You know that moment when you push a domino, and the first one falls, but everything after that just happens in slow motion?
That was what I felt after the gala.
Julian's gaze. Bianca's bitterness. The System's sweet ping of success.
But I needed more than attention.
I needed power.
And unfortunately, power costs something. Sometimes your peace. Sometimes your soul.
Or… your pride.
The next morning, I stood in the elevator of a black-glass tower, heart thudding under my silk blouse.
Julian Carter's private office was on the 58th floor.
My System, with its smug little voice, buzzed at me as the doors slid open.
System Prompt: New Quest – "Forge a Contract with the Enemy." Reward: Influence +50, Secret File Unlocked.
Enemies make great allies when you know exactly how—and when—to destroy them.
The receptionist gave me a look that said I didn't belong.
That was fine.
I didn't belong anywhere… yet.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked, fingers already tapping away as if hoping she could delete me from the database.
"He's expecting me," I said coolly, stepping past her.
"He—ma'am, you can't just—"
The door to his office swung open.
Julian stood there in a black shirt, sleeves rolled up, like he'd been working. Or brooding.
He didn't look surprised to see me.
Of course not. He probably watched the elevator on a camera.
He motioned me in silently.
I walked in like I owned the place.
And I planned to.
His office was as cold as his reputation. Steel, dark wood, and a massive window wall that turned the city into a backdrop.
"Miss Grey," he said, leaning against his desk. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
I didn't sit. Not yet.
"I came to make you a deal," I said.
Julian raised an eyebrow. "That's bold."
"I'm feeling brave."
"I can tell."
Silence stretched between us, thick with history and hidden tension.
I broke it.
"I know you're merging with Cruz Enterprises. I know the stock is shaky. And I know Bianca isn't as loyal as she pretends to be."
He folded his arms. "Go on."
"I have what you need. Leverage. Influence. A better public face. I can play your fiancée for six months. You get headlines, I get status. We both win."
He chuckled. "You want me to fake an engagement?"
"Yes."
"You're serious."
"As a heart attack."
He studied me again with that same calculating look, except this time, there was something else.
Curiosity. Interest. Maybe danger.
"And what do you get?"
I stepped closer, placing both hands on the desk.
"Protection. Power. And access."
Julian's lips curved. "Access to what?"
I met his eyes.
"Everything."
A beat passed.
Then—
System Notification: Contract Proposal Pending. Awaiting Terms.
He tapped a pen against his desk, thinking.
"You do realize," he said slowly, "you're playing a very dangerous game."
"I've died once. Danger doesn't scare me."
That made him pause.
And something in his expression shifted. Just a flicker. Just enough.
"I'll draft something," he said finally. "But if you betray me—"
"You'll what? Kill me again?"
He didn't answer.
Didn't need to.
His silence was a promise
And mine?
Mine was vengeance wrapped in silk.