His Destructive, Toxic Love

Easton Gillum was the powerhouse behind Grant Enterprises. Sure, his social clout couldn't hold a candle to Casper's, but he had something Casper desperately needed a prime piece of real estate. No matter how high Casper went with his offers, Easton wouldn't budge. And without this land, Welton International's projects for the next year were toast, potentially costing them billions. Today, Casper was playing to win.

"Hello Mr. Gillum," Casper greeted, holding Eliza's hand as they approached Easton. Easton's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and eagerness when he saw Eliza-she was a beauty who could stop traffic. "This is..." Easton began.

"She goes by Elle," Casper cut in, deliberately vague. The name alone carried enough implication.

Easton, ever the sharp player, got the hint right away. His eyes, filled with bold desire, locked onto Eliza as he extended his hand. "Miss Elle, an absolute pleasure."

With a teasing flick of her hair, Eliza offered her hand, her lips curving into sweet dimples. "Mr. Gillum, the pleasure is all mine."

"I must say, Mr. Casper, you've got a real gem here. Quite envious, I must admit," Easton said, still holding Eliza's hand, his eyes greedily taking in every detail of her delicate features. Her red lips were like a siren's call, impossible to resist.

Eliza, despite her inner turmoil, had to face the grim reality: tonight, Casper was willing to offer her to seal this deal. Something inside her shattered, the silence of it deafening. It was better to smile through it than to let her tears cheapen the moment.

"Mr. Gillum, would you do me the honor of a dance?" Eliza asked, her eyes twinkling with the invitation.

Easton, hardly able to contain his eagerness, took her hand and led her to the dance floor. "It would be my honor."NôvelDrama.Org © content.

As the music played, his hand found her slim waist, occasionally gliding over the small of her back. Casper's eyes never left them, a mix of cold indifference, anticipation, and a sharp pang of jealousy and envy.

Faithe approached, observing the pair on the dance floor. "Mr. Casper, Mr. Easton seems quite taken with Eliza. Looks like we've got this land deal in the bag." Casper stayed silent.

Faithe pressed on, "Mr. Casper, I've already prepared a room. I'll discreetly hand Mr. Gillum the keycard along with the contract. Eliza knows what's expected."

Casper's expression darkened as his brows knitted together. His look was thunderous. "Did you just suggest Eliza sleep with him? Did I say I wanted her to sleep with him?" Faithe froze, blinking rapidly. "Mr. Casper, so you mean..."

Surely, he wasn't getting cold feet now. Faithe felt the need to remind him, "Mr. Casper, we've been negotiating with Mr. Gillum for ages. You know how critical this land is for Welton International. If... Mrs. Welton can secure this, it would be a major win for both you and Welton International."

Casper remained silent, his fingers clenching into a tight fist, his eyes flashing dangerously. He saw Easton's hand slip beneath Eliza's dress, caressing her skin.

Faithe saw it, too, but such tactics

were par for the course in the business world. Using women to secure deals was an old trick. It just so happened that this time, Eliza was the woman.

The dance ended.