RUTHLESS CONTRACT: Bound by power. Pulled by desire.

Richard's Pov

The car pulled up silently in front of the mansion.The engine cut, and I stepped forward, letting her take in the full view.

Audrey Ramen stepped out,every inch of her screamed awareness. Straight-backed, poised, moving like she was walking into a battlefield instead of a marriage. Dangerous.

Her eyes flicked to me, sharp, measuring. No fear. No hesitation. Perfect. That fire in her gaze told me she knew exactly who she was dealing with.

"Mr. Drake," she said, voice controlled.

"Miss Ramen," I replied evenly. No warmth, no smiles. Not here. Not ever.

I stepped aside, letting her walk in first. "Your room has been prepared. Unpack what you need. Dinner is in two hours."

Her jaw tightened slightly. That tiny spark of defiance didn't escape me. Good. Calm, sharp, calculating.

"I assume I will be free to-" she started.

"No questions. No interference," I cut her off. Low, firm, precise. "Your orders are clear. You comply. That is all."

Her eyes didn't waver. "Understood."

We walked through the hallways, staff quietly observing in the background. Every step she took was deliberate, measured, eyes flicking to corners, to doors, to me. Observing. Testing. I let her think she had a little control. She didn't.

At her room, I stopped. "East wing. Off-limits to everything else. Staff have been instructed. You follow instructions. Any deviation, and you leave."

She nodded once, chin high. That subtle spark of defiance again. Dangerous, but intriguing.

---

Dinner was quiet. Staff moved like shadows, leaving us space. She sat across from me, posture straight, eyes alert. Every movement is deliberate.

"Eat. Follow the house rules. Speak only when spoken to," I instructed.

"Yes, sir," she replied. Calm, precise, measured-but that faint undercurrent of challenge didn't escape me.

I watched her chew slowly, taking in the room, the staff, the house, and me. Observing, weighing, planning. Perfect. Defensive-but curious. Dangerous.

When the meal ended, I gave her a brief tour-not to impress, not to intimidate, but to define boundaries.

Returning to the study, I replayed every detail: her movements, her posture, the calm fire in her eyes. She's clever. Sharp. Observant. And I hated that I was already thinking about her.