as she clutched the crumpled medical bill in her lap. Her younger bro

ill. Anot

e doorway, "if the payment isn't made by F

uldn't cry again-not here,

hispered hoarsely, he

had tried everything-student loans, scholarships, even crowdfunding. But n

n't jus

s desp

eople made dang

Valtore Industries, the towering building in the heart of th

Cold, ruthless, filthy rich-and powe

evil in a ta

alking right

the receptionist said without

When the doors finally opened, she stepped into an office bathe

here

ic Va

e, a glass of whiskey in one

oth and cutting, "What a surprise.

she stood tall. "I'

a smile. "That's unfortunate. Because beggin

I need a loan. Just for

end money

th caugh

e, desperate, and... still proud." He stood and walked toward her slowly

tened. "What k

iage co

nked. "E

icly. For one year.

k, stunned. "Why wo

mile faded.

ped like ice

aid. "And having you by my sid

er head. "I'

air behind her ear without permission, "Y

embled. "Yo

r dies. If you sign that contract," he nodded t

r eyes. It wasn't a ch

t out of it?" s

she could feel his breath.

lappe

d office, but Dominic didn't flinch. Ins

ou hadn't

rage and humiliation

her phone

50,000 by Friday or your

he screen, her

his desk. "You have unt

at the con

ready printed o

ded was a