Chapter 3 0003

The next morning, Alina slipped into a loose, pastel-colored t-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of light blue denim jeans. White sneakers hugged her feet, and her hair was tied up in a messy ponytail that framed her delicate features. A small backpack hung casually over her shoulder, giving her a simple yet effortlessly cute look.

Grabbing her phone, she walked out of her room and headed downstairs, where her parents were already waiting, tension heavy in the air.

"Alina," Mr. Cole began, his voice low and hesitant, "I think you should stay home today. The Devil... he's not a man to be trifled with. I don't want to risk your life."

Alina stopped halfway down the stairs, her expression unreadable for a moment before a stubborn fire lit her eyes. "Life? What life, Dad?" she said firmly, surprising even herself with how steady her voice sounded. "The same life that's slipping away in just a few months? If risking what little time I have left can save our family, then I'll do it."

She was startled by her own defiance. Normally, she never argued with her parents, but something inside her refused to back down this time. Something pulled her toward this meeting, as if fate itself was dragging her forward.

Mrs. Cole reached for her hand, worry etched on her face. "Sweetheart, listen to your father. The Devil isn't someone you can reason with. He's dangerous-deadly."

Alina tightened her grip on the strap of her backpack, lifting her chin with quiet determination. "Mom, I'm going," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I can't just sit here doing nothing while you both fight this battle alone. If this is happening because of me, then I'll face him too."

Her parents exchanged a helpless look. They could see it in her eyes-she had made up her mind, and nothing could sway her now. With a heavy sigh, Mr. Cole straightened his jacket and cleared his throat.

"Fine," he said reluctantly, his voice grim. "Let's go."

He turned and walked toward the door, Mrs. Cole following close behind. Alina trailed after them, her heart pounding with a strange mix of fear and an unexplainable pull toward the man they called the Devil.

*****

They had been waiting for over an hour in the spacious meeting room, and Alina's patience what little of it she had was long gone.

She had come here to meet the so-called devil. And yet, here they were the ones in desperate need of his help being made to wait as if their time was worthless.

Her eyes narrowed at the clock. What kind of arrogant man makes people wait this long?

It was unfair. No infuriating.

The words slipped out before she could stop herself.

"Where is the idiot called the Devil?"

Her voice was sharp.

The room froze. Every head snapped toward her in disbelief.

The door opened and a man dressed in black tailored suit entered the room with his assistant following him behind, keeping at least five steps away from him.

Liam entered the room nonchalantly and sat at the head table. As soon as he sat, his eyes glanced at every single person who sat in the room. Soon, his deep voice sounded. "Who said those words"

When he spoke, his voice was deep, calm, and far too controlled.

Everyone stiffened. The very air felt heavier, as though oxygen itself was rationed in his presence.

"I hate repeating myself," Liam said, the cold edge in his voice making sweat prickle on the backs of necks.

Mr. Cole stammered nervously, trying to defuse the suffocating tension. "Please, nothing like that was said. We were... only discussing how good you are."

Liam's lips curled into a slow, humorless smile.

"Do I look like a fool?" He leaned back in his chair, gaze locking on Mr. Cole. "It's fine. I already know who said it."

He raised a hand slightly, and Caleb stepped forward, placing a small, gleaming pocket knife into his palm.

Gasps rippled through the room as Liam rose from his seat. Without a word, he walked to where Mrs. Cole sat.

Then he stood behind her and without hesitation rested the blade against her neck.

The room collectively stopped breathing. Mr. Cole's face drained of color, his hands trembling visibly on the table.

"Let her go!"

The voice came from the far side of the table.

Alina.

She had risen from her chair, her back straight, her eyes locked the devil.

Liam turned his head slightly, his gaze narrowing on the girl who dared interrupt him. A faint smirk touched his lips.

"And if I don't, little one? What if I slit her throat right here and feed her body to my dogs?"

Murmurs of horror filled the room, but Alina's glare only sharpened.

"Then you're a fool."

It was as though the temperature dropped ten degrees in an instant.

Her father's heart nearly stopped. Did she just-?

"Do you have a death wish?" Liam asked, his voice low and dangerous, every word laced with venom.

Alina wanted to tell him the truth-that death was already knocking at her door, and she had nothing left to lose but instead, she only let out a short, mocking hiss.

In a flash, he was in front of her. His hand shot out, gripping her throat with a firm, unyielding hold. His other hand grasped her jaw, forcing her to look up into his eyes.

Their gazes locked.

For a heartbeat, the world around them ceased to exist. His stare was endless and suffocating, like being pulled into the depths of a black ocean. Her pulse hammered against his palm, and yet, she didn't look away.

"I'll ask again," Liam said, voice a deadly whisper. "Do. You. Have. A death wish?"

Before she could respond, he leaned in abruptly, his mouth brushing hers-not in a kiss, but in something painful. His teeth caught her lower lip, biting down hard enough to draw blood before pulling away.

