Contracted to the Ruthless Billionaire

Rain poured relentlessly over the city. Ava Williams stood outside the hospital, clutching an envelope that would change her life forever. NOTICE. Her father's surgery had to be paid for within seventy-two hours. Otherwise... It would be canceled. Her hands trembled as she read the letter for the tenth time. "$180,000..." It was more money than she could earn in years. She closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears. Six months ago, life had been different. Her father owned a successful construction company. She was preparing to graduate from university. Her younger brother dreamed of becoming an engineer. Then everything collapsed. A trusted business partner stole the company's money and disappeared overseas. The business went bankrupt. Their house was seized. Their savings vanished. Her father suffered a heart attack from the stress. Now he lay unconscious in the intensive care unit. Ava had sold nearly everything she owned. Her jewelry. Her laptop. Even her mother's wedding ring. But it still wasn't enough. Her phone buzzed. It was the landlord. "Miss Williams, your rent is three months overdue." "I know." "If you don't pay by Friday, you'll have to leave." "I understand." The call ended. Another problem. Another door closing. Ava looked up at the gray sky. "For once..." "...can't something go right?" As she crossed the street, a black luxury sedan suddenly stopped beside her. The rear window lowered. A woman in an elegant navy suit looked at Ava with calm, professional eyes. "Miss Ava Williams?" "...Yes." "My name is Sophia Carter." She handed Ava a black business card. Executive Assistant to Ethan Blackwood Ava frowned. "The billionaire?" Sophia nodded. "Mr. Blackwood would like to discuss an opportunity that may solve all your financial problems." Ava stared at the card. She had never met Ethan Blackwood. She had no idea why one of the richest men in the country knew her name. But deep inside... She felt that stepping into that car would change her life forever.