Chapter 7: Into The Lion's Den
1102 Words
"We're going to my family estate. It's time to introduce my fake fiancée to the rest of the sharks."
Those were the last words Alexandier had said to her, and somehow, they hadn't left her mind. With shaky legs, Ciara made her way to her new room.
After Mrs. Gable was dragged out, Ciara moved her things into another bedroom. There was no way she was going to share a room with a human refrigerator like Alexandier.
I really need to be more careful around here, she thought. Who knows if there's another spy working for Julian in this penthouse.
Her eyes scanned her new quarters. The room looked nothing like Alexandier's room, which was a cold mixture of grey, black, and white colors with a king-size bed. This room looked much more feminine, but without any tacky pink colors. It had a peaceful, cool vibe with beautiful, soft tones on the walls.
She had barely taken five steps toward the bed when a soft knock came at the door.
Ciara turned back to open it, revealing the same young maid who had helped her with her bag earlier.
"Hello," the maid smiled nervously.
"How may I help you?" Ciara asked. She didn't bother returning the smile. She knew she had to be careful around all the workers in this house from now on.
"Mr. Sterling asked me to give you this." The maid held out two large, heavy white boxes with beautiful red silk bows attached to them.
"Thanks." Ciara collected the boxes.
She rushed over to the bed and quickly unwrapped the first box. Her breath caught in her throat. Resting inside was a breathtaking black evening gown. As an aspiring fashion designer, Ciara instantly recognized the incredible craftsmanship. It was made of heavy, premium silk crepe that would hug her curves perfectly, featuring an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline and a dramatic, thigh-high slit.
Alongside the dress rested a pair of gorgeous black heels. Ciara gasped.
"I know these heels," she whispered.
They were from the newest Chanel luxury collection—a rare, limited-edition pair with delicate ankle straps and a signature interlocking logo made of tiny crystals. She had stared at these exact shoes on fashion blogs for months. She never would have thought she’d finally be able to try them on.
Her eyes moved to the second, smaller box. She lifted the lid and froze. Resting on a velvet cushion was a striking pear-cut diamond necklace with a matching pair of tear-drop earrings. The diamonds caught the ambient bedroom light, throwing brilliant shards of rainbow reflections across the walls. They were real, heavy, and worth more than her old apartment.
Her hands hurriedly covered her mouth.
Fucking Jesus Christ
Suddenly, a brilliant idea hit her. Pictures. That was right. She needed to take pictures and send them to Maila. Ever since she arrived at the penthouse, Maila wouldn't leave her alone, flooding her phone with protective texts and calls to make sure she wasn't getting bullied.
After sending what felt like a hundred pictures to Maila—who nearly screamed herself hoarse through a flood of voice notes, Ciara finally got dressed. She did a clean, sharp makeover, adding bold burgundy lipstick to make her look pop.
Taking one final look at her reflection in the full-length mirror, she let out a gasp and a short laugh at the same time.
"f**k, I am beautiful!" she exclaimed to the empty room. "I mean, I've always known it, but right now it's pretty glaring."
As Ciara walked down the grand staircase, she spotted him. Alexandier's broad shoulders were on full display in a tailored black suit. His hands were shoved casually into his pockets, and his dark hair was pulled back neatly into a sharp, stylized bun, giving him a powerful, commanding edge. She could tell he was waiting for her.
Seeing him from behind for the first time, Ciara had to admit he looked ridiculously handsome.
How can a man look this handsome from both the front and the back?
The minute Alexandier felt her presence, he turned around. He hadn't expected to see more than just a lady wearing a nice dress. But at the sight of her, the breath completely left his lungs. His eyes widened, locking onto her as she gracefully moved down the stairs.
He swallowed hard. He stared openly and intensely, unable to look away as she came closer.
Ciara smiled, highly amused by his reaction. Of course. She didn't mean to brag, but absolutely no man could see a gorgeous woman like her and not get lost in a daze.
"Mr. Sterling," she called out playfully.
Alexandier kept staring. He was totally out of it, causing Ciara to let out a soft chuckle.
"Mr. Sterling, I know I am the absolute epitome of gorgeousness, but your family's dinner is going to take place without us if you don't stop staring."
Those biting words did the trick. Alexandier snapped out of his daze instantly. A sudden wave of heat enveloped his face, and his ears turned a deep, bright red. "I wasn't staring."
"Uh-huh," Ciara whispered sardonically, walking past him and taking the lead.
Alexandier cleared his throat aggressively, trying to regain his professional composure as a flood of embarrassment hit him. He checked his watch quickly before following her out the door.
- - - -
The Sterling family estate was a large mansion behind tall iron gates in the city's most expensive neighborhood. Every corner seemed to whisper power and danger.
Ciara stood in the grand foyer, fighting the urge to turn around and leave.
She adjusted the heavy black silk dress Alexandier had chosen for her. The fabric hugged her curves perfectly, making her look elegant and powerful.
Her palms were slick with sweat. Her throat felt tight with an intense nervousness she hadn't anticipated. It was one thing to fight off a corrupt manager or a bitter housekeeper, but facing the entire billionaire dynasty that ruled the city's economy was truly terrifying.
Suddenly, a warm, heavy weight settled on the small of her back.
Alexandier stepped up behind her, his massive, broad-shouldered frame acting like an impenetrable shield against the cold air of the mansion. He looked devastatingly handsome and profoundly commanding in his tailored black three-piece suit.
"Breathe, Ciara," Alexandier murmured, his deep, gravelly baritone vibrating right against her ear. He didn't look down at her; his slate-grey eyes were fixed firmly on the grand double doors of the dining hall ahead.
"They are wolves, but you are wearing my ring. Walk in there like you own the place."
- Writer
