The car stopped in front of the company. "I gotta do some work. You're coming, it won't take long." Carlton said. I thought we were going home, but nope. Ashley, his secretary, was outside. "Mr. Williams, big problem," she said, looking worried. "Brief me," Carlton said. We went inside. ""The new face cream has bad reviews. People are saying it burns their skin," Ashley explained, closing the door behind her. "What? We tested it, right?" Carlton inquired. "Yeah, but it seemed fine at the time," Ashley responded. I settled into the chair across from Carlton's desk. "Our stocks are taking a hit," Ashley continued. "Can I take a look at the cream?" I requested, rising from my seat. My dad used to create skincare products, so I have some knowledge about them, but I don't think it will be enough to solve this issue. "Here," she said, handing me the product. "What were the complaints?" I asked Ashley, scanning the ingredients on the product. "After applying, skin burns occ
DAYS LATER.I became the head of the research and development department. Carlton also stopped having so much control over my life. I have my own car now, a Porsche, so I can go anywhere I want. But before I leave, I have to inform him first in case anything goes wrong — even though he is just overprotective and I'm not really in danger. And yeah, I also have a curfew.I stepped out of my car and locked it. Approaching the building, I saw someone causing a commotion. I moved closer to see Josh. I widened my eyes and quickly ran to the security guards holding him back."Sorry, I know him," I whispered. They released him, and I dragged him to a corner."What are you doing here?" I asked."You didn't reply to my text, amor," he said."Stop calling me that!" I raised my voice a little."You look so pretty, remember those days, me and you..." He bit his lip, which made my stomach turn in disgust."Leave, right now.""Your daughter has arrhythmia.""What do you mean by my daughter has arrhy
CARLTONI entered the dimly lit warehouse, my footsteps echoing against the concrete floor. As I approached Josh, bound to the chair, blood staining his face.I grabbed a nearby chair and positioned it in front of him, my gaze icy. His eyes met mine, a mixture of fear and defiance flickering within them. "You disgust me. You separated a mother and daughter since birth, you should have just kept it to yourself instead of telling Samantha, you should deal with the guilt yourself and die with it.""Why am I here? What are you going to do to me? Kill me?" He laughed manically. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out at him then and there."You can't kill me. If you wanted to, you would have, maybe you are scared.""Partly true, if I wanted to kill you, I would have. But I have a limit to the amount of blood that can get on my hands. I happen to have a friend that can deal with you," I replied, a cold smirk spreading across my lips as I turned to faced one of my men."Take him
SAMANTHAHe should have told me I had a child! I would have moved mountains to provide for her, to be a mother to her. But no, he kept it a secret, leaving me in the dark while our daughter suffered. The thought of her tiny hands and feet, her innocent eyes, being neglected by him and the cold orphanage, it's a constant torment. A heavy weight of guilt crushes my chest, making it hard to breathe. If I ever lay eyes on Josh again, I might kill him. I'm still torn, but I signed a contract. George's 57th birthday party was held at the penthouse; Carlton wanted to go alone, but George specifically asked for both of us. He'd been awfully quiet since everyone found out I was a stripper; maybe he wanted to talk about it. We arrived at the penthouse; George wanted his birthday to be between family, but Laura instead invited more people. Laura is a dickhead. I dislike her even more now; her name makes me want to puke, the last person I want to see tonight was her. Immediately we got to the pe
I glared at him, refusing to be intimidated."Don't flatter yourself. You're always busy, always away, and now you're leaving again? I know you still love her, but don't forget we're married. You're my husband now." His grip on my arm tightened, and a glint of anger lit up his eyes. "Are you jealous? Is that what this is about? Don't forget our deal. This is a business arrangement, nothing more and you are only my wife on paper. Now, go to your room."I heard Anne's heels click towards us. "Here is the file, sir." He snatched the file from her and stormed out. I stared after him, my hands clenched into fists.I loathed the way he toyed with me, making me feel drawn to him one moment and then pushing me away the next. Laura, right? I won't make you fall in love with me, I will make you beg me.I climbed the stairs to my bedroom, the delicate lingerie, a pink babydoll that Layla had insisted I buy when we'd gone shopping together, sat in the back of my closet like a secret weapon. I s
I was going through my paperwork in my office when Carlton walked in, his 6'3" frame commanding attention in a deep blue suit, his right hand casually slipped into his pocket. I felt a flutter in my chest as our gazes met, and I quickly looked away, trying to compose myself. Last night was so embarrassing for me; I'd been avoiding him ever since. What will happen now that I broke a term in our contract? I didn't even do it alone; he kissed me back, and I could still feel the lingering sensation of his lips on mine.As he approached my desk, his piercing azure blue eyes seem to see right through me, and I wonder if he can tell how much I'm struggling to keep my cool. I fidget with the papers in front of me, trying to focus on the task at hand, but my mind keeps wandering back to the way he made me feel last night - vulnerable."Good morning, Samantha,"he said, his deep voice low and smooth, sending a shiver down my spine. I nod, trying to play it cool. "Good morning, Mr. Williams. How
CARLTONI've been trying to meet Zayden Martin for months, I needed his influence in the industry. I needed his support to fulfill the final condition set by my father. Alexander has already taken control of the company's operations through bribery and has the board's favor. I've tried every possible way to reach Zayden Martin - social media, industry events, even attempting to infiltrate his inner circle - but nothing. I've never seen a photo of him, let alone met him in person. Laura told me she had somehow managed to get in touch with Zayden and sent me his contact information. I confirmed but he insisted that he wouldn't meet with me unless Laura was present too. It wasn't a big deal, so I agreed. He came to my cabin, and we had a few rounds of business talks. After some negotiations, he finally agreed to partner with me."Thank you, Mr. Martin," I said, extending my hand for a handshake, which he reciprocated. "You should thank Laura," he remarked, turning to face her with a hi
Chapter 1I walked down the Miami streets, the air warm and humid, the sounds of the city enveloping me. My heels clicked on the pavement, and I feel my heart beating faster. I try to stay focused, to remember why I'm here. But it's hard not to get caught up in the energy of the city, in the endless possibilities that it seems to promise. I took another deep breath and force myself to concentrate. I see people walking by, all kinds of people. There are tourists in Hawaiian shirts, families pushing strollers, young people laughing and talking on their phones. There are people selling things on the street, people begging for money. I see a man in a suit walking by, talking on his phone. I see a homeless person, dirty and disheveled, pushing a shopping cart full of belongings. UghIn the city of Miami...I opened the doors leading to the Sultry siren, where I work.The bouncer nods at me as I walk in, and I head straight for the dressing room. The room is a bit of a mess, with dancers