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"You've always wanted to give a name to our rivalry. I didn't realize it would be this." "Nonsense! I wouldn't imagine this even in my worst nightmare." "Then Miss Rosette, be ready because I'm going to make this a fucking tempting nightmare that you won't be able to resist having fun in." "Never in this life!" "Probably all your life." Her snarl met his smirk and began the next level of their rivalry. Jackson Carter, when entered his thirties, was rich, successful, and famous. The owner and CEO of JC group, which had many businesses under their umbrella, had always been unapproachable and aloof. No one knew why. There was bare minimum information about his past, specifically about his family and he wanted it so. But when that one person he considered family announces their plan, Jackson's past is at risk of exposure. Will he be able to protect the secret he's been hiding while honoring the promise made to an elder? Especially when the secret is almost at the edge of his enemy's lips, the very lips he'd dared to taste back in the past. Cordelia Rosette had everything in her life, loving parents, a classy social circle, a rich and extravagant lifestyle with compulsory holidays abroad, and a loving boyfriend. But one fine day everything came crashing down when her father refused to hand over their family business, something she'd always been aspiring for. The reason he gave shook the ground she was standing proud on. Being optimistic, Cordelia decided to find a way out of the current complications. But is she ready to pay the price? Especially when the price is in a form of sin she'd promised herself she'd never commit again, the sin of loving the rude and arrogant Jackson Carter, her number one enemy. Jackson and Cordelia have always been at odds with each other since childhood. The rivalry grew and followed them to college but often fire attracts temptation and this engulfed them both. Days were about troubling each other to the point of insanity and nights were about being embroiled in passion to the point where they could set the house on fire. But all of this ended the day Cordelia decided to cut ties with both the rivalry and the passion-savory relationship between them. Only if this was that easy. What was to be a simple conversation became a public event on their graduation day and Jackson decided he wanted to hold a grudge. This fructified when he got a chance to redeem himself as Cordelia's number one rival and things became ugly between the two. Both decided not to see each other ever again. But when has fate been the way you wanted it to be? Turns out they had something in common, Akira Takahashi, a man both respected and were now under his promise that they will have to marry each other. Stunned and shaken, as soon as they recover, it is decided that they will enter into a contract marriage for a year and will end when both of them have got what they want from the old man, money. With this Jackson and Cordelia are given a chance to sort out their misunderstandings. Will they realize their love for each other or will their rivalry continue until they're both hurt and destroyed beyond repair? To find out read, 'It's Billionaire Vs Ex Heiress Now!'
Jackson
'Mr. Carter there's a phone call for you.' My secretary's voice told me through the phone.
'Who is it?'
'The London client who we wanted to invest in our Star-Dream Project.'
My eyebrows furrowed. 'Weren't talks with them already done and dealt with?'
'Um.....They want to renegotiate.'
'Tell them it's not possible.'
'Sir, their investment is important for the project.'
'And so is my opinion on this.'
'But sir....' She was about to say something when my phone beeped. I unlocked it to check the message.
'Claire.'
'Yes, Sir?'
'Cancel the deal.'
'But....all of a sudden.'
'Things are always uncertain in business. Just make sure the London client know we're no longer interested.'
I pressed the button to end the call to not give her a chance to pursue me. Claire had been my secretary for nine years and I was sure she was going to be for more because she was the only one who'd got the guts to reason with me. No one in this office said anything against my word. It was almost as if they didn't have an opinion. But she didn't shy away from doing so. It was mostly because of her strong and independent nature but also because of the little something that we had in common, the scars of the past.
Buttoning the suit when I got up, I looked out the window. My company's building matched the one in front. Pride filled my chest. I've made progress, some phenomenal progress in past nine years. So much so that I've become what boys from the place that I come from only dream about. L.A. had become my home now but I craved for more. I wanted to rule it. Let's just say I'm one step away from achieving my dream. Then, the building in front of me would seem small.
As I walked out I was met with Claire's hawking eyes. 'What?' I asked.
She scoffed. 'Sir, London clients are important.'
'What if I tell you, there's even a bigger client?'
'Is there?' Now she wanted to listen.
I chuckled. 'There is and we're going to meet them right now.'
'Right now?! But I didn't get a chance to prepare myself.....'
'There's no preparation required. It's a done deal.'
'Have you met them before?'
'I have.'
'I see.'
The drive to the restaurant was quick. I would've asked Claire to book this same place but my guest's secretary had beaten me to it. You see, both me and my guest had a history with this place. Our story together had progressed greatly right here from this restaurant ten years ago.
