The Billionaire's Bargain (His Contracted Obsession)

Allison Walter wasn't supposed to be here. Not at this extravagant charity auction, mingling with New York's elite, in a dress she couldn't afford and champagne she shouldn't touch. Yet here she was, smiling through aching feet, pretending she belonged in a world that never welcomed her.

She gripped her untouched champagne, forcing composure.

"You are holding that like it owes you money," a voice teased beside her.

Allison turned to find Daniel Hayes grinning. Heir to a tech empire, Daniel was one of the few who didn't make her want to claw her way out.

"If I break it, you think they will let me take it home as a souvenir?" she mused.

"Doubtful. But I'd pay to see you try."

She rolled her eyes but smiled. Daniel reminded her that not everyone here was unbearable. A distant family friend, he had grown up with wealth but never wielded it like a weapon.

"Allison." A smooth voice interrupted.

Her shoulders tensed before she turned. Charlotte Wexler. The kind of woman whose smile was too sweet to be real.

"Charlotte," she greeted coolly.

"I must say, I didn't expect to see you tonight." Charlotte's eyes swept over her dress, looking for flaws.

Allison refused to give her the satisfaction. "Couldn't miss it."

"Well, it is good to see you... making an effort." Charlotte's saccharine smile begged to be slapped. "How's the family business holding up?"

The question was sugar-coated poison. Allison knew exactly what Charlotte meant. The whispers, everyone in this room had likely heard that Walter Industries was struggling. Charlotte just wanted to hear Allison admit it.

Allison lifted her glass, finally taking a slow sip. When she met Charlotte's gaze, she smiled. "Oh, you know how it is. Some years are harder than others. But we always land on our feet."

Charlotte tilted her head in mock sympathy."That is admirable. I imagine it must be difficult, though... keeping up appearances."

Allison's grip on the flute tightened. "You would know all about that, wouldn't you, Charlotte?"

Irritation flashed in Charlotte's eyes. But she recovered quickly, lips curving into another condescending smile. "I suppose we all do what we must."

"Exactly." Allison's tone was sweet but sharp. "Which is why I assume you are still pretending that your fiancé didn't get caught sneaking out of a hotel with someone who wasn't you."

Charlotte's fingers tensed around her clutch.

"Alright," Daniel cut in smoothly, "I think that's enough small talk."

Charlotte's expression barely faltered, but her grip on control was clear. She let out a light laugh, as if Allison's jab hadn't just struck home. "Of course. Enjoy the evening."

She strolled away, her heels clicking a little too hard against the marble floor.

Allison exhaled slowly.

"You really don't know how to back down, do you?" Daniel murmured, watching her with amusement.

"Not when I have a point to make. She begged for it."

He chuckled. "Well, remind me never to get on your bad side."

Allison let out a slow breath. "You'd think condescension was an Olympic sport."

Daniel chuckled. "If it was, Charlotte would have the gold."

Before Allison could respond, the auctioneer's voice rang out.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our next item: a weekend retreat at the exclusive Redwood Estate, generously donated by Mr. Nathaniel Cross himself."

A ripple of interest passed through the crowd. Redwood Estate was infamous-not just for its luxury, but for how few ever received an invitation.

Allison barely paid attention until Daniel nudged her. "Speaking of Cross," he murmured.

She followed his gaze.

Nathaniel Cross stood at the back, unreadable. Even among the city's wealthiest, he stood out-broad-shouldered, impeccably dressed, carrying the kind of presence that made people straighten their backs.

His gaze met hers for a second-long enough to steal her breath. He is the kind of man who makes women swoon at first sight.

And then the bidding started.

"Allison," Daniel said suddenly, voice low. "What are you thinking?"

She blinked. "What?"

"You've got that look."

"I don't have a look."

"You absolutely have a look. The same one you had when you decided to argue with the board last month."

"That was different."

"Was it?"

The auctioneer's voice cut through the chatter.

"Twenty thousand."

A paddle went up.

Allison turned toward the stage. People were tossing out numbers like pennies, and the whole thing irritated her. A weekend at a billionaire's estate shouldn't cost more than her father's company was worth.

She exhaled sharply. "Ridiculous."

Daniel sighed. "Don't do anything reckless."

Her fingers twitched.

"Thirty thousand."

More paddles.

Her heart pounded. What was she doing? She wasn't planning to bid. She wasn't planning anything at all. But then, before she could think better of it, her hand lifted.

A hush fell over the room. Then murmurs.

"Allison," Daniel hissed. "What the hell?"

"What is the current bid?" she asked, ignoring him.

