apter 73: Scripted Encounters-1
Damien’s phone buzzed in his pocket.
He glanced down, read the message from James, and quietly typed a reply. Without missing
a beat, he slipped the phone back into his pocket and looked at Ashcroft.
“I told James to attend the meeting,” he said, voice low and clipped. “Let’s head back to the suite. He’s waiting.”
Ashcroft gave a short nod, falling into step beside him.
They crossed the villa property in silence, weaving through manicured garden paths and open courtyards touched by the golden sun. The warmth of Isla Aurelia didn’t soften Damien’s expression. His jaw was tight. His eyes unreadable.
When they reached the penthouse, James was already outside the door, standing at attention like he’d been stationed there for hours.
“Sir,” James greeted with a nod. “Mr. Ashcroft.”
“Let’s talk inside,” Damien said, already unlocking the door.
The heavy door swung open and shut behind them with a thud of finality.
James didn’t waste a second. He went straight into the recap.
“The contract negotiation was civil-but far from ordinary,” he began. “Ethan seemed very comfortable. The only thing he asked about was the campaign schedule. Then Aimee flagged the updated contract-one that appeared to have been modified just minutes before the meeting.”
He glanced at Damien, his tone sharpening. “The revised terms grant Blackwood Enterprises full exclusivity on endorsement rights for the entire campaign window. No fee. Just accommodations and meals.”
Damien’s jaw flexed, the muscle ticking.
“And when asked why,” James continued, “he said he doesn’t need the money. That he didn’t expect to see Ms. Maya here, and just having the opportunity to spend time with her was enough.”
Ashcroft let out a scoff, arms folded across his chest. “Theatrical little bastard.”
James gave a single nod. “He played the humble card. Said it was his personal choice-and
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Claim
that he actually felt indebted to us. Claimed we were giving him something he thought he’d lost for good.”
He paused, then added, “He’s smooth. Really smooth. Said all the right things. Every word felt intentional.”
Damien didn’t respond. He shifted his gaze to James, his tone low and absolute. “Get Trina. I want her here. Now.”
James gave a short nod and stepped aside.
Ashcroft exhaled hard through his nose. “This wasn’t luck-and it sure as hell wasn’t some destiny bullshit.”
Damien’s gaze cut toward the window. “No shit. This was deliberate.”
He turned back, voice low and razor-edged. “Orion doesn’t operate like that unless someone’s pulling strings. He didn’t just show up-he was sent.”
Ashcroft’s jaw clenched. “And he’s easing his way in like he’s just another pretty face.”
A bitter smirk tugged at his mouth. “You really gonna let him circle Maya like a vulture in designer silk?”
Damien’s reply came low, lethal. “Let him circle. I want the puppeteer behind him… before I cut the strings and clip his wings.”
About fifteen minutes later, a knock echoed through the penthouse.
James checked the peephole, then opened the door. “It’s her.”
Trina stepped inside, composed as ever, though the flicker of unease in her eyes betrayed her.
“Mr. Blackwood,” she said. “You wanted to see me?”
Damien didn’t waste time. “Explain Ethan Miller.”
Trina blinked, visibly steadying herself. “I… I was caught off guard too, sir. Our original model was contracted through Altair Creative Group. Two days before the trip, they called to cancel. Said they were overbooked and would pay the penalty-two million dollars. The funds hit our account that same day.”
Ashcroft’s brow rose. “That fast?”
“Yes. Less than ten minutes later, I got a confirmation call from Finance. The money cleared. Then, about an hour after that, I received an sss from Orion Models. They said they wanted to collaborate on the campaign. I turned them down at first. We’ve never worked with them
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before, and honestly, we didn’t need their influence – especially not for this campaign.”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.