ELISEI time my move with precision, watching the server with the tray of Dom Pérignon Rosé Gold Methuselah 1996 make his way through the room.Alexander mentioned earlier that each 4 liter bottle costs about 49,000. An extravagance meant to impress the guests.The crystal flutes catch the light from the chandeliers, creating tiny prisms across the polished marble floor.The young server follows his predictable path between the east entrance and the area where the most influential guests have gathered, his white-gloved hands steady despite the fortune he carries.Three, two, one...I step directly into his path, positioning myself so when we collide, the champagne will splash exactly where I need it to.The server's eyes widen in alarm when he realizes what's about to happen, but momentum carries us both forward.I can see the exact moment he recognizes me and the horror that crosses his face at the inevitable collision."Oh!" I gasp as the golden liquid cascades across my gown.The co
ELISEI slip inside Kieran's suite and close the door quietly behind me.The entryway is dark, illuminated only by the ambient city light filtering through distant windows.The air is cooler here and carries a faint scent of cedar and something else. I pause, listening for any sound that might indicate Kieran is already here, but the suite remains silent save for the barely perceptible hum of advanced electronics and the distant muffled sounds of the city eighty floors below.I remove my heels and hold them in one hand to eliminate any sound as I move deeper into the suite.The marble floor is cold against my bare feet, a sensation that heightens my awareness of every detail around me.Following the floor plan in my memory, I turn to the first room on my right which is Kieran's office whenever he stays at the hotel.I place my hand on the door handle, taking a deep breath to steady myself before turning it and stepping inside.The space is exactly as my intelligence suggested: masculi
ELISEKiran’s height and presence are suddenly overwhelming in the confined space.The scent of him registers… an underlying notes of something distinctly masculine. His face remains impassive, but the intensity of his gaze is almost tangible like a physical weight pressing down on me."I have information about Alexander's plans," I choke out, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the sudden dryness and contraction in my throat. "Plans that involve both of us."Kieran doesn't respond.His silence is more unnerving than any question or accusation would be. The coldness in his eyes makes it clear he's measuring every word, every gesture, cataloging them for future reference."He intends to use my technology and patents after our marriage.” The words are coming faster now as they push against the wall of his silence. "Once he has what he needs, he plans to have me declared mentally unstable. My father is helping him. They've already prepared the documentation, selected the facility wh
ELISEI stand in the executive bathroom, staring at my reflection in the harsh lighting.My face is pale and eyes wide with lingering fear. The marble countertop feels cold beneath my trembling fingers as I try to steady myself.I blurted out the first thing that came to mind during that terrifying moment with Kieran. Of when his patience was gone and gun aimed directly at my chest, ready to end me if I didn't leave in the time he allowed.The memory of that steel barrel pointing at me sends another shiver down my spine.My stomach had growled loudly in the tense silence and something mortifying happened from the fear churning inside me.I dashed to the bathroom without even asking permission, humiliation burning through me like acid.The bathroom door had barely closed before I was sick, my body betraying me in the most embarrassing way possible.Thank god Kieran didn't follow… a small mercy from a man who seemed ready to kill me moments before.I need time to think, to recalibrate.
ELISEI close the remaining distance between us with three confident steps and lean in to press my lips to his. However, a gasp tears from me when his fingers wrap around my throat in an even tighter grip than before my lips even meet his.The transition from apparent calm to violence happens so quickly I don't even see him move. One moment I'm approaching, the next I'm caught.His jaw clenches visibly and his eyes burn with a fury I've never experienced from anyone. They're no longer cold but blazing with an emotion so intense it's terrifying.Fear course through my veins with vengeance and my life flashes before my eyes. He's livid that I attempted to kiss him. Does he despise the idea because of Alexander? Or is there something deeper, some principle I've violated by trying to use seduction as currency?"It's obvious you have a death wish," he snarls through gritted teeth.His grip is firm enough to restrict my breathing without cutting it off completely."I-I'm sorry," I force o
ELISEKieran’s eyes hold mine, waiting for my response, testing my resolve and just how far I'm willing to go to secure his help.At first, I think he’s is mocking me so I sit frozen with my hands clenched in my lap, staring up at his expressionless face and searching desperately for any hint of humor or mercy in his eyes.There isn’t one. His gaze is cool, unwavering, as if he’s already weighed my pride and found it irrelevant.I have no room to negotiate. He gives me only five minutes, barely enough time to process the humiliation, let alone resist.My mind whirls, but my body acts before I can think.I rise from my chair, knees weak and my heart thudding hollowly in my chest.I feel the distance between us shrink and my world narrow to just this room, this moment.Kieran’s presence dominates the space by just standing there, looking relaxed and silent.The sharp cut of his tailored suit can’t disguise the strength beneath.He watches me, impassive as if I’m a puzzle he’s already so
