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 gripped the cool marble railing of the balcony, her mind racing. Damien's presence wasn't just a complication—it was a danger she couldn't afford.

She turned to him, masking the turmoil within. "I don't know what you think you know, but you should tread carefully, Damien."

His smirk didn't waver. "Careful? Now that's a word I never associated with you, Jade." He tilted his head, studying her like a puzzle he was piecing back together. "Or should I say, *the girl you used to be?*"

Jade's pulse quickened. He was baiting her, testing her, waiting for the cracks in her composure to widen. She wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

"You invested in the Middleton empire for business," she said smoothly. "Keep it that way."

Damien chuckled, low and amused. "Oh, but I like mixing business with the personal." He leaned in, his voice dropping. "And we both know, Jade, our past is very *personal*."

Before she could respond, a voice interrupted them.

Jade turned to see Alexander standing in the doorway, his sharp gaze flicking between them.

Jade forced a smile. "Of course. Mr. Blackwell and I were just discussing his investment."

Damien grinned. "Indeed. I was just telling your wife how much I admire ambition." His eyes lingered on Jade for a beat too long before he stepped away. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

As Damien disappeared back into the ballroom, Alexander stepped closer. "Jade," he said in a low voice, "who *is* he?"

Jade met his gaze, her mind spinning. She couldn't tell him the truth. Not yet.

"An old acquaintance," she said finally.

Alexander's expression darkened. "He knows you. And he enjoys making you uncomfortable."

Jade exhaled, steadying herself. "It's nothing I can't handle."

Alexander studied her, but before he could push further, Victoria's voice rang through the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here tonight!"

The gala speeches were beginning. This wasn't the time for questions.

But Jade knew—Alexander wouldn't let this go.

### **The Next Day – A Dangerous Offer**

Jade spent most of the next day in her study, researching Damien's recent business dealings. If he was here, there was a reason.

A soft knock on the door made her look up. A butler stepped in. "Mrs. Middleton, you have a visitor."

The butler hesitated. "A woman named **Mara Sinclair**."

A name she never thought she'd hear again.

Before she could respond, the door opened wider, and a woman stepped inside.

Mara was as striking as ever—tall, poised, with piercing brown eyes that held a storm within them. Her dark hair was pulled into an elegant bun, but there was nothing soft about her presence.

Jade rose to her feet, her pulse hammering.

Mara let the silence stretch before speaking.

the cracks in the mask