Marry Me for Money Read Online Free PDF Page B

down from his father. He’d seemed excited that his son was visiting the plant today, and I couldn’t help but sympathize with him and his hope for the future of his company.
    “No, it’s only me. My father was the only son, and so am I.”
    “What if he forces you into taking over the company? I can’t imagine he would want someone else to run it. It’s been in your family for generations.”
    He glanced at the glass of water he was holding as his eyebrows pulled in slightly. “I hate to give him false hope by coming here, but I’ve been honest with him.” His voice was quiet, melancholy.
    For a short second, I sensed sadness in his tone, but then it was gone.
    “He’s tried to force me into it, and he has tried to cut me off before. That lasted all but two days. My mother wouldn’t have it,” he said. “That is one woman I would do anything for. To her, I can do no wrong.”
    I pictured his plastic stay-at-home mother, who had given her little boy every little thing he wanted whenever he wanted. Just as my upbringing had shaped me, his upbringing had most likely shaped him into his spoiled self today.
    The check came and Kent reached for it before I could pick it up.
    “Here, let me get that. This is a business expense,” I said, snatching the check from his hands.
    I drew my wallet from my purse and grabbed the only credit card I had—the One Financial corporate card. For me, cash was king. I always paid cash, and I despised credit cards, but this time, it was a justified expense.

    White freightliner trucks covered with Plack Industries surrounded the plant as we pulled in. The massive factory split into two portions. Grayish-white siding spanned the exterior of the manufacturing facility toward the rear of the building while red brick covered the office area in the front.
    As we were seated in the reception area, an older man wearing a white coat with the Plack Industries logo approached to greet us. “Hey, Kent,” he said, as his eyes lit up. “It’s so great to see you. I haven’t seen you since you were twelve.”
    The older male proceeded to lean in for a hug, but Kent stepped back and confidently shook his hand.
    I introduced myself immediately, “Hi, I’m Bethany Casse from One Financial.”
    The corner of his eyes wrinkled as he shook my hand firmly. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jared, head of operations. Let’s take a tour of our facility. Shall we?”
    “That would be great,” I replied, ready to ask questions about the expansion.
    He led us through the building to where the offices ended and the manufacturing plant began. Kent trailed behind me.
    The factory tour lasted no more than forty-five minutes. During the tour, my eyes had flickered behind me toward Kent. I’d caught interest in his eyes as Jared talked of the day-to-day operations, but as soon as Kent had noticed me staring, I swore, he’d feigned boredom.
    Before I knew it, we were already walking out of the factory.
    As we left the building, my phone rang while we proceeded toward the car. My heart picked up speed as I saw Pete Carlson’s name come up before I answered the call.
    “Beth, you’re late again,” he said.
    I forgot. Crap.
    I looked toward Kent. “Hey, just one minute. I need to take this.”
    When Kent stepped into the car, I placed the phone back on my ear and leaned against the car door. “Hey, Pete. How are you?” I pulled at the strands of dark brown hair over my shoulder with my free hand to try to calm myself.
    “Beth, I can’t make any more excuses for you. I have to run a business here.”
    “I know. I’m so sorry. I had to move, and then I started a new job. It totally slipped my mind. Can I find out from Kendy when she’s off next, and I’ll have her drop off the money?” I said, talking faster than normal.
    “No, Beth, I can’t cut you any more slack. Either come in and pay the interest today, or I’m selling your stuff. Like I said, I gotta run a business here. I have bills to pay,