<br/>Colin was aware of the time and was looking over the young woman's file one last time before the interview process began. In some ways this was really a formality. The McGregor's always got what they wanted. If Colin had chosen someone there would be nothing to stop him from getting it. No woman would rightfully refuse. To refuse the McGregor's usually meant your family quickly fell out of favor and became a social pariah within no time at all. Even powerful families had tried to stand toe to toe with Colin's father. Their families, within a couple generations were scrapping the bottom of the barrel genetically and were no longer considered part of those who were "pure". So Colin understood that this was only necessary to make the legal system happy. Still he never went into any situation not knowing everything. He was always the smartest man in the room, no matter which room he walked into.<br/><br/><br/>Colin's holophone chimed and Gloria's face appeared. "They are ready for you sir." Colin nodded his acknowledgement.<br/><br/><br/>"Thank you. Make sure you have everything ready for me." He smiled warmly at her knowing that she had never once disappointed in her preparedness. He switched off the phone and stood up. Walking to a full length mirror in his office he smoothed out any wrinkles and pulled on his suit coat. Satisfied that everything was in place he spun on the balls of his feet and made his way to his office door. Gloria was there waiting with a smile.<br/><br/>"Are you nervous?" He jokingly asked her as they began to walk down the hall.<br/><br/>She chuckled and fired right back, "No. Just curious to find out who else will be calling me to find out where you are. Are you nervous? You are the one about to have another woman in your life to contend with."<br/><br/>Colin laughed, this was what made him choose Gloria. She could be very professional and was a great worker but she wasn't afraid to give him a taste of his own medicine in the proper time and place.<br/>"Oh Gloria, you are the only woman I need in my life."<br/><br/>She of course knew he was kidding but that didn't stop the pink from appearing on her cheeks. Luckily they had a few more steps before getting to the conference room so she could compose herself. Upon entering Gloria stayed right in step with Colin, even if she had to take a few more to keep up with is long stride. Colin quickly made note of all the parties there including the judge. Since this was a formal event he nodded to those in attendance but kept things professional. He would shake hands with the family once all the business was finalized.<br/><br/><br/>Everyone took their respected places around the table. Colin had always wondered what it was like for the other side. You had this one chance to make a good impression and seal the fate of your family for good or bad. You got to do all of this in front of other people watching on. Colin was well versed in literature, or at least what had survived, and sometimes wondered what it was like back before. When people would just meet. The male usually sought out the desired female and they would take the time to talk and get to know each other. If things were favorable they would choose to make a public showing of committing to each other and each other only. It was all...whimsical and such a fantasy idea compared to today. Now couples were created and brought together because of genetics. This made so much more sense to him. Not that Colin was without passions and emotions but why leave things up to chance.<br/><br/><br/>Colin's thoughts quickly came back to him as the judge spoke. "Now that everyone is present I open this Union Contract Proceeding of Colin Braden McGregor and Eveline Ann Violette. I remind everyone present that the words spoken here are legal and binding and are being recorded for the official record. You must yield to the Arbitrator in all matters. Mr. McGregor the floor is yours to start the proceeding."<br/><br/><br/>Colin looked across the table at the lovely woman before him. Her picture didn't really do her justice. Her features were soft and delicate and yet he could already see a fire burning behind her eyes. There was more to this blonde beauty sitting before him. At least he hoped that was the case. He didn't need a blonde admirer. Like his current wife he needed someone with some spirit and a good head on her shoulders. All the genetic testing and manipulation still could not weed out poor social skills and a bad personality. Colin had put some thought into what his first question would be. He needed to see if she could think on her feet or would just spout off generic answers or tell him what he wanted to hear. Granted with her family here he doubted she would feel free to speak her mind but he hoped she would. He had to know if this was going to be the right fit or not and this was his only chance to find out. Colin made sure his eyes were locked on hers and that she knew his attention was nowhere else before he spoke. He had decided to go with something simple and open ended to see where she would go with it.<br/><br/>"Ms. Violette, how about I call you Eveline so I don't sound like one of these lawyers addressing you." A soft smirk cracked his lips. He knew how much his father hated when he didn't stick to formal protocol, the jab at the lawyers was just an added bonus for his benefit. He knew his father would be watching these proceedings as he did everything of importance that happened at his company...and elsewhere for that matter. "Eveline, in your words why did you choose to come here today? Please feel free to speak freely." He swore he saw her father flinch if ever so slightly at the last part. He hoped she took him up on his offer. Colin's eyes never wavered as he watched the young woman begin to formulate her response behind her stunning blue eyes.