Chapter 2: Forced to Comply

Isabella's POV

Ethan was right there in front of me, not saying a word. Just having him so close made me scared to death. I held onto my folder so tight my hands hurt, and I could barely breathe.

The elevator kept going up, and being stuck in this tiny space with him was awful. My heart was racing like crazy, and it felt like he was taking up all the space and air. God, I just wanted to get out of here already.

The elevator arrived at our floor. Ethan stepped out first, his stride confident and unhurried. I hadn't recovered yet and stood frozen in the elevator, too afraid to move.

After a moment, I finally gathered the courage to exit the elevator and walk down the luxurious hallway. The thick carpet muffled my footsteps as I headed toward the room number I had confirmed with my colleague, praying I wouldn't encounter that demon again.

Reaching the door at the end of the hallway, I knocked gently. Low voices and laughter drifted from inside. The door opened, and a well-dressed attendant greeted me.

"Hello, I'm here to deliver documents for Mr. Wilson. Is he available?" I asked, my voice slightly trembling.

The attendant nodded and led me through the corridors of the luxurious suite. The room was filled with the aroma of expensive cigars and the soft clinking of glasses. I found Daniel sitting at a large table surrounded by men in tailored suits. As I approached, he looked up and gestured for me to come over.

"Isabella, come in," Daniel said, his tone casual yet commanding.

I handed him the documents, trying to ignore the curious glances from the other men in the room. "Here are the files you requested," I said softly.

"Thank you, Isabella. You can go back to work now," Daniel replied, taking the documents from me.

I felt relieved. The task seemed simpler than I had anticipated, and I was eager to leave this intimidating club. I turned, ready to depart.

"Wait."

When I heard the familiar voice behind me, I froze, almost forgetting to breathe. I knew without turning who stood behind me.

"Your employee?" Ethan asked Daniel.

Daniel cleared his throat. "This is Isabella Monroe, one of our new hires. She does excellent work."

"Turn around," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

I hesitated, looking to Daniel for support, but he simply nodded slightly, urging me to comply. I turned slowly, feeling Ethan's gaze burning into me.

Ethan narrowed his eyes, his expression still unreadable. "Is she trustworthy?" he asked Daniel, his voice low and dangerous.

"Absolutely," Daniel answered quickly. "Isabella is hardworking and reliable. Though she hasn't been with us long, she's already proven herself very capable."

A faint, almost mocking smile curved Ethan's lips. "Interesting. But I'm not convinced."

My heart raced. What did he want from me? I hadn't done anything to warrant this scrutiny.

"Let's make a deal," Ethan said, leaning back in his chair. "If you want me to consider the contract, she stays."

Daniel's face paled. "Ethan, please. She's just here to deliver documents. There's no need to involve her."

Ethan's smile vanished. "Then the deal is off."

Daniel turned to me, desperation in his eyes. "Isabella, please. Just stay a little while. If the deal goes through, I promise you'll be well compensated. Don't worry, you'll be fine."

I felt trapped. I didn't want to stay, but I also didn't want to jeopardize my job and this deal that seemed so important to Daniel. I reluctantly nodded.

Ethan's gaze softened slightly, but his expression remained cold as he looked at me. "Pour me a drink."

My hand trembled as I reached for the whiskey bottle on the table. I poured a glass and handed it to Ethan, who took it without a word. He sipped slowly, surveying me with those piercing eyes.

"Drink with me," he said, more a command than a request.

"I don't drink," I replied, my voice barely audible.

Daniel quickly stepped in. "Ethan, she's not used to alcohol. Perhaps a cocktail instead?"

Irritation flashed in Ethan's eyes. "Cocktails? That's hardly drinking. She either drinks this or nothing at all."

I felt a wave of nausea. The smell of whiskey assaulted my nose, and my stomach churned at the thought of drinking it. "I really can't," I whispered.

Ethan's expression hardened. "Then you can leave. But don't expect the contract to be signed."

Daniel's face fell. "Isabella, please. Just one drink. It will be over soon."

Tears stung the corners of my eyes. I picked up the glass with a shaking hand and took a small sip. The liquid burned my throat, making me cough violently. Ethan watched me, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Drink it all," he said, his voice cold and unyielding.

Daniel poured more whiskey into the glass, his hands trembling. "Isabella, please. Just do it. I'll take care of you."

Despair gripped me. I had no choice. I raised the glass to my lips and drank it down, the alcohol burning all the way through. I coughed and burst into tears.

Ethan's smile widened. "Good. Now, let's add some fun. One drink and one kiss."

My eyes widened in horror. "No, please. I can't."

Ethan's expression turned icy. "Then we'll have to find another way. Give me scissors."

Daniel's face turned white. "Ethan, what are you doing?"

Ethan ignored him, his gaze fixed on me. "If you won't kiss, then cut a lock of hair for every drink you refuse."

My heart pounded. I felt trapped, with no escape. I couldn't bear to kiss these men, but cutting my hair felt like surrendering a part of myself. Tears streamed down my face as I realized I had no choice.

Ethan's voice was calm, almost soothing. "It's your decision, Isabella. But be quick."

My hands shook as I took the scissors the female server handed me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. With trembling hands, I cut off a lock of my long hair. As the hair fell to the floor, I felt my dignity fall with it.

Ethan watched me with satisfaction. "Good, now let's continue."

I continued cutting my hair, and with each cut, my heart felt like it was being stabbed. The people around the table watched in silence, some with pity, others with indifference. Ethan's smile never wavered, constantly reminding me that he controlled everything.

Finally, Ethan raised his hand. "That's enough for now. You've done well, Isabella."

I put down the scissors, my hands shaking uncontrollably. Tears streamed down my face, and I felt utterly defeated.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, a satisfied look on his face. "The next time we meet, I'll have a special video to show you."

As I realized what he was referring to, my world collapsed.