CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

Christopher's arrival at the office was welcomed by Eric and Jack, who were waiting for him outside his private space. Chelsea, his secretary, remained in her office diligently working on her tasks. As Christopher approached, Eric greeted him with a warm smile, while Jack couldn't help but inject his signature humor into the moment.

"The billionaire CEO finally graces us with his presence," Jack quipped playfully. "Good morning, Christopher."

Christopher nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded to walk into his office, with Eric and Jack following closely behind. Sensing a serious undertone, Christopher couldn't help but inquire about the purpose of their early visit.

"So, to what do I owe this early morning gathering? Is there a financial crisis? An emergency?" Christopher inquired, his brows furrowed with concern.

Eric exchanged a knowing glance with Jack before Eric began to explain. "Well, it's neither of those things, and it's not work-related either. Jack informed me about a rather peculiar conversation regarding marriage that you and Chelsea had."

Christopher couldn't help but let a smirk escape his lips. "Is that considered peculiar to you?"

Eric continued, his curiosity piqued. "Well, yes. Considering the timeline of events—four days ago, you were informed about the need to marry, three days ago, you expressed your search for a controllable partner, two days ago, you were targeted for assassination, and yesterday we discovered that you had signed a marriage contract. It's quite a whirlwind. So, what's really going on?"

A glimmer of mischief danced in Christopher's eyes as he leaned back in his chair. "Gentlemen, I am merely attempting to fulfill everyone's wishes. You've both made it clear that you'd like to see me off the bachelor's list, and I'm here to inform you that I will no longer be on that list. In fact, I will soon be making a public announcement."

Eric and Jack exchanged puzzled looks, their curiosity mounting. "Christopher, I'm not sure I understand," Eric confessed. "Are you saying that you have found someone to marry? Is it Gabriella Montero?"

Eric and Jack exchanged puzzled looks, their curiosity mounting. They couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and confusion. Christopher's revelation that he had married someone other than Gabriella Montero intrigued them even further.

"But Christopher, if not Gabriella Montero, then who did you marry?" Eric pressed, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Christopher took a deep breath, contemplating how much to disclose. He decided to keep Gabriella Thompson's identity a secret for now, knowing it would add an element of surprise to the upcoming family dinner.

"I didn't marry Gabriella Montero," Christopher confessed, his voice steady. "Instead, I married someone else, someone you both have yet to meet. Let's just say she's not from a wealthy family."

Eric and Jack exchanged perplexed glances, unable to comprehend Christopher's choice. The intrigue surrounding his new wife only grew stronger.

"So, you've married someone unknown to us?" Jack asked, his curiosity piqued. "When do we get to meet her?"

Christopher smiled mysteriously, enjoying the anticipation building in his friends. "All will be revealed at the family dinner.''