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CHAPTER 2: The BILLIONAIRE'S DILEMMA
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2025-02-20 18:08:24Damien Sterling occupied his modern, towering office, the Manhattan skyline spreading out in front of him in a stunning display of illumination. The glass walls mirrored the atmosphere in the room, his reflection calm and composed as usual. A multimillion-dollar merger faced imminent failure due to an unexpected scandal at its center—one that prominently involved his name and Ava Rossi’s in the headlines.
Damien exhaled softly, running his fingers through his neatly styled dark hair. He had managed scandals previously—speculations about cutthroat business tactics, corporate sabotage, and even murmurs regarding how he had obliterated rivals without a second thought. But this? A supposed whirlwind romance with a struggling artist he had only met once at a gala?
This represented a fresh degree of absurdity.
He sat in his office with glass walls, towering over the city skyline, fingers interlaced as he gazed at the newest headline illuminating his computer screen
“Billionaire Bachelor Off the Market? Mysterious Artist Ava Rossi Caught in a Private Moment with Damien Sterling!”
Damien exhaled sharply. His jaw clenched as he scrolled through the article, the speculation growing more absurd with every paragraph. The media had spun a simple interaction into a full-blown romance. Investors were already calling, their concerns as predictable as they were frustrating.
A discreet cough pulled him from his thoughts. “Sir, we have a problem,” his assistant, Emily Vale, announced as she stepped into the office.
“No kidding.”
Damien reclined in his chair, his jaw clenching. “Share with me information that I'm not aware of.”
“Sir, your board members are concerned,” Emily said “The board is getting antsy,” Graham said. “The merger with Kingston Industries is at a delicate stage. Investors want reassurance that your… ‘relationship drama’ won’t destabilize negotiations.”
Damien pinched the bridge of his nose. The Kingston merger was the culmination of years of strategy, a multi-billion-dollar deal that would cement Sterling Enterprises as an industry titan. He couldn’t afford distractions.
“And Julian Vance is making it worse.” Emily stated.
Damien's gaze grew somber at the mention of Julian. The man was a leech, constantly seeking a chance to sabotage him. “What has he done this time?”
Emily sighed. “He’s been feeding the media stories—implying that you’re distracted, that your… relationship with Ava Rossi is proof that you’re losing focus.
He’s depicting you as irresponsible, asserting that this controversy reveals you’re choosing emotional decisions over strategic ones.
Damien breathed out slowly, clutching the glass desk more firmly. Julian had been a point of annoyance for him for years. Their competition wasn’t solely about business—it was emotional. They had started in the same circles, two prodigies in the world of finance and acquisitions.
As Damien built his empire through meticulous strategy and control, Julian chose a harsher and more deceptive method
This merger—the acquisition of Arcadia Industries—was intended to be Damien's greatest achievement, solidifying his reputation as a force in the business world. However, due to Julian's interference and the media frenzy around Ava, everything was at risk. Emily continued, “Julian’s not just spreading rumors. He’s actively meeting with key investors, trying to sway them. If he persuades a sufficient number of them to withdraw, he might be able to set himself up to present a counter-offer.
"This isn't just intended to embarrass you—it's a tactical choice."
Damien's expression remained unreadable, but inside him, his fury burned cold. Julian Vance had been a constant nuisance for years, hovering around his transactions like a hawk, perpetually seeking a vulnerability to take advantage of. This controversy was precisely the type of chance Vance flourished with.
"What is our next step?" Damien asked, his voice like steel.
Emily hesitated. "Sir, to dispel the rumors, you require a solid plan."
"You must manage the story," Emily responded. “The media thinks Ava is your girlfriend. We either refute it completely, or we lean into it and turn the story to your advantage.”
He knew what she meant. A carefully curated statement wouldn’t be enough. The board didn’t just want damage control; they wanted certainty. Stability. And nothing signaled stability more than an official commitment.
His gaze flicked back to the headline.
Ava Rossi.
Damien exhaled sharply. He had no patience for games. His instinct was to shut this down immediately—deny any connection to Ava and move forward. But a denial wouldn’t erase the headlines, and it certainly wouldn’t silence Julian. In fact, it would only make him dig deeper.
