urious office, her heart racing with anticipation. Julian Blackw

voice smooth and confident. "I tru

tract. "Yes, Mr. Blackwood. I'm interested, but I nee

ement. "Of course, my dear, have your seat

pend, access to my resources and connections, and a guaranteed inheritance. In return, you will agree to

She knew that she was taking a risk, but she also knew that she had no

"And what exactly do you mean by 'con

your artistic decisions, your exhibitions, your career. And, of course, your per

ew that she was sacrificing her independence, her fre

said, her voice ba

he said. "I'm glad we understand each other, Alex

w that she was about to enter into a contract that would change h

to be brave, that she had to take risks to achieve her goals. And so she listened to Juli

tles over her. She knew that she was taking a risk, but she also knew that she

ht of her decision. She knew that she was sacrificing her independ

dation. She knew that she was about to enter into a wor

had to be brave, that she had to take risks to achieve her goals. And so she w