Chapter 3: The Job Interview

On my first day at work, Mrs. Bennett gave me a cold, stern lecture:

"Our Bennett family has had only one heir per generation for eight generations. Keeping the line going is tough. So don’t blame me for favoring boys. After the first child is born, you’ll get the marriage certificate on the spot, and the bonus will be paid immediately. If you can’t give birth, you’ll get a stipend and be sent home."

She spoke from behind a massive walnut desk that looked like it belonged in a bank president’s office. There was a monogrammed tissue box and a big mug of coffee that said ‘#1 Grandma.’ Her eyes never left mine the whole time.

My palms went clammy, but I pasted on my best can-do grin. If Grandma could wrangle ten kids, I could handle one cranky billionaire. I patted my chest with a loud smack: "Don’t worry, boss, I guarantee I’ll get the job done."

I tried to look as confident as a linebacker before the big game. She actually cracked the tiniest smile.

Mrs. Bennett was very satisfied, waved her hand, and brought out the future father, Tyler Bennett.

Sharp brows and eyes, a stunning face, long legs, and abs on display. Honestly, anywhere else, he’d be the hottest guy in the room. Too bad, right now, this handsome man looked absolutely miserable.

He was tied up with a red silk scarf, carried in by eight security guards. Still struggling, he shouted at the top of his lungs:

"What the hell is this? You think I’m some prize bull? Let me go! I don’t even like women! You can’t just force me into this—marriage isn’t a business deal!"

The scarf was so shiny it could've doubled as a parade ribbon. He fought like a guy being hauled off to a fraternity hazing. One security guard had to duck a flying shoe.

He yelled until his voice was hoarse. Suddenly, I understood. Why was Mrs. Bennett hiring a daughter-in-law at such a high price? Turns out, the only son in eight generations is gay. Ouch. My heart aches for her.

I remembered my cousin’s wedding, how Aunt Sheila kept dropping hints about grandkids. This was that times a hundred, plus a seven-figure check.

Mrs. Bennett looked devastated: "Tyler, I understand your preferences, I’m not that old-fashioned. As long as you give me a child, after that, wherever you want to go, whether you like men or guys who dress up, Mom will let you."

The security guards looked at the floor, and one of them coughed, trying not to laugh.

Tyler Bennett struggled even harder: "Mom, can you stop misunderstanding! Who the hell likes men!"

Mrs. Bennett looked even more heartbroken: "Ah, so you like guys who dress up. That’s your business, but none of them can give me a grandchild. Mom only has this one wish—just grant it for me."

Tyler howled: "I told you, stop misunderstanding!"

Mrs. Bennett wiped her eyes, done arguing. She pointed at me and said to him, "This is the child’s mother I picked after much consideration, your future wife. I know you have special preferences, but she’s a good girl. If you can’t have a normal married life, don’t expect any other concessions."

Her tone was the same as a principal introducing a new student who’s supposed to be a good influence. My cheeks got hot.

Tyler sneered: "It’s useless, Mom. No matter who it is, it’s not what I want. Even if you tie up my body, my soul will fight for freedom."

He glared at the window like he was planning an escape route.

Mrs. Bennett ignored him and pulled me over: "Let me introduce you. This is my rebellious son, Tyler. Tonight, he’ll be tied up. Can you get the job done?"

I looked him up and down. This handsome guy’s clothes were a mess, giving off an ascetic vibe. The red silk was tight, but nothing important was covered. I looked up and promised, "No problem, boss. No matter how tough it is, I’ll give it my all."

Was I really about to do this? My brain screamed run, but my bank account begged me to stay. I thought about Grandma’s advice: handsome and wealthy. Check and check.

Mrs. Bennett looked pleased and scolded Tyler, "Look at her, then look at yourself."

For some reason, Tyler, who’d been struggling non-stop, suddenly fell silent. When our eyes met, his ears turned red.