The Billionaire's Contract of Deception

Fist and Fortune

Chapter 3

Eliana's POV

The next morning, I hopped on the train from the Bronx to Manhattan. One thing was on my mind: confront the billionaire, give him a warning, and leave.

If only I knew that day would change my life for the worse, I would have gone back to where I came from.

Vale Healthcare Enterprise gleamed under the morning sun, the building towering over me like it had something to prove. I adjusted my old bag and squared my shoulders.

Go in there, give that fool a piece of your mind, give him a serious warning, and leave.

Men like Lucan Vale thrived on intimidation, and unfortunately for him, I wasn't one to be intimidated easily.

The revolving doors opened. Cool air hit my skin. The lobby was massive—marble floors, minimalist furniture, men and women in sharp suits moving with purpose.

I caught my reflection in a glass panel. Simple blazer Mrs. Anderson had gotten me for my 23rd birthday. Hair in a messy ponytail. I didn't have time for the heavy makeup I used when stripping, so I just applied chapstick.

Maybe I should have opted for red lipstick instead. Too late now.

I approached the front desk where a blonde receptionist sat typing, her smile snapping into place when she noticed me.

"Good morning. How can I help you?"

"I'm here to see Lucan Vale, the Chief Executive of this enterprise."

Her fingers paused mid-air. She took her time looking at me. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No."

Her smile turned condescending. "Then I'm afraid—"

"Tell him the mother of his child is here to see him."

I don't know where that came from, but it worked. She gave me a different once-over and picked up the phone.

"One moment."

After murmuring into the receiver, she hung up. "Take the elevator to the topmost floor. Someone will meet you there."

"Thank you." I gave her a polite smile.

Fake bambina, I muttered under my breath.

The elevator ride was quiet. I drummed my hand against my dress, jaw clenching tighter with each floor. Mrs. Anderson's exhausted face played in my head. The way her hands trembled around the whiskey glass.

Lucan Vale thought he could bully an old woman into handing over her legacy. He was about to learn how wrong he was.

The doors opened. A tall man in a charcoal suit stood waiting. "This way."

He led me down a long hallway lined with glass walls and muted artwork. At the end stood double doors.

He knocked once, then opened them. "Mr. Vale. She's here."

I stepped inside before he could say another word.

The office was imposing, just like the man behind the desk. Lucan Vale was an attractive son of a b***h.

His gaze lifted slowly and landed on me, looking me over from head to toe. He was older than I expected, mid-thirties maybe, with dark hair neatly styled and eyes that held no warmth whatsoever.

"Leave us," he said calmly.

The man exited. The door clicked shut.

Lucan leaned back, steepling his fingers. "You have five minutes to tell me why you lied about having my baby."

I moved closer to his desk, leaning on it. "I'd rather have my womb surgically removed than bear your child, but that's not why I'm here. I'm coming from the Bronx, the club on East 153rd to be exact. Does that ring a bell?"

His features changed as his mind worked. Finally, recognition crossed his face.

"You assaulted my men last night."

"They assaulted my club." I spat back, eyes filling with unfiltered anger.

"They were delivering a message." He leaned back, an arrogant smirk decorating his face.

"Then here's mine."

I didn't think twice before sending my fist flying to his face. I wasn't done—I slapped him from the other angle. When I attempted the third, a firm grip held my hand.

"What exactly made you think you could walk into my office and touch me?" He held my hand tight.

I cursed him in all the different languages I knew, which was considerably small judging by the unimpressed look on his face.

Lucan stood. "How about I show you how I handle insolent girls like you?"

What he said angered me further. I did the most insolent thing he didn't expect.

I spat on him.

"Let go of me, you retard."

He wasn't paying attention. "Security!"

The same man from earlier came with a group of men.

"Have her detained immediately."

I was faster—I dodged the second one, kicking the bodyguard to the left on his shin. He gave a girly scream. I attempted to hurl myself at another but he was faster, holding me down.

They dragged me out. As they did, I had a staring contest with Lucan Vale. Just when we were about to leave, I showed him my middle finger.

It turned out there was an asylum under Vale Enterprises for troubled and mentally unstable patients. That's where I was placed.

He specifically requested I get a private cell. The men threw me into it and left me with my thoughts.

I sat at the far end, my mind reeling. I shouldn't have laid a hand on that bastard, but watching him being all high and mighty ticked me off. I wish I had kicked him where the sun doesn't shine.

I walked around the small cell, unable to keep track of time. Mrs. Anderson must be worried sick about me. If only I could send a message that I was alright and locked here as a result of my bad choices.

Fuck, Eli. You didn't think this through.

I sat on the floor for a long time before the door opened. A man entered with a plate of food and water. He didn't pay me any attention to me as he placed it on the floor of the cell.

I stared at the tray, my stomach growling but my mind sharper, wondering exactly what he had planned next.