Bound by the Devil's Deal

Chapter 1 "The Warning"

~ Author’s POV

Sophia sat in the dimly lit office of her father, typing away at her laptop. Trying to make ends meet, Sophia has been relentlessly taking freelancing coding jobs to put food on the table. Her father’s death was the reason behind her misery. He died in an accident, leaving Sophia to deal with the millions of debt and the Hayes Industry that was about to crumble down.

“Are you done?“ Liam, Sophia’s younger brother, asked her, popping his head in through the c***k of the door as Sophia looked up, clear dark circles forming under her eyes.

“Yes, I’ll wrap up, then we can leave, “ Sophia said and smiled at her brother, who nodded and went back out as Sophia stood up and started cleaning the desk. She closed her laptop and was about to move away from the desk when her eyes fell on the picture frame sitting peacefully on the desk. She picked it up and kissed her father’s smiling face while the siblings in the picture tickled their father. She placed it back and walked out as the siblings were about to make their way out of the building when stopped by a few men in black suits. She protectively placed her hand in front of Liam, pushing him back as she stood in front, completely terrified but not showing an ounce of fear.

“Who are you?“ She asked them, trying to balance her breathing and think straight in the situation. The men looked just as dangerous as any other dacoits out there, which terrified her even more.

“Mr. Simons sent us to collect the debt. Today is the deadline.” One of them walked in front and placed their hands in their pockets, looking down at Sophia. She let out a deep breath and looked him in the eyes.

“Tell him, I’ll make sure to transfer the money as soon as possible, just give me some time. I’m not going anywhere before returning everyone’s debt. “ Sophia stood her ground, trying to sound as confident as possible, but the flicker in her voice was evidence enough she was scared out of her wits.

“We’re not leaving empty-handed. Pay now, or we’ll collect in other ways.“ The men started to step forward as Sophia’s eyes widened at his statement. She didn’t know what to do or say, but then it clicked in her mind, and she spoke again.

“I’ll transfer the amount before midnight, ask your Mr. Simons that it won’t be late more than that, “ Sophia said, placing her hand in front of her, stopping the lagoons from trying to make any more moves. Hearing Sophia’s argument, the men looked at each other, and the leader stepped further, getting closer to Sophia. He leaned down till he was close to her ears.

“If delayed even for a second, I’m personally coming for you. “ He pulled back and smirked at Sophia before walking away as the men followed him. When they left, Sophia let out a shaky breath and grabbed Liam’s hand, walking towards her car with wobbly legs.

“Sophia, please, let me help-“

“No, Liam, focus on your studies. I got this. “ Sophia was stern as she roared the engine to life and drove away, her mind thinking of millions of things as she drove back to her rugged-up apartment. She had to sell off their mansion to pay off the debt and was now living in a cramped apartment that was too small to fit one person, let alone two. As she unlocked the door, her eyes fell on an envelope resting on the floor of her apartment. She picked it up and made way for Liam to enter. She placed the envelope down and dialed a number, putting it to her ear before walking out of the apartment.

“Hi, Mr. Kyle, how are you?“ Sophia’s voice was even more nervous than it was when she was talking to the lagoon. This was her last resort, and she knew if she didn’t make this choice now, she’d regret it later, and so she did.

“Sophia! What a pleasure, I’m great, dear, how are you?“ He asked back, greeting her as Sophia took a deep breath before speaking up again.

“Mr. Kyle, I actually need your help with something,” Sophia said, and heard some rustling in the background as she waited for her response.

“Sure, what is it?“

“Mr. Kyle, I need to sell some land...immediately. “ Sophia let it all out in one breath and waited for him to reply as she heard him humming, anxiously waiting for his reply.

“Sure, don’t worry, I’ll call you back as soon as I can. “ With that, he ended the call and hung up as Sophia let out a sigh of relief, finally feeling another burden get taken off her chest. She was glad that Mr Kyle, her father’s former assistant, was still willing to help the lady out. Smiling, she walked back inside and picked up the envelope, sitting on her couch, hearing the shower running in the bathroom, indicating that Liam was in there. She opened the seal of the envelope and took out a letter and a blank checkbook, resting her back on the couch.

On top of the letter, her name was written in her father's unmistakable handwriting. Her stomach twisted as she dragged her eyes down, her stomach twisting.

Sophia,

If you're reading this, then I am gone. There is something you need to know, something I kept hidden from you and Liam. I borrowed $500 million from a man named Dante Cross. I used Hayes Industries as collateral. If you want to save it, you might have to face him.

But beware, he is a dangerous man, a man who never forgives.

Stay away from him, Sophia. Whatever you do, stay away.

~ Your father,

Sophia's breath hitched. The letter slipped from her trembling fingers, fluttering to the floor. Her father's words echoed in her mind: Dante Cross. $500 million. A dangerous man.