Chapter 1 - The Deal
Adrian leaned forward, his dark eyes locking onto hers.
"A woman who can have her own children will always secretly favor them," he said.
"She will look at my four orphans as obligations, waiting for the day she can produce a true heir."
"But you, Elena, have no other options."
"My children will be your only chance at motherhood."
Elena stared at the ruthless man sitting across from her.
He was offering to buy her life simply because it was broken.
"You want a mother who is trapped by her own biology," she whispered.
Adrian did not flinch or look away.
"I want a mother who will never replace them."
Richard Hayes rubbed his hands together, his greed practically vibrating across the table.
"Three million covers my debts, Adrian."
"We have a deal."
Adrian slowly reached into his tailored suit jacket and pulled out a thick envelope.
He tossed it onto the table, but he did not let go of it.
"The three million clears your debts because I bought your debts this morning, Richard."
Elena’s father froze, his arrogant smile melting into absolute panic.
"You don't owe the banks anymore," Adrian continued softly.
"You owe me."
"And if you ever try to contact my new wife again, I will collect my payment in blood."
Richard stood up, his face pale and completely terrified, before running out of the club.
Adrian stood up and offered his hand to Elena.
"Let's go home, Mrs. Cross."
Elena took his hand, feeling a strange mix of terror and total awe.
As they walked out the back door, Adrian’s massive bodyguard leaned in close to her ear.
"Be careful with the children, ma'am," the giant man whispered.
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"The last caregiver didn't just quit her job."
"She was pushed out of a third-story window."
