The CEO's Contract Lover

Pak!

A loud, furious sound reverberated in the large hall, silencing everyone present.

Nina held her stinging cheek in disbelief. A bright red print had appeared on her fair skin, looking especially eye-catching.

Her eyes turned cold as she swept them across the people in front of her.

Her so-called father, who had just hit her without caring about the occasion, her stepmother, who looked at her accusingly, and lastly at her younger step-sister, who wept uncontrollably in her mother's arms.

She could only laugh bitterly at herself.

"You are so young, but already so vicious. How could I have a daughter like you? To steal your sister's endorsement, you tampered with her makeup?" William Santiago, Nina's father, pointed his finger at her angrily. The disappointment in his tone was apparent.

Hiss!

The guests immediately broke out into loud murmurs.

Nina met her father's enraged gaze and felt an inexplicable chill in her heart.

Today was her stepsister Alyson's eighteenth birthday banquet and the Santiago house has been bustling in excitement since the morning.

The guests had just arrived when they heard a shrill scream and saw Alyson running down the stairs, covering her face.

Her face, originally soft and pale, had turned scarlet red because of an allergic reaction, and not a single spot was left clean.

"It was sister," Alyson whimpered, her shoulders trembling pitifully. "She put something in my makeup."

And the first thing her father did was not take her to the hospital immediately but humiliate Nina in front of the crowd.

"Nina, I know I'm not your biological mom, but ask yourself, have I ever treated you poorly? Is this how you repay us?" Her stepmother's worried and disappointed voice came through as she protected Alyson in her arms.

"That's because she's never seen us as her family." William hollered. "Beauty is a woman's biggest asset, and your sister is about to enter the entertainment industry. You destroyed her career before it even started! Immediately apologize to her or else don't blame me for kicking you out."

An incredulous look appeared on her face. "Are you sure it was me? Where's your evidence?" Nina retorted composedly. Even after being held in a tight position, she did not lose her cool.

"Evidence? You still have the cheek to ask for evidence? Can't you see how badly you've disfigured Alyson's face?"

Being called out, Alyson once again cried loudly.

Nina took a deep breath and stared at Alyson sharply. "I'll ask you one more time. Are you sure it was me?"

Alyson's eyes flickered slightly, and she avoided her gaze. "Sis, I know you've been upset because I passed the auditions. If you wanted the endorsement so badly, you should've told me about it. How could you..." She did not complete the sentence, but it was apparent what she was trying to say.

The younger sister had passed the auditions for a very reputed endorsement deal. The eldest sister, on the other hand, couldn't accept it, and out of jealousy, she ruined her younger sister's face!

The crowd sucked in a sharp breath.

Heavens! A woman's jealousy was the most terrifying thing in the world.

"Stop with your crap," Nina snapped at her. "Alyson, you know best what kind of person you are. You guard your things even from your mother. Are you that generous to let me touch your things?"

Alyson panicked and denied it vehemently. "But it was you who collected the package this morning. There's also your sign on the delivery package."

Nina felt something amis and tried recalling today's events.

She did collect a delivery box this morning, but that was it. She did not even know what was inside, so how could she tamper with them?

But knowing Alyson's personality, she knew she wasn't the type to inflict harm on herself just to frame her.

The makeup might have expired or not suited her skin, but she insisted on tearing the bill on her.

Mr. Santiago barked in anger. "Are you still trying to deny it? Apologize immediately."

Looking at the family of three that sang the same tune, Nina did not want to waste her breath on these unreasonable people.

What hurt her was not their attitude but her father's accusations. He, who was supposed to be her closest family, who should've held up the mountain and protected her, was now staring at her with eyes that looked like poisoned steeled needles.

At that moment, she only felt numb all over. She took a step back, the blood in her cold. "Unless you provide concrete evidence that I was the one who disfigured her, I won't apologize."

It was pointless to stand and explain herself, since these people were dead and set to throw her under the bus.

Hence, she turned around and left. As she climbed up the stairs, she remembered something and looked over her shoulders.

"Also, Dad... My major in college is fashion design. As my father, I should at least remind you."

Ironically, despite staying under the same roof, her father did not even know what major she was studying at the college.

"You bastard child," Mr. Santiago's face darkened, and he wanted to rush after her, but Mrs. Santiago stopped him. "Dear, now is not the time to run after her. The guests are still waiting. We can teach her a lesson later."

It was only then that he realized they were in the middle of the banquet.

