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

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Trap Closes

Jade's breath came in shallow gasps as she paced inside the dimly lit safe house Elara had brought her to. Her mind raced through every possible way out, but every door seemed locked, every escape blocked by Jonathan's web of deception.

The world believed she was a criminal now. The news cycle was relentless, feeding on the scandal Jonathan had orchestrated. Even those who once supported her had gone silent.

Elara's voice broke through her thoughts. "Alexander's press conference is in an hour. If he does what he says, we can turn this around."

Jade wasn't sure whether to hope or brace for the worst. "And if he doesn't?"

Elara's expression darkened. "Then we need to disappear."

Before Jade could respond, the front door rattled.

Elara grabbed her gun from the table, motioning for Jade to move behind the couch. The rattling turned into pounding. Then silence.

Jade's phone vibrated. A new message.

Come quietly, or Elara won't walk out of here alive.

Alexander adjusted his tie, his heart pounding harder than it should. The cameras were set, reporters already whispering as they waited for him to speak. He knew what was at stake—his reputation, his future, and Jade's life.

Jonathan's people had already sent their warning. The veiled threats, the pressure to let the story play out as intended. But Alexander had made his decision.

He stepped to the podium, gripping the sides as the flashes began.

"I won't waste time," he began. "The allegations against Jade Sinclair are lies."

The room erupted into murmurs, but he pressed on.

"I have evidence that proves Jonathan Blackwell orchestrated this entire scandal. The corruption, the money laundering—it was him. And I have proof."

A sharp movement caught his eye. At the back of the room, a man with a phone to his ear nodded toward the exit. A warning.

Alexander's voice didn't waver. "And I won't be silenced."

The door burst open just as Jade pressed 'send' on the text to Alexander.

Two men in dark suits rushed in. Elara fired the first shot, hitting one square in the shoulder. The second lunged at Jade, yanking her forward before she could react.

Pain exploded through her ribs as she hit the floor. Elara shouted, but another shot rang out—this time, not from her gun.

Jade's vision blurred as she saw Elara collapse.

A hand clamped over her mouth, dragging her up. The last thing she heard before everything went black was Jonathan's voice over the phone.