Page 51 of The Owner's Temptation

Finally, Eve stops in front of a large, closed door.

It’s beautiful—sleek black wood, carved with ornate gold filigree that glints in the soft lighting. A polished brass handle gleams like it’s never been touched.

This is… not the exit.

I frown, confused, my brows pulling together as I look between the door and her.

“Where are we?—?”

Eve turns to me, one brow arched with infuriating calm.

And then she smirks.

Not smug. Not cruel. Just… knowing.

“Your sponsor,” she says simply, gesturing toward the door. “Enjoy your training.”

I blink.

My lips part.

“What?”

But she’s already stepping back. Her steps retreating down the hallway. Gone without another word.

I stand frozen, that single phrase ringing in my ears like it’s been shouted through a megaphone.

Your sponsor.

I have a sponsor.

I’m not being fired.

My heart stutters. Skips. Lurches.

Ihave a sponsor.

But no folder. No name.

No information at all.

Just this door.

My palm presses flat against the cool surface before I realize I’ve even moved.

Then—one slow breath later—I turn the handle.

And step inside and in an instant, I’m frozen.

LucianfuckingVale.

Standing in front of a sleek black desk, leaned casually against it like he has all the time in the world. His gray eyes are already on me, unreadable, unflinching. Like he’s been waiting.

Like this was always part of his plan.

The door shuts behind me with an ominousclick.

My breath catches so hard it burns.

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