The first time I met Adrian Blackwood, he told me he was going to destroy my family.

I thought he was bluffing.

I was wrong.

Your father’s company will be bankrupt by Friday.

I stared at the man sitting behind the enormous black desk.

Adrian Blackwood.

Thirty years old. Billionaire. Ruthless businessman.

And, according to every newspaper I'd ever read about him, a man who never showed mercy.

You’re lying, I said.

He calmly pushed a folder toward me.

Open it.

I hesitated before picking it up.

Inside were pages of bank statements, loan agreements, and legal documents.

Then I saw the amount.

My stomach dropped.

Two hundred million dollars.

My father doesn’t owe this much.

He does.

And you expect me to believe that?

Adrian leaned back in his chair.

You don't have to believe me. Ask your father.

My fingers tightened around the papers.

Why are you doing this?

His expression suddenly hardened.

Because your family took something from mine.

I frowned.

What are you talking about

You really don't know?

No.

For a moment, Adrian simply stared at me.

Then he stood and walked toward the window.

Seven years ago, my family's estate burned down.

I knew the story.

Everyone did.

His mother had died in the fire.

His younger sister, Sophia, had survived but was left badly injured.

The newspapers had called it a tragic accident.

Adrian turned toward me.

I don't believe it was an accident.

My heart began beating faster.

“What does that have to do with my father?”

“Everything.”

I shook my head.

“My father had nothing to do with that fire.”

“That’s what he told you.”

“You can't just accuse him without proof.”

A cold smile appeared on Adrian's face.

“Oh, I have proof.”

He returned to his desk and placed another document in front of me.

I looked down.

My father's signature was at the bottom.

My mouth went dry.

“What is this?”

“A confession.”

I looked up at him.

“That’s impossible.”

“Is it?”

I couldn't breathe.

My father had always been the person I trusted most.

He couldn't have done something like that.

Adrian watched my face carefully.

Then he said something that frightened me even more.

“I don't want your father's money anymore.”

“Then what do you want?”

He moved closer.

“You.”

I stared at him.

“What?”

“Marry me.”

I actually laughed.

It was the only thing I could think to do.

“You're crazy.”

“Possibly.”

“You hate my family.”

“I do.”

“Then why would you want to marry me?”

His eyes darkened.

“Because you are the one thing your father can't afford to lose.”

My smile disappeared.

“You're using me.”

“Yes.”

At least he was honest.

I pushed the contract away.

“I won't do it.”

Adrian didn't try to stop me.

Instead, he glanced at his watch.

“Then go home.”

I stood.

“Gladly.”

“Tell your father I said hello.”

I stopped at the door.

“And tell him he has until midnight.”

I turned around.

“Until midnight for what?”

“To save everything.”

His voice was calm.

“If you don't sign the marriage agreement by midnight, I'll take control of his company.”

My heart sank.

You can't.

I already can.

I walked out of his office with tears burning my eyes.

By the time I reached home, my father was waiting for me.

One look at his face told me Adrian hadn't been lying.

Dad?

He looked away.

Where were you?

I met Adrian Blackwood.

His face went pale.

I stepped closer.

Tell me the truth.

He said nothing.

Did you cause the fire?

His silence broke something inside me.

Dad!

He finally looked at me.

I never wanted you involved.

My eyes filled with tears.

What did you do?

Before he could answer, his phone rang.

He looked at the screen.

Then at me.

It’s the bank.

He answered.

His expression changed.

We've been given until midnight.

I knew what that meant.

I ran upstairs.

At 11:57 p.m., I sat alone at my desk, staring at the marriage contract Adrian had given me.

Three minutes remained.

My family would lose everything if I refused.

I picked up the pen.

My hand trembled.

Then I signed.

Elena Carter.

At exactly midnight, my phone rang.

It was Adrian.

I answered without speaking.

His deep voice came through the phone.

Good girl.

I closed my eyes.

I hate you.

There was a brief silence.

Then he said,

“Good. Because falling in love with me would be the biggest mistake of your life.”

The call ended.

I stared at my wedding contract.

I had just married the man who wanted to destroy my family.

And I had no idea that before sunrise, someone would try to kill me.