Chapter 1 A Deal For Ten Billion

• Ouch!
• Juliette Tillman's mind was a chaotic mix of sharp clarity and confusion. She was on the verge of crying out, but instead, she bit her lip hard. Her face paled as fine beads of sweat formed on her smooth forehead.
• For a fleeting second, it felt as though time had frozen in place.
• Then came a shift. The man before her seemed to radiate raw, savage energy, and it felt as if she was caught in a wave of unbearable pain.
• Morning light streamed in through the white curtains, softly signaling the end of the passion-filled night.
• Though Juliette was exhausted, the pain kept her from finding any rest. From where she lay, she could see Jackson Fairchild through the glass door of the bathroom. Fresh from a shower, his body was like an artist's masterpiece, the perfect inverted triangle, all muscle and not a trace of excess. Water droplets slowly slid from his hair, tracing their way down his toned form.
• Jackson didn't seem to notice Juliette at all. He moved with deliberate grace, slipping on the neatly pressed clothes delivered by the hotel staff. Each of his movements was a display of elegance, as though he existed on a different plane.
• Despite being ignored, Juliette bit her lip and let a bright smile tug at her mouth.
• “It's been a while, Mr. Fairchild. You're even more handsome than you were three years ago.”
• Starting with a compliment was always a safe way to break the ice.
• When Jackson still didn't respond, Juliette's smile didn't falter. Instead, she raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes as she continued, “Since you enjoyed last night so much, I won't beat around the bush. Tillman Group's got a bit of a problem, and I was hoping you could help us out, Mr. Fairchild.”
• Jackson's expression was impossible to read, his face like stone as he finally turned to her. His reply was short and to the point: “How can I help?”
• “I'm offering a ten billion deal,” she said, not missing a beat. “I want your Prestige Group to invest that amount in Tillman Group. You'd be our largest shareholder.”
• To anyone else, this would be a massive, life-changing proposal. But Juliette knew that to Jackson, it was barely a blip on his radar.
• He stood at the very top, a man who could shake all of Kloburgh with the slightest movement. The ultimate puppet master, he controlled everything and everyone around him.
• “If you help me,” she added, her voice sweet but firm, “what happened last night will stay between us. Not a word will get out. But if you don't...”
• The deal was on the table, but there was a subtle edge to her words, a quiet threat hanging in the air.
• Jackson's response was slow, deliberate. He took a step closer, then another, until he was looming over her. His eyes, dark and sharp, held a glimmer of mockery as they locked onto hers. “Are you threatening me?”
• Juliette let out a soft laugh. “I wouldn't dare. But you can't blame me for looking out for my own interests, right? Last night, as much as you seemed worn out, I was pretty tired too...”
• She flashed a smile, hoping her charm might break through his cold exterior. But instead, his next words sliced through her like a blade.
• “Do you really think you're worth ten billion for one night?” His voice dripped with disdain. “You're giving yourself way too much credit.”
• Juliette felt the color drain from her face, but Jackson wasn't done. His mocking gaze didn't waver.
• “Something that's tossed in front of me like that? I had no reason to refuse. But if I'd known how filthy it was, I wouldn't have touched you, even if you begged me.”
• Her entire body tensed, barely holding it together.
• Filthy, huh? He knew I wasn't a virgin when we did it last night.
• Juliette's face had turned pale, but she forced herself to stand firm. This was still a negotiation, and she needed to keep her composure.
• She pretended to shrug off his insult, draping a thin blanket around herself as she arched an eyebrow playfully, a hint of a smile lingering.
• “If you found me so disgusting,” she said, voice smooth, “why didn't you stop after the first time?”