THE BILLIONAIRE'S PAWN

Olivia Bennett let out a sigh for the umpteenth time that morning as she dropped the phone she had just received a call on the dining table.

"What do I do now?" she muttered, rubbing her forehead gently-something she does when she's unsettled-to calm herself down as she stared at the letter on the dining table.

Earlier that morning, the bank had sent her a letter informing her of the impending foreclosure of her family's last remaining asset. She had just called the last family friend they had, the Gordons, informing them about the turn of events. However, she was told that there was nothing else they could do to help retain their remaining family assets.

She couldn't blame them anyway. They were the only ones who had continually stood by her and her sister ever since her father's business collapsed and he lost his life along the way. The Gordons had continually tried to help, but there was only so much they could assist with before it became burdensome.

And that was the issue at hand. It is already burdensome, and they cannot help anymore.

The ringing of her phone jolted her out of her thoughts, and she picked up her phone immediately. Seeing the caller, her heart raced, and with shaky hands, she answered the call.

"Uhm, hello?"

"Miss Bennett, I hope you're doing okay today," a calm male voice responded from the other side of the phone.

"Yes, yes." She cleared her throat. "I'm fine, thank you. You're good too, yes?"

"Never better." There was a short pause before the person began to speak again. "Miss Bennett, I-"

Olivia interrupted, knowing fully well what he was about to update her about. This time, her voice sounded a bit shaky. "How's she?"

"I'm afraid she doesn't have much time left. Everything needs to be done as fast as possible. I don't mean to scare you," he paused, and Olivia could hear him sigh. "But she's in so much pain. She needs this surgery as soon as she can get it."

A tear slipped down Olivia's eyes, and she sniffed a bit. "I'm aware, doc. I'll do everything in my power to gather the money soon. She'll survive it; she has to." The last part of her sentence sounded more like she was in fear, shaken, than hopeful.

"Please, do. If nothing is paid within the next three weeks, the authorities have decided to move people in that category out of the ICU. I believe you know the implications of that for her. She could-"

"It won't happen," she cut in. "Emily won't die. I'll do everything in my power to pay half before the week runs out."

"We'll be expecting."

"Thank you very much, Dr. Styles."

"Anytime, miss." With that, he ended the call from his end.

Almost immediately after the call ended, Olivia dropped her phone on the table and let out an extremely loud scream, both her hands in her hair, scattering them as she screamed.

"Why's this happening to us?" Done screaming, she burst into tears as she questioned herself. "Why is everything happening all at once? Why!" She screamed once more and banged her hands continuously on the wooden dining table. When her hands began to hurt, she stopped and then stood up to go sit in the sitting room.

Her sitting room, a stark contrast to the one in the house she grew up in, was almost as small as a kiosk, with bare walls, second-hand furniture, and a stack of overdue bills on one of the wooden stools. The once-grand Bennett estate is now a distant memory, and all she could afford for survival, for her and her ailing sister, Emily, was this small, sparsely furnished apartment.

A thought crossed her mind briefly, but she tried to wave it off like she had always done. This time, she couldn't. Sitting up on the chair, she revised the thought again as she wiped her tears quickly. "What if it works out?"

Almost immediately, she sprang up from the chair and rushed to the dining room to pick up her phone. From there, she dashed out of her apartment hurriedly.

************

"Good morning, Betty. Is he in?" Olivia, who had just walked into the office of the secretary of Sebastian Cross, CEO of the popular luxurious company Cross Capital Holdings, asked the secretary.

With a smile, Betty replied, "Miss Olivia, it's been a minute. How've you been?"

"I'm fine, Betty," she said, forcing a smile. "Please, is he in?"

"Actually, he's to be in a meeting in a few minutes and-"

"Tell him it's Olivia."

"Yes, ma'am." Betty made a call to the boss's office and then gave Olivia the go-ahead to proceed further in to see him.

Olivia, now standing in front of his office, let out a sigh, preparing herself for what she'd meet there. This was her last resort, and though she hated to return to her past, she had no other choice. She hesitated for a moment at the entrance, feeling out of place, but then steeled herself. Ready, she turned the doorknob and stepped into the office, shutting the door behind her.

