Chapter 422

Ryan Cunningham watched Emily Lowell's feigned shyness with a hint of mockery in his eyes.

He pulled her into his arms, his fingers tracing idle circles at her waist.

"Don't be angry, darling."

As the door clicked shut, Emily melted against him.

"River Banquet" had flopped at the box office, leaving Lowell Entertainment on the brink of collapse.

She had to cling to Ryan—her last lifeline.

Raised in high society, she knew exactly how to play a man's heartstrings.

Ryan, a seasoned playboy, never turned down willing prey.

He needed the core technology of Lowell Group's medical robotics.

With Valdemar Holdings now in his younger brother's hands, he had no choice but to secure this alliance.

Marriage was just another bargaining chip.

Why waste effort when he could get what he wanted with minimal cost?

In the dim room, their shadows intertwined.

Dawn crept through the curtains.

Emily opened her eyes to meet Ryan's tender gaze.

"Good morning, my fiancée."

Her cheeks flushed. "Morning..."

"I'll arrange a meeting with our families today to finalize the engagement."

Emily's pulse quickened.

Every socialite envied her for snagging the Cunningham heir.

Once the news broke...

She lowered her lashes demurely. "Whatever you think is best."

"The wedding will be on Christmas. Plenty of time to prepare your gown and venue."

Just imagining the grandeur made Emily's lips curl.

Ryan studied her dreamy expression, amusement flickering in his eyes.

His phone rang abruptly.

He answered in front of her.

"Speak."

Emily pretended to adjust her hair, ears straining.

Ryan's expression darkened with each passing second.

The furrow between his brows only accentuated his rugged charm.

Fifteen minutes later, he hung up, tension radiating off him.

Emily leaned in. "Trouble?"

Ryan massaged his temples. "Just some company issues."