C5 THE AGREEMENT

Annette's heart raced as she approached the imposing black gate. The sight of it was more intimidating than she had anticipated. It was hard to believe that someone like McKenney Hudson, who exuded confidence and power, would feel the need for such security measures.

As her delicate fingers brushed against the gate's smooth surface, she found solace in the realization that even someone of his stature could succumb to paranoia. It was a humanizing thought that eased her nerves.

As her hand connected with the buzzer beside the gare, time seemed to slow down, and she was enveloped in silence. The rhythmic ticking of her wristwatch was the only audible sound, each second passing by with a sense of anticipation. She cursed under her breath as it dawned on her that she had forgotten to check with the person I talked to whether McKenney wanted me to come immediately because it was quite late in the day.

The possibility of an awkward encounter loomed before her as she stared at the gate towering over her, no matter how much she tried to calm her raging emotions they don't seem to want to calm down

With a determined sigh, she gave the doorbell another firm press, willing herself to overcome the doubts that lingered. Cassie's face remained a steadfast presence in her thoughts, a constant reminder of the purpose behind her risky journey.

She knew she had to save Cassie, no matter the cost—even if it meant becoming involved with a wealthy billionaire who sought-after sexual gratification from a less privileged woman like her.

As the door creaked open, a stern voice inquired, "Can I help you?" She met the gaze of the butler, steeling herself and responding, "I'm here to see Mr. McKenney. It's urgent." The guard raised an eyebrow, studying her for a moment before stepping aside to let her in.

The guard's doubt was palpable as he studied her when she came in through the gate, but he nodded nonetheless. "What’s your name, please?"

"Annette Zachary," she answered, albeit hesitantly.

"Alright, Annette. Hold on." the guard murmured as he asked the person on the other end of this earpiece if Mr McKenney was expecting any Miss Zachary?. Annette could only guess that someone higher than this guard was monitoring the situation through security cameras.

"Boss? Yesh i see, okay then, i will let her know" he spoke into the earpiece, awaiting confirmation. Annette's attention drifted, her interest waning in the exchange between the guard and whoever he was talking to.

"Miss Zachary. You may go in, sorry for the delay" the guard relayed, motioning for her to enter.

"Thank you," Annette replied, surprised by the ease of her passage. Her assumption of being denied entry was proven wrong. Perhaps things were progressing smoothly, with Cassie's fate hanging in the balance.

Stepping inside, the gate was shut behind her, and the grandeur of the villa left her awestruck. It was the embodiment of her childhood dreams, a Roman-inspired masterpiece with its regal columns, arches, and domes. The gardens, fountains, and statues that surrounded the villa added to its elegance, a perfect harmony of design and nature. She marveled at the artistry displayed through intricate mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures depicting tales of mythology and history. The villa felt like a portal to a different world, one of opulence and allure. Annette found herself wondering about the untold stories hidden within its walls.

Just as she was about to knock on the door, reality pulled her back. But before she could react, the door swung open, and two pairs of eyes locked onto her as she stepped onto the front porch. Annette's attention was drawn upward, and she noticed a CCTV camera positioned next to the grand, beautiful door.

With a discreet cough, the butler's presence snapped her out of her momentary daze. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized she had remained frozen in place despite the butler's invitation. "Please, come in," the butler said without a hint of emotion like those mechanical robots at the carnival.

Blinking away her embarrassment, Annette mumbled a soft, "Thank you very much

"Welcome, ma'am, please follow me. Master McKenney said I should take you to his study while he finishes up with work" the butler responded in the same robotic tone.

As her gaze drifted upwards, it met with the stairs above, and her breath caught. McKenney stood there at the top of the stairs with a phone in his hand, an embodiment of masculine allure.

His gaze pierced through her, and she couldn't help but be captivated by his commanding presence. His shirt was partially unbuttoned, revealing a chiseled torso that seemed sculpted by the gods themselves. The wind tousled his dark hair, and his lips curved into a smile that oozed charm. Annette felt drawn to him, her heart racing as if under a spell.

"Follow me, Ma'am. He awaits you." the butler said, breaking her trance, bringing her back to reality.

Forcing her gaze away from McKenney, Annette followed the butler's lead. The journey ahead was uncertain, but the magnetic pull she felt toward him left her both intrigued and apprehensive. With each step, she couldn't shake the feeling that her decision to get involved with the enigmatic CEO would inevitably lead her down a treacherous path.

Annette found herself in the CEO's private study, directed to a gray couch by the butler. She was anxious to leave and return to the hospital before her sister Cassie woke up.

As she sat down, she yawned, feeling the exhaustion from the sleepless night and Cassie's accident catching up with her. Just then, her phone rang, showing Jane's name on the screen. Annette hoped for good news about Cassie's condition.

"Hello, Jane. How is Cassie doing?" Annette inquired, her heart racing with worry.

"Hi, Anne. I’m afraid I have some bad news. Cassie doesn’t want to see the doctor or anyone else. She says she only wants to talk to you, right now," Jane explained.

Annette's concern deepened. "What? Why? What’s wrong with her?" she asked urgently.

"She's in shock. That's just it," Jane replied.

Annette knew she needed to be there for her sister, even though she was supposed to discuss a certain matter with the CEO. "Damn. I should be back sooner!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, you need to come here as soon as possible and talk to her," Jane emphasize

"OK, OK, I’m coming. Just hang in there, Jane. I'll take a little time though, but I'll be there. And tell Cassie I love her," Annette reassured her.

"Okay Anne," Jane replied.

Annette looked up and noticed a familiar cologne in the air. It was him, the CEO, approaching her. Her heart skipped a beat in his presence.

"Bye, Jane." Annette ended the call and shifted her attention to him. She watched as he walked into the room with his usual elegance. She thought about the reason she was there and mustered the courage to express it

"Good evening, Mr. McKenney, I'm Annette Zachary." Annette asserted, determined to get to the point.

He paused, as if he was trying to remember her then recognition washed over his face. "Ohh! I see," he nodded. "You must be the woman that talked back to me at my own company"

"Yes sir, I'm that woman, and I apologize once again." She took a step forward, unwilling to be dismissed.

"Your apology means nothing to me, Miss Zachary" he said in a nonchalant tone as his gaze followed me as he sat at the desk in front of me.

"Please Call me Annette!" she insisted, her frustration evident.

"Not happening, I prefer 'Goldielocks'. It sounds better to the ears," he teased with a seductive grin.

Annette's patience wore thin, considering the situation she was in. "I don't have the time to argue with you on that," she retorted, her desperation evident.

"Very wise of you," he smirked, showing an appreciation for her assertiveness.

Annette's irritation grew, but she had a pressing matter to discuss. "I have something complicated to sort out right now. So, pay attention," she stated, noticing his amusement fading into curiosity.

He nodded, apparently willing to listen. "Before that, what would you like to take?" he offered.

Annette declined his offer for refreshments. "No, I'm fine. Thanks," she replied.

"Okay then, let's begin" Mr McKenney said as he took a sip of the whisky he had just poured for himself as she stared at her with desire filled eyes, 'this is going to be a long night' Annette muttered to herself before she began speaking.