The Omnipotent Mrs. Ranford By Darlene Wright
Chapter 2

Chapter 2

“How interesting.” Julian thought.

His eyebrows quirked amusingly.

He was impressed by the girl’s candor and bluntness.

On the other hand, Alexandra couldn’t help but feel nervous since it was her first time meeting Julian.

She seemed to be putting up a calm front.

But she was panicking inside her heart.

She did see the man’s picture on the internet.

Still, she was stunned by his majestic aura and sharp–featured face upon seeing him in person.

Meanwhile, Julian had his gaze fixated on her the whole time.

Those eyes were filled with amusement and curiosity.

However, Alexandra had no clue what he was thinking.

After all, the internet was full of dirt on him.

Rumors claimed that he was unpredictable, that he frequently abused his ex–wife, that his private life was a mess, and that he was cunning and ruthless.

Julian looked at her calmly and spoke. “Care to enlighten me?”

Alexandra was surprised. She didn’t expect the man to be allable. She thought he would ask a lot of questions.

Just then, she noticed the documents on the table.

She only glanced at the documents for a second before looking away and straight at the man, who was claimed to make people cower in fear.

For some reason, she didn’t think the man was frightening despite this being her first time meeting him.

On the contrary, she felt an affinity with him.

Alexandra was shocked by the sudden thought that struck her mind.

Ridiculous.

After all, she lived and grew up in a small village in the south. There was no way she would be acquainted with Julian, who was raised in Highclere city.

Alexandra stared at the man and said, “I am the long–lost biological daughter of the Doherty family. Peter Doherty retrieved me from the village to marry you in his pianist daughter’s stead.”

Julian was stunned for a moment. His lips then quirked into a smirk.

It seemed that she confessed without reserve

“In other words, your biological father brought you back as a substitute because he refused to marry his precious adoptive daughter, Julian mused.

“Not really. After all, I’m the real daughter of the Doherty family. Hence, I should be the one to marry you. Mr. Doherty

promised to give me one million dollars if I married you. What do you say we strike a deal, Mr.Ranford?”

Alexandra sat up straight and poised.

She never thought of marrying anyone.

The only dream she held on to was becoming rich.

Julian chuckled. “You want to strike a deal with me? What’s your bargain?”

Tm sure you

don’t want to marry me, Mr. Hanford. Although my blood is tied to the Doherty family, I’m just a country bumpkin who’s not worthy to stand in the spotlight. On the other hand, a noble socialite and famous pianist like Veronica Doherty is the only match for the wealthy Mr. Ranford. However, considering your father’s illness and the fact that the marriage with the Doherty family is a means to counteract the bad luck of the Ranford family, I doubt you would do as Mr. Doherty wishes. You are far too astute for that,” Alexandra explained.

The girl was unexpectedly frank and candid.

In just a few minutes, Julian was utterly impressed with her.

Still, he put on a poker face, refusing to show a subtle hint of his expression.

Sitting back, he corked his head to one side and asked with interest. “What do your want?

“If you promise to do me a favor. Ill turn down Mr. Doherty’s demand and grant your wish of marrying the real daughter of the Doherty family

“Let’s hear it then, Julian stated.

“I need you to replace a person. Alexandra stated.

“Who is he?”

“Ace Fulton”

When Julian heard the answer, his gaze turned deep and sharp instantly.

Marco nearly shouted upon hearing the name as well. Fortunately, he covered his mouth right away.

Julian swiftly concealed the emotions in his eyes before redirecting his gaze toward the girl.

Her expression remained genuine and truthful. There was no hint of deception.

Her eyes were as clear as crystal. She didn’t seem to be hiding anything.

In truth, Julian didn’t doubt her words, but he was curious about her intentions.

After all, he had been searching for the same person for three years.

Ace Fulton was an famous doctor renowned for his capability to cure various tricky diseases. However, he vanished without a trace several years ago, and his whereabouts remained unknown.

