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In the dazzling heart of New York City, Olivia Morgan, a fiercely independent lawyer, finds her world turned upside down when she's forced into a contract marriage with the ruthless CEO, Alexander Knight, to save her family's legacy. With a sharp tongue and an unyielding spirit, Olivia detests Alex's domineering ways, while Alex sees the marriage as a strategic move to consolidate his empire. But as Olivia and Alex are thrust into each other's worlds, they uncover hidden vulnerabilities and secrets that challenge their initial animosity. Just when they begin to acknowledge their growing feelings, a mysterious threat emerges, revealing a sinister plot against both their families. In a high-stakes game of power, passion, and betrayal, Olivia and Alex must navigate their turbulent relationship while uncovering the truth. Will they rise above their pasts to build a future together, or will the shadows of their legacy tear them apart?
### Chapter 1: The Proposition The Manhattan skyline loomed over Olivia Morgan as she hurried along the bustling streets of New York City. The air was crisp, the sky a clear blue-an ironic contrast to the storm brewing in her life. Her father's phone call had been brief, his voice strained. "Come to the office, Olivia. We need to talk." Her family's law firm, Morgan & Co., had been a prestigious name in the legal world for decades, but the last few years had been unforgiving. Legal scandals and financial missteps had eroded their reputation and wealth.
Olivia had fought tooth and nail to keep the firm afloat, but the battle was wearing her down. She feared what new catastrophe awaited her at the office. Pushing through the revolving doors of the sleek, glass-walled building, Olivia's heels clicked sharply on the marble floor as she made her way to the elevator. Her reflection in the mirrored walls revealed a composed, professional woman-shoulder-length auburn hair pulled back in a neat chignon, sharp green eyes that missed nothing, and a tailored suit that spoke of confidence and authority. But inside, her heart raced with anxiety. The elevator dinged, and she stepped out onto the fifteenth floor, where Morgan & Co. had its headquarters. The atmosphere was tense, the usual hum of activity subdued. Her father's secretary, Mrs. Collins, gave her a sympathetic glance as she passed by. "Your father is waiting in the conference room, Ms. Morgan." Olivia nodded, her stomach tightening. She pushed open the heavy oak door and stepped inside. Her father, Richard Morgan, sat at the head of the long conference table, his expression grim. His once-imposing figure seemed to have shrunk, the weight of their troubles carving deep lines into his face. "Olivia, take a seat," he said, his voice devoid of its usual authority. She sat down, placing her hands on the table to steady herself. "What's going on, Dad? What's this all about?" Richard sighed, rubbing his temples. "We've exhausted all our options, Olivia. The firm is on the brink of bankruptcy. We're facing lawsuits that we can't afford to fight, let alone win." Olivia's heart sank. She had known things were bad, but hearing it laid out so plainly was a punch to the gut. "There has to be something we can do. We can't just give up." "There is one option left," Richard said, his gaze meeting hers. "But it's... unconventional." A cold shiver ran down Olivia's spine. "What do you mean?" Richard hesitated, then pulled a thick file from his briefcase and slid it across the table to her. "Alexander Knight." The name hit Olivia like a sledgehammer. Alexander Knight was the CEO of Knight Enterprises, a multinational conglomerate known for its ruthless business practices and immense wealth. The Knights and the Morgans had crossed paths before, and it had never been pleasant. "Are you suggesting we partner with Knight Enterprises?" Olivia asked, incredulous. "That man is a shark. He'd swallow us whole and not think twice about it." "Not a partnership," Richard said quietly. "A contract marriage." For a moment, the words didn't register. Olivia stared at her father, waiting for him to correct himself. When he didn't, she felt a surge of anger. "You can't be serious. You want me to marry Alexander Knight to save the firm?" Richard's eyes were filled with sorrow. "I don't want this, Olivia. But Alexander approached me with the proposition. He's willing to invest in Morgan & Co. and cover our debts in exchange for a marriage contract with you. It would be a business arrangement, nothing more." Olivia felt a mixture of rage and disbelief. "Why would he want to marry me? What's in it for him?" Richard looked down at his hands. "He mentioned something about consolidating power, strengthening his public image. He's had some negative press lately. A marriage to someone with your reputation could benefit him." Olivia's mind raced. The idea was abhorrent, but the reality of their situation was equally grim. The firm was her life's work, her legacy. Could she really sacrifice her freedom and marry a man she despised to save it? "What if I refuse?