The Blackwood legacy

her reflection in the cracked full-length mirror propped against the wall. The fabric clu

when she'd still had a few dollars to spare. Now, it felt like a sym

ll slipped thro

ce, her opportunity to turn things around. She couldn't afford to let her anxiet

eather purse, double-checking that she had her ID and a small amount of cash. Wit

side Hope's building precisely on time. The driver, a stoic man in a crisp charcoal suit,

at could Derrick Blackwood possibly want with her? She was no one, a struggling artist barely scra

as some kind of elaborate scam? A ruse to lure her in and take advantage of

and polished. And the Blackwoods were hardly a family known for under

d to be paranoid, not when this could be her only chance at salvation. Whateve

kwood Enterprises logo gleaming on the facade. Hope took a deep brea

ile on her face as she approached. "Miss Emerson, welcome.

ulent lobby, all gleaming marble and polished brass. The wealth and luxury

to grant them access to the executive floors. As they rode upw

t, a nobody in a world of power and privilege. What could

and Olivia gestured for Hope

ments, then reached for the gleaming

offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. And seated behind an imposin

, rising from his chair

ing over her petite form. Up close, she was struck by the intensity of his gaze, the s

e felt. "Thank you for the invitation. I must admit, I'm

s arranged in front of the desk. "Please, have a se

ess nervously as Derrick settled into the other. Up close, she

rprises is in serious financial trouble. Without a significant influx

ck Blackwood wasn't interested in her for some personal reason; he was simply look

ully. "And how do I fac

sizable trust fund that was set up by my grandfather. The only ca

erious. Surely there was some other way to save his company, some

s tumbled out before she could stop

. But the fact is, time is of the essence. Blackwood Enterprises is hemorrhagin

ldn't be asking if the situation weren't dire. The trust fund could provide the capital I

ry Derrick Blackwood, a complete stranger, in order to save his family's bu

money could wipe away her crippling debt, secure her housing and basic needs for the foreseeable future. It

rrangement devoid of any real emotion or connection? Could she live with

s an unusual request. But I promise, this would be a strictly business arrangement. No expectat

erior motive. But all she saw was a barely contained despe

re complications than she could begin to fathom. But it was also her best - and

er shoulders and met Derrick's inte