He immediately straightened his clothes and put on a gentlemanly smile, totally in contrast with the shrew he was just a moment ago. "Distinguished guests, I am sorry you had to witness such a scene. I'm extremely ashamed because of my elder daughter. Please don't hold it against us and enjoy the party."

---

Nina shut the door and leaned against it, sliding down on the floor. Inside the dark room, her small petite figure was huddled up with her arms wrapped around her knees.

Her parents divorced when she was five and she grew up in a single-parent house with her mother.

Nina's mother was a promiscuous woman who had destroyed countless marriages because she couldn't bear to be poor and lonely. As a result, Nina was bullied terribly at school and was often labeled as a prostitute's daughter.

When the wives of those rich men with whom her mother slept came knocking at their door, they would beat Nina up instead when they couldn't get hold of her mother.

It wasn't until she turned fourteen that her mother was crazy enough to send her to accompany a middle-aged pedophile who had taken a fancy to her.

Even a vicious tiger wouldn't hurt its cub, but her mother, who was blinded by greed, did not hesitate once to throw her to the wolves.

"That is what you owe me. I gave birth to you, and it is only normal for you to sacrifice for me. Even if I ask for your life, you should consider it as your good fortune."

This was what her mother would tell her every time she was beaten up brutally.

Nina had to clean up after her mess and do all the household chores ever since she was five. To support her mother, she even had to take multiple part-time jobs.

Even her tuition fees were earned by herself and through various scholarships.

Every night was a torment for her and every day she lived in the hope that maybe one day, her mother would feel pity for her and turn over a new leaf. But in the end, all that she got was endless despair.

When she had had enough of her mother's abuse, she plucked some courage and ran away from her clutches to Spring City to look for her father.

By the time she found him, she realized her father had already remarried and had a small family of his own.

On a cold winter night, she stood in front of their entrance, covered in snow. Nina would never forget that day.

In an unfamiliar city, surrounded by strangers, she felt fear and helplessness at the same time. Because she was in a hurry to find her father, Nina did not have time to eat. Hence, on an empty stomach, she squatted in front of their house for an entire night, begging them to take her in.

When the morning rays touched the surface, the door finally opened. Perhaps her father still had some conscience left, and with great reluctance, he finally took her in.

After her parent's divorce, her father quickly married his mistress and brought in his illegitimate daughter, much to her surprise, who was only a year younger than her.

Her stepmother had a beautiful appearance, but she paled terribly compared to her mother.

On the surface, she looked gentle and dignified, but only Nina knew how black-hearted she was.

Although they had agreed to let her stay in the house, she was treated no differently than a maid.

However, to Nina, nothing else really mattered as long as she did not have to live worrying about her meals and had a roof over her head. Everything was worthwhile.

Over time, she accepted that her father did not have any feelings towards her. Still, her heart could not help but fill with disappointment and grief at his blatant favoritism.

It was unknown when Nina had fallen asleep. When she woke up, her body was already sore from sitting in the same position the entire night. After massaging her limbs, she stood up and pulled open the curtains on the windows.

Her eyes rested upon the golden arcing rays that illuminated outside.

The sunlight conjured the most brilliant of mosaics, reflecting from each leaf and cloud. As if it were happy to create art where it shone, warm and steady.

But unlike the joy in the light, there was only darkness in Nina's life.

After she freshened up, she entered the kitchen and prepared breakfast for everyone.

Although the Santiagos were considered slightly well-off, they did not have any helpers.

But they did have her though, the unofficial maid.

She was solely in charge of all the household chores, including laundry, cooking, cleaning, and so on.

By the time she was done preparing the food, everyone had gathered at the dining table.

The family of three was discussing something fervently but immediately quietened down when she came out.

Serving them, Nina pulled out her chair and began eating, ignoring their occasional glances.

Mr. Santiago cleared his throat and started. "Alyson was careless last night and did not notice that the makeup products were expired."

Nina paused and raised her head.

Mr. Santiago avoided her gaze guiltily and spoke. "It was my fault for not knowing the truth and blaming you. But you should understand that Dad only did it because he loves you both equally and can't see you two at loggerheads."

"That's right, Nina. You are both the daughters of this family. You won't mind this bit of misunderstanding, will you?" Mrs. Santiago continued, playing her role of a loving mother.

A mocking look appeared in her eyes as she watched the hypocritical acts of the couple.

This was how it was. Every time something happened, they would release their frustration on her and treat her like a punching bag. Curse her for being a jinx and, as soon as the day passed, they would act as though nothing happened.

