Chapter 6: The Man Behind the Name

Elena's fingers brushed over the last pillow as if adjusting it would steady her heartbeat. But the words Damon had just spoken—so casually, so boldly—rippled through her like a warm current through ice.

"You're the most interesting part of this hotel anyway."

She didn't know how to respond, so she stayed quiet. Maybe she had imagined it. Maybe he was just being polite. But then why did her chest feel like it was holding back a tidal wave?

"I think I'm done here," she said softly, her voice unsure, eyes still fixed on the pillow.

Damon turned away from the window slowly, studying her. "Are you always this quiet when people compliment you?"

Her lips parted slightly, caught off guard. "I just… don't hear it much."

There was a pause. Not awkward—just heavy with something unspoken.

Damon slipped his hands into his pockets and took a few steps closer, but kept a polite distance. "You should hear it more often. Especially when it's true."

Elena's throat tightened. She couldn't afford this. Not now. Not when Lily needed medicine. Not when she was one paycheck away from losing everything. Not when the man standing in front of her belonged to a world she had no place in.

"Thank you, Mr. Damon," she said finally, lifting her chin. "If you need anything else, you can call the front desk."

He studied her for a moment longer. "Actually… I requested you for a reason."

Elena froze. Her heart skipped. "A reason?"

He nodded, stepping back to the couch and sitting down like he wasn't a billionaire in a designer suit but just… a man. "I don't usually involve myself with staff. But you—Elena—you're different. I see something in you."

She stared at him. "You don't even know me."

"No," he agreed. "But I want to."

Her breath caught.

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "I want to offer you something. Not charity. Not pity. Something that could change things—for you, for whoever you're fighting so hard for."

Her hands trembled at her sides. "Why would you do that?"

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "Because once, someone gave me a chance when I had nothing. And because I don't believe in coincidences."

He stood slowly and walked to the mini bar. "Think about it. If you're interested… meet me here after your shift. No pressure."

Elena nodded stiffly, confused, overwhelmed, and suspicious all at once. Damon didn't press. He only gave her one last glance—so calm, so sure—and then turned his attention elsewhere.

She slipped out of the room, her heart thudding like a warning bell.

What kind of man made an offer like that?

And more importantly… why did a part of her want to say yes?