ELISE“Kieran… please.” I finally manage only a raw and pleading whisper.I am utterly exposed, sprawled across his desk. My legs are open and my nipples reddened by his hands with his finger still inside me.I am begging him, shameless and desperate… my pride in tatters.And that’s when he finally reacts.I see the evidence of his arousal. Of a bulge straining against his gray suit pants, the heat radiating through the fabric. It’s the only sign he’s affected at all, but it’s enough. For a moment, I’m not alone in this.“You’re aroused,” I whisper, needing to know I’m not the only one unraveling.Kieran raises an eyebrow as if he’s indifferent to his own reaction.The air between us hums with tension… a silent battle of wills.“So you’ll help me, right?” My voice is firmer than I expect, defiant despite my vulnerability.His fingers are still inside me.I hold his gaze, refusing to back down.Even aroused, Kieran’s face remains impassive like a Greek statue, handsome and unmoved by d
ELISE"Hurry," Natasha urges in a low voice. "You will soon be called to give your anniversary speech and she'll come looking for us soon."I freeze outside my office door, my hand hovering above the handle. Natasha 's voice stops me from entering."Almost done," Alexander mutters. "That's the last of the safety reports. What about the offshore accounts?"My husband. And my stepsister. In my office. Discussing... what exactly?"Already taken care of. Father signed the transfer papers this morning. The Singapore branch is fully independent now, no CASSOVILE oversight."I hear movement, then Alexander's voice again. "You're brilliant, you know that? Elise never suspected a thing."My name in his mouth feels like a betrayal already. I pull out my phone and start recording."Poor Elise," Natasha 's tone is mocking. "Always so worried about doing the right thing. She never understood that the right thing is whatever makes the most money."My chest tightens as Alexander responds. "Her obses
ELISE“Kieran… please.” I finally manage only a raw and pleading whisper.I am utterly exposed, sprawled across his desk. My legs are open and my nipples reddened by his hands with his finger still inside me.I am begging him, shameless and desperate… my pride in tatters.And that’s when he finally reacts.I see the evidence of his arousal. Of a bulge straining against his gray suit pants, the heat radiating through the fabric. It’s the only sign he’s affected at all, but it’s enough. For a moment, I’m not alone in this.“You’re aroused,” I whisper, needing to know I’m not the only one unraveling.Kieran raises an eyebrow as if he’s indifferent to his own reaction.The air between us hums with tension… a silent battle of wills.“So you’ll help me, right?” My voice is firmer than I expect, defiant despite my vulnerability.His fingers are still inside me.I hold his gaze, refusing to back down.Even aroused, Kieran’s face remains impassive like a Greek statue, handsome and unmoved by d
ELISEKieran’s eyes hold mine, waiting for my response, testing my resolve and just how far I'm willing to go to secure his help.At first, I think he’s is mocking me so I sit frozen with my hands clenched in my lap, staring up at his expressionless face and searching desperately for any hint of humor or mercy in his eyes.There isn’t one. His gaze is cool, unwavering, as if he’s already weighed my pride and found it irrelevant.I have no room to negotiate. He gives me only five minutes, barely enough time to process the humiliation, let alone resist.My mind whirls, but my body acts before I can think.I rise from my chair, knees weak and my heart thudding hollowly in my chest.I feel the distance between us shrink and my world narrow to just this room, this moment.Kieran’s presence dominates the space by just standing there, looking relaxed and silent.The sharp cut of his tailored suit can’t disguise the strength beneath.He watches me, impassive as if I’m a puzzle he’s already so
ELISEI close the remaining distance between us with three confident steps and lean in to press my lips to his. However, a gasp tears from me when his fingers wrap around my throat in an even tighter grip than before my lips even meet his.The transition from apparent calm to violence happens so quickly I don't even see him move. One moment I'm approaching, the next I'm caught.His jaw clenches visibly and his eyes burn with a fury I've never experienced from anyone. They're no longer cold but blazing with an emotion so intense it's terrifying.Fear course through my veins with vengeance and my life flashes before my eyes. He's livid that I attempted to kiss him. Does he despise the idea because of Alexander? Or is there something deeper, some principle I've violated by trying to use seduction as currency?"It's obvious you have a death wish," he snarls through gritted teeth.His grip is firm enough to restrict my breathing without cutting it off completely."I-I'm sorry," I force o
ELISEI stand in the executive bathroom, staring at my reflection in the harsh lighting.My face is pale and eyes wide with lingering fear. The marble countertop feels cold beneath my trembling fingers as I try to steady myself.I blurted out the first thing that came to mind during that terrifying moment with Kieran. Of when his patience was gone and gun aimed directly at my chest, ready to end me if I didn't leave in the time he allowed.The memory of that steel barrel pointing at me sends another shiver down my spine.My stomach had growled loudly in the tense silence and something mortifying happened from the fear churning inside me.I dashed to the bathroom without even asking permission, humiliation burning through me like acid.The bathroom door had barely closed before I was sick, my body betraying me in the most embarrassing way possible.Thank god Kieran didn't follow… a small mercy from a man who seemed ready to kill me moments before.I need time to think, to recalibrate.
