Obehi_Omokhegbe

After building a design empire from the ground up, McKenna Dawson thought she’d finally stepped out of her parents’ shadow—until sabotage, betrayal, and a corporate takedown threaten everything she’s worked for. At the heart of the chaos? A man from her past with secrets of his own.

Graham Ellis Pierce—the elite fixer called in to control the narrative and clean up high-profile messes—is used to staying detached. But McKenna isn’t just another client. She’s the one he let go, the one who slipped through when ambition came first.

Thrown into a high-stakes world of power plays, buried scandals, and calculated partnerships, McKenna must fight to protect her company, her name... and her heart. But when old sparks reignite and dangerous enemies close in, will she have to sacrifice love to win—or finally learn what it means to live life in her own name?

In Her Own Name

The party thinned as the evening drew on, but McKenna remained, letting the soft music and distant conversations buzz around her like harmless static.

Tonight wasn't simply about the foundation — it was about her legitimacy.As she turned toward a tray of hors d'oeuvres, she nearly collided with him. The man from earlier.

"Forgive me," he said, his voice smooth and deliberate.

McKenna straightened, instantly guarded but polite. Up close, he was even more striking — tailored elegance, controlled presence, the kind of man who always looked like he was observing the entire room even while speaking to you."I don't believe we've met," she said.

"Mark Juniper," he offered, extending a hand. "Private investor."

She shook it briefly, her instincts already scanning. "And what brings a private investor to an art foundation gala?"

"A number of things," he said easily. "Primarily, you."

"I've followed your work for some time now, Miss Dawson." His tone remained calm, respectful.

"Sovelle Atelier fascinates me. Your curation model is... ahead of its time."McKenna studied him carefully. Flattery was common currency at events like these, but his words felt more... calculated.

"Most private investors I meet aren't particularly interested in lifestyle brands."

"Most don't recognize where luxury markets are headed. You're blending modern beauty with an appreciation for aesthetic legacies. That's rare."

"And Zurich?" she asked lightly, watching his face. For the first time, something flickered — quickly contained.

McKenna smiled politely. "Not everyone considers them wise."

"I do." His gaze held hers. "Though not everyone wants you to succeed."

McKenna's pulse quickened. The way he said it — deliberate, almost a warning — made her stomach coil.

"Enjoy the evening, Mr. Juniper," she said coolly, excusing herself before the conversation could deepen.But as she walked away, she could feel his eyes following her — quietly, patiently.

Mark Juniper. Or at least, that was the name he used. In reality, James Carlton had just made contact. And the game had begun.

The Silent Watcher