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then we lose everything," Richard said, his voice breaking. "The firm, our reputation, our home. Everything." Olivia closed her eyes, fighting back tears. She had always prided herself on her strength, her independence. Now, she felt that slipping away, replaced by a sense of helplessness she had never known. "Olivia, I'm sorry," Richard said, his voice choked with emotion. "I wish there was another way." For a long moment, Olivia sat in silence, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Then, with a heavy heart, she opened her eyes and looked at her father. "I'll meet with him," she said, her voice steady. "But I'm not making any promises." Richard nodded, relief and sorrow mingling in his eyes. "Thank you, Olivia. I know this isn't easy." She stood, gathering her composure. "When is the meeting?" "Tomorrow evening," Richard said. "At his penthouse." Olivia nodded, turning to leave. As she walked out of the conference room, a steely determination settled over her. She might be walking into the lion's den, but she would do it on her terms. She would not let Alexander Knight break her. --- The following evening, Olivia found herself standing in front of Alexander Knight's opulent penthouse. The building was a testament to wealth and power, towering above the city with an air of untouchable superiority. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation ahead. A doorman in a crisp uniform greeted her and escorted her to a private elevator. The ride to the top floor was silent, the air thick with anticipation. When the doors opened, Olivia stepped out into a lavish foyer, the walls adorned with expensive artwork and the floor covered in plush carpets. "Miss Morgan, Mr. Knight is expecting you," a sleek, impeccably dressed woman said, leading her into a spacious living room. Alexander Knight stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his back to her as he gazed out over the city. He was tall, his posture exuding confidence and control. As he turned to face her, Olivia's breath caught in her throat. He was strikingly handsome, with chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and an aura of undeniable power. "Olivia Morgan," he said, his voice smooth and commanding. "Thank you for coming." She forced herself to meet his gaze, her expression cool and composed. "Mr. Knight." "Please, call me Alex," he said, gesturing for her to sit. She took a seat on the luxurious leather sofa, maintaining her poise. Alex sat opposite her, his gaze intense and unyielding. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions," he began, his tone measured. "You could say that," Olivia replied, her voice steady. "Starting with why you think I would agree to this... arrangement." Alex leaned back, studying her with a keen interest. "I need a wife, Olivia. Someone with a strong reputation, someone who can help me counteract the negative press I've been getting. Your family's firm is in trouble, and I have the means to save it. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement." Olivia's eyes narrowed. "So, this is just a business transaction to you?" "Primarily, yes," Alex admitted. "But I won't deny there's more to it. You're intelligent, ambitious, and beautiful. Qualities I admire." She ignored the compliment, focusing on the practicalities. "And what are the terms of this marriage contract?" "Five years," Alex said. "During that time, you'll have access to all the resources you need to rebuild your family's firm. At the end of the contract, if either of us wishes to end the marriage, we can do so amicably. You'll be well compensated for your time." Olivia's mind raced. The terms were clear and straightforward, but the implications were far-reaching. Could she really tie herself to this man for five years, even if it meant saving her family's legacy? "What about my autonomy?" she asked. "Will I still be able to work, to have my own life?" "Of course," Alex said. "I have no intention of controlling you, Olivia. This is a partnership. You'll be free to continue your career and pursue your interests." She studied him, searching for any hint of deceit. But his gaze remained steady, his expression sincere. He was offering her a lifeline, but it came with a price. "Why me?" she asked, her voice softer. "Why not someone else?" Alex's eyes softened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. "Because you're different, Olivia. You're not like the others. You're strong, independent, and you don't take any nonsense. I need someone like that by my side." Olivia felt a strange mix of emotions-anger, confusion, a glimmer of something she couldn't quite name. This man, who represented everything she despised about the corporate world, was offering her a way out. But it came at the cost of her freedom, her independence. "I need time to think about it," she said finally, standing up. Alex nodded, rising to his feet. "Take all the time you need. But remember, the clock is ticking. Your family's firm doesn't have much time left." Olivia nodded, turning to leave.
In the dark underbelly of New York City, where loyalty is paramount and betrayal is a death sentence, Isabella Romano finds herself at a deadly crossroads. As a brilliant lawyer determined to steer her mafia family towards legitimacy, she is forced to confront Marco Castellano, the ruthless and charismatic leader of their rival clan. What begins as a mission to negotiate peace spirals into a dangerous dance of seduction and deception. Drawn into a forbidden romance with Marco, Isabella’s heart and loyalties are torn apart. When a shocking revelation about Marco’s father’s death comes to light, she must decide whether to betray her family for love or expose the treachery that threatens to destroy them all.
