Edward entered the ballroom of the hotel he owned, having reserved the entire building for tonight to allow the guests to stay here and talk about just how great a host he is. He didn't care if they thought he was or not personally but the last thing he needed was to be whined at for being a bad host by one of the entitled trophy wives his business partners tended to keep on their arms.

But tonight wasn't about that or them, it was about his engagement. He'd ben in talks for a few weeks with one of his business partners about buying the hand of their daughter in marriage and tonight was the night he was going to meet her. If it went well he'd pay in the morning and the deal would be struck and if not he'd have to start over.

Everyone knew this, it was no secret Edward's marriage was to be arranged nor was it all that surprising. He was a serious and cold man, too many sharp edges for even the most desperate gold digger to try to cling to. A not insignificant number of them felt sorry for whatever poor girl was going to be saddled living with this man for the rest of their lives. More money than god but what kind of life is it stuck with him?

Edward smoothed out his collar and took a glass of champagne from a passing server without sparing them a glance as his eyes scan the room. He was told she's already arrived.