A different thought surfaced, one he usually wouldn’t entertain. If the media wanted a story… why not give them one? But on his terms.
“What if we don’t refute it?” Damien mused, his gaze fixed on the skyline. “What if we make it work in our favor?”
Emily hesitated. “You mean… go along with it?”
Damien’s mind was already calculating, analyzing every angle. “If investors are worried I’m distracted, we turn this into an advantage. A controlled narrative. A calculated engagement—something that shows stability and commitment. A relationship that isn’t a liability but an asset.”
Emily was silent for a moment before she chuckled. “You’re serious?”
“When have I ever not been?” Damien replied coolly.
“Do you think Ava will agree?”
Damien smirked. “She won’t have much of a choice.”
The assistant sighed. "Okay, sir, but if you plan to proceed with this, we must handle it cautiously." A fleeting romance is one matter, but getting engaged? That’s a whole different level.”
Damien leaned forward, his mind already strategizing. “Then let’s make it believable.”
“Get me Ava Rossi’s number,” he said, his voice cold and decisive.
Emily nodded, her expression unreadable. “I’ll have her contact information in some minutes.”
Ava Rossi. The woman who had unwillingly been thrown into this chaos. He had barely spoken to her, and now she was about to become the key to winning this battle.
Did Julian want to play dirty? Fine. Damien would show him exactly why no one outmaneuvered a Sterling.
As she left, Damien leaned back in his chair, his mind already steps ahead.
Within some minutes, his phone buzzed. It was a message from his assistant, sending Ava’s number.
With a measured grin, he grabbed his phone and called Ava’s number.
It was the moment to present her with an offer she simply couldn't decline
Bab terkait
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 3: THE PROPOSITION
Ava gazed at her phone, her fingers tightly gripping it as if she could extract understanding from the device. Damien Sterling. Of everyone who might have called her, why did it have to be himHer mind raced. What could he possibly want? Surely, he wasn't calling to apologize for the fabricated gossip columns throwing her name into the spotlight? No, billionaires didn’t do that. They handled things on their terms, and she doubted he was any different.A knot tightened in her stomach. She needed to think, to breathe, but she was already suffocating under the weight of unpaid rent and now—this.Her phone buzzed again. Another call from Damien.Damien Sterling's voice echoed on the phone, making Ava's apartment feel even smaller than it had been before. He spoke with a casual, professional manner that contrasted sharply with the informal chatter they had during their galley event. He wasted no time in responding to greetings, straight to the point.She was left with a cold, fearful sound
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20Entangled Affair CHAPTER 4: THE BARGAIN
Upon awakening the next day, Ava felt her heart race through her chest. She had slept very little, her mind replaying the events of the previous day, the shocking photo, phone call from Damien, this crazy proposal, and her unwise agreement. Her agreement with the devil has to be followed by a responsibility.Looking at the clock, its hands mockingly reminding her of her impending meeting with Damien. The time she had to prepare was less than an hour. She rushed to get dressed, then changed into her most presentable outfit , a plain black dress that she hope would strike a balance between professional and friendly. She applied a touch of makeup, more out of habit than vanity, then pulled her unruly red hair into a neat ponytail.While waiting for Damien's driver, she paced her small apartment with nervousness. Contrary to her expectations, she was completely unaware of what type of individual Damien Sterling would be during this meeting. She had met him just once, at the gala, and thei
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20Entangled Affair CHAPTER 5: A CONTRACT OF ILLUSIONS
A thick packet of legal terminology was sent by a courier with discreet efficiency and arrived later that day. While sitting on a broken couch with some hot tea, Ava felt tense as she read aloud from one side of the page. This voluminous document was filled with clauses and sub-clauses that were designed to intimidate. Ava's artistic talents were overshadowed by her practical nature. She carefully analyzed every paragraph, pinpointing crucial points, and clarified any confusion by making numerous phone calls to a friend who works as an attorney.Damien had fulfilled his commitments. They were so generous, bordering on luxury in terms of their finances. A struggling artist's dream came true with a monthly allowance that was much higher than her previous income, access to upscale studios in prestigious art districts, and seemingly unlimited supplies. Yet, a nagging unease lingered. Neither a donation nor a stipend; this was an exchange for her part in ill-advised deception.Their fake e