The grandeur of the office was stunning and lavish, a stark reminder of the wealth that Sebastian had accumulated over the years. The room was filled with modern art, expensive furniture, and a view of the city skyline through the large and wide glass window, screaming wealth.

Seb, seated on his office chair and leaning casually against his desk, smirked as soon as she walked in, his eyes flickering with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Look who we have here today. What a surprise!"

Olivia could hear the mockery in his voice as she walked further inside and closer to him. She pulled out the chair directly opposite his table and sat. "Hi, Seb," she muttered coldly, staring right at him.

He had always been handsome, and Olivia couldn't help but see it again. That had been one of the things that drew her to him when they first met years ago.

"To what do I owe this surprise visit, Olivia? Or should I call it babe?" He chuckled evilly, making Olivia feel a bit uneasy in her seat. "I can see you've had a rethink. But of course, who dares break things off with me and not regret her actions? Nobody," pride evident in his tone.

"I need your help," Olivia blurted out, her heart suddenly racing.

Seb raised his eyebrow slightly, his mocking face turning to a scornful one. "You returned because you needed my help."

"Look, Seb. What we had is in the past, so let's leave it there. It's not going to work out again. I'm not here to start things over with you; I came to ask for your help. I need your help, Sebastian, and I know you can help me," she said, worry written all over her face. "Unless you choose not to," she added under her breath, not legible enough for him to hear.

Sebastian scoffed and folded his arms. Whether it was the audacity she had to return just to seek his help, or her telling him she was indeed no longer interested in him, he couldn't tell which one annoyed him more. "And what might that be?"

Olivia sat up immediately. "It's Emily. Ever since Daddy's business collapsed and everything else went into ruins, her ailment got worse because we couldn't afford her prevention medicines anymore. She has been in the hospital for weeks now, and if the surgery isn't done, I might lose her. And you know quite well that she's the last family I have had since Daddy died. The money is a lot, and I can't afford even half of it as it stands. So, please, Seb, if you could loan me the money till I'm able to pay it back, I-"

"Loan you money?" He chuckled. "For the same sister who ran her goddamn mouth to me because she saw me at a club with my lady?" He made another short laugh. "You're kidding me, aren't you?"

"You cheated on her sister, me, so it was only right for her to confront you. She might have just done it the rash way." Olivia defended her sister.

"And you still expect me to help someone who disrespected me?" Olivia was about to speak when Seb cut in again. "Through you, my ex-girlfriend?" His eyes scanned her irritatingly.

Olivia swallowed hard. "I'm aware it's shameful; that's why I'm pleading with you. I'll return the loan when-"

"You don't get to decide for me when you're the one who needs favors, Olive." He stood up from his seat and walked around his office, his voice resonating throughout the entire room. "I, Sebastian Cross, decide what I want in return: to help you. It's my money anyway, isn't it?"

"I'll do anything, Seb!" Her voice came out louder than before as she shot up from her seat to face him. Her eyes were a little teary, though she tried to cover it up. "I'll do anything in return.

Just please," she pleaded, her voice desperate.

"Anything?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Anything."

He headed to his table and picked up a brown file. He opened the file to see its contents, nodded his head, and closed it. He then handed it over to her. "Have this."

Olivia collected it and opened it, confusion written all over her face. "What do I do with this?"

"All the information you need is in there. Go through it carefully."

"This contains background information about a business partner of yours, with several pictures of him. How does that concern me?"

Sebastian looked at the time on the expensive wristwatch clasped around his right wrist, then looked back at Olivia with an expressionless face. "In six hours, Adrian Hawke is to host a charity masquerade at his family estate. You're to find a means to get in there and return to me tomorrow by this exact time with the ruby pendant hidden somewhere in that house."

Olivia looked at the file in her hand and looked back at Seb in astonishment. "But it is written here that it is their family heirloom, and nobody knows where it's kept except the Hawkes? So, how do you want me to know? Besides, how does their family heirloom even have to do with you?"

"That!" He exclaimed, slamming his right hand on the table, his face stoic. "Or you step out of my office now without a dime!"

