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Contract with a Billionaire

Contract with a Billionaire

Max's Story

5.0
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Lyana Solhart, a young woman from a cruel and manipulative family, is forced to marry a man she despises: a ruthless and domineering billionaire, Draven Blackthorn. Having grown up in a hostile environment where she was always underestimated and humiliated, Lyana has learned to hide her true strength and survive in the shadows. Draven, a man known for his immeasurable wealth, his icy charisma and his ruthless methods, agrees to this marriage for an obscure reason, but one thing is clear: he considers her insignificant. However, behind his cold and calculated exterior, he hides deep wounds and a dangerous secret. As Lyana is thrown into a world of dizzying luxury, family rivalries and power plays, she begins to discover that Draven is not the man he claims to be. Why did he really choose her, a woman everyone despises? What role does this mysterious contract play that he seems willing to do anything to protect? Gradually, the tension between them turns into a fierce attraction, but the shadows of Draven's past and the intrigues surrounding their marriage catch up with them. When Lyana uncovers a plot to destroy them both, she must decide: run away and protect her heart or stay and risk her life for a man who could be as much her salvation as her downfall. But is Draven really trustworthy? What truths does he hide behind his icy gaze and crooked smiles? Can Lyana survive in a world where every smile hides a dagger, and every ally could be a traitor?

Chapter 1 Chapitre 1

The fading light of a winter afternoon streamed in through the large windows of the Solhart mansion, casting long shadows on the Persian rugs. Lyana stood straight in the main living room, her hands clenched on the armrests of the chair. Across from her, her mother, elegant but ruthless, observed her with a mixture of impatience and triumph. His father, stoic as always, absentmindedly adjusted his cufflinks. They had just dropped the news like a bomb, shattering the illusion of precarious peace in his already unstable daily life.

"You will marry Draven Blackthorn in two weeks. »

The silence that followed was almost deafening. Lyana felt her heart tighten, her mind desperately trying to grasp the meaning of those words.

" Pardon  ? » she finally whispered, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to sound calm.

Her mother placed a glass of champagne on a coffee table and stood up, her heels clicking on the marbled floor. "Don't act ignorant, Lyana . This marriage is the best thing that could happen to our family. You should thank us. »

"Thank me? Do you want me to thank those who use me as a bargaining chip? » Lyana 's gaze darkened, her tone becoming sharp. "Why Draven Blackthorn ?" Why me? »

His father, until then silent, intervened with his deep and authoritative voice. " Draven is a powerful man, far more powerful than you or even this family. Their support is crucial to get us out of this financial impasse. You should be honored that he chose you. »

A joyless laugh escaped Lyana . "Chosen? Do you really think a man like him *chose* me? He only saw me as a pawn, a practical solution. Just like you. »

Her mother's face hardened, but she maintained a posture of icy superiority. "It's not about your feelings or what you think. This marriage is recorded. You are a Solhart , and your loyalty to this family comes first. »

Lyana felt a burning anger rise within her, but she refrained from responding, knowing that any resistance would be useless at the moment. However, deep inside her, a promise was born: she would not let herself be crushed so easily.

---

The next day, Lyana was taken to a large hotel in the city to meet Draven Blackthorn in person. She had heard of him: an enigmatic billionaire, renowned for his business genius, but also for his complete lack of scruples. As she got into the elevator that led to the luxurious suite where he was waiting for her, she couldn't help but feel a slight apprehension mixed with anger.

When she entered the room, the first thing that struck Lyana was the coldness emanating from the man sitting by the window. Tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, Draven seemed to be the epitome of elegance and power. His dark eyes turned towards her, scrutinizing her with an intensity that made Lyana shiver despite herself.

"Miss Solhart . » His voice was low, controlled, but with a hint of sarcasm that did not escape him. "Sit down. »

She hesitated for a moment before sitting down in the armchair opposite him, trying to maintain an air of indifference despite the tumult that was rumbling within her.

Draven stared at her for a moment in silence, as if weighing each word before speaking. "You know why you're here, I suppose." »

Lyana raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Because my family sold their daughter to you to settle their debts? »

A slight smile appeared on Draven 's lips, but he failed to soften his icy expression. " Sold  ? No. I would rather say that it is a mutually beneficial exchange. You gain my protection and a life of comfort. And me... I earn what I need. »

She felt her anger rising. "And what exactly do you get?" A compliant wife? »

Draven leaned forward slightly, his eyes darkening further. "Don't confuse this marriage with romance, Miss Solhart . This is an agreement. You will play the role I assign to you, nothing more. »

Lyana 's heart sank, but she refused to show any weakness. "What if I refuse? »

A tense silence ensued. Draven finally stood up, a cold smile on his lips. "You will not refuse. Because you know, just like me, that your parents won't give you a choice. And because, unlike them, I don't have the habit of failing. »

These words sounded like a threat, although no direct aggression came through in his tone. Lyana understood that she was facing a man used to getting what he wanted, no matter the cost.

---

Later that evening, Lyana was going through the marriage contract in her room. The pages were filled with complex legal terms, but one detail caught his eye: a mysterious clause mentioning a particular condition.

She frowned, rereading the cryptic lines. The clause stipulated that in the event of premature breakdown of the marriage, a colossal sum would be paid to an organization whose name was unknown to him. Why such a clause? And why would an outside organization be involved in their union?

She felt a cold sweat running down her neck. Something was wrong with all this.

A quiet knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. She sat up, surprised, and opened it to find a maid holding a tray with an envelope on it.

"This is from Mr. Blackthorn , miss. He insisted that you read it before the night was over. »

Lyana took the envelope, a strange feeling knotting her stomach. When she opened it, she found a handwritten note, in elegant and firm handwriting:

"Don't try to understand yet. Everything will be explained to you in due time. In the meantime, respect your role and do what is expected of you. We both have a lot to lose. - Draven Blackthorn . »

She clutched the paper between her fingers, her eyes glistening with frustration. Did this man really think she would meekly comply with his demands?

No. If Draven Blackthorn wanted to play this game, she was ready. But she would play by her own rules.

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