning? Audrey shakes her head. Well, at his age, he probably wakes up at the crack of dawn anyway.Instead of accepting, she types a quick rejection message: [Take a hint, will you?]Satisfied, she sets her phone down and falls asleep to the steady ticking of the clock.A few mornings later, Audrey blearily checks her phone. The moment her eyes focus on the screen, her brain jolts awake.She sits bolt upright, staring at the photo Mitch just sent. It is a picture of Dusty looking slightly plumper, wearing a tiny yellow pet backpack, shivering next to a potted plant in the garden. He looks terrified.Mitch: [Getting ready to be a stray again, haha!]This is payback for not adding Alexander. A threat. A blatant, childish threat.Chapter 2It is October 2013. Country K.Rain patters against the glass, the rhythmic sound slipping past the crocheted curtains into the quiet room, blending with the steady tick-tock of a mechanical clock. In the dim light, a lump beneath the soft duvet resembles a bundled cocoon. A slender hand emerges, blindly feeling around the nightstand. The moment her fingers brush against her phone, she snatches it and yanks her arm back under the covers.Seconds later, the duvet goes flying. Audrey kneels on the mattress, her messy hair plastered across her face. She clutches the phone to her chest, her dramatic sigh bordering on tears of joy. If she doesn't beat this jet lag soon, she's going to lose her mind.Earlier this year, Audrey applied for and was accepted into a dual-degree exchange program offered by her university. Now, she is spending her fall semester studying abroad at JQ University in Country K. Her original plan was to arrive two weeks early to adjust to the time zone, but a sudden emergency delayed her until the day before orientation. JQ University is notorious for its crushing workload. Audrey braced herself for it, but she didn't expect the pressure to start on day one. Combined with brutal jet lag and a touch of homesickness, she has been a walking zombie, completely disoriented and unable to sleep. Finally, as her first weekend arrives, she manages a solid eight hours of sleep.Flicking on the bedside lamp, she runs her delicate fingers through her hair, pushing it back to reveal a radiant, luminous complexion. She has striking features—naturally arched brows, full rosy lips, and expressive, captivating eyes. Her features are stunningly delicate, yet the soft curves of her face balance out any coldness, making her look like a vibrant, pampered rose.Audrey flops back onto the plush mattress, holding her phone high to start a video call. It connects almost instantly. Blinking her beautiful eyes, she flashes a bright smile. "Mary, I want to see my sweet Dusty!"On the screen, Mary, the housekeeper, smiles warmly, but her expression instantly stiffens at Audrey's request. Masking her unease, Mary stammers, "Well... Dusty is sleeping right now."Audrey shifts, sitting back up in bed. "I still want to see him, even if he's sleeping."Mary's eyes dart away. She mumbles something about making dinner and being too busy to step away. Sensing that something is off, Audrey drops her playful tone. "Mary," she asks sharply, "what happened to Dusty?"Mary awkwardly denies it. "Nothing."Audrey frowns, pressing harder. "Is there some kind of accident?""No..." Cornered, Mary finally spills the truth about Dusty's predicament.Dusty is a pathetic little rescue cat. When Audrey found him, he was curled up in a corner, covered in burns and infested with worms. She spent nearly a month nursing him back to health at the vet clinic, barely saving his life. That was the emergency that delayed her trip to Country K. Before leaving, Audrey thought she had arranged everything perfectly for Dusty. But the moment she left, her dear father shipped the cat away.Furious, Audrey immediately dials Mitch. When the call connects, she fakes a sweet, soft voice. "Dad."Since Audrey left for Country K, Mitch has been worried sick. He called her several times, but Audrey was always exhausted, claiming she was still adjusting and cutting the conversations short. Now that she is calling him willingly, Mitch eagerly uses her nickname. "Audrey, honey, why the sudden call? Do you need something? I'll get it sorted right away.""I don't need anything." Audrey cuts straight to the chase. "Dad, where's Dusty?""D-Dusty? He's at home," Mitch lies awkwardly, trying to deflect. "I'm in Northport having dinner with an old friend right now. I'm not home.""Dusty...""I had a few too many drinks, and my stomach is burning," Mitch interrupts. He puts her on speakerphone, setting it by a sink. The sound of running water echoes in the background as he tries