Page 30 of The Contract

I barely breathe. “Thank you.”

I force myself to look at him. A flick of my gaze—then away.

Lucian leans back in his chair, grinning. “And that’s it. Everything is settled.”

Settled.

Sure.

If pretending I don’t know how Damien Wolfe tastes counts as settled.

Then okay, we’re settled.

Lucian clasps Damien’s shoulder. “You two are a match made in heaven.” His grin is sharp. “Elena here will give you a run for your money, old friend.”

I almost laugh.

Oh, Lucian.

You have no fucking idea.

The Blackstone

A name synonymous with prestige and power.

A high-rise that looms over Fifth Avenue like a silent, watchful king.

I read about it earlier.

Damien owns the entire damn building.

It was a side note in one of the articles I skimmed—an almost casual mention in a long list of properties under Wolfe Industries.

The Wolfe of Fifth Avenue.

And now, I’m stepping directly into his den.

After meeting my walking disaster, I excused myself while Lucian explained the final logistics to Damien.

I felt every bit of his heavy gaze on me with each step I took out of Lucian’s office.

“Elena is leading orientation for the newest companions joining The Ledger family,” Lucian had said. “She’ll meet you at your penthouse tonight. And since your first outing is tomorrow, I suggest you use the evening to get better acquainted.”

I wanted to say:

I don’t think that will be necessary.

Instead, I let the heavy door close behind me.

The doorman immediately opens the door as I step out of the car, my heels clicking against the smooth black marble of the entrance.

Inside, everything is sleek, modern—cold in its perfection.

No personal touches. No warmth.

Just power.

The elevator ride is smooth, quiet—too quiet.

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