Olivia's breath caught in her throat as she processed his demand. "But that's impossible-"

"Nothing is impossible, Olivia," Sebastian interrupted, his voice cold and unwavering. He leaned in closer, his gaze piercing into hers. "And if you fail... well, let's just say Emily won't be the only Bennett on the brink of losing everything."

Dressed in a straight, black gown that hugged her curves, Olivia wore a mask that covered most of her face and strolled through the Hawke mansion hall, occupied by guests dressed in flashy costumes and various designs of masks. The properly lit hall was adorned with gold and lush velvet deco, and every detail of the interior screamed luxury.

After leaving Sebastian's office earlier that day, she had managed to secure herself an invitation card to the ball through some means, knowing fully well the card was the only ticket for her to gain entrance into such an event. Her grip tightened on her purse, and her heart raced as she was constantly reminded of the near-impossible task she had to accomplish tonight as Sebastian's cold words resounded in her head.

Her eyes scanned the room, and suddenly she sighted a tall figure near the bar, his presence unmistakable in the midst of some of the guests he was in a conversation with. He was the only person among them not wearing a mask, and her guesses were confirmed as soon as he turned around. It was indeed him-the man in the pictures she was shown that morning.

Adrian Hawke.

A shiver ran down Olivia's spine as their eyes briefly met across the room. His gaze was intense as if he could see right through her mask. She quickly looked away, her heart hammering in her chest, as she disappeared into the crowd.

Almost immediately, classical music began to play in the hall, and everyone began to pick themselves up in twos as they approached the dance floor. Olivia kept on walking away, not knowing exactly where she was headed. Seeing one of the catering staff with a tray of drinks, she stopped to take one for herself.

"Thank you," she mumbled to the staff before turning away, but just as she turned, she was met with the one person she didn't want to have an encounter with.

Adrian Hawke himself.

"Have we met before?" Adrian said to her, his face void of emotion.

"Uhm," Olivia said, clearing her throat. "Everyone has their first time, and maybe this is ours, don't you think?" She managed to say that, then sipped her wine as her heart raced.

"Hmm," he simply responded, slightly nodding his head.

"May I have this dance?" She blurted it out suddenly, much to his surprise. A server passed by them, and she dropped her cup on his tray.

Ladies have always admired him, even if he acts like he doesn't notice them. But none has ever taken the step to approach him first, especially not with a dance, unless he did first.

Although hesitant, the audacity of the lady before him alone made him want to know who she really was.

Without a word, he took her hand, and they headed to the dance floor amidst others. As they danced, she subtly tried to force out any information that might help her.

Adrian was charming, his words smooth and short, only speaking when he was asked a question, but she sensed a guardedness in him, a man used to keeping his affairs close. Still, she pressed on, avoiding any suspicions.

"You've organized such a beautiful event, I must admit. This might just be the most stunning ball I've attended since I returned from my travels," she tried to initiate another discussion with him as they danced.

A small smile tugged on the side of his lips. "What else is expected from the best? Isn't it the best?"

"This best must have come with a huge price," she muttered, looking up into his eyes, and their eyes remained glued to each other once more. He watched her closely, trying to figure out the new face behind the mask.

Adrian's gaze did not waver. "Everything does. It all comes down to whether you're willing to pay it." His voice was low, almost a whisper, and it sent a shiver through her.

"And what if I am?" She asked, her voice steady, trying her best to maintain the conversation, though the flutter of her heartbeat betrayed her nerves. She silently prayed he wouldn't notice.

Not sure the discussion was still about the event, Adrian raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips, and then replied. "Then you're a braver woman than most."

Olivia could feel the warmth of Adrian's hand on her back. His nearness to her was choking, as his touch sent electrifying tingles down her spine, but she did her best to not act like it.

"I've heard so much about your estate. Do you mind showing me around?"

He studied her for a moment, intrigued by her audacity once more, then simply nodded.

He led her out of the ballroom through the extravagant halls, past rooms filled with art and history, to the richly furnished study, until they reached the end of a corridor.

"You know, miss..."

"Lily. Lily Evans," she lied.

"Miss Evans, not many people get to see this part of the estate," he said softly.

Olivia glanced at the door, then back at him with a teasing smile. "Then I must be someone special."

"You've certainly made this evening more interesting," Adrian murmured, tone casual, while his gaze was piercing. "And you're full of surprises."