to change the subject. "My precious daughter doesn't even care about me. She only cares about a cat."Refusing to play along with the happy family act, Audrey snaps, "You threw Dusty out, and you still think you can lie to me!"The running water abruptly stops.Mitch grabs a paper towel, slowly drying his hands, giving up the charade. "I didn't throw him out. I just sent him to a pet boarding facility."Audrey is incredulous. "Why would you do that?""You're not home, so what difference does it make where he is?" Mitch says dismissively. "You can just bring him back when you come home for the holidays."Audrey refuses to accept this. "Dad, Dusty went through so much trauma. He doesn't feel safe to begin with. How could you just toss him around like that? He'll be terrified in a place like that. Call someone right now and have him brought back home!""You're overthinking this. He's just a cat," Mitch scoffs.Audrey's voice rises. "He's not just a cat. He's family! I chose Dusty, and he chose me. That makes him family! You know how stubborn I am. Once I claim him, he's mine to take care of for the rest of his life, whether you accept him or not! I will never abandon him. Over my dead body!""Don't talk like that!" Mitch sighs, realizing it's easier to give in over a pet. "Fine, fine! I'll have him brought back."Her anger deflating, Audrey asks softly, "Do it quickly, okay? I read the news, and some of those boarding places..."Before she can finish, Mitch's voice drops to a low whisper. "I have business to attend to. We'll talk later."The call disconnects before she can reply, but just as it ends, Audrey hears a deep, masculine voice say Mitch's name.Later, she will realize this was the very first time she heard Alexander's voice.Not wanting to interrupt her father's work, Audrey shoots him two messages.Audrey: [Dad, make sure you get Dusty home quickly. Waiting for your update.]Audrey: [*Heart*]Tossing her phone aside, she walks to the window and pulls back the curtains. Raindrops blur the glass, obscuring the view. This city is notorious for its endless rain. She cracks the window open, letting in a gust of damp, cold air. Today, it is a fine, misty drizzle. In the distance, a historic river winds through the ancient city. Few pedestrians bother with umbrellas as they hurry along the cobblestone streets. It is a picturesque scene.Audrey has never visited this country during this season, nor does she have the luxury to enjoy the scenery now. She has a mountain of assignments and a seminar to prep for next week. Ordering a quick breakfast, she eats mindlessly and dives into her coursework.As she types away, her phone buzzes. She glances at it and casually picks it up. It is a friend request on her social network.The message reads: [Hello, I am Alexander Minton.]Alexander Minton? Audrey rolls the name around in her head. She doesn't know anyone by that name. Ignoring the request, she sets the phone down and goes back to her research.A little while later, her phone rings loudly in the quiet room. Annoyed at the interruption, her mood instantly brightens when she sees her dad's name on the screen. "Dad! Are you done with dinner? Did you bring Dusty back?""I'm working on it," Mitch replies hastily, pivoting the conversation. "Audrey, did you accept Alexander's friend request? Listen to me, you need to be polite and chat with him. Don't say anything...""Alexander?" Audrey frowns, suddenly remembering the ignored request. "No, I didn't.""Then accept it right now and talk to him."Realization hits Audrey like a freight train. This is a blind date setup. Resting her chin in her hand, she groans. "Dad, did you sell your precious daughter out over dinner with an old friend? Does Mom know you're auctioning me off?""What are you talking about?" Mitch counters. "I'm more worried you'll say something stupid and he won't be interested!"Audrey pauses, thoroughly offended. Not interested in her? Is he joking? She is a gorgeous, long-legged stunner from a wealthy family with top-tier grades. Who wouldn't be interested in her? Does this guy think he's God's gift to women? Well, she isn't interested in him either!Audrey flat-out refuses. "No! Stop trying to set me up!"Mitch lowers his voice, trying to reason with her. "Alexander isn't just anybody. He's the new CEO of Belvedere Group, and he's strikingly handsome. I'm not crazy, Audrey. I've looked into him. He's incredibly capable, not just some rich playboy, and he doesn't have any bad habits..."Audrey has zero interest in his resume. "I don't care! I'm not doing blind dates, and I'm definitely not doing an arranged marriage!""Arranged marriage? We aren't quite at the level to arrange a marriage