The auctioneer's brows lifted. "Forty-five thousand. Would you like to raise it, Miss Walter?"

She met Nathaniel's gaze again. This time, there was something almost amused in his expression.

Why not?

Her grip tightened on the paddle. "Sixty thousand."

Gasps rippled through the audience.

Someone muttered, Who is she?

Daniel groaned. "You are insane."

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. But he hadn't looked away.

The auctioneer paused. No counterbids.

"Sold to Miss Allison Walter."

Daniel exhaled. "What did I just witness?"

She wasn't sure. Her pulse thundered in her ears.

A slow, deliberate voice cut through the noise.

"Well," Nathaniel said, stepping forward, "that was unexpected."

He wasn't just watching her anymore, he was interested.

"Allison Walter," he drawled, intrigue lacing his tone. " Well, this changes things."

Allison slammed her apartment door shut and leaned against it, exhaling sharply.

Sixty thousand dollars. Gone.

The number rang in her head like an alarm, her stomach twisting at the thought. Her hard-earned money, meant to pay off some of her father's debts. The money she had saved through sleepless nights, tough deals, and sacrifices. And what had she done?

Blown it on a ridiculous auction.

For what? A weekend trip she didn't even want?

Daniel's parting words echoed in her mind." I can't figure you out."

She groaned, kicking off her heels. Join the club, Daniel. I can't figure myself out either.

She dropped onto the couch and rubbed her temples. The thrill was gone, leaving only regret. Her account? Lighter. Her problems? Heavier.

With a sigh, she grabbed her phone and dialed Maya.

The line barely rang before her best friend picked up. "Ally, tell me you're joking."

Allison winced. "Hey, Maya. Good to hear from you too."

"Don't hey me. I just saw the auction results. Sixty thousand dollars? Have you completely lost it?" Have you been kidnapped? Possessed? Blink twice if you need help."

Allison groaned, rubbing her face. "It's not that bad."

"Oh? Ohhh? Not that bad? Do you even hear yourself?"

"Look, I got caught up in the moment," Allison admitted. "I wasn't thinking straight."

"Caught up in the moment?" Maya cut in. "Girl, you hate these events. You texted me mid-auction complaining about how stiff everyone looked, and now you're telling me you 'got caught up' like this was some Black Friday sale?"

Allison flopped onto her back, staring at the ceiling. "Okay, okay. You're right. Lecture over?"

"Not even close. What were you thinking? Because I know you weren't thinking about your bank account."

"I was thinking..." Allison trailed off.

What was she thinking?

"...I was thinking that maybe, for once, I'd let myself be reckless."

Maya made an exaggerated choking sound. "You? Reckless? The same Allison who itemizes her grocery list in alphabetical order?"

"That was one time."

"It was every time, Ally. I could rob a bank and you'd still be the responsible one in court, presenting an Excel sheet of my crimes."

Allison groaned. "You're not letting this go, are you?"

Maya huffed, but there was a familiar teasing in her voice. "Fine. At least you get to spend the weekend with the Hulk."

Allison chuckled. "Not happening. He told me himself, he won't be there."

Maya gasped. "Wait. He talked to you?"

"I mean... yeah. He looked so good, Maya. I could barely keep it together."

"Ally, I swear if you don't start talking, I will fly over there and shake you myself."

A slow smile tugged at Allison's lips. "Well... he might have also paid for my drink."

Maya screamed. "What? What do you mean he paid for your drink? Who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?"

Allison laughed, momentarily forgetting the disaster she'd created. "Long story, M. But trust me, it doesn't mean anything."

Maya hummed. "If you say so... but something tells me there is more to this."

Allison sighed. "No. It's just a weekend trip. I will go, keep to myself, and come back. No drama."

Maya was quiet for a beat. Then she said, "Okay, but let me ask you something... why did no one else bid?"

Allison frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, think about it. The room was full of people who could have thrown down hundred grand without blinking. But the moment you hit sixty, they all just... stopped."

Allison hesitated, replaying the scene in her mind. The bidding had been lively until she hit $60,000. Then it had gone dead silent.

She had assumed it was luck, that no one wanted it that badly. But now...

"That is weird," she admitted slowly.

Maya made a noise. "Right? I mean, what if.."

She paused, then let out a dramatic gasp.

"Oh my God. You don't think he's one of those rich guys, do you?"

Allison frowned. "What rich guys?"

"You know-those guys. The mysterious billionaires who buy secluded mansions, invite people to 'private retreats' and then bam! No one ever hears from them again."

Allison snorted. "Maya."

