Chapter 4

The terms of the contract were brutal, almost akin to slavery.

Finn Whitaker's tone was measured, yet cutting. "Without me, you won't stand a chance. Every vulture out there is eyeing the Harper family's only heiress."

He spoke with a cold finality, but it was the undeniable truth.

"Sign it, and your safety will be my responsibility," he added, his dark eyes piercing mine. "If you don't, well, what happens next is up to fate."

I glanced at him, then at the agreement in my hands. The weight of the decision pressed down on me.

Finally, I picked up the pen and signed my name at the bottom of the page.

Finn reviewed the contract meticulously, ensuring every detail was in place before sliding a sleek black card across the table toward me.

"There's ten million dollars on this card. No PIN required," he said.

I stared at the card, a storm of emotions swirling inside me. In my past life, I had handed over every cent I owned to Lucas Reed. In this life, I had traded my freedom for ten million dollars.

"Thank you," I said softly as I slipped the card into my bag.

Finn stood and walked back to the window, his silhouette framed by the city lights. "Remember, from this moment on, you belong to me."

Before I could fully grasp the weight of his words, his phone rang. He answered it curtly. "Speak."

His expression darkened as he listened. "Lucas Reed is on his way to your house. He's not alone."

A chill ran down my spine. "My house?"

The car sped through the night, its engine humming steadily as the city lights blurred past the windows. I stared out at the retreating scenery, my mind racing with calculations and plans.

"I want to handle this myself," I said, my voice steady. "Tearing apart their lies with my own hands will be far more satisfying, don't you think?"

When I stepped into the house, the tension in the air was palpable, like a storm waiting to break.

Lucas and Lila turned to see me enter. Their faces shifted immediately, cycling through shock, guilt, and a flicker of fear they couldn't quite hide.

"Evelyn! You're finally back!" Lucas was the first to recover, striding toward me with feigned urgency. "Where have you been? Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

His voice was thick with emotion. His eyes glistened as if I were the one who had wronged him. The performance was almost laughable.

Tears streaked Lila's face as she lunged toward me, arms outstretched in a dramatic attempt to grab my leg. "Evelyn, please! Explain everything to Mr. Harper!"

"Lucas has been losing his mind searching for you! We thought something terrible had happened!" she wailed.

I took a step back, letting her collapse onto the floor in a heap. Her cry of surprise echoed through the room as she landed awkwardly.

"Is that so?" I said coolly. "Were you worried about me or just eager to spin your lies before I got here?"

My voice was calm, but it sliced through their pathetic theatrics like a blade. Their cries abruptly ceased.

Lucas's expression faltered, but he quickly masked it with indignation. "Evelyn, of course, I was worried about you!"

"Coming here was just a way to involve your father in finding you," he added, his tone shifting to one of righteous martyrdom.

"I'm back," I replied evenly.

The sound of measured footsteps behind me drew everyone's attention. My father, Walter Harper, stepped into the room, his face a stoic mask of authority.

He glanced at me briefly, confirming I was unharmed, before settling on Lucas with a gaze sharp enough to cut steel.

"Lucas," he said, his voice like thunder. "Care to explain what's going on here?"

Lucas hesitated for a brief moment before his expression twisted into one of hurt and anger. His finger shot out, pointing directly at me.

"Mr. Harper, you have to speak up for me!" he cried, his voice trembling with emotion. "Evelyn has cheated on me!"

The accusation hit like a bomb. My father's face darkened, and his displeasure radiated through the room.

Lucas, emboldened by the reaction, pressed on. "We were on the rooftop enjoying the view, and she excused herself to use the restroom. Next thing I know, she's getting into some stranger's car right in front of me!"

"I saw it with my own eyes!" he exclaimed, his voice rising. "Mr. Harper, I know the Harper family is above reproach, but this is an insult I can't overlook!"

My father turned to me, his gaze heavy with disappointment and anger. "Evelyn," he said sternly, "is what he's saying true?"