Chapter 10: CONTRACT WITH DAMIAN WOLFE

I stared at Damian, waiting for him to explain the expression that had briefly crossed his face.

Fear.

It was gone now, replaced by the familiar cold composure of a man who rarely allowed anyone to read his emotions.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" I asked.

His eyes moved to my phone.

"Who sent you that message?"

"An unknown number."

"Show me."

I hesitated before handing him my phone.

He read both messages without changing his expression. However, when his eyes reached the second one, his jaw tightened.

"What happened between your family and mine fifteen years ago?" I asked.

Damian returned my phone.

"That's not a conversation we should have here."

"Convenient."

"Elena, if I wanted to deceive you, I wouldn't have offered you a choice."

"Then give me a reason to trust you."

He studied me for several seconds.

"Because the people trying to take your father's company won't stop simply because you ask them to."

His words struck a nerve.

I thought about the forged authorization, Marcus's fabricated recording, and Chloe's desperate attempt to defend him.

Someone was clearly moving against my family.

And I couldn't afford to sit around waiting for the next attack.

"About your proposal," I said.

Damian raised an eyebrow.

"I'm listening."

"I'll agree to the engagement."

For the first time that evening, genuine surprise appeared in his eyes.

"But I have conditions."

A faint smile touched his lips.

"Of course you do."

"First, I want complete control over my decisions. You don't get to dictate what I wear, where I go, or who I speak to."

"Agreed."

"Second, you will help me protect Hart Group. I want access to the business connections you promised, and I expect you to keep your word."

"Agreed."

"Third, no unnecessary physical affection. We're pretending to be engaged, not married."

He looked amused.

"Are you afraid I'll fall in love with you?"

I gave him a flat stare.

"I'm afraid you'll become difficult to tolerate."

A low chuckle escaped him.

"You're quite different from what I expected, Miss Hart."

"Then perhaps you shouldn't make assumptions."

He extended his hand.

"Shall we discuss the remaining terms?"

I shook it.

His palm was warm, his grip firm. For a brief moment, neither of us moved.

Then he released my hand.

"Come with me."

He led me through a private corridor to a secluded office overlooking the city. A man in a dark suit was waiting beside a table.

"Mr. Wolfe," he greeted.

"Leave the documents."

The man placed a black folder on the table and quietly exited.

Damian pulled out a chair for me.

I sat down and opened the folder.

The first page contained the proposed agreement.

PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT

I almost laughed.

He had already prepared everything.

"You planned this before speaking to me tonight?"

"I don't like entering agreements without preparation."

I continued reading.

The contract specified that our engagement would last six months, during which we would attend selected public events together and maintain the appearance of a genuine romantic relationship.

In return, Damian would provide strategic business support and help protect Hart Group from hostile interference.

There were also confidentiality clauses and conditions regarding the termination of the agreement.

I stopped at one particular section.

"What's this?"

He leaned closer.

"Which part?"

"Public displays of affection."

"An engagement announcement without convincing appearances would raise questions."

"That doesn't mean you get to kiss me whenever you please."

His mouth curved slightly.

"Then we can add a clause requiring mutual consent."

I looked at him.

"You're enjoying this."

"More than I expected."

I shook my head and continued reading.

The financial section caught my attention next.

"You're offering me five million dollars?"

"An engagement with Damian Wolfe comes with certain expenses."

"I don't need your money."

"Then consider it compensation for your time."

"I'd rather negotiate something useful."

His expression became more attentive.

"Such as?"

"Access to your investment team. I want them to examine Hart Group's financial structure and identify any suspicious transactions."

He leaned back.

"You're not asking for much."

"I'm asking for what I need."

After a moment, he nodded.

"I'll arrange it."

I reached for the pen.

But before signing, I looked at him again.

"One more thing."

"Go ahead."

"If this arrangement puts my father in danger, it's over."

His expression hardened.

"Your father's safety will not be used as a bargaining tool."

"Good."

I signed my name.

Damian took the pen and signed beneath mine.

Just like that, I had entered an agreement with the most dangerous billionaire in New York.

I closed the folder.

"When does this engagement become public?"

"Tomorrow morning."

My eyes widened.

"Tomorrow?"

"The announcement will be released at ten."

"You've already arranged a press announcement?"

"I told you. I prefer to be prepared."

I stood up.

"At least give me time to inform my father."

"Of course."

He walked me towards the office door.

Before I could leave, he spoke again.

"Elena."

I turned.

"Yes?"

"One rule that isn't written in the contract."

I folded my arms.

"What now?"

"Don't lie to me."

I almost laughed.

"That's interesting coming from a man who clearly knows more about my family than he's willing to admit."

His eyes held mine.

"Fair enough."

I left the office shortly afterward.

On my way home, I kept thinking about the agreement I had just signed.

I had expected to fight my enemies alone.

Instead, I had made a deal with a man whose intentions I still couldn't fully understand.

But if Damian Wolfe could help me save my father's company, I was willing to take the risk.

The following morning, I entered my father's study with the contract in my handbag.

He looked up from his laptop.

"Elena? Is everything alright?"

I sat opposite him.

"Dad, I need to tell you something."

He closed his laptop.

"What's wrong?"

"Yesterday, I met Damian Wolfe at the Sterling Hotel."

His expression changed.

"Damian Wolfe?"

I nodded.

"He offered me a business arrangement."

"What kind of arrangement?"

I took a breath.

"We're getting engaged."

Silence.

My father stared at me as though I had just announced that I was leaving the country.

"Engaged?"

"Yes."

"To Damian Wolfe?"

"I know how it sounds, Dad, but there's a reason."

He stood up and walked towards the window.

"Elena, that man is not someone you should get involved with casually."

"I understand."

"His family and ours have never had the simplest relationship."

I swallowed.

There it was again.

The same uncomfortable reaction I had noticed on Damian's face the previous evening.

"Then tell me what happened between your family and his."

My father remained silent.

"Dad?"

He turned towards me.

"Some things are better left in the past."

I felt frustration rising inside me.

"That's exactly what people say when they don't want the truth coming out."

His expression softened.

"Please, Elena. Just be careful."

I wanted to push further, but I decided against it.

Not yet.

I had promised myself that I would protect him, not overwhelm him.

My phone suddenly vibrated.

A notification appeared on the screen.

BREAKING NEWS: DAMIAN WOLFE ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT TO ELENA HART!

My eyes widened.

I opened the article.

There was a photograph of Damian and me taken at the reception the previous evening.

The headline was followed by a short statement confirming our engagement.

My father stared at my phone.

"Elena..."

Before I could answer, another notification appeared.

This time, it was from Marcus.

Marcus Cole: What the hell have you done? Call me immediately.

I stared at the message.

Then another arrived.

Marcus Cole: You cannot marry Damian Wolfe. You have no idea what that man will do to you.

A slow smile touched my lips.

For once, Marcus was the one panicking.

But before I could put my phone away, Damian's name appeared on my screen.

His message was brief.

Welcome to my world, future Mrs. Wolfe. Your former fiancé is already making calls. And I suggest you prepare yourself for tonight.

I frowned.

What happens tonight?

His reply came almost immediately.

Our first public appearance as an engaged couple.

I stared at the screen.

I had barely agreed to become his fake fiancée.

And already, the entire city knew my name.