Nina was accustomed to it and continued eating her breakfast, not entertaining them.

Mr. Santiago cursed in his head at her lack of response but calmed himself after getting a look from his wife. With a smile, he turned to Nina. "Yesterday we did not have a proper celebration for Alyson's coming-of-age ceremony, hence I have booked a table in the restaurant tonight to make up for the same."

"I'll skip. I have work to do." Nina declined.

"What work can be more important than your family?" Annoyed, Mr. Santiago asked angrily.

At that moment, Alyson, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke. "Sister, I know you're angry about what happened last night. I was just too excited about my birthday and did not check the products beforehand, causing all the misunderstanding. If you want to vent your anger, I'll let you hit me. I can also kneel for you. Please forgive me." To prove her sincerity, Alyson stood up from her seat but was immediately held down by her mother.

"Alyson, what are you doing? Your sister is very magnanimous and won't hold it against you. Right, Nina?"

Nina remained unfazed by her crocodile tears. She placed the spoon and leaned back on the chair unhurriedly. "Alright, kneel if you want me to forgive you."

Alyson was spoilt by her mother. From a young age, she was overbearing and selfish. Nina really wanted to see how long she could keep up the pretense.

"Presumptuous!" Mr. Santiago threw his cutlery and stood up angrily while Mrs. Santiago's face also darkened.

"What? She was the one who suggested it." Nina shrugged her shoulders and said coolly. "Or were you just doing lip service?"

Alyson bit her lower lip. Tears immediately gathered in her eyes, ready to fall any second. Her demeanor of a delicate and pitiful lady immediately softened the hearts of her parents.

"You..."

"Alright. I'll apologize to you on her behalf. Let bygones be bygones. Today is a good day. Nina, remember to dress up properly tonight." Mrs. Santiago intervened, mediating the situation. If this went on, they could forget about taking action tonight.

Nina sneered inwardly as they rambled on, feeling the urge to splash the hot soup on their faces. They portrayed their words beautifully, making her the villain.

When they were happy, they would talk about familial ties. If they were not, they would become utterly heartless.

She expressed her assent. If she did not agree, they would continue to cause a ruckus until they coerced her into conceding to their request.

"Alyson is such a sensible girl. You're older than her, but still not half as understanding." Her father commented disappointedly.

Nina suddenly lost her appetite and excused herself.

After making sure she was nowhere in sight, Alyson turned serious and asked in a low voice, "Dad, are you sure this will work? There's still one final round left before I sign the contract. I don't want to lose this golden opportunity."

Mr. Santiago patted Alyson's shoulder and said confidently, "Don't worry. I asked around and invited Mr. Lawrence. At worst, we would just let Nina take the hit for us."

Mrs. Santiago also reminded her. "Alyson, it wasn't easy for your father to invite that person. Don't disappoint us."

---

The evening sky was aglow with bright city lights. The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky.

Mr. Santiago and his family arrived in their car at the hotel. It was a three-star Michelin restaurant. The couple had gone all out for their darling daughter's birthday dinner.

Tonight, Nina wore a gorgeous red lace dress that accentuated her lithe figure. Her long black hair was down, making her face appear small and delicate.

Alyson looked at her, green with jealousy.

Unlike her, who was dressed head to toe in brands, the miser in front of her was wearing clothes she had stitched with her own hands.

No matter how lavishly she dressed and dolled herself up, she would always be reduced to her shadow once Nina appeared in the picture.

She really hated Nina to the core.

But after tonight, she would see if she could continue to be smug. Thinking about what was about to happen tonight immediately put her in a good mood.

With a sweet smile, she walked towards Nina and held her arms intimately. "Sister, you look really beautiful. I wonder how many men will break their hearts tonight."

Nina furrowed her gentle brows when the latter came up to her. Although this wasn't the first time, she was still uncomfortable with her touch.

Alyson knew very well that she hated coming into close contact with anyone, yet she would always come up with ways to make her feel disgusted.

Inside the hotel's private room.

Laughing and chattering could be heard inside the room. Dishes were served on the table. Aside from their family, there was also a middle-aged man in his sixties. He was one of the investors of the company Alyson had auditioned for.

Although they claimed it was a family dinner, Nina knew that her family was just trying to suck up to the investor.

Throughout the dinner, she noticed the investor, Henry Lawson's obscene gaze, had been fixated on her body, as though she were a delicacy that had landed in his hands. Her stomach churned in disgust whenever he 'accidentally' touched her. Anyone with eyes could see through his intentions, but her father chose to turn a blind eye to it.

