Richest Mogul

Vivian hastily rumpled the bed, hoping to make the scene appear as innocent as possible. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for any trace that Manfred had left behind.

Only when she was certain the chamber was spotless did she snatch up her dagger and turn toward the door, every muscle in her body taut with vigilance.

She knew it was only a matter of time before Sterling found her.

Still, a small hope clung to her-perhaps Manfred's secret chamber was cleverly designed enough to escape detection.

But Sterling was no fool.

If anyone else had been searching, they might have given up after searching for a while. Sterling, however, had a reputation for dogged persistence.

The idea of the secret chamber had taken root in his mind, and he wouldn't be dissuaded. Unless he tore the entire place apart, there would be no end to his hunt.

Just as the pounding of Vivian's heart reached a fevered pitch, the chamber's door groaned open.

"There really is a secret chamber!"

A low, triumphant exclamation gave way to Sterling's familiar, mocking tone. "Did you really think a trick like this could fool me?"

Then, he stepped into view.

Vivian had heard his voice countless times but had never seen him in person. His appearance was as arresting as his voice-sharp features and a charm that was impossible to ignore. Yet, beneath that exterior was something cold and predatory, his eyes filled with a bone-chilling darkness.

His presence, shadowed by the negative item he always carried, radiated an unsettling, almost malevolent energy-one that instinctively drove people to recoil.

"A woman?"

she's

gasped in

and something flickered in his eyes-a mingling of curiosity

everything

"Well, well never suspected

had a soft spot

turns out he's been

So, you're the

black

matched by a deceptively gentle

man

stance

arched

wasn't fazed. "No need

I've always had

never hurt one.

honest with me,

you.

even help you escape

this

nightmare."

As far as she

She'd