The CEO's Forbidden Contract

Chapter One

Skylar's POV

“Curse you, Zane Hills,” I screamed as I headed towards my wardrobe, looking for the dress I was to wear to the function he asked me to prepare for two days ago.

I have been so busy with the tasks he gives me, and I had forgotten all about it. I arrived home from shopping on his behalf about thirty minutes ago and should have started preparing but I still forgot, till he called me now, asking me to come to pick him up.

“Why do you always have to be a brat? You can drive yourself around, why do you have to make my life miserable.” I internally screamed, forcing my shoe on as I dumped my makeup bag in my handbag.

Picking up a dart from my dart rack as I headed out of the room, I aimed it straight at his picture on the wall. The dart pierced through his eyes and that was when I was able to relax. The picture was all worn with holes and dart marks all over it.

“If I can't scold you in person, I should be…”

I was cut off by my phone ringing and as I answered the call. “A thousand dollars has been deducted. Get here in five minutes or more.” I heard his cold voice and before I could reply, he hung up.

“You son of a” I stopped myself from completing the sentence. “I'll deal with you later. For now, I must get him to the event.”

Rushing into my car, I drove straight to his mansion, and after exactly five minutes, I arrived at his mansion. Seeing him standing in front of the large entrance sent shivers down my spine. His expression was stern and his posture was imposing.

His cold gaze came in my direction, making me gulp as I got out of the car. Dressed in an expensive-looking tailored suit, he stood with his arms folded across his chest, his expression showing utter disapproval, his lips pressed into a thin line.

“Miss Miller, I expect promptness and attention to detail from my employees, and you know that.” He said and I stared back at him, saying nothing. “This is an important event and again, you know.”

“Yes sir.” I dragged my reply, my gaze focused on him, and he stared back at my stubborn expression.

“See that this doesn't happen again, Miss Miller.” He said before walking towards the door to the passenger's seat. “Don't just stand there, get me to the winery now.” He thundered and I got into the car anyway. I wasn't in the mood to make faces at him.

I wasn't bothered about the amount he took from my pay. If it would shut him up anytime, I'm willing to pay it and even more. Even if I must borrow it all.

As we approached the grand winery where the gala would be held, I started to calm down. It was a business meeting, and I don't want to be on the cover of the next trending news.

As I pulled up in front of the winery, the bustling from the inside made a wave of laziness come over to me. Or rather, tiredness. I'm so stressed right now but he doesn't even care about it, which is annoying.

Stepping out of the car, I smoothed the fabric of my elegant black dress. As Zane Hills's assistant, I must look as best as I can when going to an occasion with him which happens every week. And the perks were shopping sprees every month to change my event wardrobe.

As we made our way through the crowd of people, I caught glimpses of familiar faces and exchanged polite nods of acknowledgment. As we headed towards our seats, one of the wealthy businessmen walked up to us, accompanied by a stunning lady on his arm.

She was blonde, dressed in an extremely short red dress, revealing her cleavage and the curves on her chest which made me nauseous but of course, I didn't say a word and just stood next to Zane.

“I didn't expect to see you here, Zane Hills. I thought you would be so busy with other auctions. What does this wine do for you?” He asked with an oddly irritating smile.

“It caught my interest, William, if you want it, you should be ready to bid on it for a very high price,” Zane replied, no hint of emotion on his face as his hands buried deep into his pockets.

“I am not expecting it to be easy with your presence here. Or that of your woman. Are you two like a thing yet?”

“No, we're just colleagues,” I replied hastily, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise to my cheeks.

The man's gaze lingered on me for a moment before turning to Zane with a suggestive smirk. “Since Sir Hills won't be interested in this, and your “colleague” seems like someone who would. She's quite a catch I would say.” He said and the lady next to him nodded approvingly. Mind if she joins me and my ladies for a bit of fun?”

A wave of nausea washed over me as I heard that. These men were shameless and they aren't failing to show to everyone that they are shameless. From the look on his face, I could tell he meant it and although he could also tell I was disgusted, he wanted an answer from Zane who could be a sadist at times and just leave me to him.

“This is not the time to act like a jerk, Zane.” I thought. Sewing he was just staring at Williams, I turned to reply to him myself, but to my shock, he then spoke up. “I'm afraid that won't be possible.” He intervened with his firm tone and commanding. She's here as my guest, not to entertain you and your friends.”

William's smile immediately faltered, replaced with a flicker of annoyance as he glanced between Zane and me. “Suit yourself.” He muttered, before turning back to me with a wave.

“I know what you're doing, Skylar. You admit you're a sight for sore eyes. Would you care to join us for a drink?” His voice rang in my ears, making me feel discomfort at the invitation.

“I'm sorry, but I'm good,” I replied, shaking him off.

“Fine then, but my offer is still open.”

As he walked away, Zane turned to me, draping his jacket on my shoulders. “You should be cautious of the kind of dresses you wear to functions with thirsty businessmen. If I wasn't here…”

“I could have taken good care of myself.” I shot back at him, and we both stared at each other and were only broken by the host's voice on stage.

“Welcome everyone, to the auction of Azure Veil wine recipe.” The hostess said, making us tear our gazes away from each other before heading up to our seats.

“We have big businessmen here and we'll go straight to it before starting with the night's celebration.” The hostess pointed towards the curtains and the whole winery erupted in applause as the curtains were pulled away from the single blue bottle sitting on a stand.

“We'll start with the bidding now. Ten million, going.”

“Seventy million.” A voice from the crowd said.

“Eighty million.” Another said.

“A hundred.”

“Child's play.” I heard Zane mutter behind me, tapping his fingers against the table. “Five hundred million.”

The entire hall went silent as he said that.

“Going for five hundred million.”

“Six hundred million.” Everyone looked in the direction of the person who just spoke. Who dared to bid after Zane Hills bids? It was William and a smug smirk was on his face.