CONTRACTED TO THE TYCOON

Sophia Moretti clutched the hospital bill, $48,320, in her trembling hands as the elevator doors slid shut behind her. The number blurred before her eyes. Her father had been in the hospital for three weeks after collapsing at work. Every day brought another bill, another treatment, another warning from doctors who spoke politely but looked at her with pity. Payment overdue. Critical condition. Immediate surgery required. Sophia inhaled sharply and folded the paper before her younger brother Matteo could see it. “Is Dad okay?” Matteo asked quietly beside her. She forced a smile. “He’s sleeping.” That was easier than telling the truth. Their father wasn’t getting better. And Sophia was running out of time. The elevator reached the ground floor. She stepped outside into the cold Las Vegas night, exhaustion pressing on her shoulders. Her phone vibrated. UNKNOWN NUMBER. Her stomach tightened before she answered. “Miss Moretti,” a smooth female voice said. “You missed your shift yesterday.” “I know,” Sophia replied quietly. “You also know clients don’t like cancellations.” “I had a family emergency.” A pause. Then colder. “The agency covered your absence. Your debt increased.” Sophia closed her eyes briefly. Another debt. Another chain around her neck. “I’ll be there tonight,” she whispered. “Of course.” The line disconnected. Matteo watched her carefully. “You’re going to work again?” he asked. “Yes.” “You barely sleep anymore.” Sophia touched his cheek gently. “Someone has to keep this family alive.” He looked away, jaw tight. That silence hurt more than arguing would have. Two hours later, Sophia stood inside the dressing room of Elysium Club. The club catered to billionaires, politicians, and celebrities who wanted beauty without complications. Everything screamed luxury. Crystal chandeliers. Velvet furniture. Expensive perfume. Fake smiles everywhere. Sophia sat before the mirror while another escort fixed her lipstick. “You look terrible,” Veronica said bluntly. “Thanks.” “I mean emotionally.” Sophia gave a tired laugh. “That better?” “Not really.” Veronica leaned against the counter. “You should quit before this place destroys you.” Sophia closed her eyes briefly. “I can’t quit.” “You say that every week.” “My father needs surgery.” Veronica sighed. No argument against that. The room fell quiet when the club manager entered. “VIP guest tonight,” he announced. “No mistakes.” The girls straightened immediately. VIP meant money. And pressure. His gaze landed on Sophia. “You’ll handle Suite Seven.” She frowned. “Who is it?” “Dominic Vale.” The reaction was instant. Even Veronica froze. Everyone knew the name. Casino owner. Billionaire. Ruthless businessman. A man powerful enough to ruin lives with a single phone call. Sophia looked away. She hated men like that. “Why me?” she asked. “He requested someone new,” the manager replied. Her stomach tightened. “Fine.” Suite Seven was quiet. Private. Expensive. Controlled. Sophia paused outside the door, inhaled once, then entered. The man near the window turned slightly. She froze. Tall. Broad shoulders. Black suit. Sharp features that looked almost cruel under the dim light. And eyes—amber, calm, fixed on her. Dominic Vale. Dangerous without trying. The room felt heavier the moment she stepped inside. He studied her silently. “You’re new,” he said. “Does that disappoint you?” she replied. One corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “No,” he said. “Sit down.” Sophia stayed standing. “That wasn’t a request?” she asked. “It was.” A flicker of amusement crossed his face. She sat slowly. Silence settled between them again. He didn’t touch her. Didn’t move closer. That alone was unusual. “You don’t belong here,” he said. Sophia almost laughed. “You figured that out fast.” “I saw it the moment you walked in.” That unsettled her. Men usually saw what they wanted. Not him. “Then get someone else,” she said. “I could.” “But you won’t?” “No.” Too fast. Too certain. Sophia looked away. This man was different. Dominic poured whiskey into a glass but didn’t drink it. “What’s your name?” he asked. “Sophia.” “Real name?” She hesitated briefly. “Yes.” “You’re honest.” “No,” she corrected quietly. “Just tired.” Something shifted in his expression. “You look exhausted,” he said. “You hired me for conversation?” she replied bitterly. “I didn’t.” “Then why am I here?” “I wanted to see you.” “That doesn’t make sense.” “It doesn’t have to.” Sophia stood suddenly. “You should request someone else.” Before she could move, he spoke again. “Your father’s in Saint Mary’s Hospital.” She froze. Slowly turned. “What?” “I saw the hospital bracelet in your purse,” he said calmly. Anger hit instantly. “You shouldn’t look through people’s things.” “I didn’t.” “Then how do you know?” “You check your phone every thirty seconds.” She stopped breathing for a second. Because he was right. And somehow that unsettled her more. Dominic stepped closer, steady and controlled. “You’re worried.” Her throat tightened. “I’m fine.” “No,” he said quietly. “You’re drowning.” The words hit too hard. Sophia crossed her arms immediately. “I’m here to work,” she said coldly. His expression closed off instantly. “Of course.” The warmth disappeared. Dominic reached for his wallet and placed several thousand dollars on the table. “You can leave.” Sophia stared at the money. “That’s it?” “Yes.” “You’re paying me to leave?” “I’m paying you to go home and sleep.” She hesitated. No one ever did that. Men always wanted more. But not him. She took the money slowly. “Thank you,” she whispered. He nodded once. At the door, she hesitated. Something about walking away suddenly felt harder than it should have. “Sophia.” She turned. For the first time, his calm expression cracked slightly. “We’re going to see each other again,” he said. She should have ignored it. Instead, her chest tightened. And for the first time in weeks, that frightened her more than anything. Because somehow… She believed him.