John_Ceptre

Olivia Carter is a sharp, no-nonsense journalist with one rule—never fall for the men she writes about. But when she’s assigned to cover a feature on Adrian Hayes, the world’s most charismatic and successful billionaire musician, her resolve is tested. She loves his music, but she despises the man behind it—too arrogant, too overrated, and too dangerously charming for his own good.
Adrian, used to adoration and headlines, is intrigued by the one woman who seems immune to his fame. When a fake dating rumor sparks a media frenzy, they’re forced to navigate the chaos together. But Olivia’s skepticism runs deep, fueled by a past betrayal that makes trusting Adrian impossible.
As she uncovers the truth about his past and he discovers a secret about hers, the lines between love and career blur. When Olivia is faced with a choice between the career she’s built and the man she never expected to love, she must decide—will she walk away from the biggest story of her life, or risk everything for a love that could be the realest thing she’s ever known?
A sizzling enemies-to-lovers billionaire romance filled with passion, secrets, and second chances, The Rich Musician is a love story that proves sometimes, the heart knows the truth before the mind is ready to believe it.

The Rich Musician

Olivia sat frozen, Madeline's words sinking in like poison.

"Adrian Hayes is very good at playing the wounded hero."

It wasn't the accusation itself that unsettled her—it was the doubt creeping in, the realization that she had never once questioned Adrian's version of events.

Taking a steady breath, she met Madeline's gaze. "If you're so eager to tell me the truth, then tell me—what really happened?"

Madeline smiled, slow and knowing. "Adrian and I built everything together. I was his partner in every way. But when the fame got too big, he did what most men in power do—he cut me out."

Olivia frowned. "The media painted it as the opposite. That you—"

"That I betrayed him?" Madeline finished, amusement flickering in her dark eyes. "Of course they did. Adrian had already won the public over. And I—" she tilted her head, "—was the perfect villain."

Olivia studied her, searching for cracks in her composure. "So you're saying he lied?"

Madeline leaned forward. "I'm saying Adrian isn't as innocent as he wants you to believe. He has secrets, Olivia. And if you're smart, you'll start asking the right questions before you get hurt."

A part of Olivia wanted to dismiss her words, to chalk it up to bitterness or revenge.

But another part of her—one she didn't want to acknowledge—knew that Madeline wasn't completely lying.

And Olivia was starting to wonder if she was just another pawn in his carefully controlled game.

She exhaled, standing up. "Thanks for the warning. But I don't trust you, either."

Madeline chuckled. "Good. That means you're not completely naive."

Olivia turned to leave, but Madeline's voice stopped her.

"One last thing," she said. "Ask Adrian about the contract."

"The contract?" she repeated, heart pounding.

Madeline just smiled, picking up her wine again. "He'll know exactly what I mean."

Olivia forced herself to walk away, but every step felt heavier.

Because she knew—whatever this contract was, it was tied to the one thing Adrian refused to talk about.

And now, she had no choice but to confront him.

Chapter 27: Truth or Manipulation?