us's

ther chair, staring at the papers scattered across my desk. The stress of running the family's affairs weighed hea

t, and I had to make tough decisions to get us out of this mess. Selling Elena to Victor

n, Victor's right hand, walked i

ice serious. "Is the deal

g to sound confident. "El

Dragunov isn't known for being kind.

weight of the situation. "The debts are too high. Sel

what about Elena? Doesn't it b

ut it's necessary. Elena's just a burden to me. This way, I get the

Marcus, every decision has its conse

My step-father's death had left me with more than just debts-it had left me with a

g by the window in the sitting room. She

y are you doing this? How could

business. The debts are more than I can handle alone

s full of disbelief. "I'm no

boiling over. "But we're in a tight spot. D

"You could have found another wa

stay firm. "I'm sorry, Elena. I really am.

o stay strong. The decisions I made were driven by the need to fix the family's financial

al was crucial. Despite the harshness of my decision, I hoped it would buy

y choices and the uncertain future ahead. This was the world

y on my mind. The opulent surroundings of the mansion loomed ahead, a stark contra

z is expecting you," he said, leading me through a grand foyer into a private s

hint of satisfaction in his v

to keep my voice steady. "I

h the final details shortly. But first,

rm in my stomach

ill be joining us soon. I trust you've made the ne

y confidence wavered. "

ust about settling debts. It's also about maintaining my reputation and power.

the pressure mounting. "

into the room. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with fear. I could see

said smoothly, "

th betrayal. "Marcus," she said, her v

sure. "Elena, this is for the be

s shoulder. "Let's not dwell on the past. T

rustration. I knew that she was being forced into a si

call from Lucian. "Marcus, I ne

s tense. "There's something you need to know," he said. "Victor is

ced. "What

marriage. He's intending to use Elena to solidify his power and contr

eat break out. "

more. Be careful. If you get involved in Victo