"You heard what I said, hija. It was stipulated in the will; have a look." Attorney Jaime Elarcosa presented Daniella with the scene in which she was adamantly opposed to believing. "However, that was ludicrous! At this pace, how am I to find a man?" She screamed, losing her composure totally regardless of whether Paloma was present when the solicitor informed her that she could only access her fortune if she had a kid before her age exceeded the dates on a calendar. ...... Daniella vividly recalled her Aunt Erlinda going insane when the guy she loved deceived her and she committed herself as a result. Furthermore, she couldn't forget how her mother got irascible and angry against her when Gregory was unable of reciprocating her affection. Daniella made a commitment to herself in high school that she would never fall in love or let any man to grow too close to her. Daniella was certain that males were capable of duping any woman, and she was determined not to fall prey to love. Ignore her father's money! She could live without her inheritance, but there was something, or rather someone, she would rather not have. Paloma, her stepmother, sat coyly on the chair opposite hers, listening to her scream. The bitch must be overjoyed that she would receive everything that belongs to her family in 10 months. Over her decomposing body! She could never let Paloma win... ever! ...... The last will stipulated that she must provide an heir before reaching the age of thirty-one, and the solicitor made no mention of her marrying. Surely, she could devise a means of obtaining a kid, correct? Daniella took her notepad and pen and began jotting down the characteristics she desired in a partner. To begin, he must be educated and incredibly gorgeous, as she does not want her child to appear unattractive. Her list was full after an hour. However, she found that the list was dominated by physical characteristics rather than character traits or attitudes. In general, she wanted someone who is stunning and skilled in bed, since she intended to do it just once. The male does not have to be wealthy. He merely needs to look beautiful and have a physique to die for. She chuckled as she pictured herself facing her dream man and shuddered at the prospect of becoming lost in his gaze. ___________________________________________________________________________ Chapter 3 "Hmmm, Marcus is a good fit for you. You have the appearance of an ancient gladiator, and I admire your eyes. They are blue and soulful," she asserted emphatically, without concern about the qualities that a respectable lady should possess. Marcus was unsurprised by her candor. To be honest, he'd be surprised if she claimed to be someone she wasn't. "You're direct and honest...which I like," he responded, but the woman's deft manner of speaking scared him. "I am aware. As a result, I believed we were now buddies." She started following their handshake. "If you require a companion here, contact me." She handed him her calling card and offered him a beautiful smile. Daniella believed she saw him make a facial expression as she handed him her card but opted to disregard it. Marcus was taken aback by her conduct. Not only was the woman direct, but also arrogant! Was she simply looking down on him? She acted too grandiose for his own good when she handed him her business card. "I have no need for a buddy, Dani. However, I can always welcome a lady into my bed," he said, and Marcus noticed Daniella's eyes glistening with wrath. He was aware that she was insane, but he regretted having introduced himself to his customer. He was forced to adjust it by keeping a safe distance from the woman. She was well aware that he was a buffoon, but who cares? She needed just his body and the sperm he could inject into her womb! "I see; I'll see you then." She avoided looking him in the eye and remained silent inside the elevator. To be honest, she was upset by his recent statement that he didn't require a companion but was always willing to welcome a lady into his bed. She felt compelled to tell him the truth in order to reclaim her pride. "On which floor?" She dared to inquire when she discovered he had forgotten to punch his floor number, and she was naturally inquisitive. "Nineteen," he said. Daniella clutched the railing, as she felt herself collapsing with excitement. When she observed his troubled look, another thought occurred to her. "Oh no," she said, massaging her brow and tightening her grip on the handle. She gradually slumped her body into his muscular hands, admiring herself for being such a wonderful performer. "Are you all okay, Daniella?" Marcus rushed to her aid and caught her just as she was about to fall to the floor. When she failed to respond, he was forced to carry her outside and into her room. Marcus rummaged in her bag outside her hotel room door, looking for the card key. Daniella was perplexed as to how Marcus was able to determine her specific room number prior to discovering the card key. Could he be a next-door neighbor or the resident of the room just across from hers? Regardless, the moment had not yet come to ask him those questions. The critical point was that her strategy had worked...exceptionally brilliantly. Marcus positioned the woman on bed, then massaged her fingers and lightly pressed on the tender place between her thumb and index finger.