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20Entangled Affair CHAPTER 6: THE UNRAVELING
The news of Damien Sterling's engagement to Ava Rossi was a media sensation. Instead of focusing on scandalous headlines about a "mystery woman" or "compromising positions," listeners were treated to thrilling revelations regarding a whirlwind romance involving an entrepreneur and creative artist. The moment was set in motion. This finely crafted press release, a work of spin doctoring, depicted sex life at this year's charity gala, with secret dates and the occasional loss during their busy schedule.Ava's phone exploded with calls and messages. Those who had known her for years, including acquaintances and even those she hadn't spoken to in years, were eagerly waiting for information from her, offering both surprise and congratulations. Her loyal best friend, Izzy, was elated, squealing with delight and asking for a complete explanation of "how he proposed." Still slightly frightened by what had transpired, Ava began to craft elaborate stories of heartfelt gestures and romantic inte
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-09Entangled Affair CHAPTER 7: CORNERED BY THE SPOTLIGHT
Ava lounged on her couch with her legs crossed, a half-eaten piece of cold pizza dangling weakly in her hand, overlooked. Her apartment was chaotic—scattered tissues, unsealed takeout containers, and her laptop flashing with unread messages. The dim light of her phone on the coffee table throbbed like a signal, insisting on attention. Alerts after alerts flooded in: pings, dings, and vibrating notifications of a world ablazeShe had silenced it hours ago, but the damage was already done.The television was playing in the background, mostly for noise, but her gaze had been fixed on the same headline for ten full minutes:“FAKE FIANCÉE? DAMIEN STERLING’S ENGAGEMENT UNDER FIRE.”Her chest tightened. The speculation wasn’t just beginning—it had detonated.From the corner of the couch, Izzy tossed her legs up, remote in hand and worry etched across her face. “They’re not just questioning your relationship, Ava. They’re questioning you. I mean, listen to this...” She grabbed her phone and r
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-10Entangled Affair CHAPTER 8: MOVING INTO THE LION’S DEN
At the door to Damien Sterling's penthouse, Ava paused, clutching her bag more tightly. She was briefly lost for words owing to the room's distinct opulence. Her small flat felt like a kitchen storage area, even in the entranceway, with its high ceilings, polished marble flooring, and broad windows offering an imposing view of the city. Everything in this home reflected Damien's personality: it was opulent and sophisticated"Miss Rossi? Mr. Sterling is expecting you."She was brought back to reality by the doorman's sharp voice. She took a deep breath and nodded before going in. The muted sounds of the city vanished into a thick hush as the elevator doors closed behind her. She would be staying here, at least for the time being, and the strange weight of the situation hovered over her. Damien waited with his hands loose in his pockets as the elevator doors opened. The city skyline behind him gleamed brightly against the dark blue night sky. He said, "You've come," with a difficult-t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-11Entangled Affair CHAPTER 9: CLASHING WORLDS
Ava had only been living in Damien’s penthouse for a few days, but it already felt like a battle of opposites—chaos versus order, creativity versus structure, color versus monotony.She was beginning to think Damien Sterling was less of a man and more of a machine. His world ran on precision; his days were segmented into perfectly timed intervals. Breakfast at exactly 6:30 AM. Meetings are scheduled down to the minute. Even his leisure time appeared deliberate—an hour of reading before sleeping, in the same place on the same leather armchair, with the same glass of bourbon next to him.Ava, in contrast, flourished with unpredictability. Ava had always thought that life should be experienced in vibrant bursts, surprise moments, and unplanned journeys. She painted whenever inspiration hit, occasionally in the middle of the night. She kept her sketchbooks open, brushes drying on the counters, and rearranged the furniture whenever she felt the impulse. Damien’s flawless world felt stiflin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-12Entangled Affair CHAPTER 10: UNSPOKEN WORDS
Ava had always found comfort in painting. It was the only aspect that seemed clear when all other parts of her life felt knotted and uncertain. Recently, she had been creating art more than she ever had. She couldn’t tell if it was due to Damien or in spite of him. Perhaps it was the pressure of residing under Damien’s strict regulations Maybe it was the suffocating silence that had settled between them since the gala. Or maybe—if she was being honest with herself—it was Damien himself.Something about him got under her skin, even when he wasn’t around.And she hated it. And so, she painted. She lost herself in color, in the way the brush met the canvas, and in the way the world faded when she was creating.She had taken over the sunroom in Damien’s penthouse, transforming it into her personal studio. The space was nothing like the rest of Damien’s pristine, glass-and-steel penthouse. It was chaotic. Paint tubes were littered over the floor, unfinished canvases inclined against the wa
