SageKingAlpha

When Esther Tedd, heiress to the most powerful family in Nairobi, is forced by her late father’s will to marry before claiming her inheritance, she makes a bold, calculated move: propose a flash marriage to a complete stranger on a blind date.

That stranger is Shawn Williams—calm, mysterious, and seemingly unremarkable. He agrees to the deal with one condition: no love, no questions, no strings.

What Esther doesn’t know is that Shawn is far from ordinary.

Behind his quiet demeanor lies a man who secretly controls global markets, owns invisible empires, and carries the legacy of an ancient cultivation sect. He’s the richest man in the world—and he’s hiding from enemies that go far beyond the boardroom.

Bound by a contract but pulled together by fate, Esther and Shawn’s fake marriage starts unraveling secrets neither of them was ready for. She’s drawn to his silence. He’s intrigued by her fire. But in a world of hidden dynasties, spiritual power, and ruthless ambition, their deal may turn out to be anything but fake.

Because destiny has plans—and love might be the greatest secret of all.

Married to the Hidden Tycoon

Her body was in bed, sure—curled beneath thousand-thread-count Egyptian cotton.But her mind?

It was back in that secret room.On that ring.That name.

She waited until Shawn's breathing deepened beside her, then slipped out of bed barefoot.Phone in hand.Heart steady.

She padded into the guest room, shut the door, and fired up her private laptop.

Search: Solstice Circle

A single encrypted forum post buried in a long-forgotten blog, timestamped ten years ago:

"They own everything, and yet no one knows they exist.Solstice Circle doesn't show up on paper.It shows up in ashes."

She clicked deeper, found fragments.

Names crossed out. Cities burned. Companies "acquired" and buried.

At the bottom of the page:A photo.

A man, back turned, standing before a bonfire in a snowy field.

A silver ring catching the firelight—same sun-split symbol.

Even from behind... she recognized that silhouette.

Elsewhere — Midnight, on the Rooftop

Shawn stood under the stars, tie loosened, glass of dark liquor in hand.

His phone buzzed.Unmarked contact.

"She searched the Circle."

"Don't touch her. She's under protection."

Morning — Back in the Penthouse

Esther sat at the breakfast bar, face unreadable, dressed like she had somewhere to be.

Shawn walked in, his usual calm armor freshly pressed on his shoulders.

He poured himself coffee. "And you look like you have a plan."

Shawn's eyes flickered. "Since when do you visit him without security?"

"Since I realized there are bigger threats than paparazzi."

"Oh," she added casually. "And Shawn?"

"If the Solstice Circle ever was a secret… it isn't anymore."

The door closed behind her before he could speak.

And just like that…The rules changed again.

The Shadow in the Frame