*Isabella's POV*
"Thank you, Damien," I said, turning to face him fully, my voice steady despite the hammering in my chest. "I really appreciate you wanting to give me my freedom, I do. But I can't take it." I took a deep breath, forcing the words out. "Jacob is right. People would find out. And the last thing I want is a scandal before my career has even started." The thought of it, of being "that girl," the one who slept her way into a deal, made my stomach turn.
Damien's jaw tightened, a flicker of frustration in his eyes, but he nodded slowly, understanding my logic. "Fine," he said, his voice all business again. "I can instruct legal to prepare a one-year contract for you."
"One year?" I asked, my brow furrowed. "What's the normal length of the contract?"
"Five years, after gradua
