Chapter 1

This world gave me too much privilege— fame, power, and wealth. I live in a world where these three things reign supreme, and with that I can get everything I want. And when I say everything, it means no exceptions.

Is there anything that money can't buy?

And what am I doing with these privileges? I abuse them, doing all the things that can satisfy me.

So, I find myself pulled to this girl and drawn to her for no apparent reason when she stands proudly in front of me. Especially her beauty is beyond all comparison, and her physique is to die for.

“She's five years younger than you, Aiden.”

Ryker moved to his seat, tapping my shoulder along the way. I was compelled to gaze at the deceitful sight, standing tall and self-assured as she discussed their company's proposal to our firm.

“That's why it is more thrilling,” I chuckled.

Her name is Lieve, she introduced herself earlier. He seemed to not mind what Ryker and I were doing, as long as she was able to discuss what she needed to convey to us. Or so I thought?

“You're unbelievable, indeed.”

This time, I disregarded Ryker since I was more drawn to her face. As she talked, her mouth curved, and a faint, filmsy smile appeared on her lips. Her gaze conveyed contempt. I get the full sense of her.

“That would be all, is there any questions? comments?” She just finished discussing, and now on to the question and answer which I am not very much interested in.

“Are you married?” I asked instead.

Her brows furrowed, and glanced down at me before heaving a deep sigh.

“I don't think it's appropriate to ask personal questions in a meeting, please let's all be professional,” she answered.

I nodded, pretending that I agreed to her statement.

“I'm not interested in your proposal, it is too dull and lacking,” I didn't falter when I said that.

I was not known as a notorious businessman for nothing, my mouth is a blade always seeking for a prey. And the prey is resisting, staring at me in disbelief.

“Care to elaborate your statement, sir?”

I think her voice sounded sexier when she spoke with contempt.

“You're more interesting than your proposal, in short, it's trash.”

I saw her shoulder snap up and down, like a quick response to control her fury. However, I would much prefer to play golf than waste time considering a ridiculous proposal. Having read it just once, I already know it won't work. Having worked in this industry for a while, I know a failure once I see one. Their company is on the brink of bankruptcy, so they are basically fighting for survival. Despite their best efforts, they are sadly losing out in the storm. Even a novice can see that their idea is unfeasible; not even their company stands to gain from such a project. I have only led them this far because I am intrigued by her.

“I see. Which is why you two are bickering with each other while I was discussing,” she said in a rather stern voice.

I coughed to clear my throat. I stood up, and handed her the folder where their proposal is.

“Thank you for your time.”

I said that and left her gaping, not bothering to wait for her response and headed towards the exit. I heard her clench the table in frustration before I left the meeting room, so I know how upset she is.

All I have to do now is wait for a fool to bring my prey to me.

And I am right, not an hour has passed when a man in his fifties made an entrance to my office. He bowed showing respect, I raised my hand in return.

“I already rejected your company's proposal, I don't think I have anything to do with you, sir.”

Their desperation will lead them to take my bait. He abruptly knelt in front of me, shocking and startling me. Although I knew he would frantically seek assistance, I didn't anticipate it going this far.

“Yes, sir, I heard. However, you are certainly aware of our business, which is our only source of income.

If it closed, what will happen to us? How will I be able to support and feed my three children—two of whom are in high school and the oldest is presently enrolled in her final year of college—if the one thing I have left will be taken away from me?”

Seriously? I want to laugh and scold him but all I can do is scratch my neck, and act as though I'm considering what he just said.

“Lieve, right? The name of your eldest daughter, the one who presented your proposal?”

I already know that, but ofcourse I need to pretend like I know nothing about their family — especially her.

“Yes, sir. Our company is short on staff so she's giving us a hand, she's very capable.”

He said all that, and still managed to smile despite his pale, exhausted face. As a proud father to his daughter, he exuded confidence.

“Is she married?”

His mouth fell open in disbelief and bewilderment as our eyes met. I know my question is too straightforward, but I don't like beating around the bush. I say what I want to say, and finish this conversation as soon as possible. I have a pile of work to begin with.

“Excuse me, sir? Why are you asking about that?” he stuttered.

I grinned and gave him an in-depth look. Not giving him enough space to breathe, he may not be able to withstand the pressure later.

“Just because, is it that hard to answer that?”

Well, it will be hard if the law gets involved. I rather give up than go through the exhausting and drawn-out procedure of annulment. However, it would be better if she were single and I could just steal her if she was just in a relationship.

This old man has a reputation for being audacious, but I'm not sure how much risk he's willing to take.

“Well, she's too young for a marriage but I remembered her mentioning that she has a boyfriend,” he replied.

More for a reason to facepalm, and massage my temple. I've been receiving dozens of messages from Ryker, and this conversation is taking too long to focus on responding to this jerk.

“Twenty is a legal age, she's no longer a minor.”

I was too busy answering Ryker's questions to give the old man attention. Ryker kept bothering me about this particular company's proposal. I've read the proposal before, and even though it is well-written and polished, Ryker, who doesn't give a damn about such things, won't go through with it if it isn't in his best interests. I've heard that the company's lone heir is a beauty and exactly Ryker's type.

“May I know what are you trying to convey, sir?”

I glanced at the old man, and his already pale face grew much paler. He has been kneeling for a while now, but I didn't pay much attention to him at first. I never imagined that he would stay in that position.

We heard a knock and then a footstep, so I turned to look in the door. The door parted and Lieve emerged, her face turning somber upon witnessing his father's position. I sighed with dread and disapproval.

“Dad, what are you doing?” She asked in disbelief, abruptly lending the man's support so he could stand up. After that, she darted her sharp gaze to me. I smiled because of her reaction.

“You, just what the hell are you up to? Isn't it enough to reject our proposal, why need to make my father kneel?”

Despite her composed demeanor, her emotions are revealed by the way he speaks. It felt angry, shredded, and displeased.

To which I replied with a smile, however, and turned to face the old man standing next to her.

“You want me to save your company? I want your daughter in exchange.”

They were both in complete awe, and I was smiling like a victorious perpetrator. There was tension and silence in the room, and no one wanted to break the ice between the three of us.

“Are you fucking insane or what?!” she asked, raising her tone. And then turned her gaze towards her father. “What the hell is happening dad? Are you making a deal with this evil man?” she added.

I softly laughed, and bit my lower lips.

“It's your call Mr. Marquessa, message me when you already have the resolve. I have a pile of work to finish, leave.”

It pissed me when I saw her expression. A mixture of anger and disgust. How appealing.