The rain fell in heavy sheets, the kind that drowned out screams and blurred the line between desperation and survival. Valeria's lungs burned as she sprinted through the slick alleyways, her bare feet slapping against the wet pavement. Behind her, the shouts of men—rough, hungry, relentless—grew louder.
You think you can run forever, little mouse?one of them jeered.
She had borrowed money from them—too much, too fast—for her mother's hospital bills. But the treatments had failed. Her mother was gone, and now the debt collectors wanted payment in flesh.
Valeria's heart hammered against her ribs. She couldn't outrun them forever. Then, through the curtain of rain, she saw it—a sleek black car with the Royales insignia gleaming under a flickering streetlight.
A gamble. A last chance.
With a sharp cry, she drove her knee into the nearest pursuer's groin. He howled, doubling over, and she bolted toward the car, throwing herself in its path. Tires screeched. The car swerved, barely missing her.
The door flung open. A woman stepped out, her designer heels clicking against the asphalt, her expression a storm darker than the sky.
Are you out of your mind ,Ariana Royales snapped, her voice cutting through the rain. I could have killed you!
Valeria trembled, her soaked clothes clinging to her skin. Save me… please.
Ariana's sharp eyes flicked to the men now hesitating a few feet away, then back to Valeria. Why should I? You nearly made me a criminal.
Valeria's mind raced. Begging wouldn't work. But leverage might.
Ma'am, she gasped, forcing strength into her voice,what would people say if the CEO of Royales Consulting left a young girl to be assaulted in the streets?
Ariana's lips curled.Bold. But there's no proof.
The CCTV cameras disagree.
A pause. Then, a slow, dangerous smile. You're clever. Fine. What do you want? Money?
Valeria shook her head. A job. At your company.
Ariana laughed—cold, amused. You don't ask for much, do you, and what makes you think you deserve a job at my company.?
Ma'am I don't need an office job I can do anything for you , I can clean, and I also had a degree in law but I dropped out in my fourth year.
Ariana reluctantly agreed ok contact me tomorrow
I don't intend to waste this chance.
Their eyes locked—one woman who had everything, another who had nothing left to lose.
Finally, Ariana reached into her coat and pulled out a card. Call this number tomorrow. Don't make me regret this.
Present Day
Valeria's fingers tightened around the edge of her desk as she felt the weight of a stare burning into her. She didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Mr. Royales,she said smoothly, swiveling her chair to face him. How may I help you
Leon Royales leaned against the doorframe, his smile sharp enough to draw blood. His laughter was hollow, devoid of warmth. Valeria, you never cease to surpass my estimations of your… audacity.
She tilted her head, feigning innocence. We live in an evil world, Leon. Kindness gets you killed.
His jaw twitched. Yes, but you—you're a pest. You slithered in from nowhere and now you're trying to tear my family apart.He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper. How much do you want to disappear? Name your price.
Valeria smirked, leaning back. Oh, it's simple. She raised her hands, gesturing to the opulent office, the Royales empire looming around them. I want this. And… Her gaze locked onto his. You.
Leon's composure cracked. You're insane.
Am I? She stood, circling him like a predator. Your grandmother sees something in me. Maybe she's tired of waiting for you all to prove you're worthy.
His hand shot out, gripping her wrist. Listen carefully, you conniving little—
Leon. Her voice was ice. Let go before I make sure the board hears about your little offshore accounts.
He released her as if burned. You wouldn't dare.
Try me.
For a heartbeat, they were locked in silence, the air between them charged with hatred and something darker—something neither would name.
Then Leon turned on his heel. This isn't over.
Valeria smiled as the door slammed behind him. No,she murmured. It's only just begun.
Claire's Failed Seduction
The dim glow of the chandelier cast shadows across Leon's study as he sat slumped in his leather chair, his fingers clenched around a half-empty glass of whiskey. His jaw was tight, his mind replaying Valeria's words like a taunt he couldn't silence.
Then the door creaked open.
Claire stood there, draped in a deep red dress that clung to every curve—silk sliding over her hips, the neckline plunging just enough to tease. Her lips, painted the same sinful shade, curved into a pout as she stepped inside, the click of her stilettos deliberate.
What's wrong, babe? she murmured, slinking toward him. You look… tense.
Leon didn't answer, his gaze fixed on the amber liquid in his glass.
Undeterred, Claire perched herself on the edge of his desk, one leg brushing against his. I know it's her, she whispered, fingers trailing down his arm. Valeria. That venomous little snake.
Leon's grip tightened on the glass.
She's nothing, Claire continued, leaning closer, her perfume—heavy, floral, suffocating—filling the space between them. A stray your grandmother picked up out of pity. And now she thinks she can play with the Royales? She scoffed, nails grazing his shoulder. Pathetic.
Leon still didn't speak, but his silence only spurred her on.
Let me take your mind off her,she purred, straddling his lap, her hands framing his face. Forget her. You don't need her games. You need…Her lips hovered over his. Me.
But as she closed the distance, Leon's mind betrayed him.
Instead of Claire's practiced touch, he remembered Valeria's kiss at the party—the way her mouth had seared his, hot and defiant, the way she'd tasted like danger and victory all at once, even though short but teasing to yearn for more
A growl ripped from his throat.
Enough, He shoved Claire off, sending her stumbling back.
She gasped, eyes wide. Leon
Leave. His voice was a blade.
Claire's cheeks flushed with humiliation, her carefully constructed allure crumbling. You're really letting that bitch get under your skin?
Leon stood, his glare freezing her in place. I said leave.
For a heartbeat, she looked like she might argue. Then, with a sharp click of her heels, she turned and stormed out, the door slamming behind her.
Leon exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
How could he think of her kiss when he despise her.
Damn Valeria.
Even when she wasn't here, she was still wining