The Contract With Her Father's Billionaire Rival-Chapter 24. For Robert’s Sins.

"Let’s go, Miss Voss," the man said, gesturing towards the exit.

Nicolette’s chest tightened, but she didn’t move. No way she was following these strangers for Robert’s sins.

"I... I’m sorry. I can’t come with you," she said, her voice wobbling.

Three of them turned to her, their expression hard, their brow lifted.

The leader recovered quickly. "Miss Voss, I just explained how—"

"I know," she interrupted, her fear rising. "but I can’t come with you. I didn’t even know he was in debt or that I am his guarantor. Besides, we already broke up."

The man’s eyes softened as he stepped forward. "I am sorry to hear that, Miss Voss, but it’s the rules of our business. You have to come with us."

Panic surged in her chest before settling in her stomach.

She couldn’t go with them.

There was no way in hell she was following them.

Her head reeled with possibilities.

Should she run?

Her legs were still sore, her body still ached and these men looked fit—like they ran the marathons for fun.

She wouldn’t even go far before they caught up to her.

No.

She had to talk to them, to make them understand. She turned to the leader, her brown eyes set on him even though her stomach knotted with dread.

"I would really love to come with you, but like I said, Robert and I broke up already. It would be unfair of you to take me away for something I have no idea."

Fucking Robert.

Always causing her trouble.

He had sold all her stuff, taken money from her father to break up with her, yet somehow, she was still responsible for his debt—for his reckless decisions.

She clenched her jaw as she watched the man, waiting for his response.

He folded his arms, his head tilted. "It is not a request, ma’am."

His voice was cold, and sweat broke out on her forehead.

She grinned sheepishly, her eyes dropping to the ground. "Can... I call someone?"

She had no one to call, she just wanted to buy herself some time.

"You’re not a prisoner. Sure," he said, revealing white teeth.

His sudden kindness spooked her, and for a moment, her mind went blank.

Think Nicolette! Think!

But nothing came to mind. She swallowed and nodded, accepting defeat. "Let’s just go," she said softly.

"Good," he said and led the way.

The other men followed behind her.

Nicolette felt fresh anxiety wash over her as the air shifted into something heavier, something serious. As they walked toward the exit, Sam rushed out of his apartment.

"Lettie? Are you okay?" he asked, his voice high with fear. Then his eyes darted cautiously to the men. "Where... are you taking her to?" he demanded firmly, despite his fear.

The leader of the trio turned to Sam, a smirk tugged at his lips. "We don’t bite. We’re just taking her to see Craig Walsh. Don’t worry, she’ll be back soon."

Sam’s eyes widened and Nicolette’s stomach dropped at the pure terror in his eyes.

Who the hell was Craig Walsh?

And why was Sam so terrified?

The man’s smirk widened, visibly amazed by Sam’s reaction. Then, lowering his voice, he spoke to Nicolette. "Right this way, Miss Voss."

She bit her lip, stopping herself from making a sound as she followed them outside. A black car was waiting at the curb, and one of the men behind her opened the door.

She entered, her stomach turning with fear.

She had no idea where they were taking her. Worse—she had no idea who she was about to meet. And after seeing Sam’s reaction, she was too terrified to ask.

So she sat still, squeezed between two men as the journey began. Fear dulled her senses as it settled deep inside her.

Why couldn’t this day be over already?

All she wanted right now was to crash in her bed till all her wounds—mental, physical, and emotional—had healed.

She tried to look out the window, to see what direction they were heading, but with a chunk of biceps blocking her view, she gave up.

After countless turns and twists, the car finally stopped in front of a huge black gate.

Nicolette swallowed hard as her stomach twisted.

Of everything that had happened today, this was the part that terrified her the most.

She was stepping into the unknown, which automatically made planning an escape harder.

The car jolted to a stop, and without speaking, the man on her right opened the door and stepped out.

Nicolette followed, her throat already tight with fresh discomfort. The atmosphere was calm—too calm that it doubled her uneasiness.

She followed the men into the expensive mansion, and as they stepped inside, she realized they were more polished and hefty men in black suits.

"This way," one of the men said. "Mr. Walsh is waiting for you."

Her eyes widened, and her hands trembled.

It’s happening.

She nodded, forcing her heavy legs to move forward, her breathing uneven.

The mansion looked lavish with golden and modern decorations, yet the air was stiff with an unexplainable tension.

The man stopped in front of a large black door and opened it. "Go in."

Nicolette felt a bead of sweat form on her forehead as she pushed her aching legs further into the room.

Another man in a black suit stood near the door as she entered. Fear gripped her so badly that she didn’t immediately notice the man seated behind the desk.

"Miss Voss, hi," he said, standing up and approaching her. "I’m Craig Walsh," he smiled, extending a hand.

This wasn’t who she had expected.

Craig Walsh looked like he was in his early forties. He wore a casual shirt with King of the World printed on it.

He was fit, broad-shouldered, and thick with muscle. He had long brown hair, and his eyes were... kind.

He didn’t look like someone to be feared, but then again, she knew better.

Nicolette hesitated before receiving his cold hand, and he seemed pleased that she did.

He gestured to the couch behind her, his smile widening. "Have your seat, please."

She obeyed, not wanting to offend him.

Craig Walsh studied her, his eyes roaming all over her body, making her too conscious of the gown she had on.

"I’m sorry," he chuckled sheepishly, dropping his gaze. "I... I just wasn’t expecting such a beautiful woman. I mean I knew you were beautiful... I just didn’t... expect..."

Nicolette almost laughed.

He thought she was beautiful? With her sore body and bruised arms?

"Thank you," she said, her body relaxing slightly at the compliment.

Craig cleared his throat. "So, I know you’re wondering why you’re here." He leaned forward. "You see, Robert borrowed money from my organization and hasn’t paid in months."

The way he said organization made her stomach turn.

Craig’s brow furrowed. "He broke our agreement, which is why you’re here."

She nodded, her heart fluttering at the shift in his expression. She wanted to speak, but she thought against it.

Craig didn’t say anything either. He simply walked back to his desk. Placing a hand on it, he turned to her, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"Usually, when I request for a guarantor, it means I’ve reached a point where I can do anything to anyone."

She swallowed hard. "I had no idea he owed you money... we already broke up."

Craig placed a hand on his chin. "Yes, yes, I was told. Which is why I am going to be lenient—just this once."

Relieved spread all over her body.

"And by lenient, I mean you’ll pay me back my money."

"I understand," she nodded.

"The grand total is one million three hundred thousand dollars," Craig added. "But I’ll let you pay me every month for a year. How does that sound?"

"Good," she said, nodding again. At this point, she would agree to anything just to leave.

Besides, Alaric was going to pay her 750k every month, she could sort this bill in no time.

Fucking Robert.

"It’s a perfect deal," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "Thank you, Mr. Walsh, for your generosity."

Craig lifted a brow, and her excitement faded, replaced by fear. "Usually," he said, walking away from the desk and towards her. "When I say those words, people beg, not scream with excitement."

Her stomach knotted.

What had she done?

Craig sat beside her, and she stiffened, holding her breath, afraid to breathe.

He sat silently for a minute before standing up abruptly. He turned his back on her, and her stomach flipped.

What now?

When Craig faced her again, his eyes darkened as they roamed over her body.

"I changed my mind, Miss Voss. I think I’m going to keep you here."