Seeking a fresh start, Avery Chen, the abandoned daughter of a well-known mafia lord, enrolls in a top university. Rather, she discovers she is in the middle of a dangerous network of academics and criminal activities. Avery draws the attention of campus golden boy Lucas Sterling as she is bullied for