Chapter 1 I Found her this Time

On a crisp early autumn morning in Irvingport, Daphne Morgan, in a white cotton dress, was a picture of elegance as she stood in the cozy coffee shop. The sunlight streaming through the big windows made her look almost magical, catching the eye of even the busy waiter. He walked over and asked, "Miss, who are you looking for?"

Daphne glanced at her phone and said, "Could you show me to private room 301?"

"Right this way."

As she followed the waiter, Daphne's mind wandered back to her aunt, Mabel Simpson's words.

"The guy I'm setting you up with is top-notch, an investor in Irvingport who only deals with big projects. Sure, he's in his forties or fifties, but he's loaded, carefree, and has a stable life."

Daphne sighed. Aware of her own poor health, she didn't want her mom stressing out. Marrying this guy would make her mom happy.

"We're here, Miss. The person inside is waiting for you."

The waiter's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She straightened her dress and pushed the door open, feeling a wave of pressure hit her.

The room was super quiet, except for the occasional clink of a spoon against a coffee cup. The guy sitting on the sofa caught her eye with his striking eyebrows, like stars in the night sky.

His features were perfect, like they were sculpted.

Despite his good looks, he had this unapproachable vibe that made her take a step back.

Wait, didn't Mabel say he was in his forties or fifties? This guy looked way younger.

Just as she was about to double-check the room number on her phone, the guy's sudden voice startled her.

Her phone hit the ground with a thud.

"Am I that scary?" His deep voice asked. She quickly picked up her phone and introduced herself. "Sorry, I'm here for a blind date set up by Mabel. Here's my info."

Daphne gathered her courage, walked up to him, and placed her info in front of him.

She had put together a perfect profile, hoping to get married quickly and make her mom happy.

But the guy just tossed it aside, chuckling, "I'm here for a blind date, not a job interview. No need for this."

"Okay. Let me introduce myself briefly. I'm Daphne, twenty-three years old. I don't have any bad habits, but I might not live past twenty-five due to a severe illness. We can divorce a year after marriage. I just want to make my mom happy. After I die, you won't have to worry about any financial issues."

The guy frowned slightly at this. Daphne misunderstood and quickly added, "Mr. Smith, if you're worried, we can set up a prenuptial agreement."

Mr. Smith? The guy chuckled, realizing she had mistaken him for someone else.

Seeing no response from him, Daphne was about to explain more when her phone rang. She apologized and answered it, hearing Mabel's anxious voice. "Daphne, how could you be late for your first blind date? Mr. Smith has been waiting for a long time!"

"What?" After hanging up, Daphne quickly checked the room number and realized she had made a mistake!

Blushing, Daphne apologized. "Sorry, sir, I walked into the wrong room by mistake."

She wanted to grab her personal info but didn't dare with him watching. She quickly snatched her bag and hurried out.

After she left, Carl couldn't help but laugh. The door opened again, and his assistant Ralph walked in. "Sir, Madam asked about your blind date. Did you find someone you like?"

Carl Ward tossed the profile to Ralph Cook and said, "I want all the info on this woman within ten minutes."

Ten minutes later, Ralph placed a tablet in front of Carl and explained. "Mr. Ward, this is Daphne's profile. Miss Morgan seems to be in poor health, with an unstable job as an illustrator, barely making enough to support herself. Her family background is average; her mother is disabled, and her parents are divorced, so she has a lot of pressure."

After a moment of silence, Carl said, "It's her. Arrange the engagement. The wedding must be held as soon as possible."

Ralph's eyes widened, and he quickly tried to dissuade him. "This won't do! Mr. Ward, even if you marry someone randomly, you can't choose a woman like this. If Madam finds out..."

Before Ralph could finish, Carl's cold gaze silenced him. Ralph could only say helplessly, "Understood."

After leaving the coffee shop, Carl had just arrived at his office when he got a call from his good friend. "Mr. Ward, how does it feel to be forced into marriage? How many times have you been on a blind date? Did you find your Mrs. Ward this time?"

"Yes, I found her this time."

"What? Which rich lady agreed to marry you? What did you like about her?"

Carl opened her profile and pointed to Daphne's illness, saying slowly, "She's a smart talisman."

Back at the coffee shop.

Daphne took three hundred-dollar bills from her pocket and handed them to the waiter. "Thanks, you were a great help."

The waiter smiled as he accepted the money and saw Daphne off, saying, "Miss Morgan, if you really marry into the Ward family, don't forget to promote me."

"I hope so too. I'll be going now."

The waiter watched Daphne leave, secretly admiring the courageous and resourceful young woman.

Ten minutes ago, when Daphne walked out of the private room, she had asked the waiter for a favor. If Carl inquired about her identity, he was to pass on her contact information. The rest was up to fate.

This time, Daphne had made the right bet.