Julian placed his faith in Ace as the hope for his father’s recovery, leading him to expend considerable time and financial resources in the last few years in search of the skilled doctor.

According to the documents, Alexandra had lost her adoptive parents and close relatives in the countryside. So, what was her reason for searching for Ace?

“May I know the reason?” Julian asked.

“Sorry, it’s personal, Alexandra refused unhesitatingly.

Julian, who was usually serious, suddenly had a teasing thought and said, “In that case, I reserve the right to turn down your offer. He chuckled.

Alexandra frowned–she couldn’t understand him. She raised her voice in an effort to remind him.

“Mr. Ranford, you wouldn’t be able to marry Veronica if you refused! You’re the son of the prestigious Ranford family. Arc you really going to marry a country bumpkin?”

“Who told you I was going to marry Veronica?” Julian refuted.

“Who are you marrying if you’re not taking Veronica” Alexandra exclaimed in surprise.

“Since you’ve found your way here, let’s take the opportunity to choose an auspicious day for the wedding. Grandmother told me to marry

but never said who I should marry. It’s just like you said–you’re the one betrothed to me. In that case, I should be marrying you.”

What?!

Alexandra could hardly believe her cars.

She frowned so hard that her liule face scrunched up

Is he out of his mind?” Alexandra had no idea

The confident girl showed her frustration and helplessness in front of the man for the first time..

Seeing that, Julian felt a sense of satisfaction.

How dare a young girl strikes a deal with him?

She was biting off more than she could chew,

“I have a suggestion, Miss Doherty. I’ll help you replace Ace Fulton if you agree to marry me. What do you say?” Julian proposed.

Alexandra was dumbfounded.

She stared at Julian with widened eyes. She couldnt help but think that Julian was an idiot.

After all, she even disclosed that she was a mere substitute.

Not to mention she hailed from an unruly village.

So why was he taking this seriously? Was he out of his mind?

In the event that she refused to accept a proxy marriage, Peter would undoubtedly arrange for Veronica’s marriage in order to uphold the dignity and harmony of both families.

Julian could just sit back and relax.

“He doesn’t seem like a fool either. Is there something wrong with his mind?” Alexandra wondered.

Noticing her conflicted gaze, Julian stated, “What’s wrong? Are you afraid of the rumors you’ve heard about me?”

When Alexandra heard him mention it, her heart skipped a beat.

That said, she hadn’t feli scared of him since she entered the room.

“Not really. You seem different from the rumors,” she replied.

Alexandra had always been honest and frank.

She never thought of deceiving anyone.

Julian smirked. “In that case, are you willing to consider a collaboration?”

“What’s your plan?” At that moment, Alexandra realized she had been led by the nose.

She pondered for a moment and decided to hear Julian out-

“It’s as you say the reason Grandmother urged my marriage was to ward off the bad luck encircling the Ranford family. As the head of my family, I should honor my grandmother’s wishes. Therefore, I take your hand in marriage. Rest assured. We’ll sign a contract that guarantees your rights and freedom before the marriage. All you have to do is behave yourself and play the role of Mrs. Ranford. Not only will I provide your monthly wages, but I’ll also help you locate Ace Fulton, Julian explained.

“You’re saying you’ll help me replace Ace Fulton and pay me if I pretend to be a couple with you?” Alexandra mused.

Her eyes sparkled at the mention of money.

“Exactly.”

“How much?” Alexandra asked tentatively

200 thousand dollars per month.

Upon hearing this, Marco practically choked up. He quickly composed himself and let out a soft cough. Never did he expect his superior to be magnanimous.

Alexandra’s eyebrows straightened. She wasn’t sure if she should believe a man she had just met.

In fact, she intended to convince Julian to help her replace Ace by disclosing the truth behind the proxy marriage. However, the man refused to play by the rules.

She thought for a while before holding up two fingers hesitatingly. “How about 210 thousand dollars?”