Chapter 1: THE OFFER
Amara Vale had never imagined that silence could have a price.
At twenty-three, she was struggling to pay her rent, her younger brother's school fees, and her mother's medical bills.
Then, one rainy evening, a black luxury car stopped outside the café where she worked.
A tall man stepped out.
Adrian Cross.
Billionaire.
Powerful.
Untouchable.
He walked toward her and held out a thick envelope.
“Take it.”Amara frowned. “What is it?”“Money."
“Why are you giving me money?”
His eyes fixed on hers.
“Because I need your silence.
”Her heart stopped.
Three years ago, Amara had witnessed a terrible car accident.
She had seen a young woman crawl from the wreckage—and a mysterious man arrive moments later.
She had never told anyone.
Until now.
“You remember,” Adrian said.
Amara slowly stepped back.“How do you know?”
“That night involved someone very important to me.”
“Who?"
“My sister.”Amara stared at him.
“Your sister died three years ago.
”Adrian's expression darkened.
“That's what everyone thinks.
”He placed the envelope in her hand.
“Take the money.
Forget what you saw.
”Amara looked at the cash inside.It could solve every problem she had.
But there was something about Adrian's eyes that frightened her.“What happens if I refuse?”He leaned closer.“Then the people who have been searching for you may find you first.”Amara's blood ran cold.
Adrian walked back toward his car.Before getting inside, he looked at her one last time.“You have forty-eight hours to decide.”The car disappeared into the rain.Amara stood alone, clutching the envelope.
For three years, she had believed the past was buried.Now she knew one thing.Someone had been waiting for her to remember.