with his family. He specifically asked for your contact info. He's interested in..." Mitch pauses, keeping it vague. "Do you understand me, little troublemaker?"Audrey rolls her eyes dramatically. "No! And I'm not adding his contact!"Mitch stays quiet for a beat before switching to a persuasive, reasoning tone. "Would I ever steer you wrong? Trust my judgment. I am extremely impressed by this man. Just try talking to him. Get to know each other.""I'm too young for this!" Audrey groans in frustration. "Even if I wanted to date, ask me again in a few years.""I know you're young, but men like this are a rare catch," Mitch pushes. "You two actually have a lot in common. He studied at JQ University back in 2002. You're alumni..."A suffocating wave of despair crashes over Audrey. Her temples throb, and the world goes completely silent except for the horrifying echo in her mind.2002?Like, the year 2002?As in, over a decade ago?Audrey shudders, snapping back to reality. How old is this guy?!Worse, Mitch is still talking, finally dropping his ultimate weapon. "Add him right now, and I'll send someone to pick up Dusty."Speechless, Audrey realizes he has checkmated her. "Dad, that is literal blackmail!""Your call," Mitch says firmly.Calculating her options rapidly, Audrey sighs. "Fine. I'll add him."Shortly after hanging up, she receives a message from Mitch.Dad: [Dusty is safely back home.]Audrey types back sweetly: [Dad, it's late over there. Don't drink too much, and get some sleep.]She tacks on a sticker: [Love_You.gif]Mitch doesn't let her deflect: [Did you add him?]Audrey pouts, ignoring the text. She tosses her phone aside and goes back to her homework.Around ten o'clock that night, just as Audrey crawls into bed, her phone buzzes. She checks the screen. It is another friend request from the older man.The message is identical: [Hello, I am Alexander Minton.]This guy is relentless. Besides, what time is it back in the home country? Barely six in the morning? Audrey shakes her head. Well, at his age, he probably wakes up at the crack of dawn anyway.Instead of accepting, she types a quick rejection message: [Take a hint, will you?]Satisfied, she sets her phone down and falls asleep to the steady ticking of the clock.A few mornings later, Audrey blearily checks her phone. The moment her eyes focus on the screen, her brain jolts awake.She sits bolt upright, staring at the photo Mitch just sent. It is a picture of Dusty looking slightly plumper, wearing a tiny yellow pet backpack, shivering next to a potted plant in the garden. He looks terrified.Mitch: [Getting ready to be a stray again, haha!]This is payback for not adding Alexander. A threat. A blatant, childish threat.Chapter 3It is October 2013. Country K.Rain patters against the glass, the rhythmic sound slipping past the crocheted curtains into the quiet room, blending with the steady tick-tock of a mechanical clock. In the dim light, a lump beneath the soft duvet resembles a bundled cocoon. A slender hand emerges, blindly feeling around the nightstand. The moment her fingers brush against her phone, she snatches it and yanks her arm back under the covers.Seconds later, the duvet goes flying. Audrey kneels on the mattress, her messy hair plastered across her face. She clutches the phone to her chest, her dramatic sigh bordering on tears of joy. If she doesn't beat this jet lag soon, she's going to lose her mind.Earlier this year, Audrey applied for and was accepted into a dual-degree exchange program offered by her university. Now, she is spending her fall semester studying abroad at JQ University in Country K. Her original plan was to arrive two weeks early to adjust to the time zone, but a sudden emergency delayed her until the day before orientation. JQ University is notorious for its crushing workload. Audrey braced herself for it, but she didn't expect the pressure to start on day one. Combined with brutal jet lag and a touch of homesickness, she has been a walking zombie, completely disoriented and unable to sleep. Finally, as her first weekend arrives, she manages a solid eight hours of sleep.Flicking on the bedside lamp, she runs her delicate fingers through her hair, pushing it back to reveal a radiant, luminous complexion. She has striking features—naturally arched brows, full rosy lips, and expressive, captivating eyes. Her features are stunningly delicate, yet the soft curves of her face balance out any coldness, making her look like a vibrant, pampered rose.Audrey flops back onto the plush mattress, holding her phone high to start a video call. It connects almost instantly. Blinking her beautiful eyes, she flashes a bright smile. "Mary, I want to see