ログインElliot’s POVThe gossip post exploded and managed to get to the executive platform. Someone called my attention to what was happening.I was in the middle of reviewing a quarterly report when my phone started buzzing nonstop. I opened the notification and my blood turned to ice.Anonymous Office Insider: Lead Curator Scott McAllen: From struggling artist to overnight star. Could this be a Special attention from the CEO? Or just “talent”? The $15k painting says it all. Congrats on the promotion, Scott. Must be nice.Attached were screenshots of the viral magazine article, side-by-side with photos of Scott smiling at the exhibition. Comments flooded in instantly. My dad called me immediately to ask, I don’t know how he does it but he manages to get every information happening in my company.“Hey, son. What is it I’m hearing?” He sounded so serious. “Dad, I’ll handle this.” I hated my dad trying to make decisions for me in my own company. This was one of the reasons why I decided to pu
Scott’s POVThe email dropped into my inbox at 9:15 AM like a lightning bolt.Subject: Promotion Announcement – Scott McAllenI clicked it with shaky hands. The words blurred for a second, then sharpened.Effective immediately, Scott McAllen is promoted to Junior Curator. His leadership on the record-breaking exhibition has been instrumental in driving revenue and elevating Zenex’s profile. Congratulations to a rising talent.My heart slammed against my ribs. Junior Curator. Wow. Elliot didn’t tell me I’ll be promoted. This new growth felt fast. I stared at the screen, with a stupid grin spreading across my face. After everything, the debts, the humiliation with Raymond, the nights I sold my body just to survive, months of endless job hunting, this felt like winning the lottery.The company-promotion announcement went out ten minutes later. Cheers erupted across the open office floor. Some colleagues clapped, some were genuinely happy, others forcing smiles. Jayden ran over and pulle
Scott’s POVThe gallery doors opened and the crowd poured in like a wave. Cameras flashing everywhere. People gasped. Social media was already exploding from the luxury magazine interview that had gone viral overnight. “Billionaire CEO Drops $15,000 on an Unknown Artist.” Zenex exhibition was everywhere. People who had never cared about art before were suddenly here, phones out, whispering about the mysterious painter who caught Elliot Travis’s eye.I stood near the entrance in a simple black shirt and jeans, heart hammering so hard I could feel it in my throat. This was my first exhibition. I had my paintings on the walls with other art pieces. Finally a chance to showcase my creativity. But all I could think about was Elliot watching me from across the room, his eyes burning into me like he wanted to drag me away from all of it.Jayden tapped on my shoulder. “Bro, you did it. Look at this turnout. Celebrities. Collectors. Even some TikTok influencers are live-streaming. You’re famou
Elliot’s POVThe journalist’s camera flashed again, catching the light on the painting hanging behind me. I leaned back in my penthouse chair, answering questions about Zenex’s latest exhibition that’ll be coming up soon. Scott made me agree to the luxury magazine interview, he said we needed social media paparazzi to create awareness for our exhibition. Before I knew what was happening, the journalist interviewing me got attracted to one of my favorite paintings.“And this piece?” the woman asked, gesturing to the canvas of tangled shadows and light. Scott’s painting. The one I’d bought anonymously for fifteen thousand dollars.I didn’t think clearly. The words just slipped out. “Fifteen thousand. A strong investment in an emerging talent.”Her eyes lit up. “Fifteen thousand for an unknown artist? That’s quite the statement, Mr. Travis. You clearly have a deep love for supporting upcoming creators.”I realized my mistake too late. The journalist’s smile turned predatory. She twiste
Elliot’s POVMy father’s voice on the phone was cold as it had always been with no emotions. “I’m attending the exhibition planning meeting tomorrow, Elliot. As the largest investor, I expect to be impressed. Bring your best people. Including that new curator… Scott McAllen.”The line went dead before I could answer. I stared at the phone, chest tight. My father was coming here and I can’t say no to him. I hated seeing him anywhere around him, I had developed phobia for him while growing up but unfortunately his money helped me achieve my dreams and he is my biggest investor and I can’t deny that. But why did specifically asked of Scott. The same Scott who was currently driving me crazy with his boldness, his sleeping around, and the way he looked at me like I was worth saving.I couldn’t breathe. I locked my office door, sank into my chair, and let the memories crash over me. Scott’s painted body arching under me. His broken moans when I bred him deep. The way he’d said “Sir, pleas
Scott’s POVI was waiting outside the cheap, sketchy motel Raymond had texted me, feeling really nervous, over the $15,000 anonymous transfer that I was about to send to him even though I wasn’t sure of my decision.My body was still sore from Elliot’s rough fuck the night before, but the fear of Raymond’s threats hurt worse. I couldn’t keep doing this, selling pieces of myself to stay afloat.Raymond was waiting in the parking lot, leaning against his car with that nasty smirk. I handed him the cashier’s check without a word.“Here. Fifteen grand. We’re done for now. Leave me the fuck alone.”He took it, eyes widening, then laughed low and dirty. “Damn, kid. Which golden dick did you suck to get this kind of money so fast? Your salary at that fancy art place sure as hell ain’t covering it this quick.”He always thought low of me especially after I met up with his client. “Just take the money and fuck off, Raymond.”He pocketed the check, still chuckling. “Relax. Your debt record’s lo
Chapter 21: The PriceScott’s POVMy ass burned with every step as I walked into my apartment, the marks from Elliot’s hands and the suspension rig still fresh on my skin. I could still feel him inside me, thick, relentless, breeding me deep while he whispered “mine” like he meant it for once. My
Chapter 20: The One Who StaysElliot’s POVThe gallery was packed with flashing cameras and clinking glasses. I stood near the back wall in my tailored black suit, acting for the camera. But inside, I was unraveling.Scott moved through the crowd like he belonged there. Bold. Charismatic. He was ev
Chapter 19: UninvitedScott’s POVRaymond’s voice was like gravel in my ear. “It’s one week, McAllen. Forty-seven grand or I do things my own way. Don’t make me come find you.”The call ended. I stared at my phone, hands shaking. The exhibition project I’d just quit because of Elliot felt like a di
Chapter 18: Shattered MaskElliot’s POVThe photo landed on my desk like a grenade.Scott stood there in my office, eyes blazing with that bold, defiant fire I both craved and feared. He didn’t knock. He just walked in and shoved the blurry image of me, masked at one of those underground parties, m







