The wooden board slammed into Maxim's muscular abdomen before the petite body of a woman followed, crashing into him hard.
"$500,000 for my virginity."
The bold black letters on the white board were clearly readable right in front of Maximilian Alessandro Romano's face.
That morning, the usually tranquil Hotel Noir Royale was suddenly thrown into chaos when a woman burst into the corridor, chased by security, only to end up colliding with the imposing body of the leader of the Nocturne Empire. Two of his men instinctively stepped forward.
The woman staggered, but Maxim's strong hand reflexively caught her slim waist. Their gazes locked in a single straight line for several seconds—until a baritone voice behind her snapped her back into panic.
"Miss! Stop!"
Maxim did not immediately release his grip. He lowered his gaze, rereading the bold words on the wooden board before clicking his tongue coldly in disdain.
"Cheap," he muttered flatly.
The woman's lips trembled. Her dignity was wounded by that single word. Yet it was the truth—she was the one who had put a price on the most precious crown she possessed.
"Sir—"
She didn't get to finish. Two security guards roughly grabbed her arms.
"Sorry, Sir, for causing a disturbance this early in the morning."
Maxim released his hold, watching with indifference as she was dragged away from him. The wooden board fell to the floor with a piercing clatter.
Camilla, Maxim's adopted sister, clicked her tongue as she stepped to his side.
"First thing in the morning, a cheap woman like that already ruins the mood."
"Just ignore it," he said flatly, brushing a hand over the surface of his expensive suit as if wiping away dust.
He resumed his dignified stride—only to stop again when his phone rang. The name displayed on the screen made him exhale sharply.
Maxim swiped the screen.
"Yes?"
The voice on the other end wasted no time.
"When are you going to bring me a granddaughter-in-law and give me a great-grandchild, you little bastard? Planning to stay single until you're old, huh?"
"I'm busy. That's not important," Maxim replied coolly.
"Not important? You don't care about my inheritance?" The voice lowered slightly. "Or are you willing to hand it over to your half-brother, Matteo?"
Maximilian let out a harsh breath before answering,
"Fine. But remember one thing, Grandpa. I'll give you a great-grandchild—but not a daughter-in-law. I will never get married."
"You stubborn brat! You—"
Before the sentence could finish, Maxim cut in,
"That's enough, Grandpa. My decision won't ever change. I'm busy. Take care of yourself."
Without waiting for a response, Maxim ended the call. Moments later, his baritone voice rang out again, loud and commanding.
"Stop!"
Several people nearby turned toward the sound, including the two security guards dragging the petite woman, now about ten meters away from Maxim.
Noticing the man's sharp gaze fixed directly on them, one of the guards spoke up.
"Yes, Sir?"
Maxim stepped forward, approaching the three figures now staring at him in confusion.
"That woman," Maxim said, pointing at Vivian Holscar, who stood frozen with wide eyes. "Hand her over to me."
Camilla hurried after him.
"Maxim!"
Maxim ignored his adopted sister's protest. He merely flicked his hand toward the guards, signaling them to leave. Understanding the gesture, the two uniformed men immediately withdrew.
"Maxim, what are you—"
With a swift motion, Maxim raised his hand, stopping her mid-sentence.
His blue eyes locked onto the shabby-looking woman.
"I'll give you one billion dollars…"
The woman froze. Her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened, lips parting as she stared at him in disbelief.
"The condition is… give birth to my child," Maxim continued.
"Huh?" That was all that escaped her thin lips.
One of the tall man's eyebrows rose slightly.
"You don't want to?"
For several seconds, the woman appeared to think.
But Maxim was not a patient man. He snorted.
"Fine. Don't waste my time."
Having said that, the tall man turned to leave. But her voice made him stop.
"I want it!" she said with firm resolve.
The corner of Maxim's lips lifted.
"Good," he said, his face remaining expressionless.
"My men will take you to my apartment. You'll stay there while our agreement lasts. We'll discuss everything there. Wait until I arrive."
The woman nodded, though her mind and heart were in turmoil. This decision was a mistake. Once, she had dreamed of giving her purity to the man she loved. But circumstances had forced her to trade something priceless for money.
Even so, she would go through with it with an open heart.
For her mother—now lying weak in a hospital bed, fighting breast cancer.