CHAPTER 16: The Penthouse
After breakfast at the Zichen Mansion, Lisa expected to have some time to herself. But Damon had other plans.
As she sipped her tea, Caleb approached the table, bowing slightly.
"Sir, the car is ready."
Lisa blinked. "Are we going somewhere?"
Damon wiped his mouth with a napkin, standing up gracefully. "We're going home."
Lisa frowned. "Aren't we already home?"
Damon smirked, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. "This is the family estate. My actual residence is elsewhere."
Lisa hesitated for a second before placing her cup down and rising to her feet.
"The real place he lives… his private world."
Without another word, she followed him outside.
A sleek black Rolls-Royce was already waiting at the entrance, guarded by two men in black suits.
Caleb opened the door for them, and Lisa slid in first, sinking into the plush leather seat.
Damon got in beside her, crossing his legs casually.
The car was silent except for the soft hum of the engine.
Lisa glanced out the window as they passed through X City's most expensive district. Towering skyscrapers, designer boutiques, and high-end restaurants filled the streets.
As the car smoothly navigated the roads, Lisa finally asked, "Why didn't we stay at the mansion?"
Damon, who had been checking his phone, glanced at her. "Because I prefer my privacy."
She could tell that was only half the truth.
The Zichen family mansion was too public—too many eyes, too many ears.
But in his private penthouse, Damon Zichen was in absolute control.
Lisa took a slow breath. "So this is where I'll be staying now?"
Damon didn't answer.
Instead, he simply smirked as the car finally pulled up to a towering high-rise building—one of the tallest in the city.
Zichen Tower.
It wasn't just a penthouse.
It was an entire building Damon owned.
Lisa's eyes widened slightly as the car stopped at a private entrance.
Two guards immediately opened the door for them.
Damon stepped out first, adjusting the cuff of his black suit.
Lisa followed, taking in the sight before her.
This was it.
She wasn't just living with Damon Zichen.
She was stepping into his world.
And there was no turning back.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a breathtaking space—the Zichen Penthouse.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of X City, stretching out like a sea of glittering lights. The decor was sleek and modern, a combination of black marble, gold accents, and soft ambient lighting.
It wasn't just luxurious.
It was powerful.
Lisa stepped out cautiously, taking in her new "home."
"This is where Damon lives… where he controls everything from the shadows."
Damon loosened his tie slightly as he walked toward the grand bar area, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.
Caleb stood at the entrance, waiting for instructions.
Damon took a slow sip before speaking.
"Caleb, have her things placed in the master bedroom."
Lisa blinked in surprise.
"The master bedroom?" she repeated.
Damon raised an eyebrow. "We are married, aren't we?"
Lisa smirked. "I thought you'd be too proper to suggest such a thing."
Damon leaned back against the bar, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "I'm not forcing you to share a bed. But I won't have my wife sleeping in a guest room like a stranger."
Lisa studied him for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough."
Caleb gave a slight bow and left to make arrangements.
Lisa turned back to Damon. "So, what now?"
Damon placed his glass down and walked toward her. His presence was intimidating yet effortless, his dark eyes scanning her like he could read her every thought.
Then, in a deep voice, he simply said—
"Now, Mrs. Zichen, we talk about your first task."
Lisa's heart skipped a beat.
"First task?"
Damon's smirk deepened.
"Did you think marrying me would be easy?"
Lisa crossed her arms. "Oh, I don't expect it to be easy. But I do expect to be properly compensated."
Damon chuckled. "Oh, you will be."
His expression darkened slightly as he leaned in.
"But first… let's see if you're truly ready to be my wife."
"Do you have any category for it?"