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-Eight: A Dangerous Game

Damien adjusted his cufflinks as he stepped into the dimly lit lounge. The air smelled of expensive cigars and deception. He knew Jonathan Pierce would be here—this was his hunting ground, a place where deals were struck and reputations were destroyed.

He had played in these circles before. And tonight, he was stepping back into the game.

At the VIP table, Jonathan sat with two other men—high-ranking officials Damien recognized from his past. He approached confidently, slipping into the seat across from them.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Damien Blackwell. I thought you were out of this life."

Damien smirked. "Some habits die hard." He leaned back. "I hear you're making interesting moves these days."

Jonathan exhaled smoke. "I assume you're referring to Jade."

"I'm referring to your power plays," Damien corrected. "Jade's just collateral, isn't she?"

Jonathan studied him for a long moment. Then, he chuckled. "You always did understand the bigger picture."

Damien's pulse remained steady. He had to play this carefully. "I want in."

Jonathan's amusement faded. "Why?"

Damien leaned forward. "Because if Victoria is planning what I think she is, there will be casualties. And I don't want to be on the losing side."

Jonathan considered him, tapping his fingers against his glass. Then he smiled. "Maybe there's a place for you after all."

Victoria stood in her study, watching the city lights flicker beyond her window. The plan was in motion, but something felt… off.

She turned as her assistant entered. "Jonathan just met with Damien Blackwell," he reported.

Her expression darkened. "That's unexpected."

Jonathan had assured her Jade was backed into a corner. But Damien? He was unpredictable.

She sipped her wine thoughtfully. If Damien was getting involved, she needed to act fast.

"Prepare the next phase," she ordered. "If Jade wants to fight, let's show her what real power looks like."

Alexander & Jade: United in the Fire

Alexander found Jade pacing in her penthouse, the tension rolling off her in waves.

"We need to move quickly," she said, barely looking at him. "Damien is inside Jonathan's circle now, but we don't know how much time we have before Victoria strikes again."

Alexander stepped forward, catching her wrist. "Jade."

She finally looked up, her eyes filled with storm clouds.

"We're in this together," he said firmly.

For the first time in days, her shoulders sagged slightly, the weight of everything pressing down on her. "I can't lose," she whispered.

"You won't," Alexander promised. "Because I won't let you."

She nodded, but deep down, they both knew—Victoria wasn't just an enemy. She was the queen on the board. And queens didn't fall easily.