Chapter 1- The Devil's Bargain

Edwina

The door to my black Rolls-Royce opens as Elliot, dressed in his usual black suit, steps aside, offering me his hand. I take it, my heels clicking against the pavement as I exit the car’s cocoon of comfort.

“Have a good day, Miss Gemstone,” he says, his tone clipped yet familiar.

I offer him a small nod before he slides back into the car, disappearing into the city traffic. A faint smile tugs at my lips—I’ve grown fond of Elliot over the years, despite his reserved nature. He isn’t one for unnecessary words, but his loyalty speaks volumes.

I turn toward the towering glass building before me—the empire I now control. Dressed in a tailored black skirt suit and suede stilettos, I stride through the automatic sliding doors, my heels echoing against the polished marble floor. Employees glance up from their desks, their greetings a hushed chorus as I move toward my private elevator.

The mirror-lined walls reflect my composed expression as I press the button for the top floor. My long, straightened hair cascades over my shoulders, the flawless image of control. The elevator dings open, and my secretary, Alexxis, rushes to my side, a steaming espresso in hand.

“Morning, boss,” she says, her honeyed voice crisp with efficiency.

“Morning, Alexxis. What’s on my schedule?” I ask, accepting the cup with a nod.

“You have a meeting with the new investors at eleven and another at three. Other than that, your day is clear.”

“Good,” I murmur, skimming the schedule she hands me before stepping into my office.

Floor-to-ceiling windows grant me a panoramic view of New York City, a constant reminder of what I’ve built, of the legacy my father entrusted to me. I settle into my chair, the smooth leather cool against my skin, and power on my MacBook, ready to dive into work.

Two hours later, I push away from my desk, making my way to the boardroom. Investors sit around the long glass table, expectant and eager. I take my seat at the head, commanding the room with practiced ease. The meeting is in full swing when Alexxis enters, her normally calm demeanor laced with urgency.

“Excuse me,” she says, her voice low as she leans in. “It’s important.”

I suppress a sigh and stand, stepping out with her. “This better be good.”

“Do you know a man named Alessandro?” she asks, her brows knitting together.

My spine stiffens. “Yes. Why?”

“He’s been calling nonstop since your meeting started. Demanding to speak with you.”

Before I can respond, the phone in her hand vibrates. Unknown number.

“That’s him,” she mutters, visibly unimpressed.

I take the phone and press the answer button. “What do you want, Alessandro? I’m busy.”

His voice is as smooth as ever, laced with amusement. “It can wait. I need you at the club. Now.”

I clench my jaw. “I’m in the middle of an important meeting.”

“Call it off.”

A dry laugh escapes me at his audacity. “You’re delusional if you think—”

“A black Lamborghini is waiting outside your building. It’ll bring you to the club. And princess, don’t waste time.”

Before I can protest, the line goes dead.

Alexxis watches me expectantly. “Well?”

“Well, you’ll be taking over the meeting.”

Her eyes widen. “What? Boss, are you sure—”

“I’m sure. Something important just came up.”

Concern flickers across her face, but she nods. “Alright. Be careful.”

I offer her a reassuring glance before heading back to my office to grab my handbag. When I step outside, the Lamborghini is already waiting, its doors swinging open as if expecting me. The grounds are eerily clear—intentional, no doubt. Alessandro doesn’t take risks.

Sliding into the passenger seat, I glance at the driver. He remains silent, his gaze fixed ahead, offering no explanation. The ride is smooth, yet the tension coils in my stomach with every passing minute.

The club looks different in daylight—less of a playground for the city’s elite and more of what it truly is: a sanctuary for the corrupt. As I step inside, my heels clicking against the hardwood floors, my eyes sweep the room. A handful of people linger, shadows of the night before, but my focus lands on Alessandro, leaning against the rail of the VIP lounge, a cigarette perched between his fingers.

I approach him, arms crossing. “You better have a good reason for dragging me here.”

Instead of answering, he exhales a slow stream of smoke, and then hands me a phone. I arch a brow. “What’s this?”

“Someone wants to talk to you.”

I hesitate before pressing the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

A deep, velvety voice filters through the line, rich with an unmistakable Italian accent. “I hear you want my help, sì?”

A shiver runs down my spine at the weight of his words. “Yes. Yes, I do.”

“And why would a woman like you—Edwina Gemstone, heir to a family of wealth and power—seek out the devil for help?”

Annoyance flares in my chest. “If you have something to say, say it.”

A low chuckle. “Nothing at all, Tesoro. Just wondering what would make a queen turn to a king of shadows.”

My patience thins. “Are you going to help me or not?”

Silence stretches, long enough that I almost repeat my question. Then, his voice returns, softer, darker. “And what do I get in return?”

“State your price, and the money will be delivered.”

“I don’t want your money, Bella.” His voice dips, dangerously smooth. “I’ll demand my prize when the time is right.”

A foreboding sense of unease creeps into my chest, but I steel my expression. “So, do we have a deal?”

Another pause. Then, a single word seals my fate. “Deal.”

The line goes dead, leaving me gripping the phone tighter than before.

Alessandro watches me, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. “Congratulations, princess. You just sold your soul.”