"Sure you want to do this?" Damian asked when they stopped at his home to pick up a few things.
Chloe flashed a sly smile. "I want to save you from the witch."
"I don't need saving, babe. I can handle my mother."
A statuesque redhead ended a phone call in the living room and introduced herself to Chloe. "Nice to meet you, Miss Carter. I'm Vivianne Hall, Mister Scott's personal assistant. Let me know if there's anything you need."
Turning to Damian, Vivianne affirmed, "I've organized everything for your visit to the correctional center."
"Thanks, Vivianne. Did you reschedule my trip to Tokyo?"
"I did. Miss Takemoto will be expecting you on August sixteen." Vivianne's eyes darted to Chloe. "I brought the change of clothes as requested."
Chloe's brows furrowed as her head tilted toward Vivianne. "Clothes?"
"You'll need to wear something simpler," Damian explained, pointing to women's jeans, a simple blouse, and sneakers on the sofa. "You should also take the collar off. Expensive items aren't allowed."
"Will you keep it safe?" Chloe asked.
"Vivianne will take care of it."
Chloe nodded and changed into the simpler attire, handing the collar to Vivianne, who carefully placed it in a jewelry box.
"I'll make sure this is here when you need it," she assured. She gave the couple a slight nod before disappearing down the corridor to the east wing.
Chloe looked up at Damian as he stroked her jawline, kissing her cheek. "Is there anything I should know before we visit Saira?"
"My mother can be cruel and vicious. Don't let her words get to you," he warned, his eyes darkening.
"I'm stronger than you think."
"Don't be too confident. She's a master manipulator who'll get under your skin."
"I've studied everything I could about her, reading and watching news reports about her childhood to her downfall."
"Then you understand how important it is to follow my lead when I introduce you to her. No matter what happens, I want you to stay cool and trust me," Damian instructed.
***
Lester Harbor Women's Correctional Center's imposing structure didn't intimidate Damian. He strode past the high fences topped with barbed wire, glancing at the security checkpoint guarding the entrance.
"Slow down a little," Chloe said, grabbing his hand. He paused, kissed her lips, and whispered, "I want to get this over and done with."
A thin guard with deep brown eyes and a jagged scar down his right cheek approached them. "Names and identification, please," Officer Vijay said, his name badge shining under the light.
Damian handed over their identification cards, his movements steady. "Damian Scott and Chloe Carter. We're here to visit Saira Quinn."
Officer Vijay scanned their IDs and nodded. "You know the drill, Damian."
Chloe felt the cold metal detector sweep over her when the security guards checked them for contraband. This was really happening. She was finally going to meet the wicked witch of Lester Harbor.
"All clear," Officer Vijay announced. "Follow me to the family visiting room."
Damian nodded, a silent understanding passing between him and the guard. Chloe sensed something in the air—the unspoken cues and sharp eye contact between Damian and the security team—but she couldn't figure out what it was.
YOU ARE READING
Damian's Seduction (The Steamy Billionaire Series: Book 1)
RomanceHe broke her heart. Another wants to heal it. Time is running out, and Chloe must choose. *** Asian American finance analyst Chloe Carter's life is unraveling. After losing her job, she bumps into Damian Scott-the billionaire who shattered her heart...