Chapter 2 Twenty Million For Sex

"Marlon, what should I do? Where will I get 20 million?" I pleaded with desperation in my voice.

Marlon, my loyal friend and confidant, looked genuinely sorry but equally helpless. "If only I could help you, I would. I don't even have a million," he said, sympathy etched across his face.

My mind raced, grappling with the harsh reality of the situation. "If I end up in jail, take care of my child," I said, the weight of desperation heavy in my words.

Marlon, always the pillar of support, took my hand and held it firmly. "Don't worry, girl. Gerald and I will treat Kurt as our own child. We'll visit you in prison once a month."

" Marlon, come on," I said, trying to lighten the mood, leaning away to break the heaviness that hung in the air.

"I'm just kidding," he laughed, providing a brief respite. "But seriously, girl, the best thing to do is to go into hiding."

"No, I would never do that. Our family's reputation is at stake here. I'd rather go to jail knowing that they think my business partner duped me than have them believe I ran off with their money."

Marlon, understanding the gravity of my decision, inquired, "So, what's your plan then?"

I just shrugged, feeling the weight of defeat. Sipping my coffee, bitterness lingered on my tongue, mirroring the bitter situation I found myself in. Even if I were to sell all our properties, it wouldn't be enough. Smith Construction Supplies, my father's legacy, was already drowning in debt. The hope I had when we secured the contract for a large mall construction project was now replaced by the cruel reality of betrayal.

Suddenly, the piercing ring of my cellphone cut through the heavy silence. Evelyn, my secretary, displayed on the screen. "Hello, Evelyn?"

"Ma'am, Northstar Corporation called. They said they need the materials now."

"Do we have anything left to release?" Dread seeped into my voice.

"We don't have any materials left, ma'am."

"Okay, I'll take care of talking to them," I replied, hanging up the phone. The impending confrontation awaited me. I bid farewell to Marlon and made my way to Northstar Corporation. It was time to face the CEO.

"Can I see Mr. Laiken Northstar?" I asked the secretary at the entrance.

"Do you have an appointment?" the condescending secretary inquired.

"No, but I really need to see him."

"Miss, sorry, it's not allowed. Mr. Northstar is a very busy person. If you want, you can just wait for him to come out," she replied arrogantly.

"Can you at least tell him that I own Smith Construction Supplies and I really need to see him?"

The secretary's demeanor shifted. "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were one of Mr. Northstar's girlfriends." She pressed the intercom. "Mr. Northstar, the owner of Smith Construction Supplies wants to see you."

"Send her in," came the response.

"That way, ma'am." She pointed to the brown door.

Entering the room, uncertainty gripped me. The expansive space housed a black leather sofa, a large TV, and a floor-to-ceiling window providing a stunning view of Everwood. A massive desk sat at the end, and in front of the window was a swivel chair occupied by Mr. Northstar, engrossed in a phone call. The familiarity of his voice sent a shiver down my spine. Patiently, I stood until he concluded his conversation.

As he faced me, the shock was palpable. "L-Lake?"

"Take a seat, Miss Smith," he said, devoid of any expression. Hesitant, I sat in the chair opposite his desk. I scrutinized his features, confirming the undeniable truth. Lake Northstar, a haunting figure from my past, was sitting before me.

"Explain to me why you haven't sent any materials to us. Didn't I give you one month?" His voice, once warm, was now cold and demanding.

"I- um..." Stammering, I struggled to compose myself.

"Come on, Miss Smith. I don't have all day," he uttered impatiently.

"My business partner ran off with the 20 million," I confessed, the words finally escaping my lips.

"Well, that's not our problem," he dismissed callously. "You can go now."

"Lake, please, don't send me to jail." The words spilled out, a desperate plea.

"If we can't get the materials, then we would have to sue you," he declared, unwavering in his resolve.

Hell, you should have been in jail 7 years ago! For raping me, but I kept my mouth shut! I masked the truth, shielding you from the consequences of your actions. I yearned to confront him, to expose the pain he inflicted on me, but the words remained trapped within me. He exhibited no remorse for the torment he caused. I couldn't suppress the tears; they flowed freely, an uncontrollable release of pent-up emotions. Days of stress converged into this moment, leaving me emotionally drained and disoriented.

"I know a way how you can pay me back." A subtle smirk curved one corner of his lips.

I ceased crying, curiosity replacing my anguish. "H- how?"

"It's simple. All you have to do is have sex with me," he stated matter-of-factly.

"What? That's insane!" I exclaimed, rising abruptly from my seat.

"I know. Twenty million for sex? Some whores only get paid, what? Five thousand? And you, you're worth twenty million." His smirk intensified.

"I am not a whore, Lake."

"I'm not Lake. I'm Laiken Northstar."

"Even if you change your name and drown yourself in your money, you can't cover up the stench of your character," I declared, mustering my strength before storming out of his office.