Zaria was shocked when she saw the countless zeros on the screen. She tried to find a decimal point, and when she didn't, her heart almost stopped beating as her eyes widened at the six zeros. This was multiple times higher than she had anticipated, and it would even be doubled? That would be enough to revive F&P Media as well as move into a better residence with her dad!

However, she still didn't think she could tolerate a certain someone's tyranny for that long…

Desmond observed her as he tapped his forefinger on the surface of the desk. Seeing that she didn't look convinced, he threw in another term that shocked even Liam who was enjoying the show. "You will get an advance payment of six months."

She choked on her saliva and coughed, almost making a fool of herself. It was already shocking that she would get millions in annual salary and bonuses to add on that, and now she would be given an advance salary as well? No matter how she thought about it, she was the one benefitting from it.

"Just ten years, right?" She grabbed a pen but paused just as she was about to sign it.

"What is it?" Desmond, who was about to do a happy dance, was in despair at her hesitation.

She peeked at Liam and realized that he was currently minding his own business, so she boldly said to Desmond, "Just… don't ask me to do anything against work ethics, okay?"

"That's doable." The latter didn't flinch.

She held the pen and looked up at him as she confidently added, "This includes workplace relationships."

"Don't worry, no one wants to be in a relationship with you." Annoyance flickered in his eyes.

How mean. Zaria scolded him a hundred times in her heart, but his response was reassuring so she signed the contract. He took it back with a serious expression and instructed Liam to show her to her office.

…

Compared to the battle she had expected to fight, everything had gone more smoothly. Even so, why did she still have a bad feeling? Something was definitely not right, especially since the deal was this good.

Her office would be next to Desmond. It was more luxurious than she imagined, with top-quality furniture and equipment. She had thought that it would be dusty since Liam had mentioned that it had been vacant for six weeks, but contrary to her expectation, everything was spotless and in perfect order.

"If there is anything you would like to change, feel free to tell me about it. This is the office you will be stuck in for ten years, after all." Liam laughed. He was happier about being relieved of some of the duties that had been forced upon him than he was about gaining a new employee.

"It's perfect." She was still in awe. Why would she want to change anything?

Liam was satisfied with her answer. "You can start work tomorrow. Use the rest of the day to prepare for your ten-year stay." Something about his tone sounded off. Why did it seem like he was pitying her?

Zaria froze at the mention of ten years. Now that he mentioned it, she really deserved all those benefits mentioned by Desmond. Ten years of working under a tyrant asshole in exchange for millions was a fair deal.

Little did she know the kind of nightmare that was in store for her.

…

After familiarizing with her new office, Zaria decided to have a word with Desmond before leaving.

The man seemed to have been expecting her. He was rolling a pen lazily with his chin in his hand.

In case he started spouting any more crap about her seeking his attention, she went straight to the point. "I have completed my part of the deal. I guess it's time for you to fulfill yours."

He gave her an amused expression. "You have completed your part of the deal? Why do I seem to remember that the deal will be completed on…" He paused and checked the calendar on his desk. "20th August ten years later?"

____

A.N

Check out my other books;

My Beautiful Love

The Overnight Chosen Wife: Darling, kiss me deeper

Villainess 101: The President's wife is a vengeful devil.

Thanks for reading!