Amelia Clark leaned her back against a chair in the corner of the ballroom, trying to control her whirling thoughts. She had attended events like this many times, but tonight felt different. A tinge of uncertainty clouded her heart. Her company, Clark Events, was on the brink of bankruptcy, and Amelia certainly knew that tonight's charity event was probably her last chance to find an investor who would save her business.Across the room, the glow of crystal chandeliers hung majestically over the passing guests, talking in hushed voices, cups of champagne glittering in their hands. Amelia took a deep breath, glancing in the mirror next to her. The simple black dress she wore did accentuate her slender figure, but she didn't feel confident that night."I can do it," she whispered to herself. "It's just an event."However, there was one guest who made her feel nervous. Dominic King. Amelia had heard stories about the man-a mysterious billionaire who rarely appeared in public. He wielded great power in the business world, and it was rumored that no project had ever failed in his hands. But what intrigued Amelia wasn't just his wealth and achievements, but the secrets circulating about his life."I will consider your offer, Mr. King," Amelia said, trying to be professional. "But I need some time to think about it."Dominic nodded, as if he had expected that answer. "Of course. I don't expect a decision so soon. Take the time you need. But remember, I'm not waiting forever."Amelia looked at Dominic once more, searching for clearer signs behind the man's cold stare. However, as before, Dominic remained like an impenetrable wall - elusive and full of mystery.Amelia decided that tonight she would not make a decision. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they parted ways, and Amelia slipped out of the room, trying to make sense of what had just happened.Once outside the ballroom, the cool evening breeze brushed against her face, refreshing her questioning mind. Dominic King-the man who seems so perfect on the outside-offers a solution to all her problems, but at too high a price: sacrificing her emotional freedom.Is she willing to enter into an agreement with someone who hides such a big secret? Something about Dominic feels unnatural, like there's a dark weight hanging over his life.Yet, on the other hand, Amelia knew that if she didn't act soon, her family's company would collapse. Her father's legacy would simply disappear, and she would lose everything she had built.With mixed feelings, Amelia returned to her apartment, thinking hard about the strange agreement Dominic had offered. As she looked out of her apartment window overlooking New York City glittering in the night, she wondered if this path she was taking would bring happiness or destruction.But one thing is for sure-her meeting with Dominic King is the beginning of a big change in her life, something she never expected. An encounter that will lead her into a world of secrets, power, and difficult choices.***The night after her encounter with Dominic King, Amelia couldn't sleep. Her mind kept spinning, caught between curiosity and fear. At three in the morning, she gave up. She sat on the edge of her bed, cell phone in hand, staring at the text message she had just received from Dominic."Business meeting tomorrow. 10am at my office. Don't be late."Amelia let out a long sigh, staring out the window of her apartment. The never-sleeping New York City looked so serene in the distance, the street lights shining like stars in the dark sky. The thought of tomorrow's meeting made her stomach churn. Not because he was afraid of Dominic, but because of the offer the man was making. What did Dominic really want? And why were those strange conditions so important to him?The next morning, Amelia sat in front of the mirror, noticing that her face looked more tired than usual. The dark circles under her eyes reflected her lack of sleep last night. However, she pushed those worries aside and decided to get ready. She chose a simple yet elegant beige dress, suggesting poise and professionalism."Focus on business," she muttered to herself, trying to calm the still pounding heartbeat. "It's just a meeting."Amelia arrived at Dominic's office building on time. The building towered with gleaming glass, reflecting the splendor and power that seemed to envelop Dominic's every step. She stepped inside, greeted by the receptionist who immediately directed Amelia towards the elevator to the highest floor. The more she ascended, the heavier her steps felt, as if every second brought her closer to something she didn't fully understand.Upon reaching the top floor, the elevator doors opened, revealing Dominic's spacious office. The room was dominated by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provided spectacular views of the city. But what