Chapter 11
The car stopped before a towering set of black double doors, glossy under the warm exterior lights. Behind them, the garage revealed a neat row of expensive cars—lined up like trophies.
Beyond that, Lena caught sight of a huge garden so perfect it looked like it belonged to a palace. Her cheek pressed to the window, breath fogging the glass.
Is this a house… or a five-star resort?
When Jin stepped out and opened her door, she followed Will toward the entrance. Marble pillars, gold fixtures, chandeliers visible from the foyer—her eyes darted everywhere.
"Wow," she murmured before she could stop herself. "You're not just rich… you're rich rich."
Neither Will nor Jin responded.
Inside, the polished stone floors echoed under her heels, each step a sting. She refused to limp—no way she'd look weak here.
An elderly woman waited in the living room, smiling warmly.
"Welcome home, William. I hope tonight went well."
"Of course," Will replied. "Shouldn't you be asleep, Marry?"
"I was too excited to meet the new lady," Marry said, already folding away his coat.
Will glanced at Lena. "She's in your care."
"You can rest assured," Marry said, eyes twinkling.
When the men left, the room felt twice as large and quiet.
"It's nice to meet you, ma'am," Lena said politely.
"Just Marry will do." The older woman's smile softened. "Now—let's get those shoes off."
Lena hesitated, but relief flooded her feet as she swapped heels for soft flats Marry had prepared.
They toured the mansion until Lena's legs ached more than they had all night. By the third living room, Marry chuckled. "We'll finish tomorrow."
"That would be great," Lena admitted.
They passed a quiet corridor. "This is only for Mr. Shade," Marry said. "His room is at the end, next to his office."
Like I'd ever go there, Lena thought.
Her own room was breathtaking—a king-sized bed draped in silk, a wardrobe stocked with designer clothes, shoes, and bags.
"All this… for me?"
"Yes," Marry said simply. "The phone by your bed connects to me directly."
When she left, Lena collapsed on the bed. The sheets melted against her skin. The hot shower afterward felt like paradise.
"This is unreal," she whispered into the pillow. "Maybe I was a princess in my past life…"
A knock interrupted her fantasy. Marry entered with warm milk. "Drink before bed. And—your foot." Before Lena could react, she was already bandaging the small scratch on her heels.
Will's Wing
Will sat at his desk, flipping through Beau's documents. He passed them to Jin.
"Move quickly. I've already lost enough time."
"Understood, sir. And… congratulations."
"Not yet. This only gives us access. I want a full base of operations there."
"Yes, sir. And… about tonight—she did her research and helped with the signature. Perhaps a thank you?"
Will's smirk was humourless. "Why would I thank someone I'm already feeding and housing? Go."
Morning
The mansion was still. Lena slipped outside to explore. The backyard garden was immaculate—beautiful but lifeless. It looks like it can be more or was more beautiful.
She wandered into the gym. The sharp clink of weights made her turn.
Her breath caught.
Will was gripping a pull-up bar, back bare, muscles flexing with slow precision under the morning light.
"Focus, Lena," she muttered, smacking her cheek.
He dropped down, catching her staring. "Enjoying the show?"
She jumped. "I wasn't spying! I was just… Actually, do you need me for anything today?"
"See Jin."
She hesitated. "Since everyone thinks we're engaged, maybe we should… get to know each other personally?"
He stepped forward. She backed up—until her spine hit the wall.
"You live in my mansion. You eat my food. You see me like this." His smirk was cold. "That's personal enough. There will never be anything between us. Don't speak to me unless I allow it. Not until the contract ends."
He walked past her without looking back.
Lena swallowed the lump in her throat. She'd thought last night had softened him. Apparently not.
"It's not like I wanted something from you!" she called after him once he was gone. "I hope this year goes by fast, too."
Elsewhere
A man set down his phone, a slow smile curling his lips.
"So… he finally got Beau's signature. Good job, Mr. Shade. Go as high as you like—soon, it will all be mine."