Chapter 14

Danreb sat in his seat. His face became unreadable when the investor made his intentions clear. The words that fell from Castor’s lips dripped with arrogance and entitlement.

“I think you know what I mean,” Castor said with a chuckle, eyeing Danreb with an amused glint. “After all, you’ve been in this business long enough to understand how deals like these are made.” He leaned back, swirling the last bit of wine in his glass before adding, “In exchange for my investment, I want Elarie.”

Elarie’s breath hitched. Her eyes immediately widened in shock. She sat frozen in place. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. She was trying to process the audacity of the demand. Her entire body felt cold as Castor’s words echoed in her ears, making her feel objectified and powerless.

Danreb, on the other hand, remained outwardly calm, though his jaw tightened as he gritted his teeth. He inhaled deeply, carefully controlling his temper. His eyes narrowed, but his voice remained steady. “I bel