Chapter 3: Bound by Contract
The elevator glided to a smooth halt on the top floor of Blackwell Enterprises, its mirrored walls reflecting Aria's tense expression. Lucas stepped out first, his commanding presence filling the space as he strode toward a pair of heavy double doors.
"This way," he said without turning, his voice cool and clipped.
Aria followed, her heart thundering in her chest. The office was a stark contrast to the opulence of the rest of the building. Sleek black furniture, minimalist decor, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
"Sit," Lucas ordered, gesturing to the chair in front of his massive glass desk.
She hesitated for a moment before lowering herself into the seat, her back stiff. Lucas settled across from her, pulling a folder from a drawer and sliding it toward her.
"This is your contract," he said. "It outlines your responsibilities, the terms of repayment, and the consequences of breaching the agreement."
Aria picked up the folder with trembling hands, scanning the dense text. Her eyes caught on a particular clause:
All artwork produced during the term of this agreement will become the property of Blackwell Enterprises.
"Wait," she said, looking up. "Everything I create belongs to you?"
Lucas leaned back in his chair, his expression impassive. "It's standard. You're here to repay a debt, not to build your own portfolio."
Her jaw tightened, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "That's not fair. These will still be my creations."
"Your creations destroyed a priceless piece," Lucas countered, his voice like steel. "You don't get to negotiate."
She swallowed her retort, knowing she had no leverage. Instead, she returned to the contract, reading more carefully. The terms were strict, almost suffocating, but she couldn't afford to back out.
"Fine," she said finally, setting the folder back on the desk. "I'll sign it."
Lucas's lips curved into a faint, triumphant smile. He slid a pen across the desk, and Aria hesitated for only a second before scrawling her name on the dotted line.
The moment the ink dried, Lucas leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. "Now you belong to me—at least until your debt is repaid."
A shiver ran down her spine at the possessive undertone in his words, but she straightened her shoulders, refusing to let him intimidate her.
"Where do we start?" she asked, determined to keep her voice steady.
Lucas stood and moved to a small cabinet on the side of the room, retrieving a canvas wrapped in brown paper. He placed it on the desk between them, unwrapping it with care.
Aria's breath hitched. The painting was old, its once-vivid colors faded and cracked. It depicted a serene countryside scene—a small cottage nestled amidst rolling hills.
"This is your first task," Lucas said. "Restore it."
She blinked at him, stunned. "Restore? I've never done restoration work before."
"You'll learn," he replied, echoing his earlier statement. "I'll assign someone to guide you, but I expect perfection."
Her stomach churned at the enormity of the task. Restoration was a delicate process, requiring skill and precision she didn't have. But the determination in Lucas's gaze left no room for argument.
"Fine," she said, exhaling shakily. "I'll do it."
"Good," Lucas said, his tone softening slightly. "You'll start tomorrow. For now…" He glanced at his watch. "Go home and get some rest. You'll need it."
Aria stood, clutching the folder to her chest. "Thank you," she said, surprising even herself.
Lucas's eyes softened for a brief moment before his usual mask of indifference slipped back into place. "Don't thank me yet."
As she left the office, the weight of the contract settled on her shoulders. She had entered Lucas Blackwell's world, and there was no turning back.