Semua Bab The Duchess's Game of Seduction: Bab 31 - Bab 40

Valerie didn't spare her parents a second glance as she walked past them into her office. She moved straight to her desk, her expression blank and composed."Send them in," she told Melissa once she was settled behind her desk. "And have security on standby."As Gilbert and Bertha entered her sanctuary, Valerie studied them with cold detachment. Time had not been kind to either of them. Gilbert looked withered, probably due to too much drinking. His skin was sagged and loose around the neck. Bertha had aged even worse - her dyed blonde hair scanty and thinning, her face lined with deep creases and wrinkles. They were dressed in what they probably considered their best clothes - cheap knockoffs of designer brands that looked pathetically out of place in her office. The irony wasn't lost on Valerie. These two people who had once wielded complete control over her life now looked like beggars in her kingdom."Have a seat," she said, her voice devoid of any emotion.They settled into the

Two days later, Valerie was finally free from the Kennedy family. Two days had passed since she'd signed away five hundred million dollars for her freedom. Two days of blessed silence.The papers had been signed, the money transferred, and just like that, she was officially alone in the world. No family. No ties to the past. Just Valerie Calder, The Duchess of New York, standing in her empire of glass and steel.She should feel lighter, happier, but she felt empty inside. Not because she got rid of her family - no, never that - but because she felt so utterly alone with no true connection to anyone. She'd never truly realized how lonely she was until she'd signed those documents. After signing them, she'd needed someone to confide in, someone to convince her that she had done the right thing, someone to hold and make her feel better. Yet, here she was, alone and cranky.Karen was in Tokyo closing a major fashion deal. She was unreachable except for brief text messages at odd hours. An

By 8 PM, Valerie stepped out of her building into the waiting limousine. She had chosen an exquisite outfit - a midnight blue silk gown that perfectly hugged her every curves. It had a high-end slit with a deep v-neckline. She let her blonde hair fall, with one side neatly tucked behind her ears, then she completed the outfit with a diamond set - earrings, neckpiece and rings.Steve was at the wheel when she got in."Do you have the address, Steve?" she asked, settling into the seat."Yes, Ms. Calder. Melissa forwarded it to me earlier. It's about a forty-minute drive to Mr. Riggs' estate in the Hamptons."Valerie nodded. Forty minutes, not bad at all. She would socialize with the Harlow board members, make the necessary connections to secure her acquisition, and then leave as soon as possible. Simple and quick.They drove in silence, while she reviewed her notes on the Harlow deal and the key players she needed to win over.When they finally turned into the driveway of Dante's mansi

After Dante was certain everyone was having a good time, he made his way through the crowd toward the drinks station, his mind already racing with anticipation. Everything was falling into place perfectly. Valerie was impressed, and she was slowly warming up to him. She even trusted him enough to get her a drink, which was something. He spotted Marcus, one of his most trusted servers, arranging champagne flutes on trays near the bar. Dante caught the man's eye and beckoned him over to a quiet corner behind a sculpture. "Marcus," Dante said in a low voice, glancing around to ensure they weren't being overheard. "The special drink we discussed earlier - you took care of it?" Marcus nodded, "Yes, sir. I added exactly the amount you specified to the champagne. It's in the glass with the small rose attached to it. It's on that silver tray by the orchid arrangement, just as you requested." "Perfect." Dante smiled approvingly. "And you're certain about the dosage? Nothing too strong

Valerie shivered at his words, her whole body trembling so hard it was becoming difficult to stand up straight. She didn't even hear the 'beg me' part, the only part she heard was, 'I'll fuck you from now till sunday.'She stepped closer to him, her face inches from his. "What are you waiting for then? Let's fuck and get this over with."Rick reached out to touch her face, caressing it softly, the sensation sent electricity shooting through her and she found herself leaning against his touch."You have to beg for it little Duchess," he said quietly.Valerie froze, his initial words now coming back. Why was he so determined on making her beg? What the fuck was wrong with this man?"Why should I do that? Why should I beg you for sex that I could get anywhere?"Rick's green eyes held hers steadily. "The same question I keep asking myself, lady. Why are you so bent on fucking me when you can have any other man?"Valerie suddenly turned mute, his question hanging in the air. She had no ans