Night – New York City, Adrian's Penthouse
The city shimmered beneath the glass walls, its countless lights flickering like distant stars. But Adrian Knight's eyes were fixed on only one face—Liana Carter.
He stood before the massive window, a crystal glass of whiskey in his hand, staring at his own reflection. His gaze was no longer filled with the sorrow it once held. Now, it was cold, calculating, and merciless.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," Adrian's voice was sharp, almost emotionless.
Ethan Blake, his most trusted man, entered the room, holding a thick file in his hand.
"Sir, everything you asked for," Ethan said, placing the file on the sleek, black desk.
Without a word, Adrian picked it up and flipped through the pages.
Liana Carter, 27 years old.
Living in New York for the past three years, working as a renowned event planner.
No public relationships. She was entirely focused on her work.
But the most interesting detail—she took her current job only a few months before Adrian's arrival in the city.
A cruel smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"She ran… but she couldn't hide," he muttered under his breath.
---
The Next Morning – Liana's Apartment
Liana sat on her balcony, gripping a cup of coffee in her trembling hands. Her eyes were distant, her mind replaying the events of the previous night—the chilling intensity in Adrian's gaze.
"I shouldn't have gone there," she scolded herself.
Her phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts.
Unknown number.
Hesitant, she answered.
"Hello?"
The deep, unmistakable voice on the other end made her breath hitch.
"You're still as reckless as before, Liana."
Her knuckles turned white as she clutched the coffee mug.
"What… what do you want, Adrian?" she whispered, her voice barely steady.
On the other end, Adrian's eyes glimmered with predatory satisfaction.
"I want you at my office. Today. 3 PM. Don't be late."
And before she could respond, the line went dead.
Liana stared at the phone, her hands trembling.
"No… no, I can't face him again," she whispered to herself.
But deep down, she knew she couldn't refuse. Not him.
---
3 PM – Adrian's Office
Liana's steps felt heavy as she approached Knight Enterprises. Her palms were damp, and her heart pounded violently in her chest.
"It's just a meeting. You can handle it," she told herself, taking a shaky breath.
As she stepped inside the building, the air grew heavier. The glass walls, the polished marble floors, and the sleek, modern design screamed power and ruthlessness—just like the man who owned it.
The receptionist, a tall woman with sharp features, greeted her with a blank expression.
"Mr. Knight is expecting you. Top floor," she said coolly.
Liana's heels clicked against the marble as she walked toward the elevator. With each floor the elevator climbed, her pulse quickened.
When the doors opened, Adrian's office came into view—a massive, sleek space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The décor was modern, minimalistic, and cold.
Just like him.
Adrian stood near the window, his back facing her. His broad shoulders were tense, his hands in his pockets.
"You're late," he said, without turning around.
Liana's breath caught in her throat.
"I… I came straight here," she stammered.
He slowly turned, his piercing hazel eyes locking onto hers. The intensity in his gaze made her chest tighten.
He took a slow step toward her, the sound of his polished shoes echoing in the silence.
"You haven't changed, Liana," he said softly, his voice dangerously low.
"Still lying. Still trembling in front of me."
Her throat tightened.
"Why did you call me here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
A cruel smirk tugged at his lips.
He stepped closer—so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin.
"Because…" he leaned in, his voice a chilling whisper against her ear.
"I'm not done with you yet."
Her eyes widened, her breath hitching. But before she could react, he pulled back, his expression once again unreadable.
"Sit," he ordered, gesturing to the leather chair across from his desk.
Her legs felt weak, but she obeyed.
Adrian circled behind his desk, his eyes never leaving hers. He slowly placed a file in front of her.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw her name on it.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice shaking.
He leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk, his face mere inches from hers.
"Everything about you," he said coldly.
"Where you live. Where you work. Who you spend your time with."
Her eyes widened with fear.
"Why… why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
His eyes darkened, filled with cold, unyielding fury.
"Because you owe me, Liana. And I always… collect my debts."
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she could see the same man she once loved—the one she left behind. But the warmth in his eyes was long gone.
Now, there was only ice.
---
See you in next part...