ELISEKiran’s height and presence are suddenly overwhelming in the confined space.The scent of him registers… an underlying notes of something distinctly masculine. His face remains impassive, but the intensity of his gaze is almost tangible like a physical weight pressing down on me."I have information about Alexander's plans," I choke out, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the sudden dryness and contraction in my throat. "Plans that involve both of us."Kieran doesn't respond.His silence is more unnerving than any question or accusation would be. The coldness in his eyes makes it clear he's measuring every word, every gesture, cataloging them for future reference."He intends to use my technology and patents after our marriage.” The words are coming faster now as they push against the wall of his silence. "Once he has what he needs, he plans to have me declared mentally unstable. My father is helping him. They've already prepared the documentation, selected the facility wh
ELISEI slip inside Kieran's suite and close the door quietly behind me.The entryway is dark, illuminated only by the ambient city light filtering through distant windows.The air is cooler here and carries a faint scent of cedar and something else. I pause, listening for any sound that might indicate Kieran is already here, but the suite remains silent save for the barely perceptible hum of advanced electronics and the distant muffled sounds of the city eighty floors below.I remove my heels and hold them in one hand to eliminate any sound as I move deeper into the suite.The marble floor is cold against my bare feet, a sensation that heightens my awareness of every detail around me.Following the floor plan in my memory, I turn to the first room on my right which is Kieran's office whenever he stays at the hotel.I place my hand on the door handle, taking a deep breath to steady myself before turning it and stepping inside.The space is exactly as my intelligence suggested: masculi
ELISEI time my move with precision, watching the server with the tray of Dom Pérignon Rosé Gold Methuselah 1996 make his way through the room.Alexander mentioned earlier that each 4 liter bottle costs about 49,000. An extravagance meant to impress the guests.The crystal flutes catch the light from the chandeliers, creating tiny prisms across the polished marble floor.The young server follows his predictable path between the east entrance and the area where the most influential guests have gathered, his white-gloved hands steady despite the fortune he carries.Three, two, one...I step directly into his path, positioning myself so when we collide, the champagne will splash exactly where I need it to.The server's eyes widen in alarm when he realizes what's about to happen, but momentum carries us both forward.I can see the exact moment he recognizes me and the horror that crosses his face at the inevitable collision."Oh!" I gasp as the golden liquid cascades across my gown.The co
ELISEI stop at the entrance of the Westfield Hotel's grand ballroom, taking a moment to absorb the scene.The space has been transformed for tonight. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across marble floors, white orchids and gold accents adorning every table.Glittering decorations and elegant lighting create an atmosphere of opulence that's meant to impress. To others, it looks magnificent. To me, it feels like an elaborate stage set for the performance to come.I arrive late to avoid meeting with my father alone."Champagne, Ms. Blackwood?" A waiter appears beside me, holding a tray of flutes."Thank you." I pick one up, keeping my hands steady despite my racing mind. Tiny bubbles float to the top, catching the light like little trapped stars.My smile feels like a mask glued to my face. Every second in this room requires a performance worthy of an Oscar.Hours earlier, I sent a text to Kieran Westfield's private number that cost me some amount and a promise of future considerat
ELISEThe makeup brush moves gently over my cheek, adding a little glow to my skin. The sun is slowly setting outside the large windows of my penthouse, covering the city in golden light.I will stand beside Alexander at our pre-wedding gala in less than an hour, smiling for cameras and accepting congratulations from Rosienne's wealthiest people."You have such lovely cheekbones," the makeup artist remarks, tilting my chin to catch the light. "I'm just making them stand out a little more."I give her a small smile, though my mind is busy sorting out tonight's guest list, of who will be useful, who is a threat, and who I still need to figure out.It feels strange. I am preparing for battle while getting ready for a party."Let's make your eyes stand out more," the makeup artist suggests. "It'll match that stunning red dress."That dress. My small act of defiance.Alexander won't like it. He has picked out a blue gown for me. He expects me to wear it. The thought of his controlled frust