Chapter 5 THE CONTRACT

Monday morning, Claire walked into Cole Enterprises with her head high and her stomach full of butterflies.

Jennifer met her in the lobby. "Ready?"

"Not even a little bit."

"Perfect. Confidence is overrated." Jennifer led her to the elevators. "We'll meet in the conference room. Damian's lawyer will walk you through the contract. Don't let Marcus intimidate you - he looks scary but he's a softie."

Marcus turned out to be a mountain of a man with silver hair and reading glasses, spreading documents across a huge table. He looked up and broke into a warm smile.

"You must be Claire. Marc Harrison." He shook her hand gently. "I've drawn up the contract per Damian's specifications, but I want you to understand every word before you sign anything. My job is to protect both parties, which means making sure you're comfortable with every clause."

Claire liked him immediately.

They settled around the table. Marcus walked her through page by page. It was surprisingly straightforward: six months, ten thousand monthly paid biweekly, all appearance expenses covered, medical bonus at the end, termination clause with two weeks' notice.

But there were other details. A separate apartment if she wanted, or guest suite in Damian's penthouse. Monthly clothing allowance. Car service 24/7. Privacy protections - no one outside essential staff would know it was fake.

"This clause," Marcus pointed, "protects you from media fallout. If there's negative press, Damian's PR team handles it. You're not responsible for public perception."

"And this one?"

"The NDA. What happens - or doesn't happen - stays private. After six months, neither party can discuss the arrangement publicly. Protects both reputations."

"What about my café job?"

"You'd need to quit," Jennifer said gently. "The time commitment will be too much. But your salary covers what you'd make there."

Claire's chest tightened. Mrs. Chen would understand, but the café had been her anchor for three years.

"There's also this," Marcus slid another document over. "Bonus structure. For every month you complete successfully, you receive an additional two thousand. Full six months, that's twelve thousand extra on top of base pay and medical coverage."

Claire did the math. Sixty thousand base, twelve thousand bonuses, plus medical expenses. Seventy-two thousand total, and her mother's healthcare secured.

More money than she'd ever imagined.

"I know it's a lot," Marcus said kindly. "You don't have to sign today. Take it home, think about it, have a lawyer review it if you'd like."

"I don't have a lawyer."

"Then I'd recommend you consult one. I can provide names of independent attorneys who could review this, no charge."

The door opened. Damian walked in.

He'd clearly come from a meeting - tie slightly loosened, hair disheveled, leather portfolio under one arm. When he saw Claire, his expression softened.

"Miss Blake. I hope Marcus isn't burying you in legal jargon."

"I'm surviving."

He poured coffee from the sideboard. "Would you like some? I promise not to wear it this time."

Despite her nerves, Claire smiled. "I'll risk it."

He poured her a cup - light cream, no sugar. He'd remembered from the café. The small gesture surprised her.

Damian sat across from her. "I know this is overwhelming. But I want to be clear: you're in control. If at any point you're uncomfortable, we stop. No questions, no penalties. This only works if you feel safe."

"Why is that so important to you?"

He was quiet, turning his coffee cup. "Because I've seen what happens when people feel trapped in situations they didn't fully consent to. My sister..." He paused. "Let's just say I learned early that power imbalances can be dangerous. I don't ever want to be the person who makes someone feel like they don't have a choice."

Pain in his voice, old and deep. Claire wanted to ask about his sister, but something told her not yet.

"Okay," she said. "I believe you."

His eyes met hers, surprised. "Just like that?"

"Just like that. I'm a good judge of character. Comes from serving coffee to every personality type imaginable." She set down her cup. "So when do we start?"

Damian's face broke into a genuine smile - the first she'd seen. It transformed him completely, erasing the CEO mask.

"Saturday. The Children's Hospital Charity Gala. One of the biggest events of the season - five hundred guests, lots of press. My mother will be there, which means Caroline will definitely be there." He leaned forward. "I won't lie, it'll be intense. But Jennifer will help you prepare, and I'll be with you the entire time."

"What do I need to do?"

"Be yourself. That's genuinely all I'm asking. Well, that and maybe hold my hand occasionally. Laugh at my jokes even though they're terrible. Look like you don't completely regret this."

"The last one might be challenging."

He laughed - real, eye-crinkling. "Fair enough."

Marcus cleared his throat. "So, Miss Blake, are you ready to sign? Or would you like more time?"

Claire looked at the contract, then at Damian. He was watching her with an expression she couldn't read - hope, maybe, mixed with nervousness.

She thought about her mother's cough. Clara's college applications. The endless bills.

She thought about Damian's kindness after she'd ruined his shirt.

She thought about what her mother said: You deserve a chance.

Claire picked up the pen.