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

Seraphina Calloway paced her penthouse, the morning light casting a golden hue over the city skyline. The headlines were brutal, a direct attack on everything she had built. But Seraphina wasn't one to crumble—she was one to retaliate.

She picked up her phone and dialed. The line rang twice before a gruff voice answered.

"I assume you've seen the news," she said coolly.

Damien Blackwell chuckled. "Victoria always did know how to play dirty. But she underestimated you."

Seraphina's lips curled into a smirk. "She did. And now, I'm going to remind her why that was a mistake."

She sent Damien a file. "Expose this. I want her empire shaking before sundown."

By afternoon, new headlines flooded the media.

"Laurent Enterprises Faces Corruption Scandal: Anonymous Sources Leak Damaging Evidence."

"Victoria Laurent's Network of Secrets: Political Bribes and Illegal Deals?"

"Seraphina Calloway Fires Back—And She's Not Holding Back."

Victoria's glass shattered against the wall as she read the reports. "That woman doesn't know when to quit!"

Adrian Graves leaned against the desk, unfazed. "She's smart. She hit you where it hurts. The board is in a frenzy."

Victoria inhaled sharply, steadying herself. "Then it's time to remind them who truly holds the power."

Alexander stormed into his mother's office, slamming the door behind him. "What the hell have you done?"

Victoria barely glanced up. "What was necessary."

"You're tearing everything apart! This isn't just a business war—Jade is caught in the middle of this!"

His mother finally met his gaze, eyes cold and calculating. "Then maybe she should learn to pick the winning side."

Something inside Alexander snapped. "No. I've spent my whole life watching you destroy people who stand in your way. Not this time."

Victoria arched a brow. "And what exactly do you plan to do, Alexander?"

He exhaled sharply, his decision solidifying in his mind. "I'm choosing Jade. And I'm walking away from this toxic empire you've built."

Victoria's expression darkened. "If you walk away now, you're no longer my son."

The words stung, but Alexander only gave her a hollow smile. "Then I guess I was never really yours to begin with."

With that, he turned and left, leaving Victoria staring after him, her grip on control slipping faster than she ever imagined.

The Reckoning