the contract

5

Magdalene lounged in her chambers, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the soft crackle of a fire. She sipped her wine, her eyes fixed on the flames as she replied to the feminine voice in the background.

"She refused your help?" the woman asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

Magdalene's expression remained unbothered, her voice smooth as silk. "I knew she would. She's too proud to request my help."

The woman sitting across from Magdalene raised an eyebrow. "That's all part of the plan, right? You're just manipulating her into doing your bidding."

Magdalene's smile grew, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "She'll have nobody to call to her aid. Once she signs those documents, she becomes a piece of my power instrument."

The other woman's eyes narrowed. "But are you sure she'll do your bidding? She doesn't appreciate you as her mother. How can you be certain she'll obey you once she has this superhuman ability?"

Magdalene's calm demeanor never wavered. "I am her mother, and I'll make her do whatever I want."

The woman's gaze lingered on Magdalene's face, searching for any sign of doubt. But Magdalene's expression remained serene, her eyes gleaming with confidence.

Just then, the question hit Magdalene hard. "Andrew Leigh has refused to back down on helping her. How do we handle that?"

Magdalene's eyes flickered, her grip on her wine glass tightening. She quietly sipped her wine, her mind racing with the implications.

Stephanie's eyes snapped open, her gaze darting around the unfamiliar room. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her blurred vision. As her eyes adjusted, she took in the luxurious surroundings. The room was spacious, with high ceilings and large windows that let in a flood of natural light. The walls were painted a soft, creamy color, and the furniture was sleek and modern. A plush carpet covered the floor, and a large mirror hung on one wall, reflecting the room's elegance.

Stephanie's gaze landed on a strange figure standing beside the bed, staring at her. She quickly sat up, her heart racing, and rubbed her eyes to clear her vision. As she looked again, she saw that it was a man she didn't recognize. He was tall and lean, with a kind face and a gentle smile.

"Don't hurt yourself," he said, his voice deep and soothing.

Stephanie's mind raced as she tried to remember how she got there. She looked around the room again, trying to find any clues. That's when she saw Mr. Leigh standing in the doorway, his eyes watching her with concern.

"Mr. Leigh!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking slightly. "What am I doing here? Where am I?"

"Take it easy," Mr. Leigh cautioned, his voice calm and reassuring. "You're safe. You fell asleep in my car, and I had to bring you here."

Stephanie's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. She looked down at herself and realized that she was wearing a soft, white robe. She didn't remember putting it on.

"You undressed me!" she accused, her voice rising.

Mr. Leigh held up his hands, his expression defensive. "I didn't touch you, I promise. My assistant must have changed you into something comfortable while you were sleeping."

Stephanie's eyes flashed with anger, but she tried to remain calm. "Where are my clothes?" she demanded.

"They'll be brought here soon," Mr. Leigh replied, his voice soothing. "In the meantime, why don't you rest for a bit? You must be exhausted."

Stephanie nodded. She watched as Mr. Leigh turned and left the room, the other man following close behind. As the door closed behind them, Stephanie let out a deep breath and tried to calm down. She looked around the room again, trying to take in every detail.

Stephanie sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed on the nightstand as she reached for her phone. Her fingers brushed against the smooth surface, and she picked it up, her thumb hovering over the screen. She waited for what felt like an eternity for her clothes to arrive.

Finally, a knock on the door broke the silence. "Come in," Stephanie called out, her voice firm but laced with a hint of uncertainty.

The door creaked open, and a young woman entered, a tray of clothes balanced in her hands. She moved with a quiet efficiency, her eyes cast down at the floor. "Here are your clothes, miss," she said, her voice soft and detached.

As the woman dropped the tray onto the bed, Stephanie noticed a piece of paper nestled among the folds of the clothes. She pulled out the paper, her eyes scanning the scribbled note.

"In the lobby?" Stephanie muttered to herself, her brow furrowed in confusion. She turned the paper over, searching for more clues, but there was nothing else.

The woman turned to leave, her movements swift and silent.

Stephanie held up the note, her eyes narrowing slightly as she addressed the young woman. "You left this," she said, her tone neutral.

The woman's expression remained serene, her voice even. "No, Mr. Leigh said I should deliver that to you."

Stephanie's eyes widened slightly, a soft "Ooh" escaping her lips as she processed the information.

The woman seemed to anticipate her next question. "You're looking for the lobby, miss? I'll be at the door when you're ready. Just let me know."

Stephanie nodded, a small smile of thanks on her lips. "Thank you."

The woman's smile was brief but genuine, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course, miss. Take your time."

With that, she turned and glided out of the room, leaving Stephanie alone to get dressed.

Stephanie followed the woman through the winding corridors, her eyes fixed on the elegant decor that seemed to transport her to a different era. As they entered the lobby, Stephanie's breath caught in her throat. The room was a masterpiece of matured decoration, with plush carpets that seemed to whisper beneath her feet. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns, and the ceiling was a work of art, with delicate frescoes that danced across the expanse.

As she walked in alone, her gaze landed on a familiar figure standing by the window. Mr. Leigh's eyes met hers, and he raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and annoyance. "You quite took your time," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Stephanie's cheeks flushed as she approached him. "You asked to see me?" she said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of uncertainty.

Mr. Leigh's gaze lingered on her face before he nodded and gestured to the lush, comfy couch. "Won't you sit?" he asked, his tone relaxed.

Stephanie sank into the couch, her movements graceful as she crossed her legs. "What relationship do you have with Magdalene Smith?" Mr. Leigh asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Stephanie's stutter was almost imperceptible, but Mr. Leigh's eyes caught the hesitation. "Magdalene Smith...I have no relationship with any Magdalene Smith," she stammered.

Mr. Leigh's smirk was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Stephanie Smith!" he called out, his voice dripping with amusement.

Stephanie's head jerked up, her eyes wide with surprise, her heartbeat racing like a wild animal. She stared at Mr. Leigh, her mouth agape, as if the very foundations of her world had shifted.