Claimed by the Billionaire

Chapter Ones The Dealbreaker Emma Caldwell felt out of place the moment she entered the grand ballroom. The opulence, the towering chandeliers, the polished marble floors—everything about it screamed wealth and power, none of which she had. She adjusted the too-tight dress that she could barely afford and straightened her shoulders. Tonight wasn’t about her. It was about survival. She was here to serve, not to be seen. So, with practiced ease, Emma moved through the crowd of shimmering gowns and expensive suits, her tray of champagne glasses steady in her hands. But then a voice, smooth and commanding, cut through the air, halting her steps. “Stop.” Emma froze, her heart skipping a beat. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, and from the other side, he appeared. Adrian Voss. He was exactly as the rumors described—tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome, with eyes like cold steel. His presence dominated the room as if the very air bent to his will. The entire space seemed to hold its breath as he walked toward her, his sharp gaze never leaving her face. She swallowed hard and forced herself to stand taller, but inside, she was all nerves. This was the kind of man who could ruin lives with a single word. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before.” His voice was low, almost predatory, as his eyes swept over her. “I’m just here to work, sir,” Emma replied, her voice steady despite the pounding of her pulse. “Work.” His lips twitched into something that almost resembled a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re not just a waitress, are you?” Emma blinked, thrown off guard. Her instincts screamed to deflect, to pretend that she wasn’t just a poor girl with no options, but his gaze was too sharp, too intense. Before she could respond, a waiter behind her jostled her elbow, causing the tray to tip dangerously. Time seemed to slow as the glasses wobbled on the edge, but Adrian’s hand shot out like lightning, steadying the tray before a single flute could crash to the floor. Emma’s breath hitched, and for a brief moment, she felt a flicker of something—a spark that she couldn’t quite place. “Careful,” Adrian murmured, his voice rich with authority. She glanced at him, feeling the weight of his stare on her. “Thank you.” He gave her an appraising look, lingering a beat too long. “You should come with me,” he said, the command unmistakable. Emma’s gut clenched in protest, but something about the way he said it made it impossible to refuse. She nodded stiffly, following him as he led her through the crowd. His stride was purposeful, like a man who always got what he wanted, and for reasons she didn’t fully understand, she found herself walking behind him as though she had no choice. He guided her to a quiet corner of the room, away from the prying eyes. When they were out of view, Adrian turned to face her, his eyes dark and calculating. “Do you know who I am?” His voice was low, barely a whisper. Emma didn’t hesitate. “Everyone knows who you are, Mr. Voss.” A flicker of something—amusement, perhaps—passed through his gaze. “Then you understand I don’t waste my time.” He took a step closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming. Emma stiffened, but she refused to back down. “You’re hiding something,” Adrian continued, his voice softer now, though no less intense. “You’re not like the others here. I can see it.” Emma opened her mouth to deny it, but before she could say anything, a voice boomed from the stage, announcing the start of the evening’s auction. Adrian’s focus shifted for a moment, but he didn’t let her go. “You’ll stay close,” he said, his voice now a command. “This night isn’t over yet.” Adrian stepped away, seamlessly slipping back into the crowd, leaving Emma standing in the shadows of the ballroom. Confusion swirled in her mind. Why had he chosen her? She was just another invisible face in the crowd—until now. As she turned to leave the corner and blend back into the staff, she was stopped by a figure stepping in front of her. The man was tall, dark, and unfamiliar. His gaze, however, was colder than Adrian’s—if that was even possible. “Leave now,” he said, his voice low and threatening. His eyes scanned her face, taking in every detail as if he were memorizing it. “Before you regret ever stepping into Adrian Voss’s world.” Emma’s throat tightened, and a shiver crawled down her spine. She hadn’t heard him approach, but now, she was caught in his gaze, frozen in place. For a moment, she thought she might speak—argue, ask who he was, demand he get out of her way—but the words stuck in her throat. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” the man added before turning and walking away, leaving Emma standing there, heart pounding, uncertain of everything she thought she knew. The night had only just begun, and already, she felt as though she was falling into a game she wasn’t prepared to play.