"Whoa, what's all this?" Chloe asked, stepping into the living room with wide eyes. Luxury handbags, shoes, and evening dresses on the sofa clashed with the white flowers and sympathy cards scattered across the room. Diva bounded over, knocking over a vase before pawing at Lisa, who stood speechless, her mouth forming a perfect O.

"No, the event is next month, not next week. We need your team to build..." Vivianne's stern voice droned as she paced the room, her high heels clicking on the hard floor. A familiar velvet box with a unique lock, securing Chloe's diamond-studded collar, rested on the coffee table next to a monogrammed leather clutch.

"Chanel, Prada, LV, and Birkin?" Lisa questioned, her brown eyes blinking fast. "Somebody's spoiling you."

Chloe shrugged as her gaze swept the room.

Her attention shifted to Sara, who knelt in the corner, scrubbing at a stinky mess on the floor. "You naughty dog. I've just taken you for a walk," the housekeeper muttered. She jumped to her feet, peeled off her rubber gloves, and rushed toward Chloe and Lisa with a bright smile upon hearing them.

"Damian has a thing for attractive women, including his staff," Lisa whispered into Chloe's ear, her gaze following Sara's energetic movements.

"Good afternoon, Miss Carter. Would you and your guest like a drink?" Sara beamed with warmth, creating an air of comfort.

Chloe waved, dismissing the formalities. "Just call me Chloe, Sara. We don't need anything. Where's Damian?"

"Mister Scott is still working in his home office. Would you like me to check his availability?" she asked, still smiling. She reached to switch on a diffuser, releasing a fresh citrus scent into the air.

Vivianne pocketed her phone and strode toward Chloe while Sara stepped away, leading Diva to the back garden. "Mister Scott will see you when he's finished for the day. I've also notified security that you'll be staying here indefinitely. Is your passcode for the alarms and entry working properly, Miss Carter?"

"Just Chloe, please." Chloe sighed, combing a hand through her thick, dark hair. "And yes, everything's fine. This is my friend, Lisa Patel."

"Will she be staying here too?" Vivianne's eyes flicked to the small travel suitcase Lisa wheeled in.

"Oh, this? No, it's Chloe's," Lisa replied crisply. "She has a few more things in my car. I'm just here to drop her off."

Chloe pointed at the lineup of luxury clothing and accessories. "What's all that?"

"These are for you, Chloe. You can choose what you'd like to wear for the meeting you and Mister Scott will attend tonight," Vivianne gestured, half-smiling.

"Speaking of your gorgeous man," Lisa hushed, glancing at the hallway to her left.

Chloe grinned as Damian entered the room, his presence commanding. His black shirt, perfectly tailored and peeking from beneath an open dark gray suit jacket, highlighted his broad shoulders. His green eyes, glinting with playful intensity, met Chloe's, sending a surge of desire through her.

Damian's jaw, lightly dusted with stubble, added a rugged touch to his striking features. The golden-haired man radiated a magnetic allure with each confident step in his polished Oxford shoes. But his smile—knowing and just a touch wicked—made her heart race and her cheeks warm.

"I trust Vivianne picked a few items to your liking," he murmured, his deep, velvet voice wrapping around her like a caress. Chloe's breath hitched, the sound of his words and the intensity of his gaze igniting a fire within her.

Her lips curved into a smile as she sauntered toward him. "You didn't need to do all this for me," she said.

Damian wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, his touch sending a familiar thrill through her. His scent—earthy with a hint of spice—enveloped her, jolting her senses as his lips brushed against hers. "Breakfast this morning was delicious," he whispered against her lips, his voice teasing yet tender.

He turned to her friend, his smile warm and genuine. "Lisa, it's been a while."

"It has," she replied, her expression softening. "I hope you can forgive me for keeping Chloe away all these years. She made me promise to respect her privacy and never reveal anything about her, and I made Theo promise the same. For Chloe, it was about trusting us as more than friends—we're family."

"I know. I tried convincing Theo, but he stayed loyal to your promise and Chloe's trust. It was a dead end," Damian admitted, his voice tinged with lingering regret. "I can't blame you for the mess I created."

