Chapter 2: The Mysterious Stranger

"Miss Hart."

I was chilly when I heard an audible voice at the event. My heart skipped as I turned to face the man who had spoken.

His tuxedo appeared to have been built to order, and he was tall.

His angular jawline caught the light in a way that suggested power, and his dark, almost black hair fell neatly around his ears. But I wasn't anchored by his appearance. He evaluated me in a way that made it seem like he could see right through me.

"Yes?" I could do so, my voice revealing the discomfort in my chest.

Though it didn't reach his eyes, a faint smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. His eyes were fixed on me as if I were something he was still trying to figure out.

"I didn't mean to startle you," he added casually as he moved in closer. "But I've been watching you for a while now."

I scowled and took a step back out of habit. "And why is that?" I asked, attempting to remain somewhat composed.

A grin twitched over his lips, but it was icy. "Because you are unique. As though he could read my discomfort, he said, "Not just because of your beauty."

However, you bear a certain amount of weight. Maybe a burden?

The implication made my chest clench, and I blinked. How was that known to him? I hadn't disclosed my financial difficulties to anyone, much less a stranger at a gala.

However, I felt uneasy because of something in his eyes—a recognition, a knowing.

"I’m sorry, do we know each other?" I squinted as I inquired, not sure if I wanted to hear his response.

He grinned more broadly as if he liked playing the game of my doubt. "I don't think we've enjoyed ourselves." My name is Nicholas Scott," he added, as he stood up to shake my hand. "I'm certain you've heard of me."

After hesitating, I grasped his hand. Like his presence, it was firm and uncompromising. I said, "I’ve heard of you," but I didn’t believe I had heard enough to draw any conclusions.

"Good," he remarked in a confident, silky voice. "I have been keeping up with your efforts on behalf of the center. It's quite stunning. He studied me with a small inclination of his head. "Though I understand it's not going as well as you'd hoped."

My breath caught in my throat, and I tensed up. Was he aware of the problems at the art center? My financial difficulties? How could that have happened? Sophie was the only person with whom I had discussed this, if anyone else as well. I tried to think of how he might know, but my mind was racing. Was someone observing me?

"Who told you that?" I asked sharply, attempting to maintain a steady tone.

His smile expanded, seemingly amused by my uneasiness. "Let's assume that I conduct research. It's noticeable when someone with your level of talent is ready to lose everything they've worked so hard to achieve."

I backed up a little, feeling sick to my stomach. His remarks were a bit too personal. The one thing that mattered most to me, my business, was going to fail. For months, I had been fighting to keep the art center afloat while frantically holding onto a dream that seemed to be getting farther and farther away.

Nicholas could feel my discomfort. As though we were exchanging secrets, he moved closer and spoke in a silky, low voice. "You need not be concerned. I can assist you. I can give you an escape route. A business idea that might be the answer to all of your issues.

Confused and wary, I gazed at him. "And what’s the catch?"

He gave a little laugh, but it was without humor. "Miss Hart, no catch. It is just an agreement that benefits both parties. I am aware of the challenges you face. The creditors are breathing down your neck because of your debts. I can take care of all that for you.”

My heart pounded. Was this thing for real? Or was he just another individual making unfulfilled claims?

I gently said, "I’m listening," not wanting to show how eager I was to hear his words.

Nicholas wasted little time. "I want to form a partnership in return for my assistance," he added. I would like to be part of your center's direction. I just throwing money at you isn't enough. I'd like to have a say in how things are managed.”

As I processed what he had said, I blinked. A collaboration? Was he requesting authority? I couldn't—no, I wouldn't—let anyone take over my dream.

However, I felt like I was being choked by the pressure I was under. For me, the center was everything. It was more than just a company; it was a space where artists could express themselves and creativity could thrive. Everything would fall apart if I didn't acquire the money I required.

I said, "I’m not sure," before I could stop speaking. "I don’t think I can just—"

"I understand," he broke off, his eyes sparkling with humor or possibly comprehension. "I'm not requesting that you decide right now. But Miss Hart, give it some thought.

You have two options: take advantage of my assistance or keep battling alone. I can provide you with more than just the money you require. We could transform your center into something that will endure for a very long time.

My thoughts were racing as I gazed at him. The idea seemed alluring, maybe too alluring. There was a part of me that wanted to accept his offer immediately, just to be rid of the ongoing stress and worry.

But I also shrank back when I saw Nicholas Scott wasn't merely doing a good deed. This was more than just that. Something didn't feel quite right.

"How do I know you’re trustworthy?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

He grinned more broadly, but it felt cold. "You don't. However, I believe you'll discover that your remaining options are somewhat limited.”

I felt like a fish caught in a net as I glanced around the room. In my ears, the dazzling visitors and the din of talk at the gala sounded like a faraway hum. Nicholas Scott and his offer seemed to be the only thing that mattered to me. I felt the walls closing in on me as the weight of his words weighed heavily on me.

"I’ll think about it," I answered, trembling despite myself.

Nicholas stepped back, and for a split second, I thought I saw a spark of approval in his eyes. "Take as much time as you require. Nevertheless, remember that opportunities such as these are rare.”

I stood alone in the middle of the ballroom as he turned around and walked away.

I was having trouble breathing. My entire being begged me to turn down his offer to preserve my morals and my goals. However, there was another part of me that whispered that this was my only option since I was so afraid of losing all I had fought so hard for.

My phone buzzed in my pocket as I was starting to collect my thoughts.

With trembling hands, I struggled to extract it. It came from an unidentified number.

Cassie, you don't have much time. Decide quickly.

My heart stopped beating. How were they aware of my name?

The feeling of being watched came over me once more as I gazed at the television.

Nicholas Scott was more than just an entrepreneur. He posed a much greater threat. I was now caught in his web.

I was no longer alone in the choices that may make or ruin me.

Once more, the message from the unidentified number flashed.

"Don't make him wait."

And for the first time, I was genuinely afraid of what would happen next.