LIES THAT BOUND US

CHAPTER ONE – Scarlett’s POV I adjusted my blazer, for the third time, the satin material catching the glow of the chandelier that was hung above me. No matter how much I adjusted, I felt out of place. But it was true, I did not belong amongst the elites and wealthy crowd in the Lincoln Hotel’s ballroom. The atmosphere was dripping with wealth, champagne glasses clicking together, and subtle laughs. This was exactly the type of event I needed to sneak into if I wanted a juicy story for a headline. My invitation came through earlier, through the magazine I worked for, The Midtown Times. It was supposed to be a puff piece, the kind of specialty my editor shoved at me because ‘I'm too young to handle real stories.’I’d been pitching stories that would shake the city for years but I always got ignored or assigned to write on celebrity life or the latest trending delicacies.I knew I could do so much better and that’s why I’m here tonight. I wasn’t here for brunch talk, I’m gonna find something bigger.I scanned the room, ignoring the glasses of champagne and trays of oysters carried past me.My eyes caught up on a group of men tailored in white and black suits. The way they conversed didn’t look small, the way they stood, their charisma, they all reeked of power.But right in the middle of them was he. Ryker Grey.Even from a distance, he drew attention. Tall, broad-shouldered with his black hair slicked back, bringing out his perfectly sculptured face. I had heard a lot about him. Well, who hadn’t? The ruthless CEO of Grey Enterprises. He is feared, respected, and dangerous. His presence here tonight was a jackpot. He was exactly the kind of man a journalist would want to write an article about. If I could get closer and study him more, I could get my breakthrough story.I moved closer, acting like I was admiring the chandeliers and the interior. My ears were tuned in, trying to get pieces of the conversation he was having. I caught words but they weren’t really specific. He kept on saying; acquire, takeovers. I didn’t understand. But then, one name kept on being mentioned.Gordon Campbell. Another billionaire CEO. He owns a billion-dollar stock company. I wondered why he wasn’t present tonight. Why were they discussing him?I was getting more curious. I reached out for my note to scribble the information I got. I knew better than to look too eager, it would look suspicious but Ryker Grey didn’t look like he was bothered by reporters though.I looked over to them and his gaze lifted and was locked on me.My pulse picked up and my heart stopped. His eyes were dark and sharp. He didn’t smile nor did he frown. He just stared.I tried to steady my breathing. I could do this. I could play his game. I had beauty, charm, and smarts. I could do this. Before I could convince myself further, he was walking towards me.“You’re a journalist, aren’t you?” He said, his voice low and cold. It sent a shiver down my spine. “You’re the type to ask a lot of questions, I wonder what you’re doing here?”My stomach turned, “I…I have an invitation”“I see” His head tilted slightly and a smirk appeared on his face. “Curiosity is dangerous in my world. But I like it in a person. You write for The Midtown Times?” “Yes, but how..”“You have a badge on you, darling”I looked down slowly and noticed I didn’t take it off. He studied me like a puzzle he intended to solve. But his words sent a flicker of pride through me. But compliments from a man like him aren’t compliments, they were warnings adorned in silk.“I would like us to go somewhere quiet,” He said, his tone sharp and commanding.He had red flags all over, I couldn’t possibly mind him. But this can be my big shot. My thoughts battled each other.“Sure.” I got into his dark Rolls-Royce Phantom and we drove to a restaurant. But it was quiet and empty. We were the only ones present, but it looked pretty much open for customers.We sat opposite each other. The waiter came and poured him a glass of wine. He turned to put mine but I rejected it, I wasn’t a wine fan. Other than that I wasn’t comfortable drinking with a man I barely knew.“So, I have a proposition. A deal that would benefit both of us. You help me and you get something in return.” He stated.What could it possibly be about?I raised an eyebrow, “ Help you?”How could I possibly be of help to a man who has everything wrapped around his finger?“Destroy a rival,” he simply said. “Gordon Campbell.”I blinked in confusion. Why would he want to destroy Gordon Campbell? He appeared on the front page of The Midtimes magazine three times in a row. If Ryker wanted him gone, he must be as horrible as him. And what did he mean to destroy?“I want you to dig up his dirty secrets.” He continued“And why would I be interested in your rivalry games?” I asked.“You help me dig up his shady secrets and you get the story that would put you on the map.” He smirked “You’ll have access no other reporter could dream of. You can make your career skyrocket overnight.”My heart skipped. This was exactly the type of opportunity I’ve been chasing for years. It was a shot I had never dreamt of missing, I would finally get to prove myself. It seemed too good to be true.“How exactly am I going to help? Or what’s the catch?” I muttered.His eyes were sharper and a bigger smirk grew across his lips. “You get close to him. Charm him. Learn his secrets. I want his reputation to crumble, but it's easier done from the inside. And you? You’ll get the kind of stories every reporter wants. Your name will be etched everywhere. Scarlett Wright.”I froze. I was stepping into a dark and dangerous game. Any wrong move would crush me. I couldn’t resist the temptation.“I’ll do it,” I said, my voice louder and stronger than I felt.It’s just like an investigation, a normal assignment but instead of orders coming from the editor, it was a solo mission. I said, trying to comfort myself.“Good.” He stood up. “And remember, you play by my rules.” He said slowly and deliberately. As Ryker walked away, I exhaled shakily. My nerves churned in my stomach.A deep voice inside me whispered, “You have no idea what you’ve just stepped into.”My mind spun and my pulse raced.