Nina wasn't oblivious to how the entertainment industry worked. This type of thing was so common that it has been normalized in their workplace. Hence, she had never liked the idea of Alyson entering the entertainment industry. With great fame come great consequences. But Alyson did not care about any of it. She and her parents only wanted to integrate themselves into the upper class of society. And for that, they would resort to all means.

Hence, she could only endure.

The rest of the dinner went on quickly. Her parents were in a good mood and even Alyson was all smiles as she talked with Henry.

As they wrapped up the dinner, Mr. Santiago called the server and asked him to take out the Gerard Boulay.

He filled up his glass and gave his precious daughter a toast. "Here, cheers to Alyson for turning eighteen! May you have a bright future ahead."

Nina unhurriedly picked up her glass and lightly clinked it with the others.

After gulping it down, she excused herself and went to the bathroom. As soon as she left the room, she heaved a huge sigh.

Finally, she could go home.

After she was done with her affairs, she stood in front of the washbasin and washed her hands.

Suddenly, a warm feeling rushed through her body, causing her to sway slightly.

Nina quickly held on to the stand to support herself.

There was a dry and hot sensation within her body that made her incredibly unwell. She felt something was wrong with her body. Just as she was about to call out someone for help, her head spun and her vision turned black before she fell into unconsciousness.

In the hotel room, a figure was sprawled across the bed. The straps of her dress had fallen, revealing her thin and slender shoulders.

The person by the bed grabbed her delicate face to check if she had fainted.

Good, that she's unconscious.

The man took out his cell phone and made a call. "Hello? Yes, I've already sent her to your room. When will you be arriving? Hahaha. Mr. Henry, don't worry. My daughter is still a virgin and has never even been in a relationship before."

"Also, can you tell me when my company can sign the contract papers? Sure, it'd be best if we did it tomorrow."

"Then I won't take much of your time. Please enjoy!"

The man turned around cheerfully and left. After the door to the room closed, the girl on the bed slowly opened her eyes.

Yes, the person earlier was none other than her biological father who had set her up!

No wonder her so-called family had suddenly turned so affectionate towards her at dinner. Turned out they were planning such a conspiracy.

A drop of tear slid down her beautiful pair of amber eyes. Although she knew her father never really liked her, she did not expect him to send her to that man's bed who could be the same age as her grandfather.

Ignoring the discomfort in her body, Nina supported herself and got up from bed.

Until now, she had given in to her family's every request. But this time, she would not tolerate them.

They wanted to use her as a bargaining chip to save their company, right? But they had to see if she agreed!

She would never let them succeed in their plans! Before that perverted man entered, she had to escape.

Outside, the entire hallways were engulfed in darkness, with only a faint stream of light passing through the windows.

Taking advantage of it, she followed the light and staggered in the direction of the staircase.

The elevator suddenly dinged. The person who came out saw her running away and immediately shouted, "Hey! Stop right there!"

Nina's body immediately tensed, and she ran fast. Just as she neared the stairs, a series of rhythmic footsteps came from below.

The man behind did not expect her to escape and had probably called for help, closing all her escape routes.

Nina temporarily gave up the idea of leaving the hotel and instead ran upstairs. The drug had taken effect, and she was starting to lose consciousness again. She bit her lower lips hard until blood oozed out of them, regaining a bit of sanity.

The footsteps behind her grew louder and she had no intention of stopping, chasing her to the top floor.

The guards paused when they saw Nina rushing towards the top floor.

The top floor of the hotel was specifically arranged for the VVIPs and rumors had them that a certain big boss was currently staying in the presidential suite tonight.

If that woman dared to cause trouble in his territory, they couldn't guarantee that they could leave this place unscathed.

"Don't stand here like freaking mannequins. Get that bitch before someone sees her!" one of the guards spat out fiercely.

Along the corridor that was lined with custom-made carpeting, Nina did not know how long she had run.

Her throat felt dry, and she was exhausted, ready to fall any moment.

Despite feeling dizzy, she did not dare slow down for fear of getting caught. She turned around at the corner of the corridor.

Having no longer the energy to continue, Nina felt her legs losing their strength, and she tripped over.

Just when she thought she would hit the floor, she fell into a sturdy embrace.

A group of people had just walked out of the opposite room. The man who was being escorted to the front of the crowd was dressed impeccably in a high-end custom-made suit.

