Page 108 of Vengeful Vows
“It makes sense to select someone I’ve interviewed, a woman who suits the needs of a man such as you. A woman of the right temperament, with the same interests, goals, morals, outlook, political leanings, religious preferences. A woman who understands what is expected of her and is willing to assume those responsibilities.”
“A business arrangement.”
“If you like.”
Rafe took his seat and left her standing. It was undoubtedly rude, but justified. His mother had hired Prestige, but Hope had been part of the early-morning intervention. She could have refused, but she hadn’t. That made her complicit. “So that’s what’s in here?” He flicked a glance at the folders. “A money-hungry bride-to-be—I beg your pardon,candidate—who understands what she’s getting herself into?”
“These women all deserve your respect.”
“And an expensive engagement ring?” He leaned back. “Why should I trust you?”
“Five years of success. Thirty-seven marriages.”
“Divorces?”
“Two.”
“Much better than the national average. Yet five years in business means your experiment hasn’t made it to the seven-year itch yet.”
“Whether that exists or not is a matter of debate. There’s a study that suggests there’s a four-year itch as well as a seven-year one. Oh, and a three-year one. And most couples who divorce tend to do so after a decade. So that means there’s a twelve-year flameout as well.” She lifted one delicate shoulder in a half shrug. “Whatever your bias, you can find a study to support it. The truth is, each individual is unique, and so are their relationships. People divorce for a lot of reasons and after any length of time.”
“Fair enough.”
“There are, however, a number of factors that enhance chances for success. I call them the Three C’s—compatibility, chemistry, and commitment.”
“Define success.”
She tipped her head to one side. “I suppose that’s in the eye of the beholder.”
“Take my parents. They’ve been victims of wedded bliss for thirty-three years.”
“There are financial and legal benefits for people who are married.”
She’d sidestepped his point neatly.
“Couples who are wed, versus those who cohabitate, tend to live longer.”
“Or perhaps it only seems that way.”
She smiled, and it transformed her features, making her no longer standoffish and professional, but warm and inviting. No wonder lemmings turned to her for matrimonial advice. “Have you always been a cynic, Mr. Sterling?”
“About marriage?”Not always.But the few illusions he’d held had been shattered. “Can you blame me?”
“You can’t think of any positive examples?”
“Like my sister? She’s twenty-seven and going through her second divorce, and this one is more gruesome and costly than the first. My best friend and college roommate, Griffin Lahey? His wife of three years just walked out, dumped him, ripped apart their future, and took away their son. For the final knife in his heart, she’s suing for half of his estate because she met an artist who she fancies and wants to move to Paris with him. Noah’s parents live on separate continents. My grandmother had to be coaxed into attending my grandfather’s funeral. I’m told she was drunk at the time, and not from grief. On the morning he was to be buried, legend has it that she knocked back an entire bottle of champagne…from the private reserve he had saved for special occasions. So, no, I’m not anxious to stick my neck in the matrimonial noose.”
“You asked why you should trust me. You shouldn’t. You have no reason to, yet. I could give you references from satisfied customers. I could reassure you that I’ve signed a nondisclosure. Or that Celeste Fallon believes in me. But none of that means anything. You need results. If the potential women I’ve matched you with don’t suit your needs, I’ll give you another five. Or fire me and I’ll refund your mother’s fee.”
“Fee?” He narrowed his eyes. “How much do you charge?”
“I’m expensive, Mr. Sterling.”
“Ten thousand dollars? Twenty?” When she didn’t react, he tried again. “More than that?”
“A hundred thousand.”
“Shit.” People were willing to pay a hundred grand to meet someone? If it worked out, he’d have the honor of shelling out thousands more for baubles to go along with it? Then, when the shine wore off, she’d keep themandhalf his fortune?