Chapter 3 THE ENCOUNTER

Lena stood in front of the towering glass building, her heart pounding in her chest. The Blackwood Corporation. It was everything she had imagined and more-a symbol of power, wealth, and an entire world that seemed light-years away from her own. The sleek, modern architecture was intimidating, with its sharp lines and reflective windows that seemed to mock her from every angle. She felt small beneath it, almost like an intruder, yet here she was, standing at the threshold of a life that could change everything.

Her hand clenched around the letter once more, the same letter that had brought her here. The wax seal was still intact, a strange comfort in a sea of unfamiliarity. She hadn't thought she would make it this far. The decision to come here-to meet Alexander Blackwood, the man she was supposed to marry-had felt like an out-of-body experience when she'd made it. Now, standing outside his world, it all felt very real, too real.

"You sure about this?" Kate's voice rang in her ears, cutting through her thoughts. Lena turned to find her best friend standing beside her, her face a mixture of concern and skepticism. Kate had insisted on accompanying Lena, offering moral support as only a true friend would, though she had tried to talk Lena out of it a dozen times.

"I have to do this," Lena replied, her voice steady but betraying the nerves coursing through her. "I need to see what I'm dealing with. I can't decide without meeting him."

Kate raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She had already made her feelings clear. Lena was plunging into something that felt far too dangerous, even for someone as desperate as she was. But Lena had made up her mind. She couldn't let fear dictate her future-not now, not when everything she had ever wanted was within reach.

The building's automatic doors slid open with a soft swish, and Lena stepped inside, Kate following closely behind. The lobby was exactly what Lena had expected-immaculate, and modern, with marble floors that gleamed under the bright lights. Everything about it screamed wealth and exclusivity. It was a world she had never belonged to, a world that had seemed impossible to enter just a few days ago. But now, here she was, ready to meet the man who might change the course of her life.

A receptionist, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, looked up as they entered. Her smile was professional but lacked warmth as if she had seen thousands of people like Lena walk through the door.

"May I help you?" the receptionist asked, her tone neutral.

"I'm here to see Mr. Alexander Blackwood," Lena said, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

The receptionist's eyes flickered to the letter in Lena's hand before nodding. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you. Please, follow me."

Lena and Kate exchanged a glance before following the receptionist down a long corridor that led to a set of glass double doors. The receptionist knocked softly before opening one of the doors and gesturing for them to enter.

Inside, the office was just as imposing as the building itself. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a panoramic view of the city skyline, the glass allowing the light to pour in, illuminating the luxurious surroundings. Leather chairs, sleek desks, and dark wood accents filled the room, creating an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and intimidating. Sitting behind the desk, his back to the door was Alexander Blackwood.

He turned slowly as they entered, his gaze piercing, almost as if he had been waiting for this moment. Lena's breath caught in her throat. She had imagined him to be tall, but the reality was overwhelming. Alexander Blackwood was every bit the powerful figure she had heard about-the man who commanded attention with a single glance.

His suit, tailored to perfection, fit him like it was made just for him. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his face, though handsome, was hard and unyielding. There was something about him that radiated control as if he were a force of nature that could bend the world to his will. And yet, there was a sharpness in his eyes that suggested he wasn't a man to be trifled with.

"Lena Carter," he said, his voice deep and smooth, sending a shiver down her spine. "I've been expecting you."

The words sent a jolt of surprise through her. She had no idea how much he knew about her, but something was chilling about the way he said her name as if he already knew everything there was to know. It made her feel vulnerable, and exposed.

"I... I didn't expect you to be so... formal," Lena said, struggling to maintain composure. "I mean, the letter said to meet you, but I didn't think it would be so... intense."

Alexander gave a small smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "This is who I am, Lena. This world-my world-isn't one for casualties. If you're going to be part of it, you'll need to adapt quickly."

Lena swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. She had heard rumors about Alexander Blackwood-about his ruthlessness, his ambition-but nothing could have prepared her for this encounter. This man was more than just a billionaire heir. He was a force, and she was suddenly keenly aware of how out of her depth she was.

"I don't know what you expect from me," Lena said, the edge in her voice coming out before she could stop it. "The letter said I had to marry you, but it didn't say why. And it certainly didn't say anything about what you're expecting from me in return."

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving her. "The contract is clear, Lena. You marry me, and in return, you'll have everything you could ever want. Wealth, security, freedom from the life you've known. I don't expect anything more than that."

Lena's mind raced. Wealth, security, freedom-those were things she had dreamed of for years. But was it worth giving up everything for a man she barely knew? A man who saw this as a business transaction?

"And if I say no?" Lena asked, her voice wavering slightly.

Alexander's eyes darkened for a moment, the flicker of something dangerous crossing his face. "You don't have that luxury," he said quietly. "Your father made sure of that. And so did the terms of the inheritance."

Lena felt the ground shift beneath her feet. She had no choice. There was no escape, not without losing everything she had just been offered. The realization hit her hard-she was trapped. The decision was no longer hers to make.

"Why me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Why do you need me? There must be someone else who fits the bill."

Alexander stood up from his desk, moving toward her with a calm grace that was almost predatory. "Because, Lena, you're the only one who can fulfill the terms of the contract. There's no one else."

The words hung in the air between them, heavy and suffocating. And in that moment, Lena realized something she hadn't before: this wasn't just about marriage. This was about power. And Alexander Blackwood wasn't the kind of man who would let anything stand in the way of what he wanted.

Lena looked at him, her mind spinning. She had come here for answers, but all she had gotten was more questions. And now, with everything hanging in the balance, she had no choice but to decide.

She took a deep breath, her hand tightening around the letter again.

"I'll marry you," she said, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her. "But I need to know everything. No secrets. If this is going to work, I need to understand what I'm getting into."

Alexander regarded her with a cold, assessing gaze. Then, without a word, he nodded.

"We'll see how this plays out, Lena. But know this: there's no going back from here. Once you make this decision, it's final."

The words were like a warning, and Lena couldn't tell if they were a threat or a promise. But as she stood there, in front of the man she was about to marry, she realized that her life was no longer her own.

It had already been decided.