For Emma Montgomery, life as the pampered daughter of Manhattan's elite carried the weight of impossible expectations. Groomed from birth to lead her family's corporate dynasty, genuine love seemed an elusive dream amid the superficial trappings of wealth. That is, until a shocking proposal opened doors to an unexpected future.

When her father arranges for Emma to enter a marriage contract with James Reynolds, the charismatic heir to a powerful political family, she sees it as an escape from her turbulent past. But neither Emma nor James could foresee the firestorm of passion and betrayal that would be sparked by their convenient union. 

As the one-year countdown on their sham marriage begins, Emma finds herself falling for James's unexpected depths and charm. But James has his own demons - bound by duty to fulfill his father's Machiavellian ambitions while his own heart belongs to another. As cordial pretenses melt into smoldering intimacy, their worlds collide in a maelstrom of corporate greed, political ambition, and star-crossed desire.

In this sumptuous tale of love among New York's upper echelons, Emma and James become delicious pawns in a high-stakes game they never imagined playing. With every blistering secret revealed, every heart-wrenching choice posed, they must decide whether to surrender to the inescapable lure of power and privilege, or burn it all to the ground for a love too intoxicating to deny.

Twisted Fate: Power Plays

Emma blinked awake to the harsh blare of an alarm clock. Disoriented, she glanced around the familiar bedroom before the events of last night came rushing back. 


The fight with James. His cold rejection. Their bitter agreement to keep up the charade of a happy marriage. 


Steeling herself, Emma rose from the tangled sheets and quickly dressed, wanting to face the day head-on. She wouldn't cower in this room like a scolded child. 


As she emerged, the mouthwatering aroma of bacon and fresh coffee wafted through the hallway. Emma followed the scent toward the sound of clinking dishware and low voices conversing. 


She rounded the corner into a cozy breakfast nook to find James already seated at the small table, pristinely dressed as always. A maid was refilling his coffee cup while Emma's father Donald chatted animatedly at him. 


Sixteen: Veil of Deception