Chapter Three: A Deal with the Devil

Mr. Paul Parker

I walked towards the towering steel-and-glass structure. When I got closer, I noticed the sleek, reflective surface gleaming under the moonlight. Everything about it exuded power—intimidating, unyielding power.

I swallowed hard, clutching my worn-out briefcase, and forced myself forward. The revolving doors ushered me into a pristine lobby where marble floors stretched endlessly beneath my feet. Employees in crisp suits moved with purpose, barely sparing me a glance as I approached the front desk.

“Hello. I have a meeting on the eighteenth floor.” I said, my voice steady although I was consumed by anxiety.The receptionist, a young woman with sharp eyes, gave me a once-over before nodding. “Take the elevator to the left. He’s expecting you.”

I stepped into the elevator, watching the numbers ascend painfully slow. I could hear the faint hum of classical music playing through hidden speakers whilst in the elevator. When the doors slid open, I found him in a long hallway lined with glass-walled offices. At the end of the corridor, a single mahogany door stood slightly ajar. Taking a deep breath, I walked toward it and knocked twice.

A deep, commanding voice vibrated from inside. “Come in.”

I pushed the door open and stepped into a massive office. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of the city skyline, but I barely took notice. My attention was drawn to the man seated behind a sleek black desk. Dressed in a dark three-piece suit, he exuded an aura of controlled authority. His gray eyes—cold and unreadable—studied me with calculated indifference as he leaned back in his chair.

I cleared my throat, breaking the silence. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I’m Mr. Paul Parker.” I said, stretching my hand for a handshake. He stared at my hand for a few minutes before accepting my handshake.

“Mr. Wolfe. Sebastian Wolfe.” He said, his voice smooth.

He took a seat and gestured for me to have a seat in front of him.

“I’ve gone through your records,” Sebastian continued, flipping through a file, “and I see you’ve accumulated quite a number of debts over the years.”

I stiffened. “Yes, sir. I promise to pay it all back.”

Sebastian didn’t look up. “So, here’s what I’m proposing. You’re going to pay back $300 every month for the rest of this year. If you do that for two years, your debts will be cleared. We don’t usually allow clients to pay that little out of their debts, but we decided to be lenient and make an exception for you. How do you see it?”

I exhaled, forcing gratitude into my voice. “I appreciate the generosity, Mr. Wolfe, but I can’t afford to bring in that amount every month. I have two children in high school—their feeding and school fees take up most of what I make from sales. If you could bring it down to $100, I believe I could make it work.”

Sebastian’s lips twitched slightly, almost amused. “$100 is too little, Mr. Parker. You have to raise the price higher. How’s $250?”

I hesitated. $250 was still too much. My stomach twisted as I decided to try again. “It’s still too much. Can you just help me out? I promise to pay it all.”

Sebastian’s expression remained unreadable. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. I am not the only one in the management of this company. I can’t make decisions on my own. I spoke to the other shareholders, and they agreed to let you pay in installments—as long as it’s not less than $250.”

I felt my throat tighten. I knew there was nothing I could do to make him change his mind so I resorted to begging. “Please, you have to help me,” I pleaded, desperation evident in my voice. “I’ll do anything.”

A slow silence filled the room.

Sebastian tilted his head slightly, watching me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. Then, almost lazily, he stroked his chin, as if entertaining a thought. “Anything?” Sebastian repeated, his voice silk-smooth, deceptively calm.

I nodded quickly, grasping at any sliver of hope. “Yes… If there’s something I can do, just say it.”

Sebastian leaned forward, elbows resting on the desk. His gray eyes darkened with something indecipherable. “I can clear all your debts without you having to pay a dime. I own many companies, getting the money wouldn’t be hard for me.” he said, his tone almost casual. “But there’s something I’ll need from you.”

I felt my shoulders stiffen. “What’s that?”

Sebastian’s fingers tapped the desk lightly before he spoke again. “I hear from my sources that you have a daughter.” He let the words settle in the air, heavy and deliberate. “Her name is Elena, isn’t it?”

My blood ran cold. My fingers tightened over my briefcase. How did he know about my daughter? I had not seen this man before today. “I… I don’t understand what my daughter has to do with any of this.”

Sebastian gave a slow, knowing smile. “I make investments, Mr. Parker. And like any investor, I ensure that my deals are mutually beneficial.”

My pulse pounded. “What exactly are you saying?”

Sebastian sighed as if tired of playing games.

“You need freedom from debt,” he said, his voice smooth, persuasive. “And I need a wife.”

My breath hitched. I felt like the floor had just been pulled from under me.

Sebastian continued, his gaze piercing. “I have my reasons. Some personal. Some business-related. Your daughter… she fits the criteria.”

I shook my head, not wanting to understand, but Sebastian wasn’t done.

“Of course, it won’t be forever. Just six months.”

His voice was so measured, so unshaken—as if he were discussing a business transaction instead of a human life. Not just any human. My eldest daughter. He can’t really expect me to sell my daughter to him. The only child I have that reminds me of my wife.

“During that time, she will be mine.” His lips curled slightly. “And I will be free to do with her as I please.”

My stomach churned. The way he said it—so effortless, so final—made my skin crawl.

Sebastian leaned back, watching me carefully. “That’s my offer. Take it or leave it.”

I opened my mouth, but no words came. I wanted to decline but I also didn’t want to upset him. I have a lot of debts so having an angry CEO on my back is something I wouldn’t like to add to my list of problems.

Slowly, I forced a polite nod. “I… I have to leave now. I’ll find a way to get you your money.

Sebastian smirked, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a sleek black business card and slid it across the desk. “Just think about it.”

I took the card begrudgingly, my fingers trembling slightly, and stood. Without another word, I turned and walked out of the office, my heart hammering in my chest. The walk home felt longer. Sebastian’s voice kept replaying in my mind. Why did he want my daughter? There were many things he could have asked for but he picked my daughter. I can’t just sell her off. I’m not that type of father. Even if I sold everything I owned, it wouldn’t cover half my debt. Why did I even invest so much into this company?

When I reached home, I unlocked the door with my personal key and stepped inside. In the dim glow of the living room lamp, I spot Elena—fast asleep on the couch. My chest tightened at the sight of her. Slowly, I grab a nearby blanket and drapes it over her. “There’s no amount of money that would make me sell you off to anyone.” I whispered before leaning in to kiss her forehead. I checked up on Jordan and Sophia. They were already tucked into bed, their soft breaths filling the quiet room. Elena had always been good at taking care of her siblings so I wasn’t surprised when I saw that she had them tucked in already. I walked into the dining room and poured myself a glass of Château Margaux—a rich red wine that I was sure I couldn’t afford anymore. I downed the first sip, then another, and another. Sebastian’s words kept ringing in my head. “Your daughter… she fits the criteria.”

My grip over the glass tightened. There had to be another way. There’s always another way. I had to find it. I kept thinking until I drifted off to sleep whilst in the dining room.