Bound by billonaires hidden agenda

---

he promised, though I hadn't expected him so soon. For a moment, I considered making a run for it-like those dramatic m

ible to ignore. Standing in front of me, he flashed a faint smile. "I told you

courtesy was almost laughable, but my curiosity ab

her seat, the faint scent of expensive cologne-his-filled the air. The doors closed with a soft thud,

lights streaked past. I could feel his eyes on

taurant. My brows furrowed as I took in the gleaming facade and elegant guests

asked sharply, finall

for me, his smirk annoyingly intact. "Business alway

rm glow over polished floors, and soft murmurs of conversation filled the air. Damon strode thro

h in the back. Sliding into the seat, I couldn't ignore the al

I said, more state

othered by my tone. "I

ut?" I pressed,

e I was a particularly intriguing p

ed, resisting the u

a glass of wine, swirling

edge of the table. "Damon,

sharp and unrelenting. "Y

er," I bit out, my ton

lated. He leaned in slightly, the candlelight casting shadows on

n my spine. "Wh

his smirk deepen

inced I'd mishe

year. Strictly business. In exchange, I'll pay off you

could stop it. "You're insane. Y

d by my outburst. "It's about mutual benefit. You

exactly, do

e question. "That's irrelevant. What matters i

under the table. "

" he said bluntly, his

said, though the words fe

an air of finality. "Think carefully, Sophia. Sometime

me sitting there, my t

----

That

, Damon's words looping endlessly in my head

my fingers along the edge of a painti

thing beneath a pile of papers snagged my at

r's handwriting. My stomach twisted as I opened i

short, but it chil

specially those

coming? Had he known someone like Damon would appear, of

fist. This was my gallery, my future. I wasn't abou

final notice sat pinned to the bulletin board, a constant reminder

my dreams were haunted by Damon-his smirk, his piercing eyes, and h

arer than the night before. The weight of the decision loomed heavy as I

rely enough to cover the electricity bill. As I stared at the ba

the clock. Time was running out, and