Raymond's POV
When I saw Lena step out of the closet, looking breathtaking and irresistible, it took every ounce of restraint I had not to bend her over right there.
Instead, I took her to my favorite hotel—one I owned myself. I had named it after my mother, Hyacinth Hove, and it was the number-one hotel in the city.
The manager had already been informed of our arrival, so everything was arranged beforehand. As we walked into the hotel, the manager, waiters, and waitresses were already assembled, waiting for me.
They greeted me in unison.
"Welcome, boss. How may we be of service to you, sir?"
I didn't respond. Instead, I beckoned to the manager and instructed him to assign two waitresses to our suite and dismiss the rest so they could return to their duties.
"Yes, Mr. Black," he replied before leaving.
We were escorted to our VIP suite. Lena remained quiet the entire way. She didn't utter a single word.
"Lena, are you okay?" I asked, glancing at her while trying to read through the menu we'd been given.
"I'm just emotional," she said softly, looking up at me. "No one has ever done anything this nice for me before. Thank you… for everything."
I hummed thoughtfully, then said, "If you really want to thank me, then become my woman."
I brought out the contract I had prepared earlier and handed it to her.
"Read it and tell me what you think."
She scanned the pages, and I watched different flashes of annoyance and anger cross her face.
"You must be out of your damn mind," she snapped. "You actually think I would sign this? Is this how low you see me?"
She shook her head bitterly.
"Really, Raymond, I thought you were better than Evans. The only difference is that he was a leech—but you… I don't even know what to think of you."
"Lena, sit," I said calmly. "Let's talk like the adults we are. I didn't prepare this contract for the reasons you think."
When I realized she wasn't listening, I decided to be blunt.
"I know your company is struggling. You need funds, and you're planning to borrow. That's where I come in.
Secondly, your family and your ex-fiancé won't let you go easily. You need protection.
Evans still holds a powerful position in your company, and the board listens to him."
I paused, then continued firmly.
"I already told you I'm not letting you go. So why not leverage this relationship to the fullest?
I give you money, protection, and connections—and you give me what I want. Isn't that what modern relationships are all about?"
"All I ask is that you be my woman for two years. I'll elevate your status, treat you well, and take you on trips."
"At the start of the contract, you'll receive fifty million as a signing fee. At the end, you'll get a hundred million. There will be other benefits as well."
I looked at her intently.
"What do you think, Lena?"
"I'm not letting you go," I added calmly. "But I'm a good businessman. I just want you to always know who you belong to while we're together."
I could see it on her face—she was already tempted.
"What do you get in return?" she asked quietly.
"I get all of you. No reservations," I replied.
She took a deep breath.
"Alright. I agree—but on one condition. I want revenge on Evans and everyone who hurt me. And I don't want your money. Just help me with the company."
I smirked. "Alright, kitten. Sign the papers."
She took the pen, signed the contract, then handed it back to me.
I gave her the menu, and we ordered dinner. We ate in silence. When we were done, we headed home.
Inside the car, I glanced at her.
"You still owe me a story, remember?"
She nodded and began without hesitation.
"After my mother's death, my father changed. I tried to understand him, but he wouldn't listen.
He refused to take part in her burial arrangements, started showing up at her company, acting like the manager, and withdrawing money from the accounts."
"After the funeral—which he didn't attend—he brought his mistress, Selena, home as his new wife."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"I confronted him. He told me I had no right to question him, that my mother was dead, and he was free to remarry. Then he ordered me to pack my things and leave the house so he could have privacy with his new wife."
A murderous intent flashed through my eyes. What kind of father does that to his own daughter?
She continued.
"Two weeks later, my mother's lawyer called a meeting and read her will. She left the house and the company to me—and banned my father from the company forever."
"She knew," Lena whispered. "It was like she knew he would change after her death."
"My father went berserk. He beat me so badly I almost died. I was hospitalized for weeks. That's when I met Evans and Ashley."
"Evans took care of me, made me believe he loved me, and promised to help me manage the company. Looking back now, it was all a lie. Ashley helped sell the illusion."
She laughed bitterly.
"All my life, people have tried to use me. But never again."
I pulled her closer and wrapped my arms around her.
"Don't worry, kitten. Everyone who hurt you will pay. As long as you're with me, no one will ever bully you again."
I lifted her chin, met her eyes, and captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.