Chapter Two

Janelle

$500,000 debt.

Loan collateral: His granddaughter, Janelle Peters.

And this contract was signed twenty-four years ago. I was just one.

I read it further and it says, “I, Gregory Peters,  use my granddaughter to pay off my debts. Use her for whatever you wish.”

I couldn’t believe I had just read that.

My grandfather, the only man who supported and cared, betrayed me. He sold me off —to the Coopers?

Ashley walked closer, and tapped my shoulder. “Girl, are you okay?” She asked. 

I smiled, trying to shake it off. 

“Yes, I’m okay,” I replied.

She smiled back,  “Are you sure? You can tell me anything,” she said and I nodded as I flashed a warm smile.

“Since you’re good, let’s go now—to the club,” she said.

“Ashley, can we do this—“ I said, then she cut in, “no Janelle, we can’t.”

“You said you’re fine, but I’m not. Let’s just party, we’ll be back soon, okay?” She begged, then I had no choice but to give in. She hugged me and happily hailed a taxi.

“Downtown club,” she said as we got in.

The city buildings blurred past us, and I replayed what I had earlier read.

“Loan collateral: His granddaughter, Janelle Peters.”

How could he do this to me? And what on earth did he borrow to have a debt of $500,000?

He must have done some kind of dirty jobs. The Coopers might be a renowned tycoon family, but they are also the ruthless and dirtiest human beings with a lot of secrets, and I’m not about to become one of their tools.

High school with their youngest—Drizella Cooper, was hell. She didn’t just bully people, she ruined lives.

I wasn’t a victim but I was friends with her victims.

Or maybe she couldn’t touch me back then because she knew about the contract?

That would have been the only reason.

The cab stopped right outside the club. Ashley paid him as we stepped out. My stomach twisted uneasily but I just had to cheer up for Ashley.

We walked to the entrance, and showed our IDs to the security by the door. He checked and handed us our tickets.

Ashley turned to the second probably 6’3ft hefty security man with red hair, then winked at him. He blushed. Then she slid her business card into his pocket and we went in.

I let out a laugh as we got in.

“I’m assuming that’s your next target, huh?” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. 

“I can’t hear you,” she said, already moving to the music.

I pointed to an empty seat at the bar counter, “I’m going to sit there, okay?” I said.

She nodded.

I walked over to the seat, but before I got there, someone else grabbed it. He smirked, and then pointed to the second floor, then said, “my boss wants you, in there.” He stretched forth a key card.

I leaned in, to whisper, “Tell your boss—“ then Ashley showed up from behind and interrupted as she collected the card, “we’re coming,” she said.

The man glared at her, stood up and left.

I turned to Ashley, whose face lit up in excitement. It reminded me of how my parents were so happy to receive the contract.

“What was that about?” I asked, crossing my arms tightly.

“It’s an opportunity, why turn it down?” She shot back.

I was dumbfounded.

“Look, you might want to stay single for the rest of your life but I don’t,” she uttered.

“You have a boyfriend Ashley! You’re not single,” I said.

She sighed.

“You know what? Suit yourself. I’m leaving,” I said as I turned to leave. She held my hand, and pleaded, “no Janelle, wait.”

“If you leave now, it’s useless. They want you, not me. You’re the pretty one,” she said, still holding my hand.

She leaned in, “if they turn out to be bad boys, then we’ll leave, okay?” She said.

“Ashley…” I said.

Her lips curved, forming a reassuring smile.

“Fine. I really can’t say no,” I said. Her face turned gloomy, she jumped a little, and spun like a squirrel.

“Thank you,” she appreciated. 

Then we both went over to the elevator. Two men stood, right outside the elevator. Ashley showed them the card and they let us through.

We took an elevator to the 3rd floor that was written on the card. Ashley bit her lip. Her face got red, but I didn’t budge, I had a bigger problem anyway.

As the door slid open, we got out and located the room. We walked in, but no one was inside. Suddenly, someone pushed us to the ground. Then a group of animal-shaped masked men appeared from a door disguised as a mirror.

Ashley was shivering. I was too.

“I asked for one, why two?” The pig-masked man said.

“The blonde is her friend, seems a little hungry,” the bodyguard replied.

Ashley was already crying, then she started praying aloud, “lord, I don’t want to die as a virgin.”

I yelled, “that’s not important, Ashley.” I turned to the masked men, “who are you people?” I questioned.

“You don’t want to know Janelle,” the pig-masked man replied.

I was speechless.

“How did you know my name…” I said, then the rabbit-masked man said, “strip her naked,”

One of the bodyguards grabbed me. 

I begged, “wait…please, you’re making a mistake.” I struggled.

Just then, the door kicked open. I turned to look, and behold right outside the door was Damian Cooper, a line of men stood behind him. His presence alone silenced the room. 

“No one dares to touch what belongs to me.” 

“Janelle is mine.”