Sophie glided into the office, her gaze scanning the room until it landed on me.Her emerald eyes flashed with distaste, a hint of jealousy simmering beneath."Rachel,i have heard so much about you," she said, her voice laced with venom."I hope it's all good thoughts," I askedEthan's expression darkened, his jaw clenched. "Sophie, what are you doing here?"Sophie's smile was saccharine. "I hoped to surprise you, darling."Ethan's tone was icy. "You're interrupting."Sophie's gaze lingered on me before shifting back to Ethan. "Am I?"Ethan's arrogance faltered for a moment, replaced by irritation."Sophie, we discussed this. I have work to do."Sophie's smile never wavered. "I won't keep you long."The tension between them was palpable.Sophie's face fell, her eyes flashing with anger. "Fine. Keep your secrets, Ethan."Ethan's expression remained unyielding. "This is business, Sophie. Not personal."Sophie's gaze shifted to me, her voice dripping with venom. "I'm sure Rachel understa
"The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. Between juggling pop-up projects, parenting, and keeping my life from imploding, I'm exhausted. And let's not forget the drama-filled cherry on top - Max's confession and Ethan and Sophia's never-ending soap opera. Honestly, I want no part in it. I've worked too hard to build my reputation and meet my deadlines to let their drama derail me. That old mantra, 'Fake it till you make it,' has been my survival motto for years. So, I put on a brave face and push through. Today was a marathon. I spent hours at the office, lost in spreadsheets and reports. Before I knew it, the day had slipped away, and it was already mid-afternoon. As I packed up to head home, Ethan appeared, requesting my presence at a quaint cafe near his shop. 'Follow me,' he said, his expression cryptic. My mind began to wander - what now? That afternoon, Ethan and I sat across from each other in a cosy café near Mavericks & Co. The tension between us crackled like electr
I thought it was about time we learnt about Ethan a little bit more? It was hard to give him more character development,when Rachel doesn't want to have anything to do with him except for their partnership. But as the book progresses you will get to understand why he is like this.********************************************************************************************************ETHAN'S POV: People think being born with a silver spoon guarantees a life of ease. But they're wrong. My life as the heir to a million-dollar corporation has been a never-ending struggle.My father, the corporation's ruthless leader of Maverick's & Co, has made my life a living hell. He's constantly reminded me that I'm not guaranteed the company, that he can give it to someone else if I don't meet his expectations.But that's not even the worst part. My father's verbal and physical abuse has scarred me. I've witnessed him beating my mom, justified by his twisted belief that "women are meant to be submi
Rachel’s Pov.I woke up this morning with the heavy weight of memory pressing down on my chest. It's been fifteen years, but every year on this day, it's like nothing has changed. I still feel them, all around me—their absence. I guess grief doesn’t ever really go away; it just gets a little quieter, a little more manageable. But today, February 18th, it feels like the world has stood still, just like that moment when the phone call came, shattering everything.I didn’t want to be anywhere but there, at their graves. So I packed up the car with the flowers—golden daisies for Mom, because they were her favorite. She loved how bright they were, how they always seemed to stand tall, even when everything around them seemed to fall apart. And purple orchids for Dad. He had a thing for orchids, a quiet admiration for their grace, their elegance. He always said they were like people—you had to nurture them, but once you did, they bloomed in ways you’d never expect. I didn’t understand that u
Ethan's POV - Club MirageI don't usually do this, but tonight something was different. It’s not like I ever needed to put myself out there—women came to me. That’s the way it’s always been. I’m Ethan Grey, after all. I don’t need to chase. They know what I bring to the table, and if they’re smart, they come to me. Simple as that.So when I saw her, I didn’t make a move right away. Nah. I stayed put, like I always do. She was across the dance floor, lit by the neon lights, her figure moving with that kind of grace that turned heads. No rush. Let her come to me.But she didn’t.It was like I wasn’t even there. She was surrounded by other guys, flirting, laughing. Every time she caught my gaze, she’d turn away with that damn playful little smirk like she knew exactly what she was doing. It wasn’t that she didn’t notice me—it was that she was playing the game. And, like always, I hate being played.Liam and Grayson were beside me, making small talk, but I wasn’t listening. My eyes were o
ETHAN'S POV:I wasn’t used to feeling this... restless. But the closer I got to her, the more it gnawed at me. Something about the way she moved—calm, cool, like she knew exactly how to make me wait for her. She wasn’t the kind of girl who needed to rush. She was making me chase her, which, to be honest, I hadn’t planned on.But fuck, I liked it.Her steps were measured, deliberate, like she was savoring the space between us. Each click of her heels against the stairs was like a countdown. I could hear her breathing, even if it wasn’t heavy. And I wondered—just for a second—if she was feeling the same way I was.But I wasn’t about to ask. That wasn’t how I played.We reached the top of the stairs, and she stopped right before turning the corner, just long enough for me to catch up. The hallway stretched out in front of us, dimly lit, the air thick with something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.She turned toward me, her eyes meeting mine. No words. Just that look. The kind of look t
