My Billionaire Hostage

March in New York City, on the 40th floor of a luxurious skyscraper housing one of the most prominent business empires.

Eleanor Rhodes, a 28-year-old woman everyone called Nora, watched the heavy rain streak down her office window. The water tracing paths on the glass resembled the tears she had shed years ago.

"Lorenzo Rhodes."

She whispered the name softly, a long sigh escaping her lips. Nine years had passed in the blink of an eye, time marching forward mercilessly, offering no sympathy for the memories forever lost to her.

She had cried every tear, endured every ounce of pain and suffering nine years ago. Tears felt worthless now; she had run out of them long ago.

"Ms. Nora." The voice of Chloe, her secretary, abruptly shattered her reverie.

Nora swiveled her chair and fixed her gaze on the woman standing a few paces away. "What is it?" she asked, rising from her seat.

"Mr. Xander has arrived."

"Let him wait for half an hour before you usher him in. He deserves to practice a little patience. We need to test an arrogant man like him."

Alexander Pierce, known to most as Xander, had come for their scheduled appointment. Soon after, Nora instructed Chloe to let the man into her office.

The tall man, standing roughly 190 centimeters in a tailored black suit, entered with three bodyguards in tow. The heir to a legendary conglomerate, a formidable force in property and technology, the 32-year-old was visiting only with her explicit consent.

Xander simply raised a hand, and one of his aides handed him a tablet. "A pleasure to meet you, Nora."

Nora let out a controlled breath as she glanced at Xander's entourage. She silently signaled Chloe with a look to escort his men out.

"Chloe, please see Mr. Xander's associates to the guest lounge and ensure they are comfortable. We may be a while in here." Xander glanced at his men as Chloe led them away. He then slid the tablet across the desk toward Nora. Even before she looked closely, she could see the sea of red indicators bleeding across the screen. "State your business, Mr. Xander. My time is valuable."

"I've heard you're the best business consultant in this city. Remarkable experience for someone so young."

Nora didn't touch the tablet, letting Xander speak. She already knew the rumors; his company was crumbling, sabotaged from within by those closest to him.

"I don't need your flattery, Mr. Xander. I know your company is on life support and needs my help. I know you're on the brink of collapse. Be direct. Don't waste my time with empty praise."

Nora despised small talk in business. She preferred cutting straight to the point. "Ah, right. You dislike wasting time. Look at the file I've highlighted!"

Nora didn't hesitate. She picked up the tablet from the desk and scanned the reports. The last few months showed catastrophic losses, massive layoffs, nearly half the workforce gone, and stocks in freefall.

"I understand."

Without a hint of doubt, Nora knew her expertise was solid. She had salvaged numerous companies over her years as a consultant.

Xander's visit was an honor, a chance to work with a corporate giant. However, Nora would never settle for a modest fee.

"Name your price. What will it cost to have you work for me?"

"Five million dollars."

Xander's gaze turned icy, as if he wanted to strangle her right there for the audacious demand. But Nora knew a corporation of that stature wouldn't refuse. She also knew her skills were Pierce Enterprises' best hope for survival.

A low chuckle escaped Xander's lips. "I heard you were a ruthless woman. It seems the rumors are true. You're every bit as formidable as they say."

"Do we have a deal or not? I have other appointments."

Xander extended his hand for a handshake. "I agree."

"Payment upfront. I don't work on credit. I'm not that type of consultant."

Once again, his stare intensified, becoming truly menacing. His sharp eyes bore into her, clearly weighing whether to refuse or reluctantly agree to part with such a vast sum.

"Join me for dinner at my estate tonight. I'll have the money ready for you."

A better life was all about leveraging time and effort for a fantastic price like this.

Nora didn't need days to consider the collaboration with Xander's company. To finalize the partnership, she had already thought everything through.

Nothing could stand in her way now.

Having prepared the necessary files in the hours before her dinner with Xander, Nora was ready with various strategic proposals for his company.

Arriving at Xander's mansion, the dinner spread looked exquisite.

"I've never met a woman who commands such a high price, Nora."

"Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment, and not an insult regarding my fee."

"Of course, it's a compliment. I'm counting on you."

Nora didn't respond to that. Instead, she handed a file to Xander. It was her ticket, her seamless entry into his corporation.

She knew he was soon to be married, matched with the daughter of another prominent businessman. Undoubtedly, Xander wanted to reassert his power and fix his company before standing beside his fiancée.

After a long moment reviewing the file, Xander closed it. "Very well. You and your team can begin taking over several key functions within my company."

Without a second thought, Nora agreed.

The dinner proceeded as Xander had outlined. The prepared funds were brought in by his guard.

Whatever the future held, Nora felt secure for now, ready whenever the company needed her.

Her own associates were waiting outside. She contacted them immediately to retrieve the payment from Xander.

This dinner was the gateway, the formal commencement of their partnership.

While Xander thought he was securing a savior for his empire, he was, in fact, walking straight into a trap Nora had spent years meticulously preparing.

Dad, I swear I will destroy the man who made you suffer.