Elaine did not look like she was joking. Tyson was well aware that her personality was flawed and that she was prone to extreme neuroticism. Given that he had practically subjected her to the silent treatment since her behavior at the family dinner, it was entirely possible for her to make an irrational decision at this critical juncture. Tyson rubbed the bridge of his nose. If it weren't for the Lynn family fortune, he wouldn't want anything to do with her. "I understand." Tyson hung up and signaled his assistant to bring the car around. Back at the boutique, Elaine was browsing through other designs. When Julio returned, she asked indifferently, "Is your boss coming?" "Ms. Lynn, please wait a moment. Mr. Hayes will be here shortly." "I knew he’d come." Elaine’s face remained devoid of any real emotion. Eliza was right; she had to seize Tyson’s leverage, and she had to do it within this month. Otherwise, there was no telling how he would treat her after the wedding. At this rate, she might not even survive six months. True to his word, Tyson appeared at the boutique within half an hour. The moment Elaine saw him, she walked toward him with a sweet, radiant smile—a complete 180-degree turn from the cold shoulder she had given Julio. "How could you miss such an important day?" Elaine spoke in a tone of playful reproach. "I’ve been waiting here for so long. Come on, let’s pick out the wedding dress together." Tyson’s brow furrowed at her sudden change in demeanor. Though he didn't know what game she was playing, he played along for the sake of appearances. The two were soon led to a VIP suite to view the latest collections, while the clerk patiently introduced the various luxury brands. "I feel like the gowns here don't quite measure up to what Eliza wore at her engagement. Tyson, you are Nolan’s uncle after all. You surely won't let your woman be outshone by his, right?""Then what style do you prefer?" "I liked Eliza’s gown, but I want something better and more expensive. You’ll fulfill that for me, won't you? After all, a woman only gets to wear a wedding dress once in her life. Since you can't give me love, you have to give me something else. You can manage that much, can't you?" Tyson found himself satisfied with this version of Elaine. He had nothing to offer her beyond material wealth anyway. Now that she was explicitly stating her demands, everything became much simpler. "Fine. I’ll have people source the newest and most expensive designs to be brought directly to you." "I also don't think there’s any need for us to live apart. My wish for the rest of my life is to be a devoted wife and mother. I want to move into your home to take care of you." Elaine stepped close to Tyson, looking up at him. "I feel like I don't know you well enough yet. We need to be a model couple in front of others, and that won't work if we don't have any chemistry." She reached up and draped her arms around his neck. "I’m even willing to carry on your bloodline. You are my future husband, after all. My past behavior was just immaturity; please don't hold it against me. From today on, I won't act like that again. I will be your most powerful partner." "I hope you mean that." Tyson did indeed want a submissive woman by his side—someone he could show off in public who could also manage his household. If she could provide him with an heir, that would be even better. It was the quintessential desire of men like him. "In that case, I’m going back with you tonight. I hope my performance meets your expectations." "And your conditions?" "I want to stand above Eliza. I want you to act as if you are madly in love with me in public. I refuse to lose to her, just as you refuse to lose to Nolan." "Deal." Tyson agreed without a second thought. Only then did a playful, knowing smile touch Elaine’s lips. The only way to uncover Tyson's secrets was to get inside his home. By evening, the fittings were complete. Julio personally opened the car door to welcome the couple.Having grown up in the main Hayes estate, this was Elaine's first time visiting Tyson’s private residence. Compared to the old family mansion, this place was far more modern and sophisticated, though the courtyard was notably smaller. Still, it was infinitely better than the suffocating, gloomy atmosphere of the Hayes ancestral home.