I found myself opening the door to the private section booked especially for this meeting, as I was told. He was sitting in there quietly staring at the empty glass in front of him. I'd received a text from his secretary that he wanted to meet and there was no way I was going to say no. I can never say no to him. For he's the reason I'm well and alive today, not to mention the successful business I'm running.
His head turned and a warm smile formed on his face when he saw me approaching. 'It's been long, Jackson.' His low but clear voice greeted me.
'Very Long, Mr. Takahashi.' Tears were to their brim in my eyes. It felt hell to cry as a grown ass man but that I'd got a chance to see him again was nothing but emotional.
He got up to embrace me. When we separated he said, 'Call me Grandpa. I've told you this before.'
I nodded shyly. 'I'm too old to call you that now especially when....'
'Blood ties are not always important Jackson. If they were I wouldn't have come here only now.'
'What do you mean?'
Placing a hand on my shoulder he said, 'Sit. Let's eat first.' I obliged happily. Sushi was the first thing I had in mind when we were to order but instead he ordered steak. 'What? I've not travelled all the way from Japan to have sushi again. I eat that plenty in my home.'
'And you don't eat steak?' I asked playfully.
'Ah...now I eat that too.' Both of us laughed.
'So, Mr. Taka....I mean...Grandpa....do you mind if I ask about the reason for your visit this time?' He usually stayed in his family home in Japan and rarely came to America. Last time he was here was seven years ago probably which is why the wrinkles on his face seem more evident to me now.
He nodded. 'Of course not. There is someone I have to help.'
'Someone? I thought you came to see me.' Jealously hit me like the corner of a table, it doesn't bleed but hurts a lot.
His wrinkled skin lifted up from the corner of his lips. 'I did. I came to see both of you.'
'So do I know this someone?' Now I was curious. He was here to meet someone else too. I thought the old man had no family and I was the only one he was close to. Then who's this other person?
'Jackson, being jealous at thirty doesn't suit you.' He said calmly and I composed my expressions.
'Sorry.'
He started laughing. 'I was kidding, son. When had there been an age to express emotions?'
'Grandpa.' I muttered.
'Okay, let's do this. Since you're curious to know who this person is, I'll ask her to join us.' Was he serious? He was going to call her here? Wait a second, he said, 'Her'. He knows some woman? I hope this is not one of those gold-diggers who're ready to empty his bank accounts.
'I didn't know you were dating someone.'
My comment made him press his lips in a thin line. Holy Shit....did I offend him?
'I meant.....'
But he laughed harder this time. 'Oh Jackson, why would you think that?'
'We haven't seen each other since past seven years and have had minimal contact. Maybe you started seeing someone...'
'I'm afraid my ship had gone long past that harbor. But it was nice that someone thinks I've still got it that a woman would be kind enough to see me as a romantic partner.'
'If it's not someone you're seeing, then?'
'It's my granddaughter.' The breath was knocked out of my body. Mr. Takahashi has a family. He has his own blood running into other people. I closed my eyes and it was barely tolerable fact. For years even when he didn't contact me I still thought I was his only family and felt....safe. There was always a comfy blanket to fall on even when I never intended to fall on it. Now that he's mentioned he has a granddaughter, what does that makes of me?
'I see. How come you didn't mention her before?'
'I, myself, wasn't aware of her existence up until now.' He met my eyes and then continued, 'About two months ago I got a call from this girl who claimed to be my granddaughter. For obvious reason I didn't believe her. But she kept on insisting and I finally decided to run a DNA test.'
'So it's confirmed. She is related to you.' He nodded. 'If you knew about her since two months then why are you coming here only now?'
'Jackson, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before but I've been in L.A. for past one month. I came here to meet her immediately after the test confirmed our relationship.' Something pierced in my heart. He flew down from Japan to meet her the every moment he realized she is his own flesh and blood but didn't bother to return my calls when I asked for his help while facing difficulties with the Star-Dream project.
'Looks like she's your new favorite.'
Mr. Takahashi chuckled. 'She must be here anytime soon. You should decide after meeting her if you want to be jealous of such a beautiful lady or not.' The moment he said that, I had a feeling he was trying to set us up. I sighed hoping desperately he does not ask me to date her or anything because I'm not made for this. Casual has always been my style. This was TMI for grandpa and he didn't need to know this. Maybe I should just tell his granddaughter when we're alone that she can reject me, that I wouldn't mind.....
