Chapter 5 The Deal

Lila didn't even bother knocking.

She stormed into Damian's office like a storm in heels. His assistant stammered a protest behind her, but Damian raised a hand, eyes never leaving the screen of his laptop.

"Leave us," he said without looking up.

Click. Door closed.

"You knew my father," Lila spat, slamming the flash drive onto his desk. "You sat across from him, threatened him, worked with Locke. And you let me believe you were the only one trying to protect us."

Damian leaned back in his chair slowly, folding his arms. "I didn't let you believe anything. You assumed."

She laughed, cold and bitter. "You're unbelievable."

"And yet you're still standing in my office," he said, rising. "Still hungry for answers. Or maybe revenge."

Her voice cracked just slightly. "You watched my family burn. And now you want me to pretend to be your lover? Are you insane?"

He stepped closer, every movement deliberate, quiet, predatory.

"I don't want a lover, Lila. I want a distraction. For the press. For Locke. For my enemies. You're perfect-tragic, beautiful, believable."

Her stomach twisted.

"And what do I get out of this... charade?" she asked.

Damian walked to a small safe near the wall, pressed his thumbprint, and pulled out a folder.

He tossed it on the desk.

Inside-hospital bills. Sophie's name. A letter from a private specialist. And a signed approval for an experimental surgery abroad.

Fully paid for.

Her mouth went dry.

"All yours," he said. "If you sign this." He slid a contract across the desk.

One month.

Public appearances. Media interviews. Private dinners.

Live with him.

Sleep in his penthouse.

Smile for the cameras.

And drop Liam.

Her fingers trembled over the paper. "You're buying me."

He stepped behind her. Whispered, low and lethal:

"I'm investing in you. There's a difference."

She turned sharply. "You're a monster."

He smiled.

"But I'm the monster who can save your sister."

---

She signed it.

With shaking hands, red-rimmed eyes, and a heart halfway into war.

The moment the pen lifted, Damian took the contract, folded it, and kissed her on the forehead like she was already his.

And maybe... she was.