my sweet Dusty!"On the screen, Mary, the housekeeper, smiles warmly, but her expression instantly stiffens at Audrey's request. Masking her unease, Mary stammers, "Well... Dusty is sleeping right now."Audrey shifts, sitting back up in bed. "I still want to see him, even if he's sleeping."Mary's eyes dart away. She mumbles something about making dinner and being too busy to step away. Sensing that something is off, Audrey drops her playful tone. "Mary," she asks sharply, "what happened to Dusty?"Mary awkwardly denies it. "Nothing."Audrey frowns, pressing harder. "Is there some kind of accident?""No..." Cornered, Mary finally spills the truth about Dusty's predicament.Dusty is a pathetic little rescue cat. When Audrey found him, he was curled up in a corner, covered in burns and infested with worms. She spent nearly a month nursing him back to health at the vet clinic, barely saving his life. That was the emergency that delayed her trip to Country K. Before leaving, Audrey thought she had arranged everything perfectly for Dusty. But the moment she left, her dear father shipped the cat away.Furious, Audrey immediately dials Mitch. When the call connects, she fakes a sweet, soft voice. "Dad."Since Audrey left for Country K, Mitch has been worried sick. He called her several times, but Audrey was always exhausted, claiming she was still adjusting and cutting the conversations short. Now that she is calling him willingly, Mitch eagerly uses her nickname. "Audrey, honey, why the sudden call? Do you need something? I'll get it sorted right away.""I don't need anything." Audrey cuts straight to the chase. "Dad, where's Dusty?""D-Dusty? He's at home," Mitch lies awkwardly, trying to deflect. "I'm in Northport having dinner with an old friend right now. I'm not home.""Dusty...""I had a few too many drinks, and my stomach is burning," Mitch interrupts. He puts her on speakerphone, setting it by a sink. The sound of running water echoes in the background as he tries to change the subject. "My precious daughter doesn't even care about me. She only cares about a cat."Refusing to play along with the happy family act, Audrey snaps, "You threw Dusty out, and you still think you can lie to me!"The running water abruptly stops.Mitch grabs a paper towel, slowly drying his hands, giving up the charade. "I didn't throw him out. I just sent him to a pet boarding facility."Audrey is incredulous. "Why would you do that?""You're not home, so what difference does it make where he is?" Mitch says dismissively. "You can just bring him back when you come home for the holidays."Audrey refuses to accept this. "Dad, Dusty went through so much trauma. He doesn't feel safe to begin with. How could you just toss him around like that? He'll be terrified in a place like that. Call someone right now and have him brought back home!""You're overthinking this. He's just a cat," Mitch scoffs.Audrey's voice rises. "He's not just a cat. He's family! I chose Dusty, and he chose me. That makes him family! You know how stubborn I am. Once I claim him, he's mine to take care of for the rest of his life, whether you accept him or not! I will never abandon him. Over my dead body!""Don't talk like that!" Mitch sighs, realizing it's easier to give in over a pet. "Fine, fine! I'll have him brought back."Her anger deflating, Audrey asks softly, "Do it quickly, okay? I read the news, and some of those boarding places..."Before she can finish, Mitch's voice drops to a low whisper. "I have business to attend to. We'll talk later."The call disconnects before she can reply, but just as it ends, Audrey hears a deep, masculine voice say Mitch's name.Later, she will realize this was the very first time she heard Alexander's voice.Not wanting to interrupt her father's work, Audrey shoots him two messages.Audrey: [Dad, make sure you get Dusty home quickly. Waiting for your update.]Audrey: [*Heart*]Tossing her phone aside, she walks to the window and pulls back the curtains. Raindrops blur the glass, obscuring the view. This city is notorious for its endless rain. She cracks the window open, letting in a gust of damp, cold air. Today, it is a fine, misty drizzle. In the distance, a historic river winds through the ancient city. Few pedestrians bother with umbrellas as they hurry along the cobblestone streets. It is a picturesque scene.Audrey has never visited this country during this season, nor does she have the luxury to enjoy the scenery now. She has a mountain of assignments and a seminar to prep for next week. Ordering a quick breakfast, she eats mindlessly and dives into her coursework.As she types away, her phone buzzes. She glances at it and casually picks it up. It is a