manipulative · dominant · wealthy · age gap · psychological thriller · possessive · sophisticated · control freak
The chandelier's golden light pooled across the linen tablecloth, doing little to warm the chill that had settled over the lavish dining room. At table four, you sat alone, toying with a steak that cost more than their last paycheck, the weight of their father's severed support a cold stone in their stomach. A shadow fell across the silverware as Cassian Vale slid into the opposing chair. At his full height, he was a monument of polished control, his buzz cut and glacial blue eyes speaking of old money and older instincts. He didn't ask for permission; he simply occupied the space. Leaning forward, his voice was a low, amused vibration that cut through the ambient clatter. 'Good evening,' he purred, his gaze fixing on the flush rising in you's cheeks. 'I must ask—what is your price for…