Nina felt her head getting heavy and immediately held onto the man tightly. Because of the faint light, she could not see his face.

"Mister, please save me. The people behind drugged me and wanted to rape me."

The guards behind immediately stopped when they saw this. What they feared the most had happened.

The man's nicely shaped eyebrows immediately knitted into a frown. Seeing his expression, his men rushed forward to throw the woman out.

Sensing the surrounding movements, Nina clutched his clothes until the crease appeared on them and whispered in a trembling voice. "Please!"

The man looked at Nina's amber eyes, which were filled with hope and pleading. He then swept his gaze at the guards and signaled his men. His subordinates understood and immediately left, blocking the guards from approaching.

The guards knew it was over for them and gave up indignantly.

After the corridor returned to its usual silence, the man leaned against the wall and sized up Nina lazily.

The girl in front of him looked very young, around eighteen years old. Her beautiful and clear eyes were unfocused. There was an unnatural redness on her face, making her appear even more charming. The straps of her dress hung down loosely, revealing her slender shoulders. Despite being skinny, he could trace her voluminous curves.

"Why should I help you?" His deep, charismatic voice rang in her ears.

Nina was taken aback. She opened her mouth slightly, her voice hoarse. "Isn't it normal to help a damsel in distress?"

The man chuckled lightly at her silly response.

He stretched out his hand, his thumb caressing her face, which was as smooth as silk, and his throat bobbed.

"What exactly do you want me to help you with? The guards or... the drug?"

Nina breathed in his cool sandalwood fragrance and her body reacted under his touch. She subconsciously moved closer to him and replied, "Both."

Her delicate body was pressed tightly against his, and they stood in an ambiguous position.

"What can you offer me if I help you? You should know that, as a businessman, I never suffer losses."

Nina resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Who exactly was the one at the short end of the stick here?!

Did she run away from a tiger's den only to get caught by the wolf? "What do you want?"

The man went silent for a while. After a short period, he replied, "Marry me."

Nina looked at him in disbelief and subconsciously took a step back.

"I-I'm sorry. I'm not in my right state of mind. I don't think I heard you."

"What did you hear?"

"Th-That you want to marry me?"

The man nodded his head. "That's what I said. I need a wife and you look like a suitable candidate. Why don't you marry me? In that way, we'll be considered even."

Nina bit her lips. "Can't this just stay as a one-night stand?"

"I'm sorry, I'm not a lascivious person."

Nina could not comprehend his thoughts. She felt that what he said was absurd. How could she marry someone she had barely met? "Don't you think your request is a bit ridiculous? I don't even know your name."

"Jayden Luxton." his deep and terse voice quietly rang out in the narrow space.

"What?"

"My name is Jayden Luxton. I'm twenty-seven years old this year. You don't have to worry about my family because I am not on good terms with them. I don't have any major illness and am not a womanizer either. As for my net worth," his eyebrows knitted as he found it difficult to remember. "I don't know my exact net worth, but it should be enough to support you."

Nina's twinkling eyes looked at him in astonishment. Even after he had made himself clear, she could not wrap her head around what he said.

Pushing him away, she shook her head and retreated.

She could not.

If even her closest kin could betray her, and use her as a bargaining chip in a time of crisis, then what could she expect from the stranger in front?

Jayden straightened his clothes unhurriedly. Her rejection was within his consideration, but it still came as a surprise to him. If it were any other woman, they would have long thrown themselves at him.

The girl in front of him, however... either she was playing hard to get his attention, or she genuinely did not have any thoughts towards him.

One could not blame him for being so narcissistic. As the youngest person to top Forbes' youngest billionaires, he did have the assets to be ranked as the most eligible bachelor in the country.

Jayden took a brief look at her. Her delicate little face looked gloomy under the dim lights, making her appear very frail.

At that moment, only one word appeared in his mind.

Pathetic.

Seeing that it was getting late, he could not be bothered by her. He signaled his men to release the guards and bid his farewell. "Have a memorable night."

Nina felt as though a bucket of cold water had been poured on her head. As soon as the guards were free, they immediately pounced on her. It happened so suddenly that Nina did not have time to escape. She struggled under their hold maniacally, underestimating her strength. Her disobedience annoyed the guards and one of them raised his hand, slapping her across her face.

The slap caused her body to sway and Nina broke out into cold sweats.

"This bitch is too unruly. Strip off her clothes and drag her down naked. Let's see if she continues to cause trouble."