* A gentle touch ignited Harper's senses, transporting her to a realm of ecstasy. Fingers danced across her skin, leaving trails of fire. Her eyes fluttered open, but the darkness obscured his face. Only his pinkish lips, curled into a sly smile, were visible. "Who are you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. The stranger's silence was deafening. His fingers continued their exploration, sending shivers down her spine. Suddenly, the memories flooded back. The party, the drinks, the laughter... and then, nothing. Logan Vaughn, France's most influential billionaire, stood at the pinnacle of power. His razor-sharp jawline, piercing brown eyes, and chiseled features made him irresistible. Yet, his heart remained frozen, encased in a fortress of steel. A painful past had sculpted him into the man he was today. College sweetheart, Emily, had shattered his trust, leaving him vulnerable. The wound still lingered, refusing to heal ,A drug addict.He tagged himself Now, Logan's focus lay elsewhere. His grandmother, Sharon Vaughn, had left him a legacy – and a challenge. ( "To my beloved family and friends, I, Sharon Vaughn, being of sound mind and disposing memory, do hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament,I give, devise, and bequeath all of my property, real and personal, tangible and intangible, wherever situated, to my grandson ,Logan Vaughn "What ...!!, that's impossible..!!"Ravissante snapped angrily. The old man ignores him and continue "This includes, but is not limited to, my entire estate, including real estate, investments, bank accounts, and personal effects ,I intentionally make no provision for my other children, or any other relatives, as I have made other arrangements for their well-being during my lifetime." Gaspard was shocked to the bone ,and Henri was forced to stand up from his sitting position. Logan himself was stunned,he was not believing his ears "I hereby declare that this Will revokes all prior Wills and Codicils, and that it is my final and only Will." "Never.....!!!, that's not possible....!!"Elise growled. "I think it's a fake.....!!"One of the share holders,who has being rooting for Henri spoke up . "I'm not done....!!"He snapped angrily at them, they all turn back to him , waiting for a hope , wishing to wake up from their slumber. "And he can only have all this asset ,if he gets married to, A Miss Harper Woods....., within the space of a month....!!!"He drops a bombshell.) The will's stipulations echoed in his mind: "Marry Harper Woods within a month, or forfeit the inheritance." Logan's eyes narrowed. Harper, the accused murderer, was now his key to unlocking the Vaughn empire. As he gazed at Harper, a spark of determination ignited within him. He would keep her, no matter the cost. But Harper's secrets threatened to upend his plans. What lay hidden beneath her carefree facade? And as the darkness closed in, Logan realized that this game of power and seduction had only just begun. !
Chapter 1 THE VAUGHN LEGACY
CHAPTER 1
"Harper, you'll be late for work! I'm off to school" Ryan screamed, knocking on her door.
He glared at the door as if he could see her through it. He was dressed in a black-and-white uniform with a long tie around his neck. He looked flawless.
Harper yawned loudly, stretching her body. The realization hit her, and she jerked up, tossing aside the duvet.
"No! I'll be late," she muttered, rushing to the bathroom.
But she changed her mind when the cold water proved too much to endure.
"Ryan, wait! You haven't had breakfast!" Harper screamed, running outside, but he was already gone.
Now I have to skip my morning work to cook to give him in school,then I'll have to head to my afternoon duties and then I would_Ahhhh!" Harper groaned, resting her back against the wall.
She went inside to prepare breakfast, determined to make it to work.
~
RIVE GAUCHE's headquarters stood majestically on the Seine's banks, its sleek facade gleaming with glass and steel. Logan Vaughn walked in, his modest style and cold aura commanding attention.
"What's my schedule today?" Logan asked his assistant, Jordan.
"Today's Monday, sir," Dan replied.
"Of course, I know that," Logan snapped. "Get to the point."
"You have five blind dates and the CEO meeting, sir. Also, an advocate with the Nermire Group's president-"
"Can you try to shorten all that,and what's with the fucking blind date"He resorted.
"Sir I didn't add it in your schedule but Madam Sharon did"He explained.
"Why did you allow it "He was furstrated but he still choose to maintain his calm .
"She said if you aren't ready to do it then I'm gonna loose my job"He explained.
"Shit _why does she toils me the ways she wish"He groaned silently.
Jordan cornered himself "She also request you visit her , today"He gluped down.
He heaved down"too many requests from a person."
Logan raised his hand, interrupting. "Cancel everything. I'll handle it myself."
He left the office, followed by Dan.
"Stop trailing me," Logan said.
"I wasn't, sir," Dan muttered, turning away.
Logan wondered if Dan was stalking him."A stalker ?"He muttered, entering his car as he started the engine,he head to a store.
Madam Sharon, renowned chairwoman of RIVE GAUCHE Group, was a leading merchant in the global real estate market, topping France's rankings. After her husband, Sir Vaughn, passed away, she took the reins. Her grandson, Logan, became the acting president despite his relatives' disapproval. As the third grandson of a prestigious family, Logan's ascent was remarkable.
Logan's mother had passed away during his college days, and his father, an asthmatic patient, had been hospitalized for most of his life. Madam Sharon, his godmother, had always favored Logan, despite his troubled past. Her influence secured his position as acting president without a vote, immediately following her husband's demise.
As Logan arrived at the store, his phone beeped, interrupting his thoughts. An unknown number flashed on the screen with a menacing message: "STEP DOWN FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL SEAT, OR RISK LOSING YOUR LIFE." Logan scoffed, dismissing it as an empty threat, though a hint of unease lingered.
Logan arrived at a store, intent on buying something for Madam Sharon. He navigated to the drinks and juice shelf, knowing she loved strawberry drinks.
As he reached for a pack, his hand knocked over an expensive glass wine bottle. It shattered on the floor.
"Shit ," Logan cursed.
"You_ did you just say shit!?"Harper, holding a mop, snapped:
Everyone turned to the commotion.
Logan gaze narrowed,as he tries to guess what's wrong with her .
"Do you know I just finished cleaning that spot ,and you've ruined it _ You just ruined my clean floor! Clean it up yourself!"
Logan smirked. "It's your job, why scream out your lungs ?"
Harper's face reddened. "You think you're above everyone else?"
"Save your voice for a banging dick dude!"
Logan's response earned him a slap across the face.
"WTF?"
To be continued.