CONTRACT WITH THE ALPHA CEO

THE OFFER Charlotte Bennett stared at the envelope in her hands. She had been holding it for almost five minutes, but she still couldn't bring herself to open it. The envelope was thick, white, and expensive-looking. Her name was written across the front in neat black letters. Charlotte Bennett. There was no return address. That alone made her nervous. She looked around the small café where she sat. People were talking quietly around her, cups clinking against saucers as waiters moved between the tables. Everything seemed normal. But Charlotte's heart wouldn't stop beating so fast. She finally opened the envelope. Inside was a single card. Mr. Adrian Blackwood requests your presence at Blackwood Tower tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Charlotte frowned. Adrian Blackwood. Everyone knew that name. He was the young billionaire CEO who had taken control of Blackwood Corporation after his father's death. At only twenty-eight, he had turned the company into one of the most powerful businesses in the city. But Adrian wasn't famous only because of his wealth. There were rumors about him. People said he was ruthless. Cold. Impossible to impress. Some even said there was something unusual about the Blackwood family. Charlotte didn't believe most rumors. Still, she couldn't understand why a man like Adrian Blackwood would want to meet her. She checked the card again. There was no explanation. Only a time and an address. Charlotte sighed and slipped the card back into the envelope. She should throw it away. That would be the sensible thing to do. Unfortunately, her life had reached a point where she could no longer afford to ignore opportunities. She needed money. A lot of it. And quickly. Her family situation had become increasingly difficult over the past few months. Bills were piling up, and every job she applied for seemed to disappear before she could get an interview. She had already considered taking a second job. But even that wouldn't be enough. So when she arrived at Blackwood Tower the following morning, Charlotte reminded herself that she was only there to listen. Nothing more. The building was enormous. Glass walls stretched toward the sky, reflecting the morning sunlight. Security guards stood at the entrance, and employees walked through the lobby with the confidence of people who knew exactly where they were going. Charlotte suddenly felt very out of place. She approached the reception desk. "Charlotte Bennett. I'm here to see Mr. Blackwood." The receptionist looked at her computer. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you." Charlotte blinked. "He's expecting me?" The receptionist nodded. "Twenty-eighth floor. His assistant will meet you there." Charlotte thanked her and walked toward the elevator. With every floor the elevator passed, her nervousness grew. When the doors opened, a tall man in a dark suit was waiting. "Miss Bennett?" "Yes." "I'm Daniel Reed, Mr. Blackwood's assistant. Please follow me." Charlotte followed him down a long hallway. Finally, Daniel stopped in front of a large black door. He knocked once. "Come in." The voice from inside was deep and calm. Daniel opened the door. Charlotte stepped inside. Adrian Blackwood stood beside the windows with his back toward her. He wore a perfectly fitted black suit. One hand was in his pocket while the other held a phone. He ended the call without saying goodbye. Then he turned. Charlotte understood immediately why people were intimidated by him. His expression was unreadable. His eyes were sharp. He studied her for several seconds without speaking. Charlotte shifted uncomfortably. "Good morning." "Sit." That was all he said. Charlotte sat across from his desk. Adrian remained standing. "I assume you're wondering why you're here." "Very much." He walked toward the desk and placed a folder in front of her. "Read it." Charlotte looked at him suspiciously. "What is it?" "A contract." Her eyebrows lifted. "A contract for what?" "You'll understand when you read it." She opened the folder. The first page contained several paragraphs of legal language. She skimmed the beginning. Then she stopped. Her eyes widened. She looked at Adrian. "This can't be serious." "It is." "You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend?" Adrian's expression didn't change. "Yes." Charlotte gave a nervous laugh. "Why?" "Because I need someone to play the role." "And you chose me?" "I did." "Why?" Adrian was silent for a moment. "Because you don't belong to my world." Charlotte frowned. "I'm not sure that's a compliment." "It wasn't intended to be." She closed the folder. "I'm sorry, Mr. Blackwood, but I think you've made a mistake." "I haven't." He opened a drawer and removed another document. "You'll be paid enough to solve your financial problems." Charlotte froze. "How do you know about that?" Adrian's eyes remained on her. "I make it my business to know everything about people who enter my company." Charlotte felt uncomfortable. "You investigated me?" "Yes." She stood. "Then this conversation is over." Adrian didn't stop her. Instead, he said quietly, "Three hundred thousand." Charlotte stopped. Slowly, she turned around. "What?" "Three hundred thousand for six months." Her heart pounded. Six months. Three hundred thousand. It was more money than she had ever imagined having. Adrian continued. "You will attend certain events with me. You will live in my residence when necessary. You will present yourself as my partner in public." "And after six months?" "The contract ends." Charlotte stared at him. "No relationship afterward?" "None." "No expectations?" "None." She looked down at the contract. It was ridiculous. Completely ridiculous. But the amount of money could change everything. Adrian watched her carefully. Finally, Charlotte picked up the pen. "I need time to think." "Take twenty-four hours." She nodded. As she reached the door, Adrian spoke again. "Charlotte." She turned. His expression had changed slightly. For the first time, he looked almost uncertain. "Don't accept this if you're looking for love." Charlotte stared at him. "I'm not." Then she left. Neither of them knew that the contract Charlotte had just taken home would change both their lives forever.