't help but overhear snippets of his conversat

ance. "I'm outside the Civil Affairs office at City Hall, and it seems they've close

ned in disbelief as

al. That has to be

scination as he continued his conversation, his

on for me. I'll be expecting you to handle this promptly, so better don't waste

ed inwardly as numerous questions popped into her head. How could he possibly be talking to the governor with such an intimidati

nor. I expect them to reopen within the next fi

phone back into his pocket. He turned to Kourtney who was staring

l reopen just for us in a

ing! Who are you exactly? How can you just... orde

up the governor and have him bend to his will? It was as if he

he was because he was a big shot. The biggest there is in Melbourne. Regardless, he has always kept a low profile

ced in his deep blue eyes. "Bluff

astian was the major sponsor of his governorship campaign, and he held a huge influence over the political landscape of Melbourne. His financia

fidence. She realized the man's twisted intentions were far from thwarted. He

started running back toward the entrance of the building les

to him. The man turned to her, his eyes gleaming with triumph. Her frustration grew t

an was clearly caught off guard by their unexpected arrival and eager to please them. Sebastian was

rp and commanding. "I trust you understand the importance of pr

rieve the necessary documents. Kourtney stood frozen, watching the man flex

n hung heavily in the air. She could hardly believe what she had just witnessed. The man had effo

unexpected turn. She was being forced into a marriage as a means of settling a debt. She felt trapped as

n, filled with hushed conversations and the occasional shuffle of papers. Kourtney's palms

oice was laced with a menacing tone as he spoke threateningly, "Make sure you process the documents swiftl

hed the scene unfold, her heart filled with anger and irritation. She refused to let this man's ruthless arro

. I need a moment to consider my options and seek legal advice. This man here is forcing me to

l realize there's no escape from me. I always get what I wan

n his eyes, but it quickly vanished

oceeded to exchange confused glances. They hesitated for a moment,

them has heard about his ruthless nature as Melbourne's top big shot. Going against him was like playing with fire. It meant losin

marriage formalities." the

u this... This man is forcing me!" Kourtney stammered, only to be ignored by a

e staff's hurried movements and the echoing

You really have no idea who you're up

his connections, his influence, to bend the world to his will and make things happen, e

no escape. The very thought of marrying him now felt like a prison sentence, a life filled with his d

bitterness. "A man who resorts to manipulation, coercion, and abuse of power to get what he

replied with a twisted sense of admiration. "But mark my

Her brashness and the fire in her were good enough to serve as a protective shield in times he might not be available to safeguar

es. In her, he saw a partner who could stand by his side, unyielding throu

perfect for m