Chapter 1

Emilia Clark

I sat still, fidgeting nervously as I waited for my interview with Mrs. Grey. I knew little about her, except that she was the Chairwoman of Grey Enterprises, a multi-billion dollar company previously run by her son, Damien Grey.

No one had seen or heard from Damien since he was reportedly involved in an accident two years ago.

The Greys had recently placed a mysterious job ad without any description. I stumbled upon it in my email last night, and this morning I received a call for an interview. For all I knew, it could be a trap. Glancing around, I noticed three other girls sitting quietly in the corner, also waiting.

Please, don't let this be some sketchy modeling gig. I desperately need the money, but not that desperately.

"Mrs. Grey will see you now," the receptionist announced, her crisp voice snapping me back to reality.

I took a deep breath and stood up. You've got this, Emilia.

As I entered Mrs. Grey's office, I had to stifle a gasp. It was enormous, making every other "impressive" office I'd seen look like a broom closet.

Her desk was at the far end of the room. Thank goodness she couldn't see me gawking like a starstruck teenager.

I straightened my shoulders and began the long walk towards her, feeling like I was approaching royalty.

Mrs. Grey's cold, piercing eyes scanned me as I stopped in front of her desk. I suddenly felt painfully aware of every wrinkle in my clothes.

"Sit," she ordered, her voice slicing through the silence.

I complied, trying to mask my intimidation with a polite smile.

"Let's begin," she said crisply. "Your profile states you're an English Literature major."

"Yes, that's correct," I replied, relieved my voice didn't betray my nerves.

She reviewed a blue folder for a moment before asking, "Is Lucy Inn your mother?"

I blinked in surprise. "Yes, but... how did you know that?"

Mrs. Grey ignored my question. "Have you ever met my son, Damien?"

"No, ma'am," I replied, utterly confused. "I'm just here for the job."

She stood and walked to the window, her back to me. "Damien was in an accident two years ago. He's been out of the public eye since then." She paused. "Many assume he's dead."

I stayed silent, unsure how to respond.

She turned back to me, her eyes stormy. "Damien is my only son. Without him, the Grey name and legacy end."

"I'm sorry," I said softly. "But... I'm not sure what this has to do with me. I don't mean to be insensitive—"

Mrs. Grey moved closer, her presence overwhelming. "Miss Clark, I want you to be my son's surrogate."

I nearly choked. "I'm sorry, what?"

"You heard me correctly. I want you to carry my son's child, and you will be handsomely rewarded."

My mind reeled. "I... I don't understand. Is this some kind of prank?"

"I assure you, this is no joke," Mrs. Grey said, her tone businesslike. "You'll be compensated generously. Five hundred thousand dollars, doubled if it's a boy."

My eyes widened. That kind of money could change my entire life, but at what cost?

"I don't have all day, Ms. Clark," Mrs. Grey snapped. "Make a decision or leave my office. I have more pressing matters to attend to."

"Can I... can I have some time to think about it?" I stammered. Yes, I was ashamed of myself too.

"This is a one-time offer, Miss Clark."

I bit my lip. Every rational part of me screamed that this was insane, but all I could think about was the money. Mom wouldn't have to work two jobs anymore. Dad could get better healthcare.

"I'll do it," I blurted out before I could begin to process what I had agreed to. Looking back now at this moment, I wish I had just walked away.

Mrs. Grey's lips curved into a slight smile. "Excellent. We'll meet next week to begin the screening process and draw up the contract."

As I stood to leave, she added, "Miss Clark? I trust I don't need to remind you about the confidentiality of this meeting."

Her tone left no room for misunderstanding. This was as much a threat as it was a question.

"No, ma'am. I understand completely."

I left her office in a daze, my mind spinning. What have I just agreed to?

---

Back at my apartment, I found my roommate and best friend, Amber, sprawled on the couch watching baseball.

"Hey," I said, collapsing next to her.

"How'd it go?" Amber asked, offering me the popcorn bowl.

I grabbed a handful. "I got the job. Sort of."

Amber's eyes lit up. "That's great! ...isn't it?"

I sighed. "It's complicated. And probably insane."

"Okay, now you have to spill," Amber said, muting the TV. "What's going on, Em?"

I took a deep breath. "They want me to be a surrogate."

Amber's jaw dropped. "They what?"

"It's for Damien Grey," I added.

"The missing billionaire? Em, have you lost your mind?" Amber follows all the celebrity gossip, so it wasn't a surprise she knew him. "Why would you even consider it?"

"They're offering half a million dollars, Amb. A million if it's a boy."

Amber shook her head vigorously. "No amount of money is worth risking your future. This whole thing sounds shadier than a forest at midnight."

"I know it's crazy," I said, running a hand through my hair. "But think about what I could do with that money. Mom could finally quit her second job, and Dad could get better health care."

"Em," Amber said softly, taking my hand. "I get why you're tempted, but this is nuts. The guy's been MIA for two years. For all we know, he could be dead. They're going to inject some dead man's... stuff inside you."

I almost choked at that. "Please, don't say that again. And I don't think he's dead. At least, I hope not."

"Then why are they hiding him?" Amber pressed. "It doesn't make sense."

I was about to respond when the doorbell rang.

"Pizza's here!" Amber exclaimed, jumping up.

As she went to answer the door, I leaned back, my mind whirling. Amber was right. Why would Damien Grey be in hiding for so long? And what exactly had I gotten myself into?

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