Ethan’s POV.I wake up with the weight of a headache slamming through my skull. It’s the kind of pain that feels like someone’s taking a sledgehammer to the inside of my head, but I don’t bother complaining. It’s nothing new. I get up, slowly—my eyes flicker to the mess of sheets beside me. A faint trace of her perfume still lingers in the air, mixing with the sharp tang of whiskey. I’m not sure why, but it’s the first thing I notice.The night with her wasn’t planned, but then again, nothing I do ever is. The problem is... I can still smell her. Her scent is all over me, in the air, in the corners of the room, like a ghost that won’t leave. And God help me, I don’t hate it.I drag myself to the bathroom, splash some water on my face, and stare at my reflection. A man who’s got everything, except maybe a clue about why I’m still thinking about her. My hand runs through my hair, slicking it back. Gotta look sharp today. I can’t let some damn woman distract me.I pull open the closet, s
Ethan's POV: Ethan’s DilemmaI stare at my father for a long moment, the words hanging in the air like smoke. He’s calm, as always—too damn calm for my liking. The old man has this way of making everything seem like it’s already set in stone, like I don’t even get a say. He’s the one who built the empire, who carved out a legacy that I’m supposed to carry on, but sometimes I wonder if I’m just the heir to his plans, not a man in my own right.“Who is she?” I ask, my voice low, not bothering to hide the frustration I can’t quite keep down.He leans back in his chair as if he's been waiting for me to ask that question. Of course he has. “Her name is Sophia Greenwood.” He says it like it’s supposed to mean something to me.Sophia Greenwood. I’ve heard the name. Her father’s got his fingers in a lot of pies—real estate, tech startups, and a few other things I won’t get into, but he is ranked Number one (1), in the world and I’m guessing that’s why my father wants to partner with him, for
The morning light had hardly managed to find its way through the pulled curtains when wham! The news hit me like an express train. I was standing in the kitchen, mechanically making breakfast for the kids, and my cell phone was headlining: "Scandal Uncovered: The Dark Past of Rachel Thompson Brought to Light! " and "Manipulative Gold-Digger? The True Story Behind Rachel's Rise." My heart began to pound as bitter anger swirled along with despair within me.I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders, as if every betrayal, every whispered rumor was finally converging into one undeniable truth.Without thinking, I snatched up my phone and dialed Ethan. The line rang frantically before his measured voice answered. "Rachel, what's wrong?" he asked, but I barely heard him over the tumult in my mind.Ethan, you have to stop this news," I hissed, my voice shaking between rage and agony. "They say all kinds of things about me-the scandal, my past with Michael, the way I supposedly manipul
Sophia sat amidst her spacious, dimly lit study—a sanctum of cold marble and polished chrome—with a glass of her strongest Bordeaux clutched in one perfectly manicured hand. Save the soft hum of her air conditioner and the far-off city sounds that managed their way through the tall windows, silence reigned supreme. Sharp, calculating eyes stared at the screen of her laptop. It contained the explosive draft of the exposé she had prepared over the last few days. Leaving nothing unsaid, it narrated the whole sordid history of Rachel Thompson, the manipulative gold-digger who had clawed her way into the life of Ethan Greenwood and hence into his world.A cold smile contorted Sophia's lips as she reread the headline: "From Rags to Ruin: The Scandalous Rise of Rachel Thompson-Manipulative, Power-Hungry and Deceptive". The article indeed painted a very damning portrait of Rachel, who, despite the humble beginnings of her marriage and its broken shards with Michael Greene, had let her despera
Ethan was calm but insistent, his eyes meeting Rachel's in the soft light of early evening. "We have to meet with the Greenwood family-the Sophias. There is some business that we need to attend to." There was an undercurrent of tension in his gaze, a promise of resolution.Rachel frowned, her face traced with doubts. "Why their house, Ethan? This, I don't like at all," she returned, an echo of concern and incredulousness mingling within her tone as her fingers strayed absently to twirl the end of her sleeve and rummaging into his face for reassurance.Ethan leaned in closer, laying his hand gently over hers. "I'll be with you, every step of the way. I promise you, nothing's going to happen to you." A soft smile tugged at his lips, and in that moment, Rachel felt a flicker of trust. Leaning in impulsively, she pressed a light kiss to his cheek. "You're my Superman," she whispered, her eyes brightening with affection.Emboldened, Ethan pulled her closer. The swift, tenderness of the mov
