The Wife of a Broke Billionaire

The Wife of a Broke Billionaire

Max's Story

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Isla Evans had a dream: to become a successful and independent businesswoman. But everything changes when she discovers that her grandparents, who she thought were poor, have left her a thriving business and billions... on one condition: to work for Damian Blake, a ruthless real estate mogul. Damian is known for his heart of stone and his mysterious past. Ever since he lost his fiancée in a scandal that nearly destroyed his empire, he has not let anyone near him. But why does this man, used to dominating the world, seem so determined to control Isla? When Isla settles into Damian's life, she discovers that his legacy is tied to murky business dealings, dangerous alliances and enemies ready to crush them.

Chapter 1 Chapitre 1

Isla Evans adjusted her glasses on her nose and stared again at the document in front of her. A will. Her grandparents' will. She couldn't believe what she was reading. Surprise tightened in her throat, mixed with a pang of panic that she tried desperately to suppress. All her life, she had believed that her grandparents were modest, that they had lived simply. Yet these printed pages, with their complex but undeniably clear legal terms, told a different story.

She raised her head and met the gaze of the notary, a man in his fifties, with a dry face and measured gestures. He seemed to be waiting for a reaction. But what could she say? How do you react when you learn that the life you thought you knew was only an illusion?

"So, if I understand correctly... They were... rich?" His voice betrayed his disbelief.

The notary gave a slight smile, one of those professional but slightly condescending smiles. "Very wealthy, Miss Evans. Your grandparents were the owners of a major real estate company, *Blake Holdings*, and had a portfolio of assets worth several billion."

She ran a hand through her hair, trying to process the information. It seemed unreal, like a bad joke. "And why didn't they ever tell me? Why didn't they ever... include me in all of this?"

The man shrugged slightly. "Maybe they wanted to protect you. Or maybe they were waiting for the right moment. What I can tell you is that you are now their sole heir."

She leaned back heavily in her chair, her mind whirling. Heiress. That was the last word she would have used to describe herself. Isla Evans, a mere administrative assistant at a small design agency, was now the owner of a colossal fortune. It could have been a fairy tale, except there was one problem. A huge problem.

"And this... condition?" she asked, her brow furrowed. "You mentioned a condition."

The notary nodded, placing his clasped hands on the desk. "Yes. In order to access the full inheritance, you must work for *Blake Holdings* for one year. Specifically, you must work directly with Damian Blake, the current CEO."

Isla frowned. The name was familiar to her. Damian Blake. She'd seen him in the media before. A real estate mogul, known for his coldness and ruthless determination. He was also terribly handsome, in an intimidating way. But that was all she knew about him. Why would her grandparents want her to work for him?

"What if I refuse?" she whispered, already aware of the answer.

The notary took a deep breath. "In that case, the inheritance will go to charities selected by your grandparents. You will receive nothing."

Nothing. Isla felt her heart clench. It wasn't that she wanted the billions-she had never dreamed of wealth or luxury. But it was a part of her history, her identity. A business built by the hands of her grandparents. Could she really let it all disappear? And why this condition, so specific? She bit her lip, hesitant.

"What if I'm not... qualified? I don't know anything about real estate. I'm... a complete novice."

The notary inclined his head slightly. "That is a decision that only you can make, Miss Evans. But if I may, your grandparents had faith in you. They believed in your ability to meet this challenge."

Isla took a deep breath, her thoughts a jumble. Working for Damian Blake. It was only a year, right? A year of her life to honor her grandparents' memory and ensure their legacy remained intact. It seemed doable... in theory.

Two weeks later, Isla stood before the massive glass doors of *Blake Holdings*, a leather bag in her hand and a knot in her stomach. She had spent those days trying to prepare herself, reading everything she could find about the company and Damian Blake. But nothing could truly prepare her for the magnitude of this world.

The lobby was huge, bright, with marble walls and modern art hanging here and there. Everything exuded luxury and power. Eyes turned to her as she passed through the doors, curious, sometimes wary. They knew who she was. The new heiress. A stranger parachuted into their world.

She approached the front desk, her heart pounding. The receptionist, an elegant woman in a crisp suit, gave her a polite but distant smile.

"Hello, I'm Isla Evans. I... I'm supposed to meet Damian Blake."

The woman nodded, quickly checking her screen. "Of course, Miss Evans. Mr. Blake is expecting you."

Those words were enough to send a wave of adrenaline through Isla. She silently followed the receptionist to a private elevator. The doors closed behind them, and the car began its ascent. Isla focused on her breathing, trying to calm her nerves. But that only made things worse. What did she really know about Damian Blake? Other than his photos in magazines, where he always appeared dark, distant, almost menacing.

The elevator stopped abruptly, and the doors opened to reveal a huge office. The back wall was made entirely of glass, offering a panoramic view of the city. And in the center, behind a glass desk, stood Damian Blake.

He looked up from his screen as she entered. Isla felt a shiver run down her spine. He was even more impressive in person. Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. His black hair was slightly disheveled, and his gaze, a steely gray, seemed able to pierce right through her. He gave off an overwhelming aura, a presence that commanded attention.

"Miss Evans," he said, his voice deep and slightly raspy. He stood and walked around his desk, approaching her. "Welcome to *Blake Holdings*."

She opened her mouth to respond, but no sound came out. He was intimidating, but there was something else too. An intensity in his gaze, a raw strength she had never encountered before.

"Thank you," she finally whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank you for having me."

He tilted his head slightly, his expression inscrutable. "I imagine this situation is... unusual for you."

A nervous laugh escaped him. "That's an understatement."

He watched for a moment, silent, as if sizing her up. Then, with a gesture of his hand, he indicated the chair in front of his desk. "Sit down. We have much to discuss."

Isla obeyed, trying to hide her anxiety. But as she sat down, she couldn't help but wonder if she had made the right choice. Working for this man would not be an easy task. But one thing was clear: her life had just changed forever.

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