Ayishetu

In a world of wealth, power, and whispered betrayals, Jade Sinclair is an outsider. When she marries **Alexander Middleton**, heir to a powerful and ruthless family, she knows the life she’s stepping into is one of scrutiny and silent warfare. But what no one knows is that Jade didn’t just marry into this world for love—she has her own secrets, her own motives.  

At every turn, she faces resistance. **Victoria Middleton**, Alexander’s calculating mother, sees her as nothing more than an inconvenience, an unworthy intruder in their empire. And then there’s **Liliana Carter**, Alexander’s ex and the woman society expected him to marry, who is determined to reclaim her place by his side.  

But Jade is no naive socialite. She knows that in a world like this, survival isn’t about playing by the rules—it’s about rewriting them.  

When **Lady Eleanor Middleton**, the true matriarch of the family, summons Jade for a private meeting, everything changes. The old woman sees more than Jade expected, sensing the deeper game at play. As the stakes rise, Jade is forced to confront not just the enemies in plain sight but the ones lurking in the shadows—secrets buried within the Middleton family that could destroy them all.  

As deception weaves through every relationship and trust becomes the most dangerous currency, Jade must decide:Is love worth the price of power? And in a game where masks are everything, who will survive when the veil is finally lifted

the veil of deception

Jade sat at the grand breakfast table in the Middleton estate, stirring her tea absently as she replayed Lady Eleanor's words from the night before.

*"Do you want to win, or do you want to survive?"*

The question had lingered in her mind like a haunting melody.

She glanced across the table where Alexander sat, engrossed in a conversation with his mother, Victoria. The tension between Jade and her mother-in-law was an unspoken force in the room, thick and suffocating.

Victoria barely acknowledged her, instead sipping her coffee with the same cold elegance she wielded like a weapon.

"You must attend the gala tomorrow night," Victoria finally said, directing her words at Alexander but making sure Jade heard them. "The Middleton Foundation will be announcing a new partnership, and we need to present a united front."

Alexander nodded. "Of course. Jade and I will be there."

Victoria's lips twitched, her expression unreadable. "Yes. Well. Let's hope this time she understands the importance of—restraint."

Jade clenched her jaw but forced a pleasant smile. "I'll be sure to take notes from the *masters* of performance."

Alexander shot her a warning glance, but she ignored it.

"Speaking of the gala," Victoria continued, "I heard that **Isabelle Laurent** will be covering the event for *The London Chronicle*."

At the mention of the name, Alexander stiffened slightly.

Jade caught the reaction and narrowed her eyes. "Who is Isabelle Laurent?"

"A journalist," Victoria said, dabbing at her lips with a napkin. "A rather *persistent* one. She has a habit of digging into things best left buried."

Jade's curiosity was piqued. "And why is she interested in the Middletons?"

Victoria's smile was razor-sharp. "Because we are the Middletons, my dear."

Jade knew there was more to it than that, but she also knew Victoria wouldn't reveal anything. If Isabelle Laurent was a threat—or an opportunity—she needed to find out for herself.

As breakfast continued, Jade made a silent decision.

If Victoria wanted to keep her in the dark, then it was time to start looking for light.

Later That Day – The Private Club

Jade had spent the afternoon tracking down Isabelle Laurent, using a carefully placed call to a friend in media to arrange a meeting at an exclusive private club in the city.

When she arrived, she found Isabelle waiting for her at a dimly lit corner table, swirling a glass of wine in her hand.

The journalist was effortlessly poised, dressed in a sleek black dress that spoke of understated power. Her auburn hair was styled in waves, and her sharp green eyes assessed Jade with keen interest.

"So," Isabelle said, her voice smooth, "the elusive Mrs. Middleton wishes to have a chat. I must say, I'm intrigued."

Jade took a seat, keeping her posture relaxed. "I like to know who's writing stories about me."

Isabelle smirked. "Smart. But let's be honest—you're not here because of me. You're here because you know this family has secrets, and you want to know which ones I've uncovered."

Jade met her gaze evenly. "And have you?"

Isabelle leaned in slightly. "More than you'd expect. Less than I'd like."

Jade's pulse quickened, but she kept her expression neutral. "Tell me."

The journalist chuckled. "Oh no, my dear. Information is currency, and I don't give mine away for free."

Jade considered her for a moment before replying, "Then what do you want?"

Isabelle's smirk deepened. "A trade. You give me something valuable, I give you something in return."

Jade leaned back in her chair, a slow smile forming. "Then I suppose we'll just have to find something *mutually beneficial*, won't we?"

Isabelle lifted her glass in a silent toast.

Jade had just stepped into the game Lady Eleanor had warned her about. And she intended to play it well.

THE WHISPER OF SECRETS