The house was too big for silence.

Marble floors stretched beneath Elena’s worn shoes, Glass and steel stretched into the sky, walls gleaming under the sun.

Every step she took echoed, reminding her she didn’t belong there.

She kept her head down holding her bag like her life depended on it. She’s been summoned by the great Adrian Voss, the name she only knew from whispers, her father spoke about him once with fear.

Now her father was gone. Dead on a road he should never have been on, drunk on money that hadn’t belonged to him, the one he stole from Adrian.

Elena was left to answer for it.

A voice pulled her out of her thought “You’re late”.

She stood still.

From the shadow of the large mansion, a man stepped out. He stood there in a dark suit, jacket undone, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a phone he now lowered with slow precision.

“So you’re the gambler’s daughter “he drawled, with his eyes flickering over her with no disinterest.

It’s Elena she replied

“Who cares about your name “he replied coldly.

Your father owed me money and since he’s dead and unable to pay me back, the family will have to do so.

The words hit sharper than any blade. She forced herself to meet his gaze. “I don’t have his money. I don’t have anything.”

You will have to pay with the only thing you do have, he said with a smirk

Her heart raced “What do you mean “

You will work for me until the debt is cleared “he said casually as if he was discussing the weather. House staff. Personal errands. Whatever I decide you’re useful for, consider it a compensation for your father’s stupidity and mistake

That's not fair” Elana wailed, anger colliding in her chest

Do you think the world is fair? Every action has a consequence, unfortunately, your father's mistake is now your burden.

She clenched her fist around the strap of her bag, she thought of running but where would she go? Her mother was sick, and her younger siblings looked up to her for everything.

The Voss empire has swallowed her

“You don't have a choice, “he said, stepping closer to her. “Either you work for me or I’ll ruin everything your family has left.”

He didn't need to raise his voice, the certainty in his words said it all.

“I'll do it,” She said quietly

“Good” Report here tomorrow and don't be late. I do not tolerate incompetence.

He turned his back and left.

But Elena stayed frozen in place, her heart burning with a mix of hatred and fear. Because she knew something she doubted Adrian Voss had ever considered:

She might belong to him now.

But she would not break easily.

She would fight back.

And that was what she suspected would make him notice her again.