BOUND TO THE BILLIONAIRE BY CONTRACT

Chapter 1 – The Proposal That Changed Everything Olivia Reed tightened her grip on the envelope as she walked out of St Mary's Hospital. The white paper felt heavier than it should have because she already knew what was inside. The doctor had explained everything in a calm voice but the words still echoed painfully in her mind. Her younger brother Mason needed surgery within four weeks. Any longer and his condition could become life threatening. The amount written at the bottom of the estimate was more money than Olivia could earn in years. She stood on the hospital steps staring at the busy street while people hurried past without noticing the tears gathering in her eyes. Life continued for everyone else while hers seemed to have stopped. She slowly folded the paper and slipped it into her worn handbag before forcing herself to breathe. Crying would not change anything. Mason was waiting for her at home believing his sister could solve every problem. She could not let him see her breaking apart. The rain began without warning. Small drops quickly turned into a heavy downpour soaking the streets within minutes. Olivia hurried beneath the shelter of a nearby café and checked her phone. Five unread emails filled the screen. Every single one was another job rejection. She had spent weeks applying everywhere from hotels to offices and restaurants hoping someone would give her a better paying position. Every answer had been the same. We regret to inform you. Thank you for your application. Better luck next time. She laughed bitterly under her breath. Luck had abandoned her a long time ago. Her phone rang again. It was Mason. "Did the doctor say everything is okay" Olivia swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled even though he could not see her. "Of course everything is fine. He just wants you to take your medicine on time." "I told you I'm getting stronger." "You are." "When you come home can we have noodles" She looked inside her purse. After paying for today's consultation she barely had enough money for bus fare. "Yes. I'll make your favorite." "You're the best sister in the world." The call ended and Olivia stared at the dark screen. She whispered quietly. "I'll save you somehow." As the rain eased she crossed the street toward the bus stop. Just then she noticed an elderly man standing near the edge of the road reading something on his phone. A speeding delivery van came around the corner far too fast. The driver never saw him. "Sir!" Olivia shouted. The old man looked up in confusion. Without thinking she ran forward and pulled him backward with all her strength. The van sped past missing them by only a few inches. The force almost knocked both of them to the ground. The old man caught his breath before looking at Olivia with surprised eyes. "You saved my life." "You should be thanking God not me." she replied with a gentle smile. Within seconds three black SUVs stopped beside them. Men dressed in black suits rushed out. "Chairman are you alright" "We're sorry we lost sight of you" The old man sighed. "If this young lady had not acted quickly you would all be arranging my funeral." The bodyguards lowered their heads in shame. One of them reached into his pocket and offered Olivia a thick envelope. "Please accept this as a token of our gratitude." Olivia shook her head immediately. "I didn't help him because I wanted money." "It is only a small gift." "No thank you." The old man studied her carefully. Most people would have accepted without hesitation yet this young woman refused even while wearing faded shoes and carrying a worn handbag. "What is your name" "Olivia Reed." "And what do you do Miss Reed" "I'm looking for work." He nodded thoughtfully. "I hope we meet again." Olivia smiled politely before walking toward the bus stop unaware that the old man continued watching until she disappeared into the crowd. Inside the luxury SUV he turned to his assistant. "Find out everything about Olivia Reed." "Yes Chairman Carter." The assistant hesitated before asking. "Does this have something to do with Mr Ethan" The old man's expression grew serious. "My grandson needs someone like her in his life." Across the city the top floor of Carter Group was silent except for the sound of a fountain pen gliding across paper. Ethan Carter signed the final page of a billion dollar merger without the slightest change in expression. The board members watched him nervously. "If there are no further questions this meeting is over." No one dared speak. The directors quickly gathered their files and hurried out leaving only Ethan and his personal assistant Daniel. "Your grandfather has called six times sir." "I'm aware." "He insists you come to the mansion tonight." "I'm busy." Daniel cleared his throat. "He said if you refuse he will announce his retirement tomorrow and leave the company to whoever he believes deserves it." Ethan finally looked up. His cold gray eyes settled on Daniel. "My grandfather enjoys making threats." "He sounded serious this time." After a long silence Ethan stood and buttoned his suit jacket. "Prepare the car." Less than an hour later he walked into the Carter mansion. His grandfather was already waiting in the library with a cup of tea. "You kept me waiting." "I had work." "You always have work." Ethan sat across from him. "What is so important" The old man smiled faintly. "I've found your wife." Ethan frowned. "I have no intention of getting married." "You will." "I won't marry a stranger." 8 His grandfather calmly placed a photograph on the table. It was a picture of Olivia Reed smiling softly in the rain moments after saving his life. Ethan glanced at it once before pushing it aside. "I'm not interested." His grandfather leaned forward. "Then prepare to lose everything."