Chapter 24
“If your sister marries me, I won’t restrict her personal freedom, work freedom, or social freedom. She can choose to join Duncan Industries, or she can start her own business.
“We will sign a prenuptial agreement. I will provide her with sufficient guarantees in all aspects.”
Archer’s words made Aria turn to look at him, visibly moved.
James fell unusually silent.
He looked at Archer–nearly 6’3” tall, with long legs, broad powerful shoulders, and strikingly handsome features that would impress anyone at first glance.
Moreover, he was the designated heir to the Duncan family. With his family background, looks, education, and character all evident, along with such promises, even James couldn’t find fault.
Because Archer’s meaning was very clear.
If something went wrong in the future, he would divorce Aria with compensation–property and financial security were all part
of his guarantee.
James wouldn’t believe promises from others, but coming from Archer, he did.
Still, he remained silent for a moment before finally speaking quietly, “Sis, is this too good to be true? There must be a catch.”
“Mr. Duncan, are you… actually interested in women?” James asked bluntly.
Archer: “?”
Besides Dr. Alexander, no one had asked him such an outrageous question in a long time. He fell into rare silence.
Seeing no response from Archer, James cleared his throat, “Look, man to man, I understand. Just tell me straight–will my sister be living in a marriage without… you know… physical affection?”
Even the slow–to–catch–on Aria understood now, and she felt a headache coming on.
She raised her hand and knocked James on the head. “Mind your manners! What are you thinking, asking something like that?”
James protested, “I’m doing this for you! I know you’re amazing, sis, but when a billionaire keeps making concessions, there’s
usually a catch.”
Archer’s eyelid twitched, “James, is it impossible that I’m simply interested in your sister as a person?”
Hearing this, James quickly exclaimed, “I knew he was after something! He’s just attracted to your looks!”
Aria felt her face burning with embarrassment thanks to her rebellious brother.
Yesterday she had embarrassed herself, today James was embarrassing himself–were the siblings taking turns humiliating
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themselves in front of Archer?
“Shut your mouth.”
Aria was about to cover his mouth, but Archer, the target of James’s accusations, merely raised an eyebrow, “To be honest, that is
partly true.”
Aria’s eyes widened as she looked at Archer, her expression clearly saying, “Why are you playing along with him?”
James was fully fired up now, looking somewhat smug.
Watching the siblings‘ interaction, Archer’s cool expression softened.
“This is Professor Wellington’s name card. I’ve mentioned you to him, and Professor Wellington is very interested in meeting
you.”
Professor Wellington was Columbia University’s top physics professor, a renowned academic who had won numerous awards both domestically and internationally. Foreign institutions had offered substantial sums to invite Professor Wellington for
lectures abroad. He was considered a national treasure.
Archer had given James the card as an introduction, but James seemed almost afraid to take it.
His expression grew complex, “You really must have some hidden agenda.”
Archer’s typically expressionless face seemed to crack at this moment.
Aria raised her hand to smack James’s head again. “James Jackson! Try talking nonsense one more
time!”
