Brushing her bangs from her forehead, Lily looked up at the high-rise towering amidst the downtown skyline. This couldn’t be happening. It shouldn’t be. But she was about to walk inside and do the unthinkable—work for Sawyer Kincaid and Jack Rivers.

What choice did she have?

None. Uncle Gino had made it perfectly clear that she didn’t have options.

She had rushed to his estate from Rachel’s wedding. In one of the most defeating moments of her life she stood in front of her uncle in her pink cocktail dress and listened while he gave her a set of orders that made her sick. He crushed her defiance. He dared her to be fierce and independent. Lily knew if she ever wanted a life like the one Rachel had.

A life that promised a future of happiness. A beautiful wedding. The chance to have her own beautiful baby and create a family full of love, she had to do what Uncle Gino wanted. She had to fight for her freedom, but submitting to his demands.

God, she hated that man.

The blast of cold air kicked up from the sidewalk, smacking her face. She tucked the scarf closer to her chest. Chicago was bitter cold this time of year. She walked through the revolving doors, hating every step she took. She resented all of this. The fact that she was here. The fact that she was being used.

Lily sighed, approaching the reception desk. Everything was covered in marble. If she didn’t hate where she was so much, she might stop and marvel at the architecture and artwork. It might be a corporate tower of global business, but it was decorated like an Italian museum with fine art and furniture.

“I’m here to see Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Rivers.” She smiled at the receptionist. Did she know why she was here? Did everyone who worked for the company realize what was about to happen?

The woman pulled her glasses to the brim of her nose. “Do you have an appointment? That’s the top floor. They are quite busy. I don’t handle their schedule. They each have a personal assistant who informs me of any visitors.”

Lily sighed. She wondered if they had made it difficult on purpose. If this was just part of the humiliation. Did they want her to turn beet red in the lobby?

“They…they are expecting me,” she explained.

The truth was she didn’t know if they were as anxious about this meeting as she was. Her stomach churned with nervousness. She could feel the stickiness on her palms.

“I don’t see anything on the daily guest log for any appointments today.” The assistant scrolled through the screen on her computer. “However, you can wait over there.” She pointed to a set of leather chairs. “I’ll try to get one of the assistants on the phone. What was your name?”

“It’s Lily. Lily Francini.”

“Fran-cee-nee?” Her mouth made a funny shape when she pronounced the last name.

“Yes. That’s it.” Maybe that was the problem. She knew what her name meant in this town. It brought with it a look of suspicion. Sometimes fear. She hated it. She wished her name was anything but Francini.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you.” Lily walked to the sitting area and perched on the edge of the couch. The leather was cool and soft against the back of her thighs.

She had worn a short skirt with her jacket. It was part of the dress requirement. That had been made clear. Uncle Gino was specific about everything. She had to impress Kincaid and Rivers or he’d never forgive her. She tugged at the hem, but it didn’t make a difference. She scooted her high heels closer, tapping the seams together.

People walked in and out of the lobby. She watched them, wondering if they had some sneaking suspicion of why she was here. If they had any clue what had brought her to the Kincaid-Rivers Organization.

They stared at their phones and ran with their messenger bags. She was the only one who was a bundle of nerves. She was the only one who was embarrassed. There was no way these busy executives would put this together, but it didn’t mean she didn’t feel like a whore walking through the lobby.

At twenty-eight, she was getting ready to take on the most important role of her life. Everything was dependent on this meeting.

She picked up a magazine resting on the coffee table and stared at the glossy front. There was an article about the irregularity of the markets. There was another article about international trade. She didn’t have the attention span to read either of them right now. She was dreading the next hour of her life.

Lily tossed the magazine on the table. She was here to work. She was fighting for her freedom. She had to keep reminding herself that.

This meeting was a means to an end.

A means to end a family debt.

And she was going to pay it whatever it took. Even if it meant losing her soul and body in the process.