Billionaire's First Choice

Ina Carter stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of her high-rise Manhattan apartment, watching the city that never sleeps. Below, the streets buzzed with activity, a constant reminder of the ceaseless march of time and progress. It was an intoxicating view, one that had always filled her with a sense of accomplishment. Today, however, it filled her with an unnameable dread.Ina had built her life on precision and control. As the only daughter of a business magnate, she had grown up in boardrooms and learned to navigate corporate waters from an early age. Now, at twenty-five, she was poised to take the reins of her father's empire, Carter Enterprises. Her personal life seemed just as flawless; she was engaged to Martin Hayes, a charismatic entrepreneur who had swept her off her feet with his charm and vision.But today, as she stared out at the glittering city, Ina felt a tremor of uncertainty. She turned away from the window, trying to shake off the feeling. Her father's health had be

Ina's eyes fluttered open to the unfamiliar surroundings of a dimly lit room. Her head pounded, a dull, persistent throb that matched the disorientation clouding her thoughts. She blinked, trying to clear her vision, and slowly, fragments of the previous night started to piece themselves together. The room was unfamiliar, a small hotel room with a single bed, and her body was tangled in the sheets.As she shifted, she felt a dull ache between her legs, a sensation both strange and uncomfortable. Panic started to set in, and she turned her head to see a man lying next to her, his back turned. He had dark hair, tousled from sleep, and his muscular shoulders rose and fell with each steady breath. A quick scan of the room showed clothes strewn carelessly around, a stark contrast to her usual neatness.It hit her like a tidal wave—she had just lost her virginity to a stranger.And she had no memory of the events that had led to this moment. The bar, the laughter, the drinks—all of that she re

Three months had passed since Ina's world began to unravel. Her life, once marked by routine and predictability, had become a series of relentless challenges. Today had added yet another burden to her already heavy load.Ina walked slowly through the dimly lit streets, her footsteps echoing softly against the pavement. The air was heavy with impending rain, the sky overcast and mirroring her somber mood. Earlier that day, a visit to the hospital had confirmed her worst fear: she was pregnant. The news had hit her like a punch to the gut, leaving her dazed and overwhelmed. The baby was the result of an unplanned one-night stand, a fleeting attempt to escape her troubles that had only compounded. Now, faced with the reality of her situation, she felt a mix of fear and deep sadness.As she neared her apartment building, the sight of its familiar, worn facade usually brought her a small measure of comfort. But today, something was different. A bright red notice was taped to the front door

Ina didn't have much time to ponder her past or the circumstances that had led her to this grand estate. As soon as she settled into her modest room, Maria appeared at the door, her expression stern and professional."Follow me," Maria instructed, her tone leaving no room for questions.Ina quickly complied, following Maria through the winding hallways of the staff quarters until they arrived at a large room where three other women were waiting. The women looked up as Maria and Ina entered, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and disdain."Everyone, this is Ina," Maria announced, her voice firm. "She will be joining the staff as a maid. Make sure she understands her duties and the house rules."The women nodded, their eyes flicking over Ina with thinly veiled judgment. Maria then turned to Ina. "These are your colleagues. They'll help you get started. Work hard and follow their instructions."Without another word, Maria left the room, leaving Ina to face the three women who were

Ina jolted awake to the sound of insistent banging on her door. Heart pounding, she sat up, disoriented in the predawn darkness. The heavy thuds echoed through the small, sparsely furnished room that had become her sanctuary since arriving at the sprawling estate. She rubbed her eyes and stumbled to the door, dreading what might await her on the other side. The door creaked open to reveal Clara, one of the other housemaids. Clara's sharp features were twisted into a scornful sneer, her eyes glittering with barely concealed contempt."The boss wants to see you in his office. Immediately," Clara announced, her tone dripping with malice. She crossed her arms over her chest, looking down at Ina with undisguised glee.Ina's stomach churned with anxiety. Clara had made her life miserable since the day she had set foot in the mansion, constantly belittling her and undermining her efforts. Now, faced with the prospect of a summons from Mr. Adams, the enigmatic and imposing owner of the estate