"Oh, please. You're full of charm yourself," she countered.

For a moment, their eyes became locked on each other's, the air thickening with tension.

Olivia, not knowing what to do next, leaned in without thinking, her lips brushing against his in a restrained kiss. It was soft at first, but the moment their lips touched, Adrian responded immediately by closing both eyes, his arms wrapping around her waist as he deepened the kiss.

The intensity grew with each passing second as Adrian's hands slid down her back, pulling her closer. He smoothly slipped his tongue in her mouth, and she responded with hers, becoming more demanding like they were both satisfying a need they had long desired.

Suddenly, Adrian broke this kiss, both of them breathing heavily. Their eyes locked in a heated gaze. He removed her mask slowly, making Olivia's heart race in fear, and let his left-hand cup her right cheek, his thumb caressing it gently.

"Let's continue this elsewhere," he said, his voice husky with desire.

Olivia nodded, not knowing what to say. He took her hand and let her out of the study. They moved quickly, almost like the moment would fade away if they weren't fast enough. He led her through a series of hallways until they reached a large, ornate door.

Adrian removed a card from his pocket and placed it on the door. The door made a beep sound, then opened immediately, revealing a lavish bedroom dominated by a king-sized bed draped in luxurious fabrics and dimly lit.

Almost immediately, the door closed behind them. Adrian pulled her closer for another kiss, this one more heated than the last. Olivia responded to it, her hands tangling in his hair as she pressed herself against him as he pulled her to him.

Adrian's lips trailed from her mouth to her jawline, then down to her neck, where he suddenly paused. His breath lingered there for a moment before pressing soft kisses against her neck.

Olivia could not help the low moan that escaped her lips as her hands found their way to his chest, her fingers curling into his shirt.

His mouth moved even lower, trailing kisses along her collarbone and further down to her cleavage. She moaned even louder this time, with his mouth on her body.

"Adrian," she whispered breathlessly. Whether it was for him to stop or continue, even she wasn't sure.

He pulled back a little at the whisper of his name, just enough to look at her, his eyes flickering with desire. "You want me to stop?"

Just when she opened her mouth to speak, a soft vibration cut through their intimate session.

A glint of annoyance could be seen in his eyes as he retrieved his phone from his pocket and glanced at the screen.

Letting out a sigh, he slid the phone back into his pocket and let go of her. "I've got to attend to something," he said. He then leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "But don't leave this room until I return. I won't be long, so stay here."

Olivia simply nodded. As he walked out, the warmth of his presence cleared, and Olivia returned to her right mind. Her chance was finally here to find anything that would satisfy Sebastian enough to help her. Her eyes glanced around the room, trying to figure out where to start her search.

Taking a deep breath, she sprang into action quickly and began her search, from the luxurious furnishings to personal items, opening each drawer after the other.

She moved swiftly, yet carefully, returning everything to its place so as not to leave any trace behind.

She opened the last drawer and found a small, flashy box in it, making her heart race. The box was locked, so she assumed it held something important in it, perhaps the ruby pendant.

"I'm certain this must be it," she muttered, fumbling with the lock, her hands trembling as she tried to force it open.

Suddenly, the door swung open.

Olivia's heart stopped. With the box still in her hands. She had no idea what to do, whether to throw the box down or just stand still. But she knew she had already been caught, so there was no point in throwing it.

Her heart pounded in her ears as she slowly turned around, dread gathering on her face as she saw the look in Adrian's eyes.

Adrian stood there, his eyelids lowering in a penetrating look as they settled on her and what was in her hand.

His gaze was no longer warm like what she had witnessed a few minutes ago as they made out, nor curious- it was cold, sharp, and filled with disgust.

"What do you think you're doing?" His voice, dangerously low, sent a chill down her spine.

Adrian's footsteps echoed through the grand corridors as he walked back to the ballroom.

Frustration was written all over his face due to the sudden interruption by the texts he had received earlier from his stepmother. As he turned a corner, he collided with Dorian, his friend, who looked like he was searching for something.

"Where have you been, man? Your mother's been-"

"Stepmother. I've made that clear many times, dude."

