016: Strictly Buisness

Autumn turned to face him, her eyes narrowing as she finally asked the question that had been lingering in her mind. "Why exactly are you doing this, Derek? What do you want in return for your help?" Her voice was laced with a hint of skepticism, as if she already knew the answer.

Derek's expression turned calculating, his eyes glinting with a hint of ruthlessness. "When my ex-wife divorced me, she took 35% of my company away from me," he said, his voice dripping with resentment. "Ivan never signed a prenup, so if you're smart about it, you can take everything." The implication hung in the air like a challenge, and Autumn's eyes widened as she finally understood Derek's true motives.

Of course, an Ashton wouldn't help her out of the goodness of their heart. They were notorious for their cunning and ruthlessness in business.

"And I give you everything after," Autumn stated, her voice flat, as if she was merely acknowledging a fact.

Derek nodded, his smile a thin, calculating line. "We