In the heart of New York City’s glittering skyline, billionaire CEO Adrian Sterling reigns supreme. Yet, beneath his polished exterior lies a man haunted by loneliness and trust issues. When a chance encounter with Emma Greene, a struggling artist from Brooklyn, ignites an unexpected connection, Adrian finds himself torn between the high-stakes world of corporate power and the simple, profound beauty of genuine love. As they navigate their burgeoning romance, a shadow from Adrian’s past emerges. Victoria Langley, his ruthless ex-fiancée and a formidable corporate rival, threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. Unbeknownst to Adrian, Victoria’s vendetta is driven by a hidden agenda tied to a secret family business, one that could unravel both their empires. Caught in a web of corporate espionage and personal vendettas, Adrian and Emma must uncover the truth before it’s too late. In a world where love and power collide, will they find a way to protect their hearts and their future?
In the shadowy, mystical town of Ravenshade, where werewolves, vampires, and witches coexist under a fragile truce known as the Silent Oath, trouble is brewing. Aria Thornwood, a young healer with untapped magical powers, finds herself at the heart of this brewing storm. Haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her parents, Aria’s quest for answers reveals a sinister plot by the vampire lord Lucien Drake, who seeks to shatter the Silent Oath and plunge Ravenshade into chaos. As Aria delves deeper into her family’s secrets and her own burgeoning abilities, she uncovers shocking truths about the Silent Oath and the hidden connections between her ancestors and Lucien. With the fate of Ravenshade hanging in the balance, Aria must master her powers, forge uneasy alliances, and confront Lucien in a battle that will determine the future of all magical beings. But as the final showdown approaches, Aria is captured and taken to a hidden realm, leaving Ravenshade teetering on the edge of war. Will she return in time to save her home, or will the dark forces of vengeance and ambition destroy everything she holds dear?
In the heart of New York City, where the shadows of the mafia stretch long and dark, investigative journalist Clara DeLuca is on a mission to uncover the truth behind her father’s unsolved murder. Her relentless pursuit leads her straight into the lion’s den—the powerful and enigmatic Kai Moretti, the city’s most feared mafia boss. Kai Moretti’s life is a delicate balance of power and control, his every move calculated to protect his empire. But when Clara’s investigation threatens to unravel secrets that could destroy them both, he finds himself drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse. As Clara and Kai are forced to confront the dark truths of their intertwined pasts, they must navigate a world of betrayal, passion, and ruthless ambition. With enemies closing in and the stakes higher than ever, Clara and Kai must decide whether their fierce attraction is worth the risk—or if it will be their ultimate downfall.
In the glittering heart of Manhattan, where power and wealth reign supreme, Vivian Knight, a fiercely independent freelance writer, has one goal: secure her future in the elite world of the super-rich. Playing the role of a gold digger, she sets her sights on the ultimate prize—Alexander Wolfe, the commanding CEO of Wolfe Enterprises. Alexander, hardened by betrayals and driven by an unyielding desire to protect his empire, is immediately suspicious of Vivian’s intentions. Their fiery clashes ignite an unexpected attraction, but both are hiding secrets that could destroy them. As Vivian gets closer to uncovering the dark truths of Alexander’s empire for her exposé, she finds herself tangled in a web of passion, deception, and vulnerability. Just as she prepares to reveal her true motives, Alexander’s shocking revelation leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew. In a world where love and ambition collide, who will come out on top?
In the heart of a modern metropolis lies a hidden world where werewolves walk among humans, their power and influence masked by the façade of corporate empires. Aurora Grey, a fierce and independent businesswoman, has spent years plotting her revenge against Damian Blackwood, the ruthless CEO of LycanCorp and alpha of the city’s werewolf pack. Aurora believes Damian orchestrated her family’s downfall, leaving her with nothing but a burning desire for vengeance. As Aurora infiltrates Damian’s world, her mission becomes entangled with unexpected emotions and shocking revelations. She finds herself drawn to Damian’s commanding presence, even as she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she believed. When a rival alpha emerges, threatening to overthrow Damian and expose the werewolf community, Aurora and Damian must set aside their enmity and join forces. In a tale of passion, power, and redemption, Aurora and Damian’s journey from hatred to love will test their limits and reshape their destinies. But as their enemies close in, will they survive long enough to find the truth and protect their world?
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
Becky endured three years of marriage to the cold-hearted Rory. In all that time, she naively reasoned that one day, he'd gradually come to like her. But the second he forced her to kneel down and humiliate herself, she knew she had been wrong about him. This man had no feelings for her at all. So why should she still love him? When Rory gave her the choice between kneeling down and divorcing, she didn't miss a beat and chose the latter. After all, why should she waste her youth on this scumbag? Wouldn't it be nicer for her to just have fun every day with her billion-dollar family fortune?
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!