Dorian rolled his eyes before responding. "Whatever you call her, man, she's been searching for you all night, getting all worked up." His brow was slightly raised, furrowing with concern.

Briefly rubbing his temples, Adrian reasserted, "I had a few things to take care of inside."

Dorian looked at him suspiciously. "Well, you better go find her. She's with Cecy's parents, and they've been waiting to see you or something."

Adrian groaned for the umpteenth time that evening, nodded his head, and continued on his way.

The ballroom was still busy, with glasses clinking and guests chattering and dancing. He glanced around briefly and saw Victoria, his stepmother, standing gracefully near the grand fireplace in conversation with Cecilia's parents.

As he approached them, Victoria was quick to spot him and sent him a glare before covering it with a bright smile. "Ah, Adrian, there you are," she said warmly, patting his back slightly as he stood beside her. "Mr. and Mrs. Laurent were just asking about you."

"Thank you for honoring our invitation," Adrian greeted the couple in their early fifties before him, offering them a polite smile, while Mr. Laurent shook hands with him.

"It's always a pleasure, Adrian," the Laurent's replied with sweet smiles on both their faces.

"I haven't seen you and Cecilia together tonight. Have you seen her since we arrived?" Mr. Laurent asked further.

Adrian, trying his best to hide his lack of interest in that particular discussion, decided to say the one thing they'd prefer to hear, which would make the questions halt. "I have. We met earlier at the start of the ball."

"Ah, that's good to know."

A little idle chat between all four ensued for a few seconds, after which the Laurent's excused themselves. Victoria also moved with Adrian to a quieter part of the hall. As they moved out of earshot, her expression shifted from the sweetness she had just shown to a glare.

"When are you planning to propose to Cecilia?" she asked him, her voice sounding impatient. "You promised to do it tonight when every one of our guests is present. So, what's keeping you waiting?" She snapped at him.

Adrian's jaw tightened. Though Cecilia was his friend, he had no interest in marrying her. Yet, his stepmother had continued to shove the arranged marriage idea between the two down his throat because of the political advantage it would have for her to be an in-law to the Laurent's, one of the most important senators in the whole of America, and also for the benefit of Hawke Empire business.

"I promised you nothing, Victoria," he snapped back at her. "I'll do it when or if I'm ready. Not because you or anyone else thinks it's the right time."

Victoria's eyes flashed with annoyance. "One, it's mother to you, not Vic-"

"I shall call you what I deem fit," his response was cold and firm.

Victoria swallowed hard, not breaking eye contact with him. The anger in her eyes was obvious, and she replied with irritation, "You need to understand that this marriage is as crucial as-"

"I'm an adult, and I run my affairs however I desire. I don't need you to tell me what's crucial." Adrian cut in, his tone cold and final. "I have my own priorities if you lack them yourself, and right now, this isn't one of them. I won't be pushed into doing something I don't want."

He turned around, ready to walk away from her as his patience wore thin.

Victoria stared at him, a mix of disbelief and anger evident on her face. "You dare not walk away from this conversation, Adrian Vance Hawke!"

"I have more important things to deal with," he said aloud without looking back at her, storming off.

Still reeling from the anger from the conversation he had just had with Victoria, he headed back to his room to clear his head a bit and to let out the woman he had told to wait for him.

He had left the door unlocked, so he just shoved it open, only to freeze in his spot at the sight that greeted him inside.

There was Olivia, caught red-handed with the small box he had kept in his drawer, clutched in her shaky hands.

His eyes darkened with disbelief, and his anger grew. "What do you think you're doing?" His voice was dangerously low and cold, a huge contrast to the heat of their earlier passionate session.

Olivia's voice faltered as she opened her mouth to respond. She began to stutter, her heart racing in fear. "I... I was just..."

"Just what?!" Adrian snapped, his anger flaring. He walked further inside towards her and snatched the box from her hand with such force that she nearly fell, but she was able to maintain her stance. "You were going to steal this?"

"No! I mean, yes, but-" Olivia continued to stammer as she began to panic, her words failing her.

"But what, you thief?" Adrian scoffed, staring at her in disbelief. He couldn't believe he had just made out with a common thief. "You think you can walk in here, steal something, and get away with it?" His tone was sharp.

