Chapter 14

Jeremy's POV

The wind roared around me as the private jet touched down on a long, isolated runway. I had barely spoken since Viktor led me aboard. Part of me still couldn’t believe I had agreed to this. The USB drive he’d given me burned in my pocket, but I hadn’t dared to look at it. Not yet. Not until I knew exactly what I was stepping into.

As the plane taxied to a stop, Viktor unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to me. “This is your last chance to turn back.”

I met his gaze. “You and I both know that’s not an option.”

His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He stood and grabbed his coat, nodding for me to follow. The moment we stepped off the plane, a sleek black car was waiting for us, the driver already holding the door open.

I slid into the backseat, my fingers curling into my lap as Viktor settled in beside me. The moment the door shut, the car moved forward, gliding through the night.

The estate was massive. Iron gates loomed ahead, the emblem on them gleaming under the dim security lights. The moment we approached, they swung open without a sound, swallowing us into a world of quiet luxury. I expected guards, security cameras, signs of the faceless organization that had been hunting me. Instead, the long, winding drive led to a grand mansion, its windows glowing warmly against the night.

A billionaire’s playground.

This wasn’t what I had expected.

I stepped out of the car, the gravel crunching beneath my boots. The front doors opened before I could reach them. A butler in a tailored suit nodded and motioned for me to enter. I hesitated, glancing at Viktor, but he gave nothing away.

I walked inside.

The air smelled of expensive cigars and aged whiskey. The grand foyer was adorned with towering bookshelves, marble floors, and a fire crackling in a massive stone fireplace. But none of it held my attention.

The man standing in the center of the room did.

Freddie Markson.

I knew that name better than most.

He wasn’t just a billionaire—he was Dorian’s rival. Ruthless, brilliant, and relentless. If there was something Dorian wanted, Freddie made sure he got to it first. Contracts, companies, even people. He was a businessman, but more than that, he was a collector. And now, the way his sharp blue eyes settled on me, it was clear.

He wanted me too.

“Anna.” His voice was smooth, his British accent clipped and refined. “Yoitr pretty brave coming all this way alone. Surely you know my reputation?”

My spine went rigid.

He smiled. “Oh, don’t look so surprised. I'm sure you have a lot if questions. I know everything about you. How do you think I take care of my rivals. The people who want you dead.” He stepped closer, studying me as if I were a rare artifact. “You’re quite the valuable asset, aren’t you?”

Viktor shifted beside me, tense. “Freddie, you said you wanted to talk. Get to the point.”

Freddie’s smile widened. “Always in a rush, aren’t you, Viktor?” Then, finally, his gaze returned to me. “I could turn you in right now.”

My breath hitched, but I didn’t move.

“You have powerful enemies,” he continued. “People who would pay a great deal to have you back in their hands. And yet, here you are. In my house. My city. My world.”

My fists clenched. “What do you want?”

Freddie studied me for a moment before he spoke.

“Marriage.”

The word slammed into me like a freight train. I blinked, sure I had misheard. “What?”

His smile didn’t waver. “Marry me.”

A sharp breath left me. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, but I am,” he said, stepping closer. “You’re a liability on your own. But as my wife, you’d be untouchable. I can assure you that nobody would dare cross me.” His voice lowered, silk over steel. “You would have protection, wealth, and influence.”

Viktor swore under his breath. “This is insane.”

Freddie ignored him. His eyes were locked on me, waiting.

I felt the weight of the moment settle on my chest.

This was a game to him. A power move. But I wasn’t stupid. Freddie never did anything that didn’t benefit him.

“If I refuse?” I asked quietly.

Freddie smiled again, but this time, it was colder. “Then I suppose I make a call and let your enemies know exactly where to find you.”

I inhaled sharply.

He was acting as if he wasn't the one behind them. I was sure he thought I didn't know or suspect a thing.

I planned to capitalize on the opportunity.

He thought he was in control. He thought he was collecting me. But if I played this right, I wouldn’t just gain protection—I would gain power.

I lifted my chin, forcing my pulse to steady. “I accept.”

For the first time, Freddie looked genuinely surprised.

Viktor turned to me, eyes flashing. “Anna—”

I didn’t look at him. My gaze stayed locked on Freddie’s. “But on one condition.”

His brow arched. “Do tell.”

“You want a wife? Fine. But I’m not some trophy for you to parade around. I want a seat at the table but not as a pet.”

A slow grin spread across his lips. “You have teeth. I like that.”

He extended his hand.

I stared at it, knowing this was it. The moment I stepped into a different kind of cage.

But at least this time, I’d have the key.

I took his hand. His grip was firm, possessive.

Freddie leaned in slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Welcome to the game, Mrs. Markson.”

The following days passed in a blur. Freddie wasted no time.

I was given new clothes, a new identity, a new life. Papers were signed. Public announcements were made. The world now believed I was the future Mrs. Markson, his chosen partner.

I played my part. I smiled at the cameras, attended meetings at his side, let the world see the image of power he wanted to project.

But beneath the surface, I was working. Watching. Learning.

And if I could find out how much he knew, I might just find a way to take them down.

Freddie thought he had won. That he had taken something from Dorian once again.

But he had no idea what kind of war he had just started.