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Sold like a prized possession, Seraphina Alaric was handed over to the most feared man in the business world—Damien Thorne. She expected chains, cruelty, and a life of silent suffering. But Damien didn’t want a submissive wife. He wanted a weapon.
“You weren’t sold to be my toy,” he murmured, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. “You were sold because they feared what you could become. So let’s make them regret it.”
Betrayed by the family who should have protected her, Seraphina finds herself in an unlikely alliance with the man who "bought" her. Together, they scheme, manipulate, and tear down the empire built on her suffering. As secrets unravel and enemies close in, the lines between vengeance and desire blur.
He was never supposed to care. She was never supposed to fall.
But when the final move is played, Seraphina will stand—not as a victim, not as a pawn, but as the queen of her own destiny. And this time, the only man beside her will be the one who helped her burn her past to the ground.

The Keptwoman

Elise had never felt the weight of silence more than in that moment. The estate was quiet, almost reverent, as if it sensed the storm that was brewing within her. Gone was the girl who trembled behind gilded doors—what remained now was a woman sharpening her fury into something lethal.

Silas leaned casually against the grand piano in the parlor, watching her. He said nothing, but the way his eyes tracked her movements said everything. He wasn't here to stop her. He was here to help.

"You've been quiet," Elise said, pouring herself a glass of wine like she actually owned the place now. "That's rare."

"I'm observing," Silas said, folding his arms. "You're different."

She sipped slowly, eyes cold. "You bought me, Silas. What did you expect?"

"I expected a pretty little wife who'd smile for the press and stay out of my way," he said with a grin. "What I got was a woman ready to burn the world down. I have to admit... I prefer this version."

Elise gave him a side glance. "Good. Because I'm not done burning."

He stepped closer, his voice low. "You want revenge? I'll help you take it. But once this is over, you'll owe me something."

"Your honesty," he said. "No masks. No manipulation. Just you."

That shook her more than she'd admit.

Before she could respond, a knock came at the door. Not the hesitant tap of a servant—but the confident, obnoxious rhythm of someone who thought they still had power.

Elise's eyes lit with fire. "That'll be my sister."

Silas's smile curved into something wicked. "Shall we begin the show?"

Elise placed her glass down, her voice like velvet and venom. "Let's remind her exactly who she sold."

Chapter 11: Fire Beneath the Surface