"I'm also truly sorry about your loss. Your mother—"

"She's gone. It is what it is," Damian replied. A shadow passed over his eyes before he managed a small smile. "Tell Theo I'll meet him in Vegas for his bachelor's party next weekend."

Lisa nodded, her eyes darting to Chloe. "I'll see you at your hen's night on Saturday," she said, giving Chloe a tight hug before leaving.

"I'll bring Chloe's belongings to the foyer. Then I'm knocking off for the evening," Vivianne announced, then accompanied Lisa outside to her car.

Chloe's gaze lingered on the dresses, shoes, and handbags before she chose a sheer, lace minidress that hugged her curves, its delicate fabric welcoming her skin. Slipping into stiletto heels that made her legs appear endlessly long, she completed the sultry ensemble with an elegant Birkin bag.

Damian's fingers glided along Chloe's arm, his touch lingering with urgency as his breathing grew heavy. "Wear the dress without a bra. No panties either," he instructed, his eyes darkening.

She recalled the club they planned to visit and the women who worked there—all exquisite in their teasing appearance: silk stockings, soft feathers, rhinestone-encrusted heels, and bare, shiny breasts, round and full.

Damian's daring request thrilled Chloe. It sparked a new energy in her, a dangerous excitement. Biting her lower lip, she gave a slight, consenting nod.

He unlocked the velvet box with deliberate care and retrieved the diamond-studded collar. His eyes locked onto hers, burning with a spark of possessive admiration, as he fastened it around her neck. "Perfect," he growled, then moaned into her neck as he nipped and suckled her skin.

Chloe responded to his kisses, her hands gripping his shoulders, pulling him closer before she gently broke away, breathless.

"Dami, I love you."

"I love you too, babe. With all my fucking heart."

Chloe smoothed her dress, her fingers trailing over the delicate lace. "I'll be wearing this tonight, then. No panties. I'll shower now, then start getting ready. Is there anything you want to talk about before I go upstairs?"

"Actually, yes," Damian said, searching Chloe's trusting eyes. "From now on, I want to experience pleasure with no barriers. You're the only woman I want. I'm clean, and I think you are, too."

"My last STI test showed I'm all good."

"I'll arrange for you to see the best obstetric gynecologist in town who can prescribe a contraceptive pill that works for you."

Chloe nodded, her thoughts racing.

Damian took a deep breath, his fingers gently tracing the outline of her jaw. "I'm also resigning as CFO and taking a position on the board of directors at Scott-Quinn Enterprises. This will give me time to sort out everything my mother left, including her dealings with Mike Marino."

Chloe looked at him, her brow furrowing slightly. "Are you sure that's what you want?"

"I need to handle this, Chloe. But I also need to know what you want to do. You're starting your new job at Harbor Alliances next week, but if you want something else, say the word. You never have to worry about money."

Chloe's defiance flared. "I could've sold the collar if I needed money. It was never an issue for me. Losing my last job made me realize I can look after myself, and I want the new job because I earned it."

Damian's gaze softened, affection shining in his eyes. "I want to take care of you, but I won't stop you from choosing what you feel is right."

Chloe sighed, realizing she wanted to surrender fully to Damian and take that leap, but the fear of the unknown lashed at her. Still, she desired to experience what felt real and dangerous—like standing atop a skyscraper, knowing she wouldn't fall. Knowing Damian had her.

One day at a time.

"I might change my mind later," she responded. "I never thought about what I wanted to do beyond the typical nine-to-five. Perhaps I want to dedicate my life to other causes, like working with abuse survivors."

Damian's embrace tightened, his voice a tender whisper. "Whatever you choose, I'll support you."

Chloe looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "Thank you, Damian."

Damian's expression turned serious as the room settled into a cozy silence. "Chloe, there's something important we need to discuss privately tonight with my uncle."

She looked up, curiosity piqued by the intensity of his gaze. "What is it?"

Damian took a deep breath, his grip on her tightening slightly. "I received some information that may shed light on your family history—your biological parents."

Chloe's heart pounded, a storm of apprehension and hope surging within her. "Okay," she whispered, her voice trembling. Damian's words dominated her thoughts, hinting at facts that could change everything she thought she knew.

