The Billionaire Ice's Heart

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s caused a start inside of her. Maybe, just maybe, this was her opportunity to take back those ambitions and create a life where she finally felt like herself.Marie made her decision with renewed determination. She would accept Mrs. Stone's invitation. She would play the game, but only according to her own rules. She would not lose herself in the preparation, but she would entice John Stone.She would take advantage of this chance to acquire financial stability and build a future for herself. If love occurred along the road, then so be it. However, she refused to sacrifice her intelligence or her dignity for any amount of money.Marie inhaled deeply before picking up the phone and dialling the number Mrs. Stone had provided. "Hi," she said in a strong and powerful voice. "I have already decided. I accept your offer.On the other end a calm, composed voice answered. "All right, Miss Marie. I think you have had an opportunity to think about what we suggested." A longing that verged on assumption bound Mrs. Stone's tone.Steeling her anxieties, Marie inhaled deeply. "Yes, Mrs. Stone. Yes, I have. I also accept your offer.There was silence for a minute, broken only by the sound of the phone line's blacked-out mumble. The silence was then broken by Mrs. Stone's voice, which was now infused with a note of victory. "Wow. I knew you were a young woman with common sense. Shall we meet at the chateau tomorrow morning at precisely 10 o'clock? We have a lot to discuss.Marie confirmed, "Ten of the clock it is," with a shudder of fear in her voice.Fantastic. That is, until Miss Marie." The queue died. The receiver was gradually replaced by Marie, whose mind was already working hard. She had gotten herself into what? The whole situation seemed like a whirlwind, transporting her into an unfamiliar realm and away from the mundane beaches of her existence.A flood of enquiries swept over her. Was she really capable of portraying the role that Mrs. Stone had assigned her? might she transform into the kind of woman who might attract a guy such as John Stone?She glanced at her mirror, which was staring back at her with big, suspicious eyes, hanging on the barrier. Was this the encounter that would end a thousand desires? She was a simple young woman with brown hair and a few spots on her nose.Her lips formed a sardonic smile. She had a task to do.Sometime lately, Marie stood again in the imposing entrances of the Stone Château the next morning. At any rate, this time the trepidation was mingled with a peculiar feeling of anticipation. Now that she had made up