The Offer​

The next morning, Evelyn stood outside Blackwood Holdings, staring up at the gleaming skyscraper.

She had spent the night arguing with herself.

This is a bad idea.

But what other choice did she have?

She stepped inside.

The receptionist didn’t even ask her name—just nodded and directed her to the private elevator.

Alexander was waiting in his office, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city.

"You came," he said, without turning around.

Evelyn clenched her fists. "What do you want?"

Finally, he faced her. "A deal."

"I’m not sleeping with you."

Alexander chuckled. "I don’t pay for what’s freely given."

Her cheeks burned. "Then what?"

He walked to his desk and slid a contract toward her.

"Model for my new campaign. Legitimate work. Good pay."

Evelyn scanned the document, suspicion flaring. "Why me?"

Alexander’s gaze dropped to her shoulder—where the butterfly tattoo lay hidden beneath her blouse.

"Because," he said softly, "you’re already part of the story."

She hesitated.

Adrian had taken everything from her.

Maybe it was time to take something back.

Evelyn picked up the pen.

And signed her name.