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 left the private club with Isabelle's words still lingering in her mind.

The journalist had given her just enough to spark curiosity but not enough to satisfy it. There was something Isabelle knew, something about the Middleton family that could shift the power balance in ways Jade couldn't yet predict.

As her driver pulled up to the Middleton estate, Jade gathered herself. Tonight was the gala, and she had no intention of playing the quiet, obedient wife. If Victoria wanted to test her, then so be it.

She stepped into the grand foyer to find Alexander adjusting his cufflinks in front of the mirror. His navy-blue tuxedo was tailored to perfection, his hair neatly styled, yet there was a tension in his expression that he hadn't bothered to mask.

"You went to see Isabelle Laurent," he said without looking at her.

Jade exhaled softly, placing her clutch on the marble table. "Were you tracking me?"

Alexander finally turned to her. "I didn't have to. Isabelle is known for stirring trouble, and you walking into that club was bound to reach me sooner rather than later."

Jade lifted her chin. "She knows something, Alexander. Something about your family."

His jaw tightened. "And you think she'll just hand it over to you?"

Jade crossed the room, standing before him. "I think she might, if I play my cards right."

Alexander sighed, dragging a hand down his face. "Jade, you don't understand—Isabelle has been circling this family for years. If she had something damning, she would have used it already."

"Maybe she was waiting for the right moment," Jade countered. "Maybe she's waiting for *me*."

Alexander met her gaze, searching for something in her expression. "Be careful," he finally said. "You don't know the kind of games you're playing."

Jade offered a small, unreadable smile. "Neither do they."

### **The Gala – The World is Watching**

The Middleton Foundation's gala was an extravagant affair held at one of the city's most luxurious venues. Crystal chandeliers bathed the ballroom in golden light, while the wealthiest elites of society sipped champagne and exchanged calculated smiles.

Jade arrived arm in arm with Alexander, her emerald silk gown hugging her frame elegantly. The moment they stepped in, the room shifted. Eyes followed them, whispers trailing in their wake.

Victoria was already at the center of attention, surrounded by influential guests. When she spotted them, she raised her glass with a knowing smile.

Jade remained poised, exchanging pleasantries as she and Alexander made their way through the crowd. But as she did, she noticed a man standing near the bar, watching her.

Tall. Confident. With a smirk that held the weight of familiarity.

A name she had not thought about in years. A name she had buried.

And yet, here he was, in the Middleton's world, sipping whiskey as if he belonged.

Alexander caught the change in her expression. "Jade? What is it?"

Because Damien Blackwell was the kind of man who never appeared without a reason.

And whatever that reason was, it would not be in her favor.

A DANCE WITH SHADOWS