chapter 3

The towering glass facade of Hill Enterprises loomed before Chloe, its reflective surface gleaming in the midday sun. She paused at the entrance, her hands trembling as she clutched her bag tightly. The last thing she wanted was to face Nathan Hill again, especially after the way he had humiliated her. But this wasn't about her. This was about her father—about justice.

Taking a deep breath, Chloe pushed through the revolving doors. Inside, the air was crisp and tinged with the faint scent of polished wood and leather. The receptionist glanced up from her desk, her expression professional and impassive.

"Do you have an appointment?" the woman asked, her tone cool.

"No," Chloe said, forcing her voice to remain steady. "But I need to see Nathan Hill. It's urgent."

The receptionist hesitated, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Chloe. After a moment, she picked up the phone, murmuring into the receiver. Chloe caught snippets of the conversation but didn't care to decipher them.

"You can go up," the receptionist said, nodding toward the elevators. "Top floor."

Chloe didn't wait for further instructions. She marched to the elevator and jabbed the button, her resolve hardening with each passing second. Nathan had crossed a line, and she wasn't leaving without answers.

When the elevator doors slid open, Chloe stepped into Nathan's office. It was just as she remembered—sleek, ostentatious, and impersonal. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, highlighting the expensive art and pristine furniture. Nathan stood behind his desk, scrolling through his phone. At the sound of her heels on the polished floor, he looked up, his expression morphing into one of feigned surprise.

"Chloe," he said, a smug smile curving his lips. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Cut the act," Chloe snapped, crossing her arms. "We both know why I'm here."

Nathan chuckled, setting his phone down and leaning against the edge of his desk. "Do we? Enlighten me."

Her anger flared at his mockery. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. My father—why did you have him arrested? You know he's innocent!"

Nathan tilted his head, his expression calm and calculating. "Your father is guilty of fraud, Chloe. The evidence is undeniable."

"That's a lie, and you know it," Chloe shot back, her voice rising. "You're framing him! Why? What could you possibly gain from ruining his life?"

Nathan's smirk widened. "You're awfully defensive for someone who doesn't know all the facts."

Chloe took a step closer, her hands clenched into fists. "Don't play games with me, Nathan. My father trusted you. He thought you were his partner, his friend. And now you're destroying him? For what?"

Nathan shrugged, his nonchalance infuriating. "Business is business, Chloe. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made."

Her stomach churned at his cold dismissal. "Sacrifices?" she repeated, her voice shaking. "He's not just some pawn in your twisted game. He's my father!"

Nathan's gaze lingered on her, a flicker of something dark in his eyes. "You're awfully passionate about this," he said, stepping closer. "Maybe we can come to an arrangement."

Chloe stiffened, her instincts screaming at her to run. "What are you talking about?"

Nathan reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She flinched but didn't move away fast enough.

"I mean, I could make all of this go away," he said, his voice low and deliberate. "The charges, the trial—your father could walk free. No strings attached."

She narrowed her eyes, suspicion gnawing at her. "What's the catch?"

Nathan's smile turned predatory. "Be my mistress, Chloe."

Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Nathan said, his tone as smooth as silk. "You've always been special to me, Chloe. I don't want to lose you. If you agree to… rekindle what we had, I'll ensure your father is released immediately."

Chloe stared at him, her mind reeling. "You're insane," she whispered.

Nathan shrugged, unbothered by her reaction. "Think about it. Your father gets his life back, and you and I… we pick up where we left off. Everyone wins."

Her stomach turned, bile rising in her throat. "You're disgusting," she spat.

"Am I?" Nathan countered, his smirk unwavering. "Or am I just offering you a solution to your problem? Face it, Chloe—you don't have many options. The public defender won't stand a chance against my legal team. Your father will rot in prison unless you do something."

Chloe took a step back, her hands trembling with fury. "I can't believe I ever cared about you," she said, her voice laced with venom.

Nathan's expression darkened, his smile fading. "Careful, Chloe. I'm your only hope right now."

She met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "I'll find another way."

He laughed, the sound very cold and mocking. "Good luck with that. But don't take too long, Chloe dear. Time isn't on your father's side."

Chloe turned on her heel and stormed out of the office, her vision blurred by tears. As she stepped into the elevator, the weight of the situation crashed down on her. Nathan's proposition was vile, but his words held a kernel of truth. She needed a plan—and fast.

Her father's freedom depended on it.