Ethan sat at the head of the conference table, his sharp gaze sweeping over his team. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Danny had just finished his report, but it wasn’t the news Ethan had hoped for."So you're telling me," Ethan said, his voice steady yet tinged with frustration, "that after all this time, we still don’t have solid evidence against Sophia and Michael?"Danny shifted uncomfortably in his seat, rubbing the back of his neck. "We’re close, Ethan. But every lead we’ve followed so far keeps going cold. Somebody is covering tracks. I tried speaking with some of their staff but nothing came out from them"Greg continued. " I also tried checking her fundings and that of Micheal but it was clean. No foreign invested but the company is running a billion dollar project. Impressive I must say”Ethan let out a sharp breath, pressing his fingers to his temples. He despised this—the waiting, the uncertainty. Every moment that ticked by without action was another moment for Soph
Michael sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. His heart pounded as he stared at the tall glass building in front of him—Rachel’s company.She has moved on.The words echoed in his mind, filling his chest with an unbearable ache. He had been torturing himself for many years with the idea that she would one day be back with him, that what they had is important. However, now she was drifting off, and he wouldn't allow that to continue.He made a sigh, stroking down his face before getting out of the car.As he approached the entrance, Donna, Rachel’s assistant, immediately blocked his path, her arms crossed over her chest.You're not welcome in here, Mr. Micheal," it said, a firm voice tone masking a concealment of emotion on the woman's face.Michael forced a smile, though his jaw was clenched. "Donna, I just need to talk to Rachel. Just five minutes."Donna didn’t budge. "She’s busy."Micheal squeezes his hands trying to mask the annoyance. "
The smell of the bar reeked of booze, cigarettes, and desperation. Dimmed lights danced against the dark wood, casting long shadows as Sophia sat at the far end with a half-empty whiskey in front of her. The amber liquid swirled absently in her glass before she took another sip; the burning did little to soothe the storm inside. People of different colors and shapes move around each other like two poles of a magnet..the smell of sweat, perfume, and cum made the room slightly darker, more drawing. She noticed two male men pleasuring each other's cocks. One was moaning a little louder than the background song, but they didn't give a single fuck if anybody saw them or heard them.She was running out of time.She needed Michael to take action. Just then, some men came sauntering up to her table, guffawing loudly. One of them, with a slicked-back haircut and a confident smirk, pulled a chair out for himself."Mind if we join you, sweetheart?"Sophia didn't even turn toward him. "I do min
The cool evening air brushed against Rachel's skin as she came out of her house, holding a garbage bag towards the trash bin. She inhaled deeply, trying to clear her mind, but no sooner had she turned around than she froze. Michael. He was standing a few feet away from her, his hands inside his pockets, his eyes dark with something unreadable.Rachel huffed loudly. "What is it, Michael? Hurry up. Really, I don't have time for your rubbish." Michael moved another step closer to her, the corners of his lips curling into a bitter smile. "You really played me, didn't you?" he said, low and dangerous. "You knew those kids weren't mine. You let me chase after them, trying to win their trust-wasting my damn time!”Rachel crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "I was telling you the truth, but you refused to listen. That is on you, not me." Michael's jaw clenched. The next thing she knew, he clutched her wrist, his fingers hard into her skin. Rachel winced, struggling to free her hand."
The morning was cold, but he felt none of it as he stepped from his sleek black car into the towering Mavericks & Co building. His hair was a little tousled, the dark circles around his eyes evidence enough of the sleepless night. His workers, who otherwise looked forward to his arrival, hesitated at the sight of today's wrinkled shirt, and the tension in the square of his jaw flickered in their eyes.He ignored them. His footsteps were quick, his face hard as he entered the private elevator. The moment the doors slid shut, he let out a sharp exhalation, leaning his head against the cool metal wall. What the hell is going on?Rachel, the kids, Michael, SSophiain one big web of lies and deceptions, and he was right in the middle. By the time the elevator finally reached the top floor, his fists were clenched. The elevator doors slid open, and he strode into his office, slamming the door shut with a little too much force. No more than a second or two passed before his phone went off.
Ethan leaned back against the plush leather seat of his car, his fingers drumming absently on his knee. His mind reeled with the contradictions that had surfaced tonight. Rachel had told him that the kids' parents were abroad, but tonight, Daniella had looked him dead in the eyes and said, "Our daddy is dead. We want you to be our daddy."Ethan let out a sharp hiss, exhaled, and raked a hand through his hair. “Were they lying, or was Rachel?”He turned his gaze toward the city lights blurring past the tinted windows and asked, "John, do kids lie?" His chauffeur, with graying hair and wise eyes, glanced once in the rearview mirror at him. "Not really, sir. Kids are too honest for their own good. They lie if they're told to by an adult, or trying to protect someone." Ethan's jaw clenched tight. Protect someone…Without another word, he reached for his phone and typed a text to Liam.Ethan: Need to see you first thing tomorrow.Liam: That serious?Ethan: Just be there.He let out a