Chapter 1 The Only Chance

"Are you afraid?" Greyson Blake's words, low and enticing, seemed to linger just beside Melanie Dale's cheek.

A shiver ran through her body, so strong that it left her breathless. "Please stop!"

He gave a quiet laugh, the kind that chilled her to the bone, every note dripping with mockery.

"Weren't you the one who promised you'd do whatever it took?"

Melanie's eyes stung, turning glassy with anger and regret. She had anticipated this and believed that she could stand it. But when it really happened, she found that the courage slipped through her fingers.

"The Blake family's gathering will begin soon. Can we just wait until it ends..."

Something unfamiliar pressed in on her, setting every nerve on edge.

Rising up on her toes, she strained to pull away, terror clawing at her.

A tear slipped down, catching on her lashes, and she looked for all the world like a frightened doe frozen in place.

"You want me to step in now, only to settle the score later. Do you think I'm a man who bends that easily?"

In all of Andence, everyone knew the ruthless and cold-blooded nature of Greyson. He was the former family head's fourth son and also the current family head.

A heavy weight dropped in her chest, the last bit of hope squeezed out.

With him, there would be no chance at trickery. He never moved without certainty.

Still, Melanie knew that today was her only chance. She couldn't afford to let it slip by.

"If that's the case, make it quick."

Pressure from his hand clamped down on her shoulder, the heat of his breath close enough to unsettle her.

They spent the next hour wrapped up in each other, hearts racing and breaths tangled.

Afterward, her fingers quivered as she slipped back into her dress, stealing a glance at the man who watched her every move as she crept over to collect her underwear from the floor.

"Mr. Blake, about what you agreed to do for me..."

Lighting a cigarette, Greyson leaned back without a care in the world, a single button left undone on his shirt, his posture both languid and commanding.

He looked at what she held and spoke in a flat, indifferent tone. "Put it on."

Shame washed over Melanie, burning hotter than before.

She sank her teeth into her lower lip, and, with his unwavering attention upon her, she stepped into the garment, tugged up her dress, and tightened the knot at her waist.

"Is that okay?"

"You can leave."

Shadows from the cigarette's glow hid whatever expression lingered on his face.

With questions left unspoken, Melanie slipped away in silence.

His word carried the weight of a signed agreement - once given, never broken.

Stepping out with quiet respect, she never glimpsed the way his fist tightened or how his stare darkened as she left.

A strange relief swept over him, pain that had haunted him for years disappearing for a fleeting moment.

Squinting, Greyson reached for his phone and instructed, "Find out everything you can about her. For the time being, don't do anything to her."

...

Outside, Melanie slipped from the mansion undetected, taking a moment to steady her breathing.

Coming toward her, Lorna Dale, her mother, moved carefully, one hand resting on her expectant belly. "Melanie, what took you so long? Did you talk to Mr. Blake? Has he agreed to lend a hand?"

With John Blake retired from the family's affairs, Greyson had taken his place at the helm.

If Greyson chose to intervene, every problem standing in their way could be swept aside.

Without a second thought, Melanie rushed over to offer support. "Take it easy, Mom. No need to fret. He's said yes."

Lorna gave a relieved nod, though her gaze soon landed on the faint red imprints marring Melanie's neck.

"Melanie, how did you convince him? Was there something you..."

Suspicion flickered in her mother's eyes, and Melanie's nerves jumped.

A swift tug at her collar hid the evidence her mother searched for.

"Why are you letting your imagination run wild again, Mom? Colby and I have been together for three years. He gave his word he'd marry me once he got back. There's no way I'd betray him."

Only then did Lorna's anxious shoulders drop.

With a calm voice, Melanie continued, "I explained to Greyson that your baby's father is his brother, Leland. That child is the last bit of Leland's blood in this world. Even if the Blakes want nothing to do with us, surely they'll accept the baby. After all, they have more money than they could ever spend - one more child won't make a difference."

For years, Lorna had loved Leland Blake, John's second son, and now she carried his child.

Yet, the Blake family had always kept their distance.

Not long ago, Leland died suddenly, and the truth of his massive debts came to light. With his passing, creditors hounded Lorna and Melanie for payment.

Desperation left Melanie with only one option: appeal to the Blakes for help.

She knew that under their roof, those men chasing the debt would at least think twice before making a move.

Right then, the butler appeared, beckoning for them to come inside.

True to his promise, Greyson had followed through.

Without hesitation, both Lorna and Melanie hurried after the man.

As soon as they entered the grand entryway, Lorna's eyes fell on John, who sat in a stately armchair, prompting her to approach with eager steps and offer a respectful greeting.

John cut her off before she could say another word, a cold scoff escaping him. "It's almost dinner time. Why invite guests in at this moment?"

His meaning could not have been plainer.

The Blake family was going to have dinner, and Melanie and Lorna, as outsiders, weren't welcome here.