***

Damian and Chloe stepped into the high-end gentlemen's club perched on the top floors of a sleek downtown skyscraper. The club, partially owned by Scott-Quinn Enterprises, radiated an air of exclusivity and sophistication. Chloe took a deep breath at the sight of the elite establishment, a significant upgrade from its former home in a renovated chapel.

Decadent indulgence infiltrated the club. High rollers gathered around luxurious gaming tables, their laughter mingling with the soft hum of conversation. Scantily clad women, their whispers like silk, attended to the gamblers, their perfume blending with the rich scent of expensive cigars.

A pair of familiar, gem-like eyes fixated on Chloe. The stunning woman with jet-black hair and a perfect Hollywood smile approached them. "Chloe, welcome back," Valentina greeted, pulling her into a hug.

Chloe couldn't help but notice Valentina's tight halterneck dress—she was the only fully clothed employee in sight, yet the peaks of her nipples were visible against the flimsy fabric. Instead of envying the woman's charm over Damian and the other men, Chloe felt a surprising stir of arousal.

"It's nice to see you. I trust the club is treating you well?" Chloe asked, smoothing her dress nervously.

"It is. A lot's changed since I was promoted to managing this place," Valentina replied, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I decided to stay after finishing my commerce degree. Moving The Church to this new location has given the brand a classier, more exclusive feel."

"Darling, can you please make sure Chloe gets a drink?" Damian directed to Valentina, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Sure, Mister Scott. And the usual for you?"

Damian nodded, anchoring one arm around Chloe as they moved further into the club.

Valentina expertly mixed the drinks and handed each their glasses. "Come. Follow me," she said, gesturing toward a private elevator that whisked them to the floor above.

Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a sprawling cityscape, the lights twinkling like clusters of tiny stars against the velvety darkness of the night. Plush Chesterfield sofas invited guests to sink in and relax while a well-stocked bar gleamed with bottles of top-shelf liquor. Every decor piece reflected elegance, from the plush rugs' intricate patterns to the shiny, polished furniture.

"I'll leave you two here," Valentina said, hugging Chloe and kissing her right cheek. "It's great to see you again, doll. You're beautiful, as always."

Damian took Chloe's hand, leading her to a group of men surrounded by six stunning women, their beauty reminiscent of supermodels. Chloe recognized some of the faces from the covers of beauty and fashion magazines.

"Is that—" Chloe began.

"Yes," Damian interrupted. "We've given them the boost they need for their careers and lifestyles. Sometimes, a few of them require sugar daddies."

One of the women looked up, her dark eyes narrowing at Damian's protective hold on Chloe. She recognized her as Lulu Chung, an up-and-coming model and actress.

"Dami, I haven't seen you in a while. It bothers me that you didn't return my messages. Why?" Lulu's scarlet lips pressed into a tight line, her voice filled with accusation and longing.

Chloe felt a pang of hurt. "You said you hadn't slept with anyone besides Gemma."

"I haven't," Damian whispered through clenched teeth, deliberately ignoring Lulu's question as if she were inconsequential. "She accompanied me to a few private events. A few kisses and hugs, and that's all."

Chloe rolled her eyes and sighed, but Damian pulled her closer, his hand firm on her waist as his fingers traced slow, sensual circles.

"Gentlemen," he greeted, his voice steady and authoritative as he addressed the men with the high-end escorts.

Uncle Nick, Angelo Lucciano, and his nephew...

Chase!

Chloe's heart skipped a beat as two gorgeous women draped over him like fine silk, rubbing his shoulders and kissing his lips. His wavy hair framed his face, highlighting his playful brown eyes and the charming dimple on his right cheek. He emanated confidence, a cigar in one hand, as he flirted with the women.

Chase grinned, a dangerous glint flickering in his eyes. "Chloe."

Damian's grip on Chloe tightened as he glared at Chase. "Does the jackass need to be here?" he spat, his nostrils flaring.

"Damian. Let's be civil." Nick glared, his steely gray eyes saying unspoken words.

Chloe laughed softly as she placed her cocktail glass on the sofa table. "Chase, I didn't expect you here tonight."

***

A/N: What the heck is Chase doing there?
(I promise his presence serves a purpose...all will be revealed in the next chapter)

https://youtu.be/QMGGaNynpLI