The Billionaire's Secret Desire

oncerns. The events of the previous night-Lucas' mysterious demeanor, the menacing message, and th

l one piece or impress the right people, her career could finally take off. She ignor

were disrupted by an unex

night's warnings, she wasn't eager to entertain s

s Va

ted ignoring him, but he knocke

you're in there.

h, hugging it close as a makeshift barr

ted suit that appeared effortless, but h

gaze left little room for argument. She ste

an, turning to face her. "And I can te

he counter for support. "Help with what

tell

his soft but commanding tone. She considered sharing

lied, saying, "I'm fine." "I just have a lot on

considering what she had to say. That's the r

nked. "Off

e low and deliberate. "I want to commission a pie

er off guard. "You...

er. "But I'm not talking about a simple purchase. I want somethin

rtists dreamed of-financial backing from one of the wea

to her voice. "There are thousands of arti

you. I've seen your work, Sophie. You have someth

ersistent uncertainties persisted. Was there something e

d to gain?" Her eyes

eat art is an investment." "And when

satisfied. Nevertheless, the idea of her work being di

wered warily. "I'll

response as he nodded. "All r

ead to meet his

stimate your own abilities. He was on hi

tling Di

over his offer. She wanted to think he was sincere, but trust

. She was reminded of the reason she had come back to the city in th

was exploring the art area. The curato

it open and sca

s caught the attention of a private buyer. They've asked for an exclu

ly the break she needed. Quickly, she op

el in Midtown. There was simply a mysterious letter that read, "Your work r

itement and uneasiness. Why were they being

itial

rived at the hotel the next evening. She hugged her por

e top floor. Sophie's anxiety went into overdrive

y a man dressed in a dark suit. "Ms. Bennett,

dows that provided a breathtaking view of the city, modern furnishings in subdued tones, and a crystal chandelier provi

stranger.

voice tinged with disbe

on. "I didn't want to approach you directly through th

itation. "You could have just told me," she sai

his tone calm. "But now that you're here, let me be clear

he echoed,

s are happening that you don't understand yet. But

react, the suite

his face hidden. He tossed a little metallic

her behind a couch just as the device emitted a deafe

cas tightened his arm around her. "Stay

gone, leaving behind a disturbing stat

ere wa

t was larger and more menacing than she had expected. Lucas turne