stunned Amelia was not the view, but the figure of Dominic standing in the center of the room, facing the window, seemingly lost in thought."Good morning," she greeted, trying to sound confident.Dominic turned around, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Amelia. Right on time. Please have a seat."Amelia walked over and sat in one of the black leather chairs in front of Dominic's desk. The man sat across the table, looking at her with piercing blue eyes, as if able to see straight into her soul. Instantly, Amelia felt trapped between curiosity and reluctance to continue this conversation."So," Dominic began in a calm tone, "have you considered my offer?"Amelia gulped, trying to keep her tone neutral. "I have considered it. But before I give you an answer, I'd like to know more about the conditions you put forward. Why do you emphasize that our relationship must remain entirely professional?"Dominic was silent for a moment, his gaze turning cold. "That's a personal matter, Amelia. I don't want my personal life to affect my business. I've seen too many people fail by mixing the two."Amelia winced, sensing there was something deeper behind Dominic's words. "But it's more than just keeping business professional, isn't it? You sound like someone who ... avoids relationships on purpose."Dominic gave him a sharp look, his jaw tightening. "I don't have to explain my personal life to you, Amelia."Amelia felt her heart beating faster, but she didn't back down. "Maybe not. But if I have to consider this offer, I deserve to know why that condition is so important. Are you afraid of getting emotionally involved with someone?"Dominic was silent for a long time, and Amelia almost thought that she had gone too far. However, just when things were starting to get tense, Dominic sighed softly."It's not about being afraid, Amelia. It's about maintaining control. Control over the business, over my life ... and over myself."Amelia stared at him, realizing that there was something even deeper behind that answer. "What makes you feel the need to control everything so tightly? Is there something you're hiding?"Dominic's gaze changed. For the first time, Amelia saw a hint of doubt in the man's eyes, as if he was struggling between saying something or remaining silent. However, Dominic immediately closed himself back up, his smile returning, though colder this time."I have personal reasons, and they are irrelevant to this business deal. All you need to know is that I will give you what you need-an injection of funds to save your company-and in return, our relationship will remain professional. Nothing more, nothing less."Amelia paused. The offer seemed simple, but the terms felt awkward. There was something about Dominic that made her feel that the man was hiding a far greater burden than he was admitting."What makes you so sure that we won't get personally involved?" Amelia finally asked, trying to provoke a more honest answer.Dominic leaned his body back, looking at Amelia with a look in his eyes that was hard to interpret. "I know who I am, Amelia. And I know what I want. I'm not interested in emotional relationships. That's been my decision for a long time."Amelia was silent, trying to digest the words. This man clearly had complete control over every aspect of her life. However, Amelia couldn't help but wonder-was that control based on choice or fear?"What are you really afraid of, Dominic?" the question came out of nowhere, beyond her control.Dominic looked at her with a cold gaze, yet there was a flash of anger hidden behind his blue eyes. "I'm not afraid of anything, Amelia. I'm just sticking to my principles."Amelia wanted to press further, but she knew that this was neither the place nor the time to fight Dominic. The man was clearly unwilling to open himself up any further, and if she kept pressing, perhaps Dominic would withdraw his offer."I understand," Amelia said finally, although she wasn't entirely sure what was really going on behind all this yet. "I will accept your offer, Mr. King. We'll keep things professional."Dominic nodded slowly, as if satisfied with that answer. "Good. My team will contact you to work out the details of the contract. Welcome to the partnership, Amelia."Amelia stood up, smoothing her dress. "Thank you, Mr. King. I hope this partnership will be a success.""So do I," Dominic said, his voice flat, emotionless.Amelia stepped out of the office with mixed feelings. She had just accepted an offer that could save her company, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just walked into something much bigger than she realized.She knows Dominic King is no ordinary man, but what is he really hiding? And is Amelia ready to face the secrets behind the tight control Dominic holds over himself?One thing is for sure-this is just the beginning of an enigmatic journey.