BENEATH THE VELVET EMPIRE

taunting me from the kitchen counter. I'd barely slept, my mind turning over his words, hi

ing they could use-something that would benefit them. And yet, wasn't that what I wanted? Someone who

is point on my own. What if saying yes to him meant giving u

n Jenna called, her voice pract

t?" she asked, not even b

e weight of exhaustion press

frowning. "What do you mean 'not yet'? This is Liam Mercer we're talking a

y in my stomach. "But something about it just feels...

worried about losing control or selling out. But this isn't about selling out. It's about leveling up

was. I had been given an opportunity that most artists could only dream of, and

id, letting out a br

what I like to hear! I'll be by your pla

ng in my chest. This was it-the moment that could change

ng up my phone. My fingers hovered over the keypad, and then

Twice. Then a crisp

m Me

up so quickly. His voice was even more commanding over the p

er. It's Isab

his tone softened, just a bit. "

but I forced myself to stay focused. "I wanted to discus

here's a restaurant downtown, Luxe. I'll have my ass

in the city. My pulse quickened at the thought of meeting Liam

I'll see yo

it," he said, and th

moment, my heart racing.

d in a sleek, modern building, with floor-to-ceiling windows that gave a perfect view of the city skyline. Inside, I

pace. A hostess greeted me with a smile, and when I gave her my name, she immediat

to perfection, and his eyes locked onto mine as I approa

voice smooth as silk. "

fine china and crystal glasses, the soft glow of candlelight casting shadows on his sharp features. He lo

," I said, trying to sound

before disappearing just as quickly. Liam picked up his glass,

" he said, setting his glass

s. "I guess my first question is... why

ly, Isabella. When I see potential, I act on it. Your work has something... raw, something real. It's not j

ard by his words. "You t

ng that to the world. But to do that, you need more than just talent.

sent a chill down my spine. There was an intensity to him, a s

ership entail?" I asked, my finge

ions, cover the costs of production, exhibitions, marketing, everything. In return,

s. "Some say? Wha

ity. "It means I'd help guide you. You have the talent, Isabella, but you'

was coming, but hearing it out loud still mad

hing I ever wanted. Liam had the power to take my career to heights I couldn't even imag

in this," I said quietly, my

t. I don't want to change you, Isabella. I want t

n in his voice, that made me want to believe him. Maybe I could h

whispered that nothin

ink about it," I said, my

me you need. But know this, Isabella-opportunities like t

able before turning to leave. I watched him go, fe

fear hol

that was holding me back-or s