"I am just saying! It happens in movies all the time. Some reclusive rich dude, a creepy isolated house, and boom-girl goes missing. Like, I don't know, maybe all those rich folks knew something and that is why they didn't bid."

Allison rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the tiny shiver that ran down her spine.

"Please. This is real life, not a horror movie."

Maya scoffed. "Sure, tell yourself that when you wake up in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees, and can't get a signal."

Allison shook her head, but now her mind was spinning. She wasn't actually about to get murdered in some remote estate... right?

Her phone vibrated in her palm.

She frowned. Who is emailing me this late?

The sender flashed on her screen: Cross Enterprises.

The unease returned. She hesitated before opening it. The message was brief, but her head spinned.

> Ms. Walter,

Due to recent developments, your weekend retreat has been extended.

You will be expected to stay for two weeks.

Failure to comply will result in forfeiture.

Her fingers tightened around the phone.

Two weeks?

Maya's voice echoed in her head. "Girl goes missing... no one ever hears from them again."

Something about this didn't feel right.

What the hell had she just signed up for?

The moment Allison saw the trees, her stomach knotted.

Maya wasn't lying. There were trees-Oh my God.

They lined the driveway in eerie formation, towering redwoods stretching toward the sky like silent watchers. The air had changed, too crisp, clean, nothing like the city's stifling fumes. It smelled of pine, damp earth, and something ancient.

The gates groaned open. Slow and deliberate. Like the jaws of something waiting to swallow her whole.

The second she rolled through, the gates clanged shut behind her. Hard. The clang made her jump. No turning back.

She grabbed her phone and fired off a text to Maya.

Allison: Girlll, if something happens to me or you don't hear from me in 24 hours, you know where to find me.

The dots popped up instantly.

Maya: Wtf? What happened? Are you inside?

Allison: Yeah. And it's insane. Trees everywhere. You were right.

Maya: Duh. But also, be careful. You said he won't be there, get rid of your paranoia.

Allison snorted.

Allison: I hate you. Stop it.

Maya sent a row of laughing emojis, then added: For real though. Keep your location on.

Allison stared at the screen a beat too long before tossing her phone onto the passenger seat.

She exhaled and kept driving. The house came into view

Redwood Estate wasn't just massive, it was breathtaking. A masterpiece of glass, stone, and steel, carved into the cliffs like it had always belonged there. The windows stretched impossibly high, reflecting the golden light of the setting sun. A marble fountain gurgled in the center of the circular driveway, framed by polished black granite.

The entire place screamed money. Power and secrets.

A team of staff waited at the entrance.

Allison inhaled deeply before stepping out.

A woman in her late forties approached first, dressed in an impeccably pressed uniform, her dark brown hair pulled into a severe bun. She had the air of someone who ran a tight ship.

"Welcome to Redwood Estate, Ms. Walter," she said smoothly. "I am Helena, the house manager. I trust your journey was pleasant?"

Allison glanced at the looming mansion behind her, then back at Helena. "Pleasant? Sure. Let's go with that."

Amusement crossed Helena's face before disappearing behind practiced professionalism. "This is Eli, our butler, and Rosa, our housekeeper. They will assist you during your stay."

Eli, broad-shouldered with sharp green eyes, gave a small bow. "A pleasure, Ms. Walter. I do sarcasm, by the way. It's included in our services."

Allison arched a brow. "Really? No extra charge?"

"Not at all. It's a complimentary feature," he deadpanned. "We also offer passive aggression, but that's reserved for special occasions."

Allison let out a short laugh. "Good. I will need that."

Rosa, younger than the others, ducked her head shyly. "I will be looking after your suite. If you need anything, just ask."

Allison studied her for a moment, noting the soft warmth in her voice. "Thanks, Rosa. I appreciate it."

Rosa hesitated, then added quickly, "I-um, I put fresh flowers in your room. I hope that's okay?"

"More than okay," Allison assured her. "That's really thoughtful."

Helena cleared her throat, reclaiming the moment. "Shall we?"

Allison glanced at the towering estate once more before exhaling. "Lead the way."

*********

Allison's suite was insane.

The bedroom alone was bigger than her entire apartment. A king-sized bed with silk sheets. High windows overlooking a private lake. A marble fireplace.

And the bathroom? A damn spa. Sunken tub. Rainfall shower. A mirror that adjusted its own brightness.

She ran her fingers along the plush bedding, letting the absurdity of it all sink in.

"This is ridiculous," she muttered.

Rosa, still hovering by the door, smiled faintly. "You will get used to it."

Allison shot her a look. "Yeah? How long does that take?"

Rosa hesitated. "I wouldn't know."

