She Needed Money to Save Her Mother—Then a Billionaire Asked Her to Be His Wife

Chapter 1: The Surprising Offer

Lina Carter tightened the apron around her waist as she navigated swiftly between the tables in the modest café where she was employed. The lunchtime rush was intensifying, and she could not risk any errors. Every gratuity she collected was dedicated to covering her mother’s medical care.

Just as she finished serving another patron, her mobile device buzzed. It was a call from the hospital.

"Lina, your mother's health has deteriorated," the physician explained softly. "She requires an operation without delay."

Her pulse quickened. "What is the total expense?"

The figure the doctor quoted caused her knees to tremble. It was a sum vastly...