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13
Bab terbaru
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 10: UNSPOKEN WORDS
Ava had always found comfort in painting. It was the only aspect that seemed clear when all other parts of her life felt knotted and uncertain. Recently, she had been creating art more than she ever had. She couldn’t tell if it was due to Damien or in spite of him. Perhaps it was the pressure of residing under Damien’s strict regulations Maybe it was the suffocating silence that had settled between them since the gala. Or maybe—if she was being honest with herself—it was Damien himself.Something about him got under her skin, even when he wasn’t around.And she hated it. And so, she painted. She lost herself in color, in the way the brush met the canvas, and in the way the world faded when she was creating.She had taken over the sunroom in Damien’s penthouse, transforming it into her personal studio. The space was nothing like the rest of Damien’s pristine, glass-and-steel penthouse. It was chaotic. Paint tubes were littered over the floor, unfinished canvases inclined against the wa
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 9: CLASHING WORLDS
Ava had only been living in Damien’s penthouse for a few days, but it already felt like a battle of opposites—chaos versus order, creativity versus structure, color versus monotony.She was beginning to think Damien Sterling was less of a man and more of a machine. His world ran on precision; his days were segmented into perfectly timed intervals. Breakfast at exactly 6:30 AM. Meetings are scheduled down to the minute. Even his leisure time appeared deliberate—an hour of reading before sleeping, in the same place on the same leather armchair, with the same glass of bourbon next to him.Ava, in contrast, flourished with unpredictability. Ava had always thought that life should be experienced in vibrant bursts, surprise moments, and unplanned journeys. She painted whenever inspiration hit, occasionally in the middle of the night. She kept her sketchbooks open, brushes drying on the counters, and rearranged the furniture whenever she felt the impulse. Damien’s flawless world felt stiflin
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 8: MOVING INTO THE LION’S DEN
At the door to Damien Sterling's penthouse, Ava paused, clutching her bag more tightly. She was briefly lost for words owing to the room's distinct opulence. Her small flat felt like a kitchen storage area, even in the entranceway, with its high ceilings, polished marble flooring, and broad windows offering an imposing view of the city. Everything in this home reflected Damien's personality: it was opulent and sophisticated"Miss Rossi? Mr. Sterling is expecting you."She was brought back to reality by the doorman's sharp voice. She took a deep breath and nodded before going in. The muted sounds of the city vanished into a thick hush as the elevator doors closed behind her. She would be staying here, at least for the time being, and the strange weight of the situation hovered over her. Damien waited with his hands loose in his pockets as the elevator doors opened. The city skyline behind him gleamed brightly against the dark blue night sky. He said, "You've come," with a difficult-t
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 7: CORNERED BY THE SPOTLIGHT
Ava lounged on her couch with her legs crossed, a half-eaten piece of cold pizza dangling weakly in her hand, overlooked. Her apartment was chaotic—scattered tissues, unsealed takeout containers, and her laptop flashing with unread messages. The dim light of her phone on the coffee table throbbed like a signal, insisting on attention. Alerts after alerts flooded in: pings, dings, and vibrating notifications of a world ablazeShe had silenced it hours ago, but the damage was already done.The television was playing in the background, mostly for noise, but her gaze had been fixed on the same headline for ten full minutes:“FAKE FIANCÉE? DAMIEN STERLING’S ENGAGEMENT UNDER FIRE.”Her chest tightened. The speculation wasn’t just beginning—it had detonated.From the corner of the couch, Izzy tossed her legs up, remote in hand and worry etched across her face. “They’re not just questioning your relationship, Ava. They’re questioning you. I mean, listen to this...” She grabbed her phone and r
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 6: THE UNRAVELING
