In a world where love is just another transaction, what happens when the lines between business and desire thin beyond control? Allison Walter has spent years trying to rebuild her father's almost ruined legacy, but mounting debts threaten to consume her. When the enigmatic billionaire Nathaniel Cross offers her an irresistible deal - pretend to be his fiancée for six months in exchange for financial freedom, she has no choice but to sign the contract. What starts as an arrangement quickly turns into a dangerous game of deception, power, and passion. Behind the glamour and staged romance, Nathaniel's empire is crumbling, and someone close to him is determined to bring him down.
Chapter 1 The Highest Bidder
Allison Walter wasn't supposed to be here. Not at this extravagant charity auction, mingling with New York's elite, in a dress she couldn't afford and champagne she shouldn't touch. Yet here she was, smiling through aching feet, pretending she belonged in a world that never welcomed her.
She gripped her untouched champagne, forcing composure.
"You are holding that like it owes you money," a voice teased beside her.
Allison turned to find Daniel Hayes grinning. Heir to a tech empire, Daniel was one of the few who didn't make her want to claw her way out.
"If I break it, you think they will let me take it home as a souvenir?" she mused.
"Doubtful. But I'd pay to see you try."
She rolled her eyes but smiled. Daniel reminded her that not everyone here was unbearable. A distant family friend, he had grown up with wealth but never wielded it like a weapon.
"Allison." A smooth voice interrupted.
Her shoulders tensed before she turned. Charlotte Wexler. The kind of woman whose smile was too sweet to be real.
"Charlotte," she greeted coolly.
"I must say, I didn't expect to see you tonight." Charlotte's eyes swept over her dress, looking for flaws.
Allison refused to give her the satisfaction. "Couldn't miss it."
"Well, it is good to see you... making an effort." Charlotte's saccharine smile begged to be slapped. "How's the family business holding up?"
The question was sugar-coated poison. Allison knew exactly what Charlotte meant. The whispers, everyone in this room had likely heard that Walter Industries was struggling. Charlotte just wanted to hear Allison admit it.
Allison lifted her glass, finally taking a slow sip. When she met Charlotte's gaze, she smiled. "Oh, you know how it is. Some years are harder than others. But we always land on our feet."
Charlotte tilted her head in mock sympathy."That is admirable. I imagine it must be difficult, though... keeping up appearances."
Allison's grip on the flute tightened. "You would know all about that, wouldn't you, Charlotte?"
Irritation flashed in Charlotte's eyes. But she recovered quickly, lips curving into another condescending smile. "I suppose we all do what we must."
"Exactly." Allison's tone was sweet but sharp. "Which is why I assume you are still pretending that your fiancé didn't get caught sneaking out of a hotel with someone who wasn't you."
Charlotte's fingers tensed around her clutch.
"Alright," Daniel cut in smoothly, "I think that's enough small talk."
Charlotte's expression barely faltered, but her grip on control was clear. She let out a light laugh, as if Allison's jab hadn't just struck home. "Of course. Enjoy the evening."
She strolled away, her heels clicking a little too hard against the marble floor.
Allison exhaled slowly.
"You really don't know how to back down, do you?" Daniel murmured, watching her with amusement.
"Not when I have a point to make. She begged for it."
He chuckled. "Well, remind me never to get on your bad side."
Allison let out a slow breath. "You'd think condescension was an Olympic sport."
Daniel chuckled. "If it was, Charlotte would have the gold."
Before Allison could respond, the auctioneer's voice rang out.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our next item: a weekend retreat at the exclusive Redwood Estate, generously donated by Mr. Nathaniel Cross himself."
A ripple of interest passed through the crowd. Redwood Estate was infamous-not just for its luxury, but for how few ever received an invitation.
Allison barely paid attention until Daniel nudged her. "Speaking of Cross," he murmured.
She followed his gaze.
Nathaniel Cross stood at the back, unreadable. Even among the city's wealthiest, he stood out-broad-shouldered, impeccably dressed, carrying the kind of presence that made people straighten their backs.
His gaze met hers for a second-long enough to steal her breath. He is the kind of man who makes women swoon at first sight.
And then the bidding started.
"Allison," Daniel said suddenly, voice low. "What are you thinking?"
She blinked. "What?"
"You've got that look."
"I don't have a look."
"You absolutely have a look. The same one you had when you decided to argue with the board last month."
"That was different."
"Was it?"
The auctioneer's voice cut through the chatter.
"Twenty thousand."
A paddle went up.
Allison turned toward the stage. People were tossing out numbers like pennies, and the whole thing irritated her. A weekend at a billionaire's estate shouldn't cost more than her father's company was worth.
She exhaled sharply. "Ridiculous."
Daniel sighed. "Don't do anything reckless."
Her fingers twitched.
"Thirty thousand."
More paddles.
Her heart pounded. What was she doing? She wasn't planning to bid. She wasn't planning anything at all. But then, before she could think better of it, her hand lifted.
A hush fell over the room. Then murmurs.
"Allison," Daniel hissed. "What the hell?"
"What is the current bid?" she asked, ignoring him.
The auctioneer's brows lifted. "Forty-five thousand. Would you like to raise it, Miss Walter?"
She met Nathaniel's gaze again. This time, there was something almost amused in his expression.
Why not?
Her grip tightened on the paddle. "Sixty thousand."
Gasps rippled through the audience.
Someone muttered, Who is she?
Daniel groaned. "You are insane."
Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. But he hadn't looked away.
The auctioneer paused. No counterbids.
"Sold to Miss Allison Walter."
Daniel exhaled. "What did I just witness?"
She wasn't sure. Her pulse thundered in her ears.
A slow, deliberate voice cut through the noise.
"Well," Nathaniel said, stepping forward, "that was unexpected."
He wasn't just watching her anymore, he was interested.
"Allison Walter," he drawled, intrigue lacing his tone. " Well, this changes things."
Chapter 1 The Highest Bidder
12/03/2025
Chapter 2 No Room For Coincidences
12/03/2025
Chapter 3 A Glimpse of Glamour Before The Storm
12/03/2025
Chapter 4 A Proposition From Hell
12/03/2025
Chapter 5 Checkmate!
12/03/2025
Chapter 6 Daredevil
13/03/2025
Chapter 7 Schemers
13/03/2025
Chapter 8 Crossroads of Fate
13/03/2025
Chapter 9 The Marriage Pact
13/03/2025
Chapter 10 Showtime
13/03/2025
Chapter 11 A Toast To The Past
Today at 22:17
Chapter 12 Under His Command
03/04/2025
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