Bound by billonaires hidden agenda

----

faint hum of the overhead lights. The scent of varnish and paint clung t

er fingers rifling through papers. She looked exhausted, h

shut behind me, her eyes narrowing. "Damon

ee me," I quipped, a sm

o say." Her arms crossed, but her ga

"Just checking in. You've got 24 hours

possibly have left to discuss? You've already laid

ting her anger wash over me. She wasn't wr

id. "Because I don't think

harp as ever. But beneath it, I saw

ddenly, her voice quieter but no less

"What makes you think

ou wouldn't go to this much trouble for just

. Too

. "Reasons you don't need to worry about. All you need to know

fists curling at her si

aid, my tone casual. "A

I saw the hesitation in her eyes. She didn't want to

ard the door. "I'll be back

aught my eye-a faint glint beneath one

, my gaze

ophia snapped, her

t a better look. And there it was: a small metal corner, p

se qui

voice was sha

racing. "You've been hiding som

ut?" She stepped forward,

he table. "What's u

gaze. "It's just storage

t belie

pushed the table aside. A trapdoor was hi

is this?" I ask

ling with fear. "I don't know," she said, sha

on. It was the faint symbol etched into the

od ran

This isn't just about your gallery,"

on?" Sophia demanded,

ion grim. "You're in far mo

allery flickered, then went out en

e-the low, deliberate click of

ren't