"Please, allow me."

Adrian cut her off once more. "I knew something was off about you right from when I saw you in the ballroom.

You were the only face I didn't recognize!" He scoffed, then suddenly laughed at himself for giving her an inch to talk to him in the first place. "How did you even get an invitation? I bet you stole that too, didn't you?"

Olivia's mind raced, thinking of what she could say to defend herself as all her facade began to clear off, but she couldn't think of a lie quickly enough.

Adrian's gaze moved from her down to the floor, where her purse lay, half-open. Without warning, he grabbed it and emptied its contents on the floor.

The scattered items included a little cash, an invitation card, and an ID card. The ID card caught his eye, so he bent to pick it up, and his expression grew even worse with fury as he read the name on the ID, which had a passport of hers in it.

"Olivia Bennett," he read out loud, before his eyes went back to her, their gazes meeting. "Not Lily Evans? But of course," he chuckled. "Not just a thief but also a liar. Is anything about you even real?"

Olivia's face went pale with shame as she tried her best to construct one single sentence to defend herself. "Please, Adrian, I-"

"It's sir to you!" he shouted in anger, his voice resonating in the room, making her step back in shock.

"I apologize, sir," she immediately corrected herself. "It's not what you think."

Tears gathered in Olivia's eyes as she was being questioned, not knowing what to do next. "I didn't choose to do this, please," she confessed, her voice more like a whisper. "I was hired to steal a ruby pendant. I needed the money for my sister's surgery. I had no choice."

She sniffed as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

"You dare lie to me again?"

Adrian reached for his phone, planning to call the police. He didn't know what to believe anymore. "I'm done with your lies. The police should be able to get the truth out of you when you rot in their cells for months."

Panic erupted in Olivia's body, and without thinking, she blurted, "I'm not lying! I was sent by Sebastian!"

Adrian froze at the mention of that name. The name sparked a burning anger within him. "Sebastian Cross sent you?" he asked to confirm, and only then did Olivia realize what she had just done.

"Yes!" Olivia's voice came gently. "I'm telling the truth, I promise you."

Adrian's expression only hardened, his anger not seeming to reduce in the slightest. "A thief and a liar willing to do anything for some quick cash?"

Olivia nodded shamefully. The words stung as her tears continued to spill over. "I'm not keeping it for myself. I just needed it for my sister. I'm sorry, I-"

"Spare me the sob story," Adrian snapped. "You think sorry cuts it? You tried to steal from me. Me! Do you know what happens to thieves like you?"

Olivia shook her head, her heart beating fast. "Please."

Adrian stepped closer to her, his voice lower now yet menacing. "Didn't you say you were after my ruby pendant?" He flipped open the box in his hand to reveal its contents.

Alas! It was just a shiny engagement ring, not the pendant she had expected.

That moment, Olivia gasped, her eyes widening in shock, knowing she had sold herself out for nothing. "I thought-"

"Your thoughts don't matter here," he said rather calmly yet coldly, snapping the box shut. "You tried to steal from me, and you have to pay."

Olivia could feel the anger in his eyes and the threat in his voice as his voice dropped to a whisper when he stepped even closer, towering over her.

"I could call the police right now and have you arrested, humiliated, and dragged through the mud for everyone to see."

"Please, I beg of you. I'll do anything, but don't ruin me, please." She pleaded genuinely.

Adrian paused as a thought crossed his mind, his gaze lingering on hers. He could see the fear in her eyes and the desperation for him not to call her out.

"Anything?" He repeated slowly, and she nodded quickly.

He leaned in closer, closing the gap between them with his breath against her ear. "Then here's what you're going to do to pay the price for your stupid stunt."

She held her breath, waiting for something that could either lead her to more trouble or set her free from the predicament she found herself in.

"You will marry me," he said with command, his voice as cold as the grave. "Or I'll destroy you," he added, each word final.

The words struck Olivia like lightning, leaving her unable to conclude if she heard him right.

After a few seconds, she opened her mouth to speak, but the deadly look in his eyes shut her up.

Adrian folded his arms as he took two steps away from her, a smirk on the corner of his lips.

"What's it going to be, Olivia? Our wedding proposal tonight... or a nap in the jail?