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-Six: The Final Gambit

Jade sprinted through the dimly lit corridor, her pulse thundering in her ears. She had no idea where she was, only that she had to keep moving. Behind her, Jonathan's enraged shouts echoed through the building.

She stumbled into a side room, slamming the door shut behind her. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she searched for an escape. A window. Small, but possibly large enough.

Footsteps pounded outside. No time to hesitate.

Jade climbed onto an old wooden desk and yanked at the rusted window latch. It wouldn't budge. Desperation surged through her veins as she threw her weight against it. With a final, splintering crack, the latch gave way.

The door burst open just as she hoisted herself through the window frame. Hands clawed at her ankle, but she kicked viciously, feeling her captor's grip slip. Then she was falling, landing hard in the overgrown grass outside.

Pain jolted through her limbs, but she pushed through it. She was free.

Alexander adjusted his cufflinks, the outward appearance of calm masking the storm within. He had played many high-stakes games in his life, but none had ever been this personal.

Jonathan's meeting request had come through moments after Jade's escape attempt. The location was set. A private estate outside the city, far from prying eyes.

Damien handed him a sleek, custom-made gun. "In case negotiations fail."

Alexander's jaw tightened as he tucked it into his jacket. "They already have."

He turned to Damien. "Make sure Elara's people are in position. We end this tonight."

Jonathan stood at the head of the lavish estate's study, a glass of whiskey in his hand, his smirk unfazed by Alexander's arrival.

"Ah, Alexander," he greeted smoothly. "I was beginning to think you'd lost your nerve."

Alexander stepped forward, his movements precise. "I don't have time for your games. Where is Jade?"

Jonathan chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Safe, for now. But that depends entirely on you."

"I already know you framed her," Alexander said coldly. "I have proof. The moment I walk out of here, the authorities will, too."

Jonathan exhaled, unimpressed. "You think a few pieces of evidence can undo everything I've built? You underestimate me, Alexander."

"No," Alexander replied, his voice razor-sharp. "I just know when a man's reached the end of his rope."

A flicker of something unreadable passed over Jonathan's face. He raised his glass in mock salute. "Then let's see who walks away tonight."