Beneath His Billion

The sleek black limousine hummed steadily through the night streets, carrying them away from the opulent chaos of the ballroom and the stunned eyes of the city. Outside, London's glittering lights blurred into streaks of gold and silver against the dark canvas of night, but inside the car, silence stretched thick and heavy between Amara and Caden.

Amara sat rigidly, her hands folded tightly in her lap, her mind a whirlwind of numb shock. She was speechless words lodged deep in her throat, strangled by the taste of humiliation and dread. The echo of Caden's merciless kiss haunted her skin, burning like a scar beneath the fine fabric of her gown.

Caden, on the other hand, leaned back with a self-satisfied smirk, the taste of victory sharp and intoxicating on his tongue. He exhaled slowly, the glow of conquest flickering in his eyes as he glanced sideways at her.

"So," he said, voice low and thick with triumph, "how does it feel to be the star of the show?"

Amara turned her face to the window, unwilling to meet his eyes.

He chuckled. "Not even a thank you? You made headlines, darling. Congratulations. All those people you wanted to impress consider them impressed."

Her hands curled into fists in her lap. "Why?" she whispered, her voice hoarse from silence. "Why did you do that to me?"

Caden tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Do what?"

"You humiliated me," she said, finally turning toward him, her eyes filled with disgust. "In front of hundreds. You used me."

He gave her a slow, deliberate smile—something wicked curling at the edges. "You spied on me, Amara. Don't act like the victim. This is just balance being restored."

Her heart sank. "You... you're doing this because I looked into your life?"

His smile widened, crueler this time. "Oh no, sweetheart. I'm doing this because you thought you could play a game you were never equipped for. You crossed the line. And I'm the kind of man who never lets that go unanswered."

She flinched as if he'd struck her.

Tears stung her eyes, but she didn't let them fall. "I will never marry you," she said through clenched teeth. "I'd rather rot than spend my life shackled to someone like you."

His laughter burst out loud and sharp, bouncing off the velvet interior of the limousine.

"Go ahead," he said between cold chuckles. "Try it. Refuse. Run. But you know what happens next, don't you?"

His tone had darkened. Something venomous pulsed beneath the charm.

"You've heard of Selwyn Dynamics, haven't you?"

Amara's breath hitched.

Caden leaned closer, dropping his voice to a mocking whisper. "Yes, that company. Your precious brother is on the board, isn't he? Well, imagine his surprise when he wakes up to discover I'm now the majority shareholder."

Amara's entire body went cold.

She could barely form the words. "You're lying."

"Am I?" he said, sipping his drink. "Go ahead. Ask him tomorrow. Or better yet, wait until he loses his seat. I'm not bluffing, Amara. I never bluff when I'm angry."

A wave of nausea surged in her stomach. Her brother's dreams, their family's legacy it was all in Caden's grip now.

"You're a monster," she whispered.

He smiled, as if pleased. "You made me one."

The car rolled to a stop in front of the Whitmore estate. Despite the late hour, the lights were on. Of course. The phone had rung endlessly at the mansion all evening Caden's little stunt had gone viral, and congratulatory calls had flooded in before they even arrived.

As they stepped out of the car, Amara paused on the steps. Her knees felt like jelly.

Caden opened the door for her like a gentleman, but the grip on her back as he ushered her inside was iron.

Inside, the butler bowed silently and stepped aside. The air was too quiet expectant.

"Go on," Caden said with a mocking smile. "You said you wouldn't marry me. Let's hear what Grandpa thinks about that."

Amara didn't speak. Couldn't. Her throat burned from holding back a scream.

Instead, she turned slowly, her voice barely a breath. "What do you want from me?"

Caden leaned close, voice like silk over steel. "I want your obedience. I want your silence. I want your life entangled with mine until you can't remember where you end and I begin."

Her chest rose and fell rapidly.

He reached out, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "Let's marry, Amara."

Her eyes widened. For a moment, hope flickered. Maybe... just maybe...

But then he laughed again. Cold. Lifeless. Cruel.

"Don't get me wrong. I don't love you. I never will. This isn't about love it's about power. It's about watching you suffer, every single day, knowing you brought it on yourself."

His voice dropped, venom dripping from every word.

"This marriage will be your prison. You'll smile for the cameras, sit at my side, wear diamonds I throw at you and you'll die a little every day knowing I own you."

Amara staggered back a step, like the words had struck her physically. She pressed a hand to her stomach to keep from retching.

And still, she said nothing. Because she knew Caden was capable of everything he threatened.

He would destroy her brother. Her family. Everything.

She had no choice.

So she did the only thing she could.

She nodded once, barely a motion at all.

He smiled again. Victorious.

"That's my girl," he whispered, as if the deal had been sealed in blood.

And it had.