Clara spoke for nearly an hour, explaining the departments, rules, and policies of Levine Enterprises, but Sarah heard only fragments.
Her mind kept circling back to that moment in the office.
Adam King… why me?
"Ms. Sarah?" Clara's voice pulled her back. "It's five p.m. We need to go to the CEO's residence."
Sarah blinked. "His… home?"
First a million-dollar salary, now dinner at his place? Nothing about this day felt normal.
Clara seemed to sense her hesitation. "Don't worry, ma'am. I'll be with you."
That helped—at least a little.
An hour later, their car stopped before what looked less like a house and more like a palace. Gilded gates, marble pillars, glowing chandeliers. Sarah's jaw nearly dropped.
Inside, a butler and several maids greeted her warmly and led her to an enormous dining hall.
"Please have dinner first, Miss Sarah," the butler said politely. "Sir Adam will join you shortly."
She tried to relax, tasting a bite of the food. The flavors were rich, far beyond anything she'd known. Is he some kind of modern-day king? she wondered, almost laughing at the thought.
A voice behind her made her freeze.
"Enjoying the food?"
She turned. Adam stood there in a white shirt and loose jacket, hair still damp, a soft smile playing on his lips. Her pulse jumped.
He walked closer and gestured for a chair to be placed beside her. "May I?"
Sarah nodded quickly, flustered.
"I wanted to speak to you personally," he said, his tone calm but direct. "From today, you'll also have responsibilities beyond the office."
He set a small velvet box on the table and opened it—inside lay a delicate diamond ring.
"I'm Adam King, CEO of Levine Enterprises," he said quietly. "And, under a special contract, you'll be presented to the public as my wife. This is part of the arrangement that comes with your position—and the salary you were promised."
Sarah stared, words caught in her throat. "A… marriage contract?"
"Exactly. Nothing will happen without your consent," he added quickly. "You'll have your freedom here—write, sing, dance, whatever makes you happy. Just promise to follow my lead when work requires it. In return, your family will be cared for."
Her thoughts raced. Was this some kind of dream—or a deal she'd stumbled into by fate?
Adam's expression softened. "Rest for now. Tomorrow, you'll meet my family. Let's not overthink tonight."
He stood, gave her a polite nod, and left the room.
The butler approached gently. "Ms. Sarah," he said, voice kind, "our master can be difficult, but he has a good heart. Please don't be afraid. He rarely lets anyone close to him."
Sarah exhaled slowly as he guided her toward her room, the echo of Adam King's words still lingering in her mind.
Marriage contract… freedom… five million a month… What have I gotten myself into?