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

The weight of the USB drive in Alexander's palm felt heavier than it should. He sat in the dim glow of his office, staring at his laptop screen as the files loaded. A part of him dreaded what he was about to see, but the other part—fueled by anger and betrayal—needed the truth.

The first video played. Grainy security footage. Jonathan in a dimly lit bar, shaking hands with a government official Alexander recognized immediately. The audio was muffled, but the intention was clear—deals were being made, money was exchanging hands, and names were being promised.

His pulse quickened. This wasn't just about Jade. This was corruption on a level he hadn't imagined.

A knock on his door startled him. He quickly ejected the USB and shoved it into his pocket before calling out, "Come in."

Elara stepped inside, her expression unreadable. "You saw it, didn't you?"

Alexander exhaled, rubbing his temples. "I did. And I don't know what to do with it yet."

Elara placed her hands on his desk, leaning forward. "Jade isn't your enemy, Alexander. But if you don't act fast, Jonathan will win. He's already making moves."

Alexander clenched his jaw. He had spent years trying to separate himself from family corruption, trying to build something that wasn't tainted. But now, he was staring at undeniable proof that his world was more twisted than he had ever realized.

Jade and Elara met at a secluded café, far from prying eyes. The tension between them had eased slightly, but trust was still fragile.

Jade slid the folder across the table. "We need to go public with this. If we hold back, Jonathan will use our hesitation against us."

Elara hesitated. "Are you sure you're ready for that kind of war?"

Jade's jaw tightened. "I don't have a choice."

Elara sighed, nodding. "Then we do this together."

They didn't notice the man sitting two tables away, subtly listening to every word. He reached into his pocket and sent a quick text: She's making a move. Tell him.

Jonathan leaned back in his chair, phone pressed to his ear. The message had been clear—Jade was going public.

He chuckled darkly. "She always did have guts. Shame she doesn't know when to quit."

His fingers tapped against his desk as he formulated his next move. Then, with a slow smile, he picked up his phone again and made a call.

Jonathan's smile widened. Let the games begin.

The Reckoning