A thin crimson line welled on her lip.

Liam's tongue flicked across his own lips, tasting her blood. "Nice," he murmured, his voice almost amused. "I love the taste."

Heat flushed Alina's face, not from embarrassment, but from sheer fury. Never in her life had anyone treated her like this.

Her parents rushed to her side, pulling her back before she could hurl her rage at him. They dropped to their knees before Liam.

"Please," Mr. Cole pleaded, voice breaking. "She's our only daughter. Don't hurt her. She didn't mean it.... please, Sir."

Mrs. Cole was already crying, her hands clasped together desperately.

Caleb, leaning against the wall, almost scoffed. They should be grateful she was still alive. Anyone else who'd dared speak to his master that way would already be lying cold on the floor.

Liam regarded the couple coolly, then finally said, "It's fine. I will not harm your precious daughter."

The relief on their faces was instant. "Thank you, Sir, thank you-"

"Don't thank me," Liam interrupted. "In fact... I'll invest in your company."

The room stilled. Even Caleb's brows rose slightly.

"Really? You'll... invest?" Mr. Cole asked, hardly believing it.

"Yes," Liam replied simply.

Mr. Cole's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you so much, we are beyond grateful-"

"But," Liam's voice cut through, "I want something in exchange."

Caleb's lips twitched. Here it comes, he knows his master would definitely asked for something.

"What do you want? Name it, I promise to give it to you," Mr. Cole said desperately.

Liam's gaze slid to Alina. The faintest smirk tugged at his mouth.

"All I want... is your daughter."

The room was so silent, it felt like the air had frozen. For more than twenty minutes, no one spoke-until Alina suddenly burst into laughter.

Her head tilted back, deep dimples appearing as she laughed so hard that tears welled in her eyes. Anyone watching might have thought she'd gone mad.

Even the Devil himself-Liam-watched her with faint surprise. Did she not hear him? He had just said he wanted her... and she was laughing. Did she think it was a joke?

"Please, ask for anything else," Mr. Cole finally said, his voice cracking. "Alina is our only child."

"I don't want anything else," Liam replied smoothly. "Only her."

Mr. Cole opened his mouth to argue, but Alina spoke first.

"You really want me?"

"Yes," Liam said without hesitation. "That's the only way I'll invest in your father's company."

"Please," Mrs. Cole pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "Not my daughter. Ask for something else."

"But you heard your husband," Liam said coldly. "He promised me anything I asked for. And what I want... is her."

His gaze sharpened. "If you refuse, then I won't invest. And don't dare come to me again."

"You're heartless," Alina muttered, clearly annoyed. What did this man actually want from her?

Liam's smile turned lethal. "Say that again, and I'll have my men take you in public-middle of the road. Dare me." His voice was ice.

"Please, request something else," Mr. Cole begged.

"It's fine, Dad," Alina said suddenly. "I'll go with him."

Everyone stared at her in shock. Caleb, standing in the corner, felt a wave of pity for her. She had no idea the kind of hell she was walking into.

"Keep quiet!" Mr. Cole snapped, glaring at his daughter. This wasn't her. Normally, Alina was quiet and obedient. But today she had insulted the Devil... and now she was agreeing to follow him. Was she trying to die before her time?

"Dad, if this is the only way out, then I'll go," Alina said firmly. In her mind, her life was already ticking away-just a few months left. If she was going to die anyway, why not spend it with the so-called Devil? Maybe it wasn't such a bad decision after all.

Liam studied her with curiosity. Where was this girl getting her courage? Most would be on their knees, begging for mercy. But she stood her ground. One thing was certain-he'd make her regret it.

"Good," he said finally. "Since she's agreed, there's no problem. I'll give you whatever amount you need to rebuild your business. Thank you for your daughter."

He turned toward the door, but halfway there, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder.

"Aren't you coming? Or should I have someone carry you?"

"Why so impatient? Can't it wait until tomorrow?" she asked.

"No. You're my property now, and I don't like my property out of my sight. Now, come here."

Ignoring him, Alina knelt beside her mother, who was still sobbing. "Mom, please stop crying. I'll be fine."

"Fine? With the Devil?" Mrs. Cole's voice trembled. "He could hurt you-"

"I'll be fine," Alina interrupted softly. "I'll visit home when I can. Tell Grandma I love her." She hugged her mother tightly before standing and turning to her father, whose eyes shone with unshed tears.

Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered, "Don't worry about me, Dad. I'll be okay."

They held each other for a long moment before she finally pulled away. She gave them one last wave, then walked toward Liam.

Outside, a sleek black Rolls Royce Phantom waited at the curb. Caleb opened the back door, and Liam slid in first. Alina followed without a word.

The door closed with a heavy thud. Caleb got behind the wheel, started the engine, and the car pulled away.