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 Thirty-One: Shadows of the Past

The storm that had loomed over the city the night before had passed, but its effects still lingered in the tense air between Jade and Alexander. The documents from the mysterious visitor remained spread across Alexander's desk, their contents a silent threat to everything he had built.

Jade stood by the window, staring at the skyline, her mind racing. She had fought too hard to let some buried family secrets ruin what they had. She turned to Alexander, who was still poring over the documents.

"We need to find out who sent this," she said, her voice firm. "Someone is playing a game, and I don't like being a pawn."

Alexander sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't either, but we have to be careful. Whoever this is, they're powerful enough to know exactly where to hit us."

Before either of them could continue, a knock at the door interrupted them. Alexander shot Jade a look before walking over and opening it.

A woman stood there, poised, elegant, and exuding confidence. She had striking hazel eyes, a perfectly sculpted face, and a knowing smile that sent an immediate wave of unease through Jade.

"Hello, Alexander," she said smoothly. "It's been a long time."

Alexander's jaw clenched. "Sophia."

Jade narrowed her eyes. Sophia? The name sounded familiar, and then it hit her—Sophia Laurent, a high-profile corporate lawyer who had been linked to Alexander years ago.

"I heard you've been making waves in the business world," Sophia continued, stepping inside uninvited. Her gaze flickered to Jade, assessing. "And I see you've upgraded."

Jade forced a smile. "And you are?"

Sophia turned to her with a smirk. "Oh, I assumed Alexander would have told you about me." She extended a manicured hand. "Sophia Laurent."

Jade shook her hand, her grip firm. "Jade."

Jade met her gaze without flinching. "The only name that matters here."

Alexander cleared his throat, stepping between them. "Sophia, why are you here?"

Sophia sighed dramatically. "I came with an offer. One that involves both of you."

She pulled out a file and placed it on the table. "The Middleton legacy isn't as secure as you think. I have information that could either help you… or destroy you."

Jade crossed her arms. "And what do you get out of this?"

Sophia smiled, her gaze lingering on Alexander. "Just a seat at the table. And maybe... a little nostalgia."

Jade's blood boiled, but she kept her expression neutral. She wasn't going to give Sophia the satisfaction of knowing she had struck a nerve.

Alexander exhaled sharply. "We'll look at your offer. But if this is just another game, Sophia, you won't like the consequences."

Sophia's smile never wavered. "I always play to win, Alexander. I'm just wondering if you and your... partner are strong enough to keep up."

She turned and walked out, her perfume lingering in the air.

Jade looked at Alexander, her voice low. "You didn't tell me about her."

"There was nothing to tell," he said firmly. "She's part of my past. But I swear to you, Jade, you're my future."

Jade held his gaze. "Then let's make sure she doesn't become our present."

Alexander nodded, but they both knew this was only the beginning.

Shadows Of The Past