The news of Damien Sterling's engagement to Ava Rossi was a media sensation. Instead of focusing on scandalous headlines about a "mystery woman" or "compromising positions," listeners were treated to thrilling revelations regarding a whirlwind romance involving an entrepreneur and creative artist. The moment was set in motion. This finely crafted press release, a work of spin doctoring, depicted sex life at this year's charity gala, with secret dates and the occasional loss during their busy schedule.Ava's phone exploded with calls and messages. Those who had known her for years, including acquaintances and even those she hadn't spoken to in years, were eagerly waiting for information from her, offering both surprise and congratulations. Her loyal best friend, Izzy, was elated, squealing with delight and asking for a complete explanation of "how he proposed." Still slightly frightened by what had transpired, Ava began to craft elaborate stories of heartfelt gestures and romantic inte
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 5: A CONTRACT OF ILLUSIONS
A thick packet of legal terminology was sent by a courier with discreet efficiency and arrived later that day. While sitting on a broken couch with some hot tea, Ava felt tense as she read aloud from one side of the page. This voluminous document was filled with clauses and sub-clauses that were designed to intimidate. Ava's artistic talents were overshadowed by her practical nature. She carefully analyzed every paragraph, pinpointing crucial points, and clarified any confusion by making numerous phone calls to a friend who works as an attorney.Damien had fulfilled his commitments. They were so generous, bordering on luxury in terms of their finances. A struggling artist's dream came true with a monthly allowance that was much higher than her previous income, access to upscale studios in prestigious art districts, and seemingly unlimited supplies. Yet, a nagging unease lingered. Neither a donation nor a stipend; this was an exchange for her part in ill-advised deception.Their fake e
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 4: THE BARGAIN
Upon awakening the next day, Ava felt her heart race through her chest. She had slept very little, her mind replaying the events of the previous day, the shocking photo, phone call from Damien, this crazy proposal, and her unwise agreement. Her agreement with the devil has to be followed by a responsibility.Looking at the clock, its hands mockingly reminding her of her impending meeting with Damien. The time she had to prepare was less than an hour. She rushed to get dressed, then changed into her most presentable outfit , a plain black dress that she hope would strike a balance between professional and friendly. She applied a touch of makeup, more out of habit than vanity, then pulled her unruly red hair into a neat ponytail.While waiting for Damien's driver, she paced her small apartment with nervousness. Contrary to her expectations, she was completely unaware of what type of individual Damien Sterling would be during this meeting. She had met him just once, at the gala, and thei
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 3: THE PROPOSITION
Ava gazed at her phone, her fingers tightly gripping it as if she could extract understanding from the device. Damien Sterling. Of everyone who might have called her, why did it have to be himHer mind raced. What could he possibly want? Surely, he wasn't calling to apologize for the fabricated gossip columns throwing her name into the spotlight? No, billionaires didn’t do that. They handled things on their terms, and she doubted he was any different.A knot tightened in her stomach. She needed to think, to breathe, but she was already suffocating under the weight of unpaid rent and now—this.Her phone buzzed again. Another call from Damien.Damien Sterling's voice echoed on the phone, making Ava's apartment feel even smaller than it had been before. He spoke with a casual, professional manner that contrasted sharply with the informal chatter they had during their galley event. He wasted no time in responding to greetings, straight to the point.She was left with a cold, fearful sound
Entangled Affair CHAPTER 2: The BILLIONAIRE'S DILEMMA
Damien Sterling occupied his modern, towering office, the Manhattan skyline spreading out in front of him in a stunning display of illumination. The glass walls mirrored the atmosphere in the room, his reflection calm and composed as usual. A multimillion-dollar merger faced imminent failure due to an unexpected scandal at its center—one that prominently involved his name and Ava Rossi’s in the headlines.Damien exhaled softly, running his fingers through his neatly styled dark hair. He had managed scandals previously—speculations about cutthroat business tactics, corporate sabotage, and even murmurs regarding how he had obliterated rivals without a second thought. But this? A supposed whirlwind romance with a struggling artist he had only met once at a gala?This represented a fresh degree of absurdity.He sat in his office with glass walls, towering over the city skyline, fingers interlaced as he gazed at the newest headline illuminating his computer screen“Billionaire Bachelor Off
