Drinks continued to be served in copious amounts throughout the hall. The guests didn't care about what they were doing, mainly because they didn't run the risk of being discovered. Casinos were known for harboring very dirty secrets.Suddenly, Laura turned to Elena. "Mingle around, talk to people, and show some charm. Don't forget to speak with Mr. Granger. I'll be back soon," she said before disappearing into the crowd. Elena knew that something was terribly wrong.The music played in a lively rhythm as Elena searched for someone familiar. Some faces were recognizable, such as those of businessmen who used to do business with Damon.At one point, the woman grew tired of aimlessly wandering through the hall and decided to head to the bar."I'll have a bottle of water, please," Elena decided not to drink alcohol; after all, the last time she did, she ended up in a bed in a brothel with a stranger.When she received her drink, Elena returned to the center of the casino, where the game
"Interesting," the brunette commented.As the game went on, the beats of the dancing music continued to drive the dancers. The second round came to an end, and some of the participants began to realize they couldn't win. Aaron and Elena looked at each other, then at the cards they held, exchanging and buying challenges."I give up," the brunette threw her cards on the table, waving the white flag. She liked the game, the challenges it posed, but was more interested in what the end of the night would provide her."I think I'll fold too," the blonde next to her also gave up her cards, leaving only four players remaining."I guess it's my turn, then," Will assessed his own game, trying to put together a good enough play to ease the round, but didn't see anything too advantageous. He made his move, and smiled at Elena as she played her penultimate card."I'll pass," the blonde, Aaron's companion, raised her hands, passing the turn to him.Aaron smiled subtly at Elena, so discreetly that
"Are you sure? I'm not usually lucky," she warned."To me, you seem like a very lucky woman," he mused, sliding his eyes over her rosy lips."Red," Elena made her bet.And when the dealer collected the bets around the table, the man bet on the red color. He still looked at Elena as he spoke, indicating that he was placing the bet for her. The dealer released the small ball onto the spinning roulette wheel and waited until it stopped in a position.To the dismay of some bettors, the ball landed in a black rectangle. "Now we know that I really don't have luck. Excuse me, sir," Elena commented, with total indifference, and began to walk away from the table."Wait," the man murmured, then grabbed the woman's wrist before she could move away."Is there a problem?" she turned to him."You made me lose a lot of money here," the bettor complained, and his smile had lost half of its interest."You insisted that I choose," Elena retorted, trying to pull her wrist away without attracting attent
"What the hell is this, Damon?" Elena's voice rose, her anger palpable. "You sent me to Granger's party to take care of your business while you entertained another woman here?"Damon remained composed, his expression unreadable as he watched Elena pace back and forth across the room. But her next question cut through the air like a knife, demanding answers that he was not willing to give."What's her name?" Elena's voice was sharp, her eyes blazing with intensity."It's none of your concern," Damon replied dismissively, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice."Answer me, Damon! What's her fucking name?""Lya.""Lya... and you called her Elena!" Elena's accusation hung heavy in the air, her voice trembling with a mixture of betrayal and disbelief. "You thought she was me?" With each word, her anger intensified, until she could no longer contain it.In a sudden burst of rage, Elena lunged forward, her hand connecting with Damon's glass and sending it crashing to the ground. The am
"It was the last tangible connection to Mom," Elena murmured, her voice barely audible amidst the heavy atmosphere of despair."No, Elena. The true legacy of your mother lives on through you. That's why I fought to shield you," Gordon reassured her.Elena's tears cascaded down her cheeks like a silent river, each droplet a poignant testament to the profound anguish that gripped her soul. In the somber silence of the moment, the weight of her father's words settled heavily upon her, sinking deep into the recesses of her heart. The revelation of their dire financial situation struck her like a thunderbolt, shattering the fragile illusion of security she had clung to. And amidst the heaviness of it all, Elena couldn't help but feel a profound sense of loss — not just the company had been sold, but also hopes."But the bitter reality is that we're destitute, my love. I've had to slash every expense, and even Kesha and Felicia departed. And worst of all, I had to halt my treatment," Gordo
Elena didn't flinch when those turquoise eyes got closer than recommended. No matter what they heard or said, that connection of gazes would always be the reason they desired each other. The shades of blue complemented each other, calling out to each other.She let him come as close as he wished... or could."You do this because you know I'll wait for the drama to end. I'll wait for you to give in, no matter how long it takes," Granger finally said."It's not about the drama. What if I say I don't want you anymore?" she whispered seductively. "I've already slept with you. Why would I repeat the dose?"The man crossed his arms and smirked, with a generous dose of arrogance. In his mind, Elena was fulfilling a mere whim. In the end, she would give in and do whatever he asked. However, in reality, the woman's whim was to keep that man in the palm of her hand, only until the project was approved and she could get rid of the Donovan family. In the end, everyone had their own interest."L
At that night...Granger gently laid her down on the crisp white sheets, covering her body with his own. His eyes swam with emotion as his jaw tightened. They gazed at each other, feeling the need that drove every subsequent action and reaction. Emotions she wanted to confess died on her lips as he rose, still staring at her. Something had changed between them, and she couldn't pinpoint what it was, but his gaze told her everything she needed to know: He wanted her as much as she wanted him.This wasn't happening just because she would pay him, but because he wanted her.Granger slipped off his shoes and socks. He retrieved a condom from the pocket of the pants she had unbuttoned before sliding them off. Her mouth went dry as he hooked his fingers in the elastic of his boxers, discarding the garment. She was sure her eyes were wide, and her pupils were the size of grapes now. But, holy God, she had never been so aroused.His cock was fully erect, pointing upwards. She never knew mu
She didn't respond, just pulled her arm away and stepped out of the car. They stood before the towering Valiant East building, ready for a meeting with Aaron Granger about the project's next steps.They entered and ascended to the top floor in silence. Elena looked stunning in a sleek yet sensual pantsuit, paired with red heels. Her hair was swept up in an elegant bun, and her makeup was understated.Beautiful as a delicate rose."You know," Damon murmured, "you impressed me with the project, and it seems you've impressed Granger too." He straightened his suit. "I thought your fucking pussy was the only valuable thing about you, but it seems your brain is pretty good too." The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out.Elena was shocked by her husband's words. Granted, he was never a gentle and delicate man, but he disgusted her even more every time he was rude. She needed a moment to take a deep breath and compose herself."Mr. Donovan," Clint greeted them at the elevator exit. "Elen