Debt of the Heart

chapter 2

Lucas Kane thought there would be crying, begging, maybe even trying to bribe him. From what he knew, desperate people did predictable things when trapped. What he didn't expect was how calm and dignified Edward Winters' daughter was.

"Would you like some coffee, Mr. Kane?" she asked, like he was just a normal guest and not someone coming to collect a debt.

"No, thank you." Lucas stayed standing, not wanting to make this meeting longer with polite talk. "I'd rather we talk about why I'm here."

Anna Winters nodded once, pointing to the living room. "Of course. Please."

Lucas noticed how she positioned herself, guiding him to an armchair while she sat next to her father on the old couch, showing they were together on this. Interesting, since his background check had shown their relationship wasn't great. Anna had worked multiple jobs since she was a teenager to support her father's failing finances. From everything he knew, Edward Winters had used his daughter's loyalty for years.

"Mr. Winters," Lucas started, looking straight at the older man, "you got a loan of five million dollars by lying, using property you didn't even own anymore as guarantee."

Edward Winters seemed to get smaller on the couch. "I was going to pay it back—"

"With what?" Lucas cut him off coldly. "You've had seventeen failed businesses in the last ten years. You've gone bankrupt twice. Your credit score is terrible. How were you planning to pay it back?"

"Dad," Anna interrupted softly, putting her hand on her father's arm before turning to Lucas. "Mr. Kane, what my father did was wrong. We know that."

Lucas raised an eyebrow at the 'we,' noticing how quickly she included herself in her father's problem.

"But," she continued, her voice steady even though her hands were shaking a little, "there must be some way to fix this without going to the police."

Lucas studied her carefully. Anna Winters wasn't pretty like the women who usually were around him—models, rich women, ambitious business women. Her features were striking rather than perfect: smart hazel eyes, a determined chin, lips pressed together in worry. She wore no jewelry except a simple watch with a c***k on it. Her clothes were modest, well-kept but obviously worn for a long time.

But there was something interesting about how calm she was, how obviously smart she was. His investigation showed she'd given up a promising school career to work multiple jobs supporting her father. Loyal to a fault, but not stupid—the caution in her eyes told him she understood exactly what kind of man she was dealing with.

"I have an idea in mind," Lucas said, taking a folder from his briefcase. "Whether you think it's better than police charges is up to you."

He put the document on the coffee table between them. Anna leaned forward to read it, her forehead wrinkling as she understood the terms.

"A five-year job contract?" She looked up, confused. "You want my father to work for you?"

"No, Ms. Winters," Lucas said, watching her reaction carefully. "I want you."

The room went quiet. Edward Winters made a choking sound next to his daughter. Anna's face got pale, but she stayed remarkably calm.

"Excuse me?" Her voice was like ice.

"Not in the way you're thinking," Lucas explained, though he noticed her first thought with interest. "I need a personal assistant. Someone smart, able to adapt, and who can keep secrets. My investigation suggests you have these qualities."

"Investigation?" she repeated, showing anger for the first time.

"Did you think I would come here without thoroughly researching both of you?" Lucas pointed to the contract. "The terms are simple. You will work only for me for five years. Room and food provided. Money for necessary expenses. When you finish your contract, your father's debt will be paid in full, with no police charges filed."

Anna read the document more carefully this time. "This isn't just a job contract. It requires me to live on your property. To be available 24/7. To sign a big non-disclosure agreement." She looked up, eyes flashing. "This is like slavery."

Lucas smiled without warmth. "That's a dramatic way to see it. You'll get valuable career experience, networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of knowing your father isn't in jail. Many would think it's quite generous."

"Annie, please," Edward whispered, his voice breaking. "It's only five years."

She turned to her father, something complicated passing between them that Lucas couldn't quite understand.

"May I review this in detail?" she asked Lucas, her voice professionally distant again.

"You have until noon tomorrow," Lucas stood up, buttoning his suit jacket smoothly. "My driver will arrive at exactly twelve to collect either your signed contract or your father for processing at the police station. The choice is yours."

He took a business card from his pocket and placed it beside the contract. "My private number, if you have questions about the terms."

As he turned to leave, Anna stood up too, following him to the door. In the narrow hallway, away from her father's ears, she spoke quietly.

"Why me, Mr. Kane? You could hire any qualified assistant in the city."

Lucas looked at her thoughtfully. Most people avoided looking directly at him, intimidated by his reputation or wealth. Anna Winters looked straight at him, neither challenging nor submissive, just direct.

"Think of it as a personal experiment, Ms. Winters. Your father used you for years, yet you stay loyal. I'm curious what creates such dedication, and whether it can be redirected."

Her expression hardened. "I'm not some psychology experiment."

"No," Lucas agreed, opening the door. "You're a woman with a decision to make. Choose wisely."

As he walked toward the elevator, Lucas heard her closing the door behind him, softly, controlled, not the angry slam most people would have done. His lips curved slightly. Whatever Anna Winters decided, she would be far more interesting than the yes-men who typically surrounded him.

His phone buzzed with a message from Vincent, his chief of staff: "Meeting confirmed with Japanese investors, 8 AM."

Lucas texted back a short acknowledgment as he got into the back seat of his waiting car. His current assistant had already messed up the preliminary arrangements twice. Whether Anna Winters accepted his offer or not, changes would be made.

"Home," he told his driver, turning his attention to the city lights outside the tinted windows. For the first time in months, Lucas found himself really curious about what the next day would bring.