Before Allison could respond, Helena appeared at the doorway, arms neatly folded. "I hope everything is to your satisfaction, Ms. Walter."

Allison glanced around the extravagant room. "Well, considering this is the most luxurious place I've ever set foot in, I'd say yes." She smirked. "Your butler is something, though."

Helena exhaled, as if she had been expecting that. "That's him for you," she said with a faint shake of her head. "Eli has a... distinctive approach to hospitality."

Allison chuckled. "No complaints here. I love his exuberance."

Helena's lips twitched slightly, but she smoothed her expression quickly.

Allison's gaze shifted back to Rosa, who was still standing quietly by the door. "I noticed Rosa is a bit reserved."

Rosa's posture stiffened slightly, but Helena stepped in smoothly. "We all are," she admitted. "It's... just the nature of this place. We hardly receive visitors."

Allison frowned. "Really? A place this extravagant, and no guests?"

Helena simply smiled, her expression giving nothing away. "Mr. Cross values his privacy."

Allison leaned against the dresser, crossing her arms. "So, does Mr. Cross spend much time here?"

Rosa's lips parted, but then she hesitated, glancing at Helena as if seeking permission.

"Not really," she finally said. "He comes and goes. Mostly goes."

Allison arched a brow. "Too busy ruling the world?"

Rosa let out a small giggle. "Something like that."

Allison tilted her head. "Private or terrifying?"

"Both," Rosa whispered.

Before she could press further, Rosa excused herself, disappearing down the hall.

Allison exhaled. At least, she won't be getting killed anytime soon.

**********

By the fifth day, she gave in.

The infinity pool stretched toward the cliffs, the water gleaming like liquid glass. It looked too inviting to ignore.

Stripping down to her sleek black one-piece, she let the cool breeze graze her skin before stepping in. The relief was immediate.

She slid into the water, arms outstretched. For the first time in days, her mind went still.

No stress. No worries. No regrets.

Maybe bidding for this vacation wasn't a mistake after all.

A small laugh bubbled up as she kicked off, swimming a few laps, letting herself sink into the joy that enveloped her.

"You're enjoying yourself."

She froze.

Water slapped against the pool's edges as she turned sharply, and there he was.

Leaning against the railing, hands in his pockets. Tall. Effortlessly poised. The setting sun cut sharp shadows across his jawline, his presence sucking the warmth from the air.

Nathaniel Cross.

Her stomach flipped. She forced herself to breathe. "You know, normal people announce themselves instead of lurking."

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "And yet, you still noticed me."

He started down the steps toward her, slow, measured.

"I see you've settled in well," he mused.

"Define well."

His gaze dipped lower, trailing the water beading on her skin. "You tell me."

A pulse of heat climbed up her neck-annoyance, not attraction.

She lifted her chin. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you enjoy watching women in vulnerable positions."

"You say that," he murmured, "like I don't already know how vulnerable you are, Allison."

"That sounds dangerously close to a threat, Mr. Cross."

"Oh, I don't make threats," he said smoothly. "Only statements of fact. Tell me, how exactly did you hear about the auction?"

Her mouth dried. "What?"

"Who invited you?" His voice was casual, but the sharpness in his gaze said otherwise.

> A warning surfaced in her mind, uninvited.

"Allison, you don't have to go to Cross's estate. I know his kind."

Daniel's voice had been calm but firm that night. She had laughed it off.

"His kind?" she had teased. "You make him sound like some dark prince out of a gothic novel."

"And what if he is?" Daniel had countered, eyes shadowed with something close to fear.

Back then, it had felt dramatic. Now, standing in front of Nathaniel Cross, she wasn't so sure.

She forced a scoff. "I did. I heard about it online. What does it matter?"

Nathaniel raised his head, amusement showing in his eyes. "You expect me to believe that? That out of all the women in the world, you-an accountant making a modest salary-just happened to find an invite to an exclusive event meant for millionaires?"

Allison's fingers curled beneath the water. "Hate to break it to you, but the internet exists."

"Sure. And so does security clearance, private guest lists, and background checks. None of which you passed."

A tightness coiled in her chest.

He kept his gaze on her, unwavering. "So, I will ask again. Who. Sent. You?"

Allison forced a casual shrug, though her pulse was hammering. "I am flattered by your concern, really. But does it matter? You got your money's worth, didn't you?"

Nathaniel chuckled, low and dark. "Oh, Allison. You really think this is about money?"

Her throat tightened. "Isn't it always?"

"You were never supposed to be there," he said quietly. "You were a wildcard in a game meant to be controlled.

Allison's nails dug into her palms beneath the water. She really should have listened to Maya.