Olivia Brooks’s POV

I lifted my chin, meeting his cold stare. “What do you think my decision will be, Mr. Alexander?”

He leaned back, his voice steady. “You don’t have a choice, Miss Brooks. Your answer is yes. Nothing else.”

I tightened my grip on my phone.

He was trying to show his dominance, to prove to me that the power was in his hands and that I was the one who needed him the most but I was not going to break that easily.

Though I was scared of him but at the same time, I was not going to allow him box me into a corner where I would lose my voice.

“There’s one thing that makes me angry,” I said looking straight at him while my heart kept on hammering in my chest and my palm sweaty.

His brows drew together. “Angry? What do you mean?”

I unlocked my phone and pushed the screen toward him, my hand trembling. “This,” I said.

The message glowed on the screen. You have twenty-four hours to decide.

“The threat,” I whispered. “How can you expect me to make a decision about my life in just twenty-four hours? Were you trying to pressure me?”

Inside, my stomach churned. But outside, I forced myself to look bold.

His eyes narrowed. “Miss Brooks, are you trying to challenge me?”

I swallowed. “And if I am?"

"I’m not trying to fight you," I quickly corrected. "I just want to know why you kept sending those messages. I was curious, that’s all.”

He let out a sharp laugh. “Curious? Dangerous word. I am a businessman. I don’t waste time. Do you think I’d give you one month? Or a year?” His tone hardened.

“Don’t make yourself look important, Miss Brooks. You’re not.” His voice dropped lower, colder. “Yes or no?”

“I wasn’t trying to...”

His gaze cut through me, interrupting my explanation.

“Yes. Or no.” He demanded.

My throat dried and his eyes were full of steel.

“Yes,” I whispered.

The word left my lips like a curse and a shiver ran down my spine. I knew at that instant that I had just sold my soul to the devil and that there was no going back.

Finally, he leaned back in his chair. “So simple. I wonder what took you so long.” He tapped the table. “Since you’ve agreed, I’ll add some… compensations.”

“Compensations?” My heart skipped.

“Not conditions. Compensation,” he repeated, his voice like stone. “Your brother will be moved to a better hospital. After the wedding, you’ll work in my company as my personal assistant.”

Personal assistant? He already has one, I thought, stunned.

“You’ll work because the board expects my wife to understand what’s going on. I don’t like a wife who does nothing. After the divorce, you’ll remain an employee with full investment rights. These are your benefits.”

A mix of relief and dread filled me. My brother would be safe. But I would belong to Alexander.

The office door opened, and the PA from earlier stepped inside.

“A deal is a deal. No backing out,” Alexander said without any emotions.

“All right,” I murmured.

I reached out a hand for a shake, but he ignored me. His attention had already shifted. Shame burned my cheeks.

“Eric, see Miss Brooks out,” Alexander ordered.

“This way, ma’am,” the PA said smiling.

I followed him toward the door, but Alexander’s voice stopped me.

“Wait.”

I froze.

“You’ll be moving into my house. Eric will pick you up tonight.”

The finality in his tone left no room for protest. I walked out silently with Eric.

***

“Hi,” Eric said as we left the building. “My name is Eric Louise.”

“You have a nice name,” I replied softly.

“Thank you. He smiled.

"But why does Alexander still needs me to be his PA when you are already here?" I asked curiously.

"Well, I should tell you, I’m not really Alexander’s PA. I’m his childhood friend but I am also the COO.”

I stopped in my tracks, staring at him. “Childhood friend?”

He chuckled. “Shocked?”

“Of course I am. I didn’t expect someone like you to be friends with… him.”

“Why not?” he asked.

“Because you’re kind. Respectful. Friendly. And Alexander is…” I shook my head.

“He is what?” Eric pressed.

“You know what he is. Arrogant. Proud. Cold. Full of himself.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

Eric laughed suddenly.

I blinked. “What’s so funny?”

“Sorry,” he said, still grinning. “It’s just… Alexander isn’t as bad as you think. He might seem ruthless, but only to his enemies. He’s harder on the outside than he is on the inside.”

I frowned. “You’re only saying that because he’s your friend.”

“No,” Eric said, his tone gentler. “I’ve known him all my life. He has his flaws, but there’s more to him than what you see. One day, you’ll understand.”

I didn’t answer. I didn’t believe him.

“Anyway,” I said, forcing a smile. “Thank you for walking me out, Eric. I appreciate your kindness.”

“My pleasure,” he replied warmly before heading back into the office.

I stood there alone, when my phone buzzed with a new message.

I’m watching you. I’m watching you. You don’t know what you’ve entered.

My blood ran cold.

Before I could process it, my phone rang and I picked it up.

“Olivia… it’s Ethan. He fainted. The doctor says… he has only twenty-four hours to survive.”

***