Read Online The Marriage Agenda by Sarah Ballance - Free Book Online Page A

Chloe was completely out of her element in the gleaming expanse of polished granite and stainless steel. The only things in the room that were remotely familiar were the sink and the microwave, and the latter had twice as many buttons as hers at home. She was totally without her bearings…what better place or time to meet Knox’s mother? It didn’t matter how nice Katherine Hamilton appeared in the public eye. Selling a sudden marriage to the media would be hard enough…convincing this woman she hadn’t married her son for his bank account would probably require a miracle.
    Deep breath.
    Chloe had heard plenty about Katherine Hamilton, but despite her reputation, the news coverage didn’t do the woman justice. She was perfectly put together in a simple cream-colored suit, while her sweeping updo, flawless makeup, and brilliant jewelry lent the impression she’d just stepped off the cover of a magazine. But while Chloe expected the woman to carry an air of superiority, she exuded nothing but warmth. Her smile when she saw Chloe lit her eyes, and despite her nervousness, Chloe took an immediately liking to her.
    “Mrs. Hamilton,” she said. “It’s an honor to meet you. Chloe Lochlan.”
    “Please, call me Katherine.” She swept Chloe into a hug. Smiling kindly, she said, “My son tells me you’ll soon be a Hamilton. Will you be taking the family name?”
    Chloe bit her lip—she hadn’t given her name a second thought. Knox wasn’t marrying her for love, so she felt he should keep his name to himself. But was that what he wanted? She had no idea what would work best for his campaign. Maybe keeping her own would work in her favor…surely someone seeking no more than the prestige of the Hamilton family coffers would want the perks extended by carrying the last name.
    “Chloe’s a writer,” Knox offered. “She’s keeping her name for professional reasons.”
    Good one, Knox. His explanation was not only reasonable but hard to argue with.
    Katherine released her lingering hold on Chloe’s arm and addressed her son. “There are some samples for your reception in my car. Would you kindly get them so I may have a moment alone with my future daughter-in-law?”
    He nodded, though to his credit, he appeared a bit wary. “Of course.”
    Katherine watched her son leave, then turned to Chloe. Ever gracious, she asked, “So, what brings you to the family?”
    Chloe froze, the smile falling from her face. “What do you mean?”
    Katherine smiled knowingly. “Three days ago, I was under the impression Knox was single. He didn’t have a girlfriend, much less a fiancee.”
    Great . She and Knox had gone over their so-called story—most of which was the truth sans the business proposition—but she hadn’t counted on convincing his mother. Under her kind exterior, the woman had to be shrewd to maintain her reputation in the face of Rex’s betrayals. Chloe didn’t think her unkind, but she also harbored no expectation of fooling her. And moreover, she didn’t want to lie. “We started dating over a year ago.”
    “Then why haven’t I heard of you?”
    Chloe had to give the woman credit—two minutes after meeting Chloe, she had her alone and strung up, all without a hint of animosity. “I can’t speak specifically for Knox, but we did agree to keep our relationship quiet. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be followed everywhere, but it’s bound to be exhausting. I think he just wanted a little downtime.”
    Katherine smiled. “Secrets tend to create more gossip than they prevent, Ms. Lochlan.”
    “Please call me Chloe.” Where was Knox? This serene, placid woman was going to have her for dinner. “I assure you, my intentions—”
    Katherine waved a hand. “You don’t need to explain yourself to me. At least, not if you’re who I think you are.”
    “Who…do you think I am?”
    “Knox has dated a lot of women.”
    Of course he had. Why did everyone feel the need to remind her of