Surprised??

The next morning, I walked into Sterling Enterprises with a blank face, hiding the anger bubbling beneath my skin.

Marcus had called me into his office first thing. I had expected him to throw another insult my way or remind me how much of a burden I was to this family.

Instead, he simply smirked and handed me a contract.

"You'll start as Evie's assistant," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "It's about time you learned to be useful."

I had to swallow the bitter taste of humiliation.

This was his way of keeping me beneath Evie. A reminder that, no matter what, I was always going to be her shadow.

But I signed the papers.

Because this was just the beginning.

---

I left the building, my fingers tightening around the strap of my bag.

That's when I noticed it.

A sleek black Maybach parked near the entrance.

Something about it made me pause. It was too expensive, too polished—standing out even in the sea of luxury cars outside Sterling Enterprises.

Before I could fully process it, the back door swung open.

"Get in."

I knew that voice.

My stomach clenched slightly as I turned and met the sharp, knowing gaze of Damien Woods.

For a moment, I hesitated.

We had only met properly last night. Our deal was barely set. And yet, here he was—waiting.

I glanced around. Too many eyes were watching. The Sterlings had spies everywhere.

With a deep breath, I stepped inside.

The door shut behind me, sealing me in a space filled with the scent of leather and something expensive.

For the first time, I saw him in the full light of day.

And I realized just how wrong I had been.

I had assumed he was older, maybe even scarred from whatever battles he had fought in his past. Instead, he was undeniably stunning.

His sharp jawline, piercing blue eyes, and the way he carried himself with effortless power—it was almost unfair. No man should look this good.

I quickly masked my reaction, turning toward the window.

But I could feel his smirk.

"Surprised?" His voice held an edge of amusement.

I rolled my eyes. "Not at all."

He chuckled softly. "I thought you'd be smarter than to walk out of Sterling Enterprises looking that furious. You practically screamed that something happened."

I inhaled slowly. "Marcus assigned me to be Evie's assistant."

His smirk disappeared, his expression turning unreadable. "That's... unexpected."

I frowned. "Why?"

"Because he just handed me the perfect spy."

I stiffened.

Last night, I had agreed to work with Damien—to uncover the truth behind my mother's death. He had the connections, the resources. I had the access.

But hearing him say it out loud sent a shiver down my spine.

"You still haven't told me what you know," I murmured.

He tilted his head slightly, studying me. "And you haven't earned it yet."

My nails dug into my palms. "You—"

"Patience, Aria." His voice was smooth, laced with something almost teasing. "You're in the game now. Play it well, and I'll give you everything you need."

I hated that he was right.

I hated even more that he was the only person I could trust.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the Sterling estate.

As I reached for the door handle, Damien's voice stopped me.

"One more thing."

I glanced at him.

His gaze darkened slightly. "Be careful in there. The wolves are watching."

I let out a slow breath before stepping out, straightening my posture.

What he didn't know—what none of them knew—was that I had stopped being prey a long time