Chapter 7 The Price of Freedom

The entire 13th floor was exclusively Mr. Guiller Moretti's office, as confirmed by the woman who greeted her-his executive secretary.

She stepped inside, her gaze sweeping across the expansive space. The walls were made entirely of glass, giving an illusion of openness, while at the center sat an imposing office desk. In front of it was a long conference table, surrounded by twelve chairs spaced apart just enough to maintain an air of authority.

Behind the glass desk sat Mr. Guiller Moretti himself.

"I didn't expect you to come this early, Ms. Chongson," he greeted with an easy smile. "Ms. Tenorio, get us some drinks," he instructed his secretary before gesturing to the chair across from him.

She sat without hesitation, her eyes locking onto his.

"I don't have the money to pay my father's debt, Sir," she stated outright. There was no point in stalling, no room for shame. She had to get straight to the point before she lost the nerve to say it. Her stare remained steady, unwavering. To her own surprise, there was no fear in her heart-only a numb acceptance of what was to come. She had already braced herself for the worst. Nothing could possibly make her situation any worse than it already was.

Mr. Moretti cleared his throat, the corners of his lips twitching in amusement. She had expected anger, even fury, but instead, he seemed entertained.

"I like your guts, hija," he mused, intertwining his fingers atop the desk. "But a debt is a debt. It must be paid."

She nodded slowly. "I understand, but I don't have the means to repay ten million pesos-"

"Then why are you here?" he interrupted, raising a brow.

She straightened her posture. "I came to negotiate. Not to ask for an extension, because even if you gave me ten years, I still wouldn't be able to pay it." She took a deep breath and met his gaze, unwavering. "Instead, I'm offering myself. Take my internal organs in exchange for my father's freedom."

There. She had said it.

Now, all she could do was wait for his answer.

She had done her research. Organs fetched a high price on the black market. She was healthy, meaning she could be sold for a good sum. Her plan was simple-sell whatever organs she could, settle her father's debt, and request an advance payment to send him away to Ilocos. He still had a sister there, Aunt Betty, an old maid who would take care of him.

Her throat tightened.

She wouldn't be around to see him anymore.

The thought hurt, but it didn't matter. As long as he was safe, as long as he had a chance to live a better life, she was willing to sacrifice everything. She had promised her mother she would take care of him. And she intended to keep that promise.

Mr. Moretti exhaled, shaking his head. "I admire your determination," he said. "You're strong. But I can't accept your offer."

She was about to plead when he spoke again.

"But... I do have a proposal for you, honey."

She held her breath.

A million possibilities raced through her mind, each one darker than the last. Could it be worse than selling her body parts?

"Instead of giving up your organs," he continued, opening a drawer and pulling out a folder, "why don't you work for me?"

Her fingers trembled as she took the document from him.

Her stomach dropped when she read the title.

EXCLUSIVE WH*RE AGREEMENT.

Her breath hitched.

The amount listed beneath it made her head spin-100,000 pesos per night.

Her mind did the calculations instantly. In one month, she would earn three million pesos. In just under four months, the debt would be paid in full.

A flicker of hope ignited in her chest-only to be smothered by the reality of what it meant.

Could she stomach becoming a paid mistress?

Did she even have a choice?

She swallowed hard. The only other option was to convince Mr. Moretti to take her organs instead-but he had already refused.

"I'm giving you five minutes to think about it, hija," he said, his tone firm.

She let out a slow breath.

"I don't need five minutes," she replied, lifting her chin.

She met his gaze with steely resolve.

"There are just a few changes I'd like to request in the contract."