friend request on her social network.The message reads: [Hello, I am Alexander Minton.]Alexander Minton? Audrey rolls the name around in her head. She doesn't know anyone by that name. Ignoring the request, she sets the phone down and goes back to her research.A little while later, her phone rings loudly in the quiet room. Annoyed at the interruption, her mood instantly brightens when she sees her dad's name on the screen. "Dad! Are you done with dinner? Did you bring Dusty back?""I'm working on it," Mitch replies hastily, pivoting the conversation. "Audrey, did you accept Alexander's friend request? Listen to me, you need to be polite and chat with him. Don't say anything...""Alexander?" Audrey frowns, suddenly remembering the ignored request. "No, I didn't.""Then accept it right now and talk to him."Realization hits Audrey like a freight train. This is a blind date setup. Resting her chin in her hand, she groans. "Dad, did you sell your precious daughter out over dinner with an old friend? Does Mom know you're auctioning me off?""What are you talking about?" Mitch counters. "I'm more worried you'll say something stupid and he won't be interested!"Audrey pauses, thoroughly offended. Not interested in her? Is he joking? She is a gorgeous, long-legged stunner from a wealthy family with top-tier grades. Who wouldn't be interested in her? Does this guy think he's God's gift to women? Well, she isn't interested in him either!Audrey flat-out refuses. "No! Stop trying to set me up!"Mitch lowers his voice, trying to reason with her. "Alexander isn't just anybody. He's the new CEO of Belvedere Group, and he's strikingly handsome. I'm not crazy, Audrey. I've looked into him. He's incredibly capable, not just some rich playboy, and he doesn't have any bad habits..."Audrey has zero interest in his resume. "I don't care! I'm not doing blind dates, and I'm definitely not doing an arranged marriage!""Arranged marriage? We aren't quite at the level to arrange a marriage with his family. He specifically asked for your contact info. He's interested in..." Mitch pauses, keeping it vague. "Do you understand me, little troublemaker?"Audrey rolls her eyes dramatically. "No! And I'm not adding his contact!"Mitch stays quiet for a beat before switching to a persuasive, reasoning tone. "Would I ever steer you wrong? Trust my judgment. I am extremely impressed by this man. Just try talking to him. Get to know each other.""I'm too young for this!" Audrey groans in frustration. "Even if I wanted to date, ask me again in a few years.""I know you're young, but men like this are a rare catch," Mitch pushes. "You two actually have a lot in common. He studied at JQ University back in 2002. You're alumni..."A suffocating wave of despair crashes over Audrey. Her temples throb, and the world goes completely silent except for the horrifying echo in her mind.2002?Like, the year 2002?As in, over a decade ago?Audrey shudders, snapping back to reality. How old is this guy?!Worse, Mitch is still talking, finally dropping his ultimate weapon. "Add him right now, and I'll send someone to pick up Dusty."Speechless, Audrey realizes he has checkmated her. "Dad, that is literal blackmail!""Your call," Mitch says firmly.Calculating her options rapidly, Audrey sighs. "Fine. I'll add him."Shortly after hanging up, she receives a message from Mitch.Dad: [Dusty is safely back home.]Audrey types back sweetly: [Dad, it's late over there. Don't drink too much, and get some sleep.]She tacks on a sticker: [Love_You.gif]Mitch doesn't let her deflect: [Did you add him?]Audrey pouts, ignoring the text. She tosses her phone aside and goes back to her homework.Around ten o'clock that night, just as Audrey crawls into bed, her phone buzzes. She checks the screen. It is another friend request from the older man.The message is identical: [Hello, I am Alexander Minton.]This guy is relentless. Besides, what time is it back in the home country? Barely six in the morning? Audrey shakes her head. Well, at his age, he probably wakes up at the crack of dawn anyway.Instead of accepting, she types a quick rejection message: [Take a hint, will you?]Satisfied, she sets her phone down and falls asleep to the steady ticking of the clock.A few mornings later, Audrey blearily checks her phone. The moment her eyes focus on the screen, her brain jolts awake.She sits bolt upright, staring at the photo Mitch just sent. It is a picture of Dusty looking slightly plumper, wearing a tiny yellow pet backpack, shivering next to a potted plant in the garden. He looks terrified.Mitch: [Getting ready to be a stray again, haha!]This is payback for not adding Alexander. A threat. A blatant, childish threat.