queenadey

Felix Blackwood is a ruthless CEO known for his cold precision and unshakable control. But beneath his polished exterior lies a dangerous secret—one that powerful enemies would kill to keep buried. When a mysterious leak threatens to expose a corrupt organization tied to his past, Felix is forced into a deadly game of deception, where every move could be his last.

Enter Elena Carter—a journalist with a knack for uncovering hidden truths. When she stumbles upon Felix’s world, she becomes entangled in a web of forbidden attraction, dangerous alliances, and secrets that could destroy them both. As their fates collide, passion ignites, but so do the forces determined to tear them apart.

With danger lurking in every shadow, Felix and Elena must decide: trust each other and fight—or become pawns in a game they can’t escape.

But some truths are better left buried…

the CEO dark secrets

The sleek black dress hugged Elena's figure as she stepped into the exclusive venue. The air inside the lavish ballroom was thick with the scent of aged champagne and polished oak. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the ceiling, casting a golden glow across the elite crowd.

Felix Donovan wasn't hard to spot. He stood at the center of it all, his tailored suit impeccably fitted, a glass of bourbon in his hand. People gravitated toward him powerful men offering firm handshakes, women with practiced smiles lingering just a little too long. Yet, even with the crowd around him, Felix remained untouchable.

And now, he had invited her into his world.

His voice slid over her like silk. She turned to find him already watching her, those dark eyes brimming with unspoken promises. He closed the distance between them with the ease of a man who commanded every space he entered.

"You clean up well," Felix murmured, his gaze sweeping over her.

"I could say the same," Elena replied, her voice steady. But there was no denying the pull she felt the dangerous allure of a man who wore power like a second skin.

"Shall we?" He offered his arm, and despite every logical voice in her head, Elena slipped her hand into his.

The evening unfolded in a blur of laughter, clinking glasses, and whispered deals. Felix introduced her to politicians, investors, and CEOs men who built their empires on ambition and ruthlessness. Elena listened carefully, committing every detail to memory.

But it wasn't just the conversations that intrigued her. It was Felix himself.

He played the role of the perfect host, but beneath the polished facade, Elena saw something else. A flicker of exhaustion. A constant calculation. Every word he spoke was measured, every move intentional. He was a man trapped by the very power he wielded.

"Enjoying yourself?" Felix's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"That depends," she said, meeting his gaze. "Is this who you really are, Felix? Or just another performance?"

Felix's lips twitched into a smirk. "Everyone performs, Elena. Some are just better at it than others."

Before she could respond, a woman approached tall, statuesque, and dressed in a crimson gown that demanded attention. Vivian Hart, Felix's father's closest ally and a fixture in high society.

"Felix," Vivian purred, her eyes lingering on him. "I was beginning to think you were avoiding me."

"Not at all," Felix replied, though the slight tension in his jaw didn't go unnoticed by Elena.

"And who is this?" Vivian's gaze shifted, her curiosity thinly veiled.

"Elena Monroe," Felix answered smoothly. "She's with CityLine Magazine."

Vivian's smile remained, though it faltered just enough for Elena to catch. "Ah. A journalist."

"A storyteller," Elena corrected, her voice calm. "I prefer the truth to the fiction people tend to spin."

Vivian's eyes flickered with amusement. "How noble."

Felix's hand brushed Elena's lower back, a subtle yet unmistakable gesture of possession. "Elena has a rare talent for seeing beyond the surface."

"Let's hope she likes what she finds," Vivian replied before turning away, her laughter trailing behind her.

Elena watched her disappear into the crowd, the tension between Felix and Vivian lingering like smoke. "She doesn't seem fond of me."

"Vivian doesn't like anyone she can't control," Felix replied, his expression unreadable.

"And you?" Elena challenged. "Are you as easy to control as they say?"

Felix's eyes darkened. "No one controls me."

But the way he said it as though it was more of a reminder than a truth made Elena wonder just how deep his scars ran.

The night wore on, but the questions remained. Elena knew she was playing with fire. But so was Felix. And as the city lights sparkled through the tall windows, one undeniable truth lingered between them.

chapter 5: into the lion's den