. "I will give you the money… but at a price. Six months. You will live under my rules
Rain poured relentlessly over the city, drumming against the skyscrapers like an omen.
Ethan Cole stood at the entrance of Vale Tower, drenched, his thin shirt clinging to his body, fingers trembling as he held a crumpled hospital bill.
$200,000.
The price of his father's life.
Inside, the one man who could erase that debt with a single signature was waiting.
Adrian Vale.
CEO of Vale Group. Young. Untouchable. Ruthless.
Rumors said he controlled more than just business. Ethan now had reason to believe them.
Ethan swallowed and stepped forward, teeth clenched. Every step felt heavier than the last.
"I have an appointment," he said, voice barely above a whisper.A secretary nodded silently, eyes assessing his soaked appearance, then led him to the elevator.
The ride up felt endless. When the doors opened, he found himself in a quiet, controlled space. Power emanated from every corner.
And then he saw him.
Adrian Vale. Standing near the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights reflecting off his dark suit. His presence alone demanded attention, respect, and fear.
"Speak," Adrian's calm voice cut through the tension.
Ethan's throat went dry.
"I… I need money," he admitted.
Adrian turned slowly. Sharp, calculating eyes scanned Ethan from head to toe. "How much?"
"Two hundred thousand dollars."
Adrian's expression didn't change. Not a flicker of surprise.
"That's a large sum for someone dressed like you."Ethan gritted his teeth. "It's for my father's surgery."
Adrian's eyes darkened. "Your father didn't just borrow money. He borrowed from my family."
Ethan's stomach dropped. "What… what does that mean?"
Adrian stepped closer, closing the distance in a single, deliberate motion. "He's in debt. Very deep debt. And now, the debt is yours to pay."
The room felt impossibly small. Ethan swallowed, trying to steady his racing heart.
"What do you want?" he asked, voice trembling.
Adrian's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "I will give you the money… but at a price. Six months. You will live under my rules. By my side. Obey me.
And Ethan realized, with a shiver, that this wasn't a request.
It was a contract…
Signed in fear, sealed with inevitability.