Chapter 12 Partnering with him could prove invaluable for the Suttons ' future . " Give me a plausible reason , " Joshua said , raising an eyebrow with a meaningful smile as he studied Emelia . " We can offer 250 million … " Emelia began , only to be interrupted . " Do I strike you as someone short on cash , Ms. Sutton ? " Joshua shook his head slightly , his gaze fixed on Emelia as if trying to see through her . Emelia froze momentarily , mentally kicking herself . Of course , a man who casually dropped 600 million on land wouldn't care about money . She opened her mouth to respond but found herself speechless , her throat suddenly tight . " I … " Joshua cut her off again , " If you offered yourself instead , I might consider this land as your betrothal gift . " His lips curled into a roguish smirk , eyes glinting with mischief as he watched her reaction . The proposition struck her , leaving Emelia momentarily stunned . After a while , Emelia finally calmed down . She took a deep breath , looked him straight in the eye , and softly said , " Mr. Anderson , I'm already married . " " Marriage can be undone , " Joshua said with a meaningful smile , slowly approaching Emelia . As he got closer , Emelia could feel the warmth emanating from him , mingled with a faint hint of cologne . Emelia's cheeks instantly turned red , spreading from her ears to her neck . Just as discomfort threatened to overwhelm her , Joshua suddenly threw his head back with booming laughter that echoed through the space . When his mirth subsided , his eyes glinted with cunning . " If the Suttons want to show sincerity , bring 150 million to Pines Hotel to find me . " With that , he turned around gracefully and strode toward the exit . Emelia watched his retreating figure , her expression shifting subtly . A flicker of confusion crossed her eyes as she wondered , " Has he just agreed to cooperate ? "