CHAPTER FIVE

Riley sat in his office, waiting for the worst to happen. Glenn must be kidding. Where on earth would he suddenly have 500 billion in 24 hours?

He had already called Malcolm, his personal assistant. Malcolm also testified that the debt owed by the former CEO is really true. But how?

"How's that possible? Why is the record not being written anywhere?" Riley had asked Malcolm.

"I have no idea, Sir." Malcolm was equally baffled, "Actually, everything was arranged before the former CEO's death. I called his lawyer to confirm, and he told me…" Malcolm trailed off, hesitating and reluctant to deliver the rest of the news.

"What did he tell you?" Riley snapped, his patience wearing thin.

"The lawyer said the loan agreement was signed in private, and the records were never officially documented in the company's public accounts. It was... off the books." Malcolm paused again, his tone apologetic. "Apparently, the former CEO was desperate to save the company at the time and didn't want anyone to find out about the debt."

"And you're sure about this?" Riley pressed.

"Yes, sir," Malcolm confirmed. "The lawyer provided a copy of the original agreement, and it matches the one Mr Glenn gave you."

Riley clenched his fists, his mind racing. Now that the debt was real, then Glenn actually has a legal claim. But something about the whole situation felt off.

He wanted to ask how come, as his secretary for years, and still didn't know about such things?

Malcolm was still susceptible and he couldn't come to work, but Riley wanted to still ask. "Can you meet me at my office? Now?"

Malcolm hesitated before saying, "Sorry, Sir but I wouldn't be able to co.."

"It's fine." Riley cut him off. He knows better not to force a susceptible Alpha to come, but that's where the use of inhibitors comes in. "Can't you just…forget it. I'll handle it from here."

Riley chuckled at his own words. Handle it? How would he handle it?

Whatever happens, he knows that his stepdad has ulterior motives, but he wouldn't allow him to succeed. Okay. Come to think of it, according to the agreement, the debt was supposed to be paid last year since it's a one year agreement.

But why didn't he show up then? Why is it now that he's finally getting his way up and thinking he would put his plans into action he suddenly showed up. Something didn't feels right.

Even if he wanted to sell the company, the hours and everything left but the old man, he wouldn't still be able to pay it off.

Just like that, the night was here. It's already nine in the evening. Riley sat quietly after having dinner in his apartment, his gaze was on the clock, his heart beating in rhythm with the clock as it tick away—a stark reminder of what lay ahead.

As he had predicted, the door burst open by half past ten. The force of the kick sends the door swinging violently, slamming against the wall with a deafening bang.

Riley's back momentarily straightened, his heart hammering in his chest. He had already made up his mind, he's ready for whatever comes, ready for whatever game Glenn was trying to play and most importantly, ready for what Glenn would ask of him.

Isn't this funny? Paying for a debt he didn't create or know about, one he had no hand in. The absurdity made him frustrated, confused, angry and all the words that can be used to describe an internally miserable person.

"Look at you, all prepared. I'm sure you have my money packaged already." Glenn drawled, his voice dripping with condensation.

Riley flinched a little, not knowing how he was so lost in thought and when they walked in, all he knew was the door burst open and then he kinda zoned off. "Let's go straight to the point," Riley was straight forward as he met the gaze of his stepdad, not minding the predatory look he was already receiving.

Glenn smirked, "The point…" he drawled staring at Riley, he wasn't expecting him to be this bold. "The money, fast."

"I don't have it."

Glenn's smirk deepened. This was supposed to be in his favor anyway. He knew that getting 500 billion isn't like getting pocket change. Riley's response only fuels his sense of control even though he had anticipated this response.

"Of course, you don't. But…"

"But what?!" Riley cut him off, his mind reeling. Hope it's not what he's thinking?

Glenn chuckled, a wicked chuckle. "Your life. You have the rest of your life to pay me back."

Riley's stomach twisted into a knot, his already reeling mind reeled further. "W-what do you m-mean." He stammered. It's not what he's thinking, is it?

"You want to know? I'll tell you. You see, in this world of power, everyone has it—one debt or another—and eventually, they all have to pay their dues." Glenn pursed and smiled. "Do you know what I mean?"

Riley's heart raised as Glenn's words hung suffocatingly in the air. He shifted nervously on his seat, 'pay their dues' kept ringing in his ears, making his head hurt.

"Well, it's simple. All you have to do is marry into the Nightingale family. You're going to get married with Caspian Nightingale, the eldest alpha son. Simple right? With that, your debt is settled."

What? Riley couldn't believe his ears. Marry who? Caspian Nightingale? No way. He would never! He didn't expect his stepdad to say that, he wasn't expecting such a thing!

"Wait, you're crazy!" Riley snapped. "I won't marry anyone, especially not him!"

Glenn's smirk deepened, his voice cold. "You don't have a choice. This is the only way to settle your debt. Marry him, and everything is forgiven. Refuse, and your future won't be so bright."