I was busy in my own head that I didn't realize that some had entered the private section. It was when a familiar voice hit my ears that I knew there was no escaping from this hot mess.
'Grandpa, I'm here.' I didn't dare to look. No, this cannot be true. Please no, this is not happening to me again.
Mr. Takahashi's introduction left no space for introspection. 'This is my beautiful granddaughter Cordelia Rosette.' My ears were on fire to hear the name I hated. If Satan had a synonym it was Cordelia. The very girl who turned out to be the granddaughter of the man I respected the most. Oh, god definitely has his ways. 'And Delia, this is the young and dashing Jackson Carter.'
I swear I wasn't going to look at her even if Mr. Takahashi had thought of me to be a psycho but then she snorted. 'Young and dashing?' Her questioning my looks made me turn my head and glare at her. Her brow shot up but she had the look of amusement and not that of shock. She knew I was going to be here!
'Cordelia.' That's it. This was my greeting to her.
Instead she crossed her arms in front and smirked. 'Hello there Jackson.' A strong stare game began, leaving Mr. Takahashi in confusion.
'You guys know each other already?' He asked.
I scoffed. 'I wish I didn't.'
'The feeling is mutual.' Satanic princess remarked.
'Well, it seems you two aren't on the best terms. But what to do, this has to change. After all, I plan on getting you two married.'
'Married?' Both I and the one-whose-name-I-hate shouted together.
Valarie is going to be the new moon goddess and attain the responsibility of ruling the Lunar kingdom. But she loves something more than the title she is being awarded, her freedom. Tired of her status, she wishes to live a life of a normal person, something that is only possible on earth. So, the mission is set, run away on the day of the crowning ceremony and settle peacefully on the earth. Only, she is unaware of the consequences, she will no longer have her memories. Caden is the mighty Alpha who belongs to the Dead vlei tribe. His only aim is to become the leader of the tribe and achieve an exalted status. But roadblocks await him in the form of his grandfather and other tribe elders, who believe in a prophecy that predicted Caden will die if he becomes the leader without finding his mate. Caden does not want to wait but his grandfather is adamant and refuses to let him become the king. An opportunity arises when Caden is given the responsibility of bringing Valarie back to the Lunar kingdom and in exchange the current Moon Goddess agrees to make him the leader of his tribe. Power is all Caden wants, and this is a lucrative offer, will he bring Valarie back against her wishes? Or will he fall for the princess of the very moon his tribe prays to? The Alpha and his moon goddess are set for a forbidden romance where dark secrets will be unveiled, villains will rise, allies will protect, and everlasting love will begin.
"Carroll Brown is dead! But you have to marry him in your sister's name." My mother said to me in a cold tone. My sister was engaged to the hottest billionaire. It should have been a perfect marriage. Unexpectedly, Carroll was dead in an accident. My sister didn't want to become a widow, so she forced me to marry her dead fiance. And I had no right to refuse her. Actually, I was the biological daughter of the Smith family. My sister was an adoptive one. My sister and I had been swapped at the hospital when we were just born. My parents had already had a deep relationship with her. So they chose to sacrifice me. On the wedding day, I was taken to the mourning hall. "Ma'am, please keep Master company and let him feel warm." The housekeeper said with a cold expression. I couldn't help but look up at the portrait above the coffin, and my heart skipped a beat at this glance. The man in the portrait was more handsome than the superstars in Hollywood. Carroll Brown? My dead husband? Wow, he was really handsome! I didn't know how long had passed when my stomach began to rebel. After one glance at the coffin, I swallowed my saliva and then begged with my fingers crossed. "Mr. Carroll, I'm starving! May I eat your pastries? You don't mind, do you?" "I do." "Ah!" Scared, I broke out in a cold sweat. My legs went limp, and I fell to the ground. I shouted, "Ghost!" Carroll curled his lips, leaned over, and touched the black coffin. "Mr. Carroll has risen from the dead. What do you think of this headline tomorrow?"
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
Maria took her sister’s place and was engaged to Anthony, a disabled man who had lost his status as the family heir. At first, they were just a nominal couple. However, things changed when things about Maria were gradually exposed. It turned out she was a professional hacker, a mysterious composer, and the sole successor to an international jade sculpting master… The more that was revealed about her, the less Anthony could rest easy. A famous singer, an award-winning actor, an heir of a rich family—so many excellent men were chasing after his fiancee, Maria. What should Anthony do?