ate swirls and patterns creating an almost foreboding presence. Behind it, the driveway stretched long and winding, disappearing into a canopy

been expecting you," said a disembodied male voice. With a soft buzz, the

stone path felt heavier than the last, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. She had agreed to

pale stone, complete with towering columns, massive windows, and ivy climbing its walls. The kind of place you

even knock. "Miss Reed, welcome," he said, his tone polite but dist

s that seemed to stretch forever, and artwork so exquisite she couldn't help but slow her pace to t

a practiced ease, revealing a room that was both intimidating and cozy. Dark wood paneled the walls, shelves li

evening. He turned when she entered, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Miss Reed," he

ion," she replied, trying to mas

sturing to the leather arm

clasped tightly in her lap. Sebastian took his seat behind the

ard her, "is the contract. It outlines

he sheer number of pages making her

tian replied. "I want you to be fully aware of what yo

ised, outlining everything from the monthly stipend she would receive to the expectations for p

her struggle. "Do you ha

rters, why me? I mean, you could have chosen anyone for t

ve told you before. You're resilient, adaptable, and, most importantly, yo

"And what happens if I mess up? What if I

tion in you. But to answer your question, the contract includes a confidentiality clause. If things don't wor

ach churn, but she nodded. "Okay. What about m

overed," Sebastian replied. "She won't be directly invo

d by his thoroughness. "Tha

want you focused on your role, no

its. Sebastian poured a cup for her, his movements precise and controlled. It was

she said, tak

he replied, his

every question she had. Despite his intimidating presence, he showed no signs o

e, he handed her a pen. "If you're rea

his was it-the moment she stepped into a life she couldn't fully

he signed her name, the

said, his voice low and ste

he had crossed the threshold into his world, a world

he asked, her voice b

chair, "you move into the estate

s Sebastian Grey made her stomach twist, bu

f her decision settle over her. She had signed away a year of her l

d where every move she made would be scrutinized. But she had ma