WHISPERED LIES OF THE BILLIONAIRE

ake a difference to stare. The loud, acrid voice of my

auty was engulfed by the shadows while the chandeliers continued to glow dimly in the last of the brightness. With a drink of whiskey ha

ft my suitcase by the entrance. Even though I thought the wo

The vultures came for our assets, and hope fled. The instant I s

lf stare at him, and my hands at my sides clinched into fists. "You

ngulfed by embarrassment and tiredness. "What would you like us to do, too? Were we to sell the garments we wear? "

was based on his unwavering foundation; he was the man who had created an empire out of nothing. He w

nstricted as uncertainty tore at my determi

house, my heels clicking on the marble flooring. Everywhere I turned, I was teased by memories-the warmth tha

ed. I ran my fingertips over the papers, feeling the actual power of their contents bea

e said, "Amelia," in a gentler, almost beseeching tone. "You're quite young.

pain and rage rising to the surface. Are you interest

I felt a mixture of affection and hate in my chest. I adored my father, but I fe

the once-bright decorations either sold or packed away, the walls were now empty. The covers were tangled from sl

of my reverie. From the hallway

ng to hide the tiredne

s now. "I have a prop

d my head. "What ki

said, his face tense.

h each step I took, my pulse accelerated as I followed my father down th

ck stand on end. He was tall and calm. His dark hair was styled back, his fitted suit was immaculate, and his intense blu

fluid voice. Jack Sterling is my name. I

illionaire entrepreneur Jack Sterling was a byword for might and

with a firm voice despite my inte

decline in your family's reputation has been... noteworthy. And it turns

th slouched shoulders. "What kind of opportunit

left his eyes as he said, "A mutually beneficial arrangement," "Your fat

urn?" With my heart racing i

an a shark's. "You, Ame

r's piercing gasp mirrored my own surprise. I retreated a step,

, my voice just above a wh

he said. "Every debt your family has will be forgiven if you marry me. Your leg

of the old clock on the mantel, the room was silent. A tornado of terror, rage, and desperatio

d as I muttered,

Perhaps." "But, Amelia, I usually get my

demand that he leave. This is because, despite my anger, a ti

urs to decide," as he turned to face th

stand in the ruins of my life and make a choice th