Chapter 5 DAMON'S HOUSE

Grace stood in front of the tall black gate, holding her bag like a shield. The house was huge - not just rich, but cold, like the kind where secrets hid in corners.

She checked the time.

5:58 p.m.

Her hands were sweaty. She hadn't told her mother where she was going - how could she? How do you explain to a sick woman that you're going to meet a man you barely know, in his private mansion, just because he offered to "help"?

The gate opened, and a security man gestured. "Come in. Mr. Cole is expecting you."

She walked in slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. The house was even more intimidating on the inside - black marble floors, chandeliers, and walls that seemed too quiet.

A maid led her to a sitting room. "Wait here."

She sat on the edge of the couch, too afraid to touch anything.

Ten minutes passed.

Then twenty.

Finally, Damon walked in, wearing casual clothes and holding a glass of something dark. His expression was unreadable.

"You came," he said simply.

"I said I would," Grace replied, trying to sound brave.

He studied her for a moment. "Do you know why you're here?"

She frowned. "You said you wanted to help me."

"No," he said, walking closer. "I said *come to my house*. You assumed the rest."

Her mouth went dry. "I'm not here for anything dirty, sir. I meant what I wrote in that letter."

He smirked. "Still pretending to be pure? You're braver than most girls I meet."

"I'm not pretending," she said, standing up. "If you called me here to test me, then I'm leaving."

She turned to go, but his next words stopped her.

"Wait. Sit down. I haven't decided yet."

She looked at him, confused. "Decided what?"

"If I'll sponsor you," he said. "But I don't want your tears or stories. I want loyalty. Honesty. And maybe... entertainment."

Grace stared at him. Was he joking?

He raised a brow. "Still want my help?"

She sat back down, her hands shaking slightly.

"Yes," she said softly. "But not at the cost of who I am."

He looked at her longer this time.

Maybe... just maybe... she wasn't like the others.