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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

The door opened with a slow creak, and there she was—Vanessa.

Poised in her designer knock-off heels, head held high, and lips curved into that insufferable smirk. Elise almost applauded. Her sister hadn't changed at all. Still acting like the world owed her everything, still pretending like she hadn't traded blood for gold.

"Elise," Vanessa cooed, stepping inside like she belonged. "You look… well. Must be nice to be someone's kept woman."

Elise gave her a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You must be thirsty after the long drive. How about some water? Or should I fetch you the same brand you served me when you sold me off?"

Vanessa blinked. "Still dramatic, I see."

Silas appeared behind Elise, wrapping a possessive arm around her waist. Vanessa's eyes flickered to him—then widened slightly at the closeness. She hadn't expected this. Silas wasn't supposed to care. He was supposed to be cold, distant. A means to an end.

Instead, he looked like he'd go to war for Elise.

"Elise didn't tell me you were dropping by," he said smoothly. "But it's always a pleasure entertaining family. Even the kind that sells their own blood like livestock."

Vanessa laughed, but it sounded a little too forced. "Oh, don't be so harsh. We were all just trying to survive. Elise got lucky. She ended up with money and status."

Elise stepped forward, heels clicking like a countdown. "No, Vanessa. I made this life. You threw me to the wolves, and I returned leading the pack."

Vanessa's face faltered. Just for a second. Enough.

"I came here to negotiate," she said finally. "There's a deal on the table. Something that could benefit all of us."

Elise arched a brow. "You want to profit off me again? Bold."

Silas stepped in, voice dark. "Say what you came to say, or get out. Elise doesn't owe you kindness."

Vanessa straightened. "Fine. There's an inheritance issue. If you don't contest it, we both get a share. But if you fight... well, it all goes to court. Family secrets might come out."

Elise smiled, slow and dangerous. "Good. I'd love to take it to court. I've always wanted the world to know who sold their sister for a fake deal with a married politician."

Silas clapped once. "Now this is getting interesting."

Chapter 12: The Devil Wears Silk