mabooz

Vivienne Moreau was born into luxury, destined for a charmed future. But one scandalous mistake stole everything—her fortune, her family’s favor, and even the man she risked it all for. Forced onto the streets in shame, she rises from ruin by embracing the only weapon left to her: an irresistible allure that ensnares society’s most powerful men.

Reborn as Madame V, Vivienne captivates a wealthy baron hungry for her charms and a spirited young marquis who worships her every move. Each patron drowns her in silks and coins, fueling her climb back to wealth. Yet secrets coil in every corner of the grand ballrooms—jealous rivals scheme to see her fall, blackmailers stalk her private affairs, and the gossip-hungry elite watch her every seductive step.

Determined never to kneel before anyone again, Vivienne plays her dangerous double life with cunning and poise. By day, she’s a dazzling widow waltzing on society’s arm; by night, she’s a master manipulator whose bedroom deals reshape noble alliances. When a captivating prince lures her into the glittering world of royal power, Vivienne must decide how far she’ll go—and who she’s willing to betray—to reign supreme among the city’s corrupt and lustful elite.

In a realm of forbidden desires, shadowy intrigues, and steamy midnight rendezvous, Vivienne’s ambition knows no limits. But with enemies closing in and hearts on the line, can she outmaneuver every threat and seize the life she craves? Or will the secrets she’s spun cost her everything—even her newly won freedom?

The Hidden Courtesan is a riveting tale of passion, power, and survival, where one woman’s sexuality becomes her strongest shield in a society that casts her aside. Perfect for fans of scandalous historical romances and high-stakes intrigue, this story draws you into a world of lavish balls, clandestine affairs, and a heroine who refuses to be tamed—no matter the cost.

Silk & Sin

News of the "double waltz" from the grand ball continued to ripple through the county. Whispers grew bolder: had the Duke's mistress lured another man into her web? Was the Duke truly so magnanimous, or were darker secrets at play?

Lady Mortimer, a notorious gossip, paid a "friendly visit" to Belfoire, fishing for scandalous tidbits. Vivienne endured the woman's thinly veiled barbs over tea, politely evading details. Lady Mortimer departed with a conspiratorial gleam, certain there was more to glean.

By late afternoon, Lucien summoned Vivienne and Julian to the study with grave expressions. A local magistrate's letter lay on his desk. "Apparently, rumors swirl that you, Vivienne, have grown too 'familiar' with Lord Wakefield. Magistrate Alcott 'advises' we quash such talk or risk official inquiry into our household's morality."

Julian scowled. "This is absurd. We've been discreet. Are these rumors so persistent?"

Lucien rubbed his temples, frustration peaking. "The county loves gossip. Our double waltz only fueled it. Some troublemakers claim you overshadow me in her affections."

Vivienne's throat tightened. "I'm sorry. This is exactly what we feared. Society's condemnation might intensify if we can't quell speculation."

A tense hush followed. Finally, Julian sighed. "I might…depart sooner than planned. Let things cool. If I vanish, rumor might fade. Your reputations remain intact."

Lucien's expression revealed warring emotions—relief at the thought, dread at losing the triad's fragile companionship. Vivienne's stomach lurched. "But then we're back to heartbreak. If you leave for months…this arrangement stalls."

Julian gave her a regretful look. "Better a temporary parting than a full scandal. I won't wreck the life you've rebuilt with Lucien."

Lucien exhaled sharply. "I hate that we're cornered like this." His gaze flicked to Vivienne. "Would you want him to go?"

She bit her lip, tears threatening. "I can't bear losing him again, but I also don't want your estate or your name dragged through more mud." She turned to Julian, voice cracking. "What if…we stage a quiet departure, let the rumors die, and then you return discreetly? Is that even feasible?"

Julian's eyes softened. "Perhaps. I could claim I'm needed in the capital again, handle War Office tasks, then slip back occasionally. But that's no true fix if malicious tongues keep prying."

Lucien tapped his desk. "We might bolster a narrative: you left amicably after finishing official business here, no scandal. If you visit in the future, it's merely as a friend. In the meantime…" He trailed off, swallowing the sorrow of effectively living separate lives in public.

Vivienne closed her eyes, heart aching. "Let's do that, if it's our only option. I just—" Her voice wavered. "I fear the distance might unravel us all."

Julian wrapped an arm around her shoulders in brief comfort. "We'll stay in contact, write letters. Perhaps short visits if we're cunning. I won't give up on us easily."

Lucien nodded, though anguish flickered. "Yes. Let's outsmart these busybodies. Once the dust settles, we see if a more permanent solution emerges. For now, we keep the triad hidden behind the facade of parted ways."

Silence followed. Each realized the triad would exist primarily in letters, stolen visits—a precarious thread rather than daily closeness. But with society's pressure mounting, this was the path to preserve Lucien's estate from scandal, spare Vivienne's name from ruin, and let Julian maintain some War Office ties.

With heavy hearts, they agreed. The next day, Julian would discreetly announce his imminent departure, crafting the narrative that his official tasks called him away. The triad braced for a new wave of pain, forced to rely on fleeting moments and written words for who knew how long.

CHAPTER 55