Audrey bounced into Julian's office. "My father told me to come here." She said.
"Yes, I know. He and Alistair are on the speaker phone right now."
"Oh. Hi daddy! Hi Mr. Crane!" Audrey greeted them.
"Hello, precious." Richard Wellington answered.
"Hello, my dear."
Just then, Fox entered the room. He looked curiously to his father and Audrey.
"He's here now Father," Julian said.
"Good. Fox, say hello to Mr. Richard Wellington. He's on the other line."
"Hello, Mr. Wellington." Fox said. "What is this about?" he asked Julian.
"You'll see." Julian mumbled. "Sit down."
"Now, I'm sure you two would like to know the reason why we brought you here."
Alistair said.
"Yeah- that would be nice." Fox said sarcastically. "At first I thought you wanted to discuss my allowance." Fox sat back to make himself comfortable.
"You won't have an allowance if you don't shut up." Julian snapped.
"Ooh- a little on edge aren't we daddy dearest?"
"Fox- for once shut that mouth of yours. We have guests." Alistair reprimanded.
"Sorry." Fox mumbled.
"Anyhow, as you two know, the Cranes and Wellingtons are high on the elite list. And- since Crane Industries could use the extra help, Richard and I have decided to merge Crane Industries with Wellington Industries." Alistair finished.
"What does that have to do with me and Fox?" asked Audrey.
"You and Fox my dear," Alistair began, "Will serve as the binding contract. You two are going to be married."
Fox's jaw dropped. "What?!" he cried in disbelief. "Are you trying to make an arranged marriage?"
"Exactly. And it's perfect." Richard spoke up. "Audrey has eyes for you Fox. You two would make a good looking couple and would do wonders for the publicity of the company."
"Oh Fox!" Audrey cried. "This is wonderful!" She jumped into his lap and put her arms around him.
"But" Fox began.
"Fox. I need to talk to you privately." Julian said. "Father, Richard, Audrey. Could you excuse us for a minute?"
"Certainly." They all answered in unison.
Once Fox and Julian left the room Fox snapped. "Father, I am not marrying Audrey."
"Yes you are." Julian said sternly.
"No I am not. You can't make me. I am my own man I am not marrying her. I don't even love her."
"Love?" Julian scoffed. "Since when did the notorious Fox Crane fall 'in love'?"
"Since now. I am in love with Theresa and I am not going to marry Audrey."
"Theresa? You sure know how to pick them don't you lad?"
"Look- I am not going to do it. Find some other way to bind the two companies."
"No Fox. You will marry Audrey. Or else." Julian threatened.
"Or else what, Dad?"
"Or else, we will harm the things- or should I say people-you hold dear."
"You're threatening me?"
"Fox, you marry Audrey, or else Theresa will suffer."
"You can't do that. Leave her out of this."
"No, Fox. You leave me no choice. If you don't marry Audrey, Theresa will be the one who gets hurt."
"You bastard." Fox lunged at Julian.
"You lay a hand on me and Theresa will pay."
"I said to leave Theresa out of this."
"No Fox. She chose to be involved with you. She is involved whether you like it or not. Now, I suggest you agree to this arrangement or else your sweetheart will pay."
Fox swallowed hard. No, I can't let them hurt Theresa. What am I going to do now?