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Billionaire's Forbidden Obsession

Billionaire's Forbidden Obsession

Sarah john

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Sophia Dark has spent years building walls around her heart and her past. As one of Manhattan's top interior designers, she's determined to make a name for herself on her own terms, far from the shadows of her troubled upbringing. But when she's hired by Liam Carter, the dangerously charming billionaire with a reputation for getting everything he wants, her carefully constructed life begins to unravel. Liam is ruthless, powerful, and utterly obsessed with Sophia. What begins as a professional collaboration quickly ignites into a fiery battle of wills, where passion and tension collide. But Liam isn't just drawn to Sophia's beauty and fierce independence he knows her secret, a buried truth that could destroy everything she's worked for. As their relationship spirals into an intoxicating mix of love and control, Sophia must decide whether to risk her heart for a man who may be her greatest weakness or her ultimate downfall. And when a shocking revelation from Liam's past comes to light, their fragile connection teeters on the edge of collapse.

Chapter 1 1

The elevator's mirrored doors reflected Sophia Dark's image back at her-a striking figure in a tailored gray blazer, her auburn hair swept into a sleek bun, and eyes that burned with determination. She tightened her grip on her portfolio, her knuckles whitening. She had worked hard for this moment, clawing her way up from obscurity to stand in the heart of Manhattan's elite. Now, she was about to step into the orbit of Liam Carter, one of the city's most powerful and enigmatic billionaires.

The chime of the elevator snapped her out of her thoughts. The doors slid open, revealing the top-floor offices of Carter Enterprises. Polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. The scent of leather and money hung in the air, as if success itself had a fragrance.

"Miss Dark?" A crisp, no-nonsense voice interrupted her. Sophia turned to see a petite woman in a pencil skirt and silk blouse, her hair pulled into a bun so tight it looked painful. "Mr. Carter is expecting you. Please follow me."

Sophia nodded, her heels clicking against the floor as she followed the assistant down a long corridor. Her heart raced, but she kept her face neutral, refusing to let nerves betray her. She had prepared for this meeting for weeks. Landing the redesign contract for Liam Carter's luxury hotel chain would be a game-changer for her career.

They stopped in front of a pair of massive oak doors. The assistant knocked once, then pushed them open.

"Mr. Carter, Miss Dark is here."

Sophia stepped inside, and her breath caught.

Liam Carter stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, a commanding figure silhouetted against the glittering Manhattan skyline. Tall and broad-shouldered, he radiated power in a way that was both magnetic and intimidating. His dark suit was tailored to perfection, and his jet-black hair was slicked back, emphasizing his chiseled jawline.

But it was his eyes that arrested her. Piercing and calculating, they locked onto hers the moment she entered, as if he could see straight through her.

"Miss Dark," he said, his deep voice smooth and measured. "You're punctual. I appreciate that."

Sophia forced a smile, stepping forward. "Punctuality is the least I can offer, Mr. Carter."

His lips twitched, not quite a smile. "Let's see if you can offer more than that."

He gestured to the sleek leather chair across from his massive mahogany desk. Sophia sat, carefully placing her portfolio on her lap. Liam walked around the desk, leaning back against it instead of sitting, his arms crossed casually.

"Before we begin," he said, "tell me why I should trust you with this project. My hotels are my legacy, Miss Dark. Convince me you're the right person to elevate them."

Sophia met his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. "Because I understand luxury, Mr. Carter. But more importantly, I understand people. A hotel isn't just about aesthetics-it's about creating an experience, a feeling. My designs don't just look good; they resonate. They tell a story."

Liam arched a brow, clearly intrigued. "And what story do you think my hotels should tell?"

Sophia hesitated for a fraction of a second, then said, "Elegance without pretension. Sophistication with warmth. Your properties attract the world's elite, but they should also invite them to feel at home-even if just for a night."

A slow, almost predatory smile spread across Liam's face. "Interesting. Most designers would focus on grandeur, not comfort."

"I'm not most designers," she replied, her voice steady.

Liam studied her for a moment, then pushed off the desk and walked around it to sit. "Show me what you've prepared."

Sophia opened her portfolio, spreading out sketches and fabric samples. She explained her vision with precision and passion, her hands moving as she described textures, lighting, and color palettes. Liam listened silently, his expression unreadable, but his eyes never left her.

When she finished, she sat back, waiting for his response. The silence stretched, heavy and oppressive, until he finally leaned back in his chair.

"You're talented," he said, his voice neutral. "I'll give you that. But talent isn't enough, Miss Dark. This project will demand perfection. Do you think you can handle that?"

Sophia straightened her spine, meeting his gaze head-on. "I don't aim for anything less."

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes-approval, maybe-but it was gone before she could be sure.

"Very well," he said. "You've got the job."

Relief flooded her, but she kept her expression composed. "Thank you, Mr. Carter. I won't let you down."

"I hope not," he said, his tone carrying a hint of warning. "Failure isn't something I tolerate."

She nodded, rising to her feet. "If there's nothing else, I'll get started right away."

As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her.

"Miss Dark."

She looked back, her hand on the door handle.

"I like people who exceed expectations. Impress me, and this won't be the last project we work on together."

Sophia smiled, a hint of challenge in her eyes. "I intend to."

She left the office with her heart pounding, her mind racing with possibilities. But as the elevator doors closed behind her, she couldn't shake the feeling that Liam Carter was far more dangerous than he appeared-and not just because of his power.

What she didn't know was that Liam was already watching her, his mind spinning with plans of his own. Because this project wasn't just about business for him. It was personal. And Sophia Dark had no idea what she'd just stepped into.

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