Evelyn Carter is a smart and determined woman, but her past is full of pain. Betrayed by her stepmother and sister, she's built a successful business on her own. Even so, her heart is scarred, and she struggles to trust anyone. Alexander Hayes is a powerful billionaire with a cold, ruthless reputation. Known as the "Devil of Manhattan," he hides a softer side behind his tough exterior. But Alexander's past is full of secrets, and he has vowed never to let anyone get too close. When Evelyn's company faces ruin, Alexander makes her a shocking offer: marry him, and he will save her business. Left with no other choice, Evelyn agrees. But their deal quickly becomes more complicated as they face jealous enemies, dangerous secrets, and their growing feelings for each other. Can Evelyn open her heart to Alexander? And can Alexander protect the only woman who makes him feel alive? Bound by Desire is a story of love, betrayal, and second chances, filled with twists and cliffhangers that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Chapter 1 Father's Surprise
EVELYN'S POV
*************
It can't be. "Father won't possibly write this and leave me with nothing." I murmured to myself as I grabbed the paper that had been faxed to me through my mail. I rushed to the table and grabbed my phone.
Tell me this isn't my father's will," I said with tears streaming down my face.
I am sorry, Miss Evelyn, but that is exactly what your father left you with." Mr. Greenwood, who happens to be my father's lawyer, said in a solemn voice. "I am sorry, but you have to deal with it." Alice and Veronica are now the sole owners of the company, and they alone have the final say.
But I built this company even when my father was on his dying bed." I worked alone for the company where it is today. "Are you telling me all of my hard work has gone down the drain?" I shouted, digging my nails into my palm. "I am sorry, Evelyn. There is nothing I can do."
That was the final answer of Mr. Greenwood before he finally ended the call. I fell onto my bed, not sure of what I was supposed to feel. Ever since my mum died and my father remarried, Alice and her daughter have done everything to make sure my father hated me. The man that dotes on me now couldn't even bear to look at me.
I shut my eyes and sighed. If I could have my way, I would rather wish my father had died of cancer earlier than my mother. That was the last thought on my mind before I drifted into a long slumber. My body was weak, and so was my heart.
[8 AM THE FOLLOWING]
The chirping sound of the birds woke me up, not to mention the irritating alarm by my side. I yawned lazily as I got out of bed. Mr. Greenwood told me yesterday he was coming to read the will today. It was now two weeks after the death of my father. I got into the bathroom and was out in forty-five minutes. I dressed up, and as I strolled down the stairway, I could hear the cracked laughter of Alice and Veronica.
But they looked at me with a disdainful look. "Witch." Veronica said silently, but I didn't care. I took my headset and gently placed it over my ears as we awaited the lawyer. I prayed silently a miracle would happen, and I would be given everything I had labored for, but I knew that it was not possible.
The door opened with a man in his late fifties; he had a bag strapped to his armpit and some files in his hands. "We have been expecting you." Alice said with a wide grin. "What can we offer you?" Veronica said, charging forward. I sat down with a motionless expression on my face. I knew what was going to happen already
There is no need for that." "I am just here to tell you the will of the late Frank Milton," the lawyer said, meeting my gaze.
Yes, please tell us. "What does it say?" Alice asked with her legs crossed. "Well." Mr. Greenwood said with a sigh. "There is nothing much to discuss." Mr. Frank had made you his next of kin, and not only that, he had willed the company in your name. "While Evelyn takes charge of the house," he said, opening the file he was holding.
"Everything here is documented." Mr. Greenwood said, tapping the file he was holding. Veronica smiled, flashing a set of chocolate teeth towards me. "Please, you both need to sign." Mr. Greenwood said, looking at our faces. I hesitated and looked at Alice. "Not the company," the word slipped from my mouth.
"What?" "What did you say?" Alice asked, shifting her gaze from the lawyer back to me. "You can have everything, even houses, but not a company. I worked my ass off for that."
"Really? Do you think I am stupid enough to give you that? And didn't you listen to what he said? Alice looked at the lawyer and went back at me.
He said, and I quote," Frank only gave you the house and nothing else. So why should I trade a whole company for this? Alice looked at the house like it was some kind of garbage. "House," she finally let out.
I gritted my teeth in anger; this house had cost my mother, who toiled hard with my father to build it. And here was a woman who didn't sow but yet reaped all the hard work.
I walked towards the lawyer and took the pen. "Where should I sign?" I asked. Mr. Greenwood pointed to a place on the paper, and I penned my signature. "Well, the board of directors still needed to pick who was going to govern the affairs of the company. "I am sure you know that, right?" I said with a mischievous smile on my face.
I knew the board of directors would pick me if it came down to me and Alice. "I have proven over time that I can handle the company and take it to greater heights, although we were having a setback." "Really?" "We are going to see about that," Alice replied.
I grabbed my headset and jogged out of the compound. The gatekeeper immediately had the gate opened as he saw me running towards him.
I ran into the street exercising and also trying to get my mind off things. Not only is the company having a setback, but we are slowly running out of funds, and we might have to shut down permanently or maybe even be sold off to the highest bidder in the business world.
At least that was what most of the executives wanted. I had managed to talk them out of it, but then selling the company seemed like the only solution. I was lost in thoughts when I heard a bash. I fell to the ground trying to gasp for breath. My vision became blurry as I saw a man bending over me. "Are you alright?" he asked in a grim voice before darkness engulfed me.
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