The Billionaire Secret Obsession

Chapter One

The Billionaire’s Secret Obsession

The restaurant buzzed with life, the soft hum of conversation blending with the clinking of silverware and the occasional burst of laughter. The scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling steak filled the air, wrapping around Emma Hayes as she moved between tables with practiced ease.

She adjusted the tray in her hands, her body moving on autopilot despite the exhaustion weighing her down. The dinner rush was in full swing, and she had barely had a moment to breathe. But that was how it always was at the Sterling, one of New York’s most exclusive restaurants.

"Emma, table five is asking for another bottle of wine," Lisa, one of the other waitresses, whispered as she passed by, her blonde ponytail swishing.

"Got it," Emma said, flashing a tired but polite smile before heading toward the bar.

As she reached for the requested bottle, a familiar sensation prickled down her spine—a feeling of being watched. It wasn’t unusual in a place like this, where wealthy men often took an interest in the staff, but this was different. More intense. More… unsettling.

Slowly, she turned her head, her breath catching the moment her gaze locked onto the man seated at the far end of the restaurant.

He was always there.

Always watching.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, the mysterious stranger had been coming to the Sterling for weeks now, always sitting in the same secluded booth. He barely spoke, rarely looked at anyone else, and never brought company. But his presence was impossible to ignore.

Dark hair framed a face carved from marble—sharp cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. Every time she looked at him, it felt like she was being studied, as if he were unraveling her secrets one by one.

Emma quickly turned away, her pulse hammering in her throat.

Damian Wolfe.

That was his name, according to the whispers among the staff. A billionaire, a businessman, a ghost in the world of the elite. No one knew much about him, and those who did spoke his name in hushed tones.

"Stop staring, Em," Lisa whispered, nudging her playfully. "Unless you're actually interested."

Emma rolled her eyes, forcing a chuckle. "Please. He’s probably just another rich guy who enjoys making people uncomfortable."

"Or maybe he enjoys watching you," Lisa teased before heading off.

Emma sighed and grabbed the wine, pushing away the thought. She didn’t have time for distractions.

---

The night wore on, and by the time the last of the customers left, Emma was exhausted. She untied her apron and grabbed her coat, ready to head home and collapse into bed. But as she stepped outside, the chilly air biting at her skin, a sleek black car caught her eye.

It was parked a few feet away, its tinted windows making it impossible to see inside. Yet, she knew.

Knew he was in there.

A shiver ran down her spine, but whether it was from fear or something else, she wasn’t sure.

Taking a deep breath, she started walking, refusing to let paranoia get the best of her. Maybe it was all in her head. Maybe Damian Wolfe wasn’t watching her. Maybe—

"Miss Hayes."

Emma froze.

The voice was deep, smooth, and unmistakable.

Slowly, she turned. Damian stood a few feet away, his towering frame exuding quiet power. Up close, he was even more intimidating, his presence commanding the space between them.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

His lips quirked slightly. "I believe the question is whether I can help you."

Emma frowned. "Excuse me?"

He took a step closer. "You work too hard. You're barely making ends meet, and yet, you refuse to ask for help."

Her stomach twisted. "How do you—"

"I make it a point to know the people who interest me."

Interest? The word sent a jolt through her, but she quickly masked it with anger.

"You've been watching me?"

"Observing," he corrected smoothly. "And I've come to a conclusion."

She crossed her arms, glaring. "Oh? And what’s that?"

"You need a better opportunity."

Emma scoffed. "And let me guess—you just happen to have one?"

A slow, knowing smile crossed his lips. "I do."

She should have walked away. Should have ignored him and continued on her way home.

But something about Damian Wolfe made it impossible to turn away.

And that, she realized, was exactly what he wanted.

To be continued…