A Deal with the Devil

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business-driven agreement, began to have strange layers unfolding layers that Theresa hadn't anticipated. The divide between her world and Chris's was ev

anor, his eyes, made her question whether he truly viewed her that way. But those moments were fleeting,

e the pressure mounted. There were calls to make, negotiations to attend, and reports to analyze. But

rlying sense of manipulation that she couldn't shake off. It was clear that Chris Callahan wasn't someone who simply did f

vered over the screen as she deliberated. She hadn't heard from Chris in a few days, which wasn't exactly unusual. Their co

g a little deeper. Was this truly just a business transaction

s number. It rang a few times before

his tone smooth, almo

ng to keep the frustration out of h

line was like a wall cold, distant, an

right. What's

d where we stand in all of this. You promised you'd help with the company, but.

omfort. "You're asking the wrong questions, Theresa. It's not about

by his cryptic response

oon enough," he said be

unease. She had expected some level of emotional detachment, but this felt like something

ment she stepped through the door, she felt the cool air of the vast, open space that seemed to swallow her whole. Ch

," he said, without

heresa admitted, her voice softer than she intended

le. "It was never meant to be personal. You didn't e

t I did expect something more than this

s naïve as you look, Theresa. I told you from the beg

en why marry me at all? If you didn't care about the company, you could've just

e something raw. He blinked, shaking it off. "Because you're part of a bigger plan. A plan that's bigger than you or me, Theresa.

r mind racing. "So you're

pple of awareness down her spine. "You're not a pawn," he said in a low voice,

ried to understand what he was implying. Was it

"I don't have time for your doubts, Theresa. Focus on your company. Focus

back into place between them. Chris was a man who did not give an inch. She wasn't sure i

her voice steady, even though

ord, he turned his back to her once

d no illusions about what this marriage was. It wasn't about love. It wasn't even about trust

sure if Chris was simply manipulating her or if there was more to him than she realized. But one thing was ce