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Once known as the naive and kind-hearted Ava Montague, she was betrayed, framed, and left to die by the very people she trusted most—her fiancé, best friend, and stepmother. But death did not claim her. Instead, a mysterious organization saved her and gave her a new identity: "The Vixen."
With a new face, a new name, and a burning desire for revenge, she returns as Celeste Vauxhall, a woman who plays by no rules but her own. She is no longer the weak, innocent girl she once was—she is now a master manipulator, using charm, intelligence, and deception to dismantle those who wronged her.
But revenge is a double-edged sword. As she gets closer to her targets, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of power, love, and deception. And when a mysterious billionaire with secrets of his own enters her life, the lines between vengeance and passion blur. Will she succeed in her mission, or will she lose herself in the very darkness she sought to control?

The Vixen

Liam stood, brushing imaginary dust off his jacket like there wasn't a dead body on my floor. Like this was just another Thursday night.

"You're taking this rather well," I said, my voice hoarse.

His lips twitched. "And you're surprisingly good at survival, Celeste." His eyes flickered to the gun still clutched in my trembling hand. "Though I'm guessing that wasn't your weapon of choice tonight?"

I swallowed hard. "Glass shard."

Liam laughed. Not out of amusement—more like… interest.

"Messy, but effective." He nudged the body with the tip of his shoe. "So. Who do you think sent him?"

"I was hoping you'd tell me."

His gaze sharpened. "Careful, Celeste. That almost sounded like an accusation."

I didn't blink. "Should it be?"

A charged silence filled the room.

Then, Liam smirked.

"You think I sent someone to kill you?" He tsked, shaking his head. "Come on, sweetheart. If I wanted you dead, you wouldn't have seen it coming."

And the worst part? He wasn't wrong.

"Then who?" I asked, my throat tight.

Liam sighed, walking past me toward the kitchen. Completely unbothered. He grabbed a bottle of water from my fridge—because of course he did—twisted off the cap, and took a slow sip.

"If I had to guess?" He leaned against the counter. "Vale."

My stomach twisted. "Vale wouldn't—"

"Vale would do anything to control you," Liam cut in smoothly. "And if control isn't an option? Elimination is the next best thing."

I hated that he made sense.

"And Nero?" I asked. "He was here before this happened. Seemed interested in… cutting me loose from both of you."

Liam hummed, considering. "Nero doesn't send assassins. He is the assassin. If he wanted you dead, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Had Vale really just tried to have me killed?

"Looks like you're running out of allies, Celeste," Liam mused, watching me too closely.

I took a slow breath. I had two choices now.

And if Vale really wanted me dead?

Then the next time, I wouldn't be the one bleeding.

I lifted my chin, meeting Liam's gaze head-on.

"Then I guess it's time I stop pretending to be someone's pawn."

Liam's smile was slow. Predatory.

Chapter 44: Liam’s True Colors