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-Two: The Art of War

Jade sat in the dimly lit lounge of their penthouse, her fingers drumming lightly against the glass of wine in her hand. The encounter with Sophia had left a bitter taste in her mouth, and despite Alexander's reassurances, she knew better than to underestimate a woman like that.

Sophia wasn't just a love rival—she was a predator, circling, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Alexander emerged from his study, his tie loosened, his expression grim. "I looked into Sophia's claim. There's some truth to it."

Jade turned to him sharply. "What?"

He exhaled, sitting across from her. "The Middleton empire isn't as untouchable as I thought. Someone has been making strategic moves against us—buying out key shares, digging into financial records."

Jade frowned. "And you think Sophia is behind it?"

"No," Alexander said, shaking his head. "She's a player, but she's not the mastermind. She's too eager to have a seat at the table. Whoever is behind this… they're staying in the shadows."

Jade set down her glass, her mind already spinning. "Then we find out who they are before they make their next move."

A knock at the door made them both pause.

Alexander exchanged a look with Jade before standing. He opened the door to find a man dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his presence commanding yet strangely familiar.

"Damien Blackwell," the man introduced himself, his voice smooth and self-assured.

Jade's stomach twisted at the name.

His sharp gaze settled on her, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "It's been a while, Jade."

Alexander's expression darkened. "You know him?"

Jade's jaw clenched. "Unfortunately."

Damien smirked, stepping inside uninvited. "Oh, don't be so cold, Jade. We were once… very close."

Alexander's hands balled into fists at his sides, but he remained composed. "What do you want?"

Damien turned his attention back to Alexander, his smirk fading. "A business opportunity. I believe you and I share a common enemy."

Damien slid a file onto the table. "Victoria Middleton."

Jade's breath caught in her throat. Victoria—Alexander's mother. The ruthless woman who had never approved of her.

Alexander's expression was unreadable, but his voice was steel. "What do you know?"

Damien took a seat, crossing his legs. "Enough to say that if you don't act fast, the empire your family built will fall—and Victoria will be the one pulling the strings."

Jade stole a glance at Alexander. She could see the conflict warring in his eyes. He had always known his mother was calculating, but had she truly turned against him?

Damien leaned forward, his voice quiet but firm. "You don't have to trust me. But if you want to stay ahead in this game, you'll need me."

Alexander exhaled slowly, his jaw tight. "I don't trust you. But I'll hear what you have to say."

Damien smiled, knowing he had planted the first seed. "Then let's talk."

Jade watched him carefully, knowing that with Damien, nothing came without a price.

And she wasn't sure if Alexander was ready to pay it.

The Art Of War