Chapter 1

The Deal

I clutched the eviction notice in my hand so tightly the paper crinkled like dry leaves. The hospital had already sent three warnings this week. Mom’s treatments weren’t going to wait for miracles, and neither were the creditors circling our family like vultures.

My phone buzzed again. Unknown number. I almost ignored it, but something made me answer.

“Layla Bennett?” a crisp female voice asked. “Mr. Damien Voss requests your presence at his office in one hour. A car is already waiting downstairs.”

I laughed bitterly. “Damien Voss? The billionaire? This has to be a prank.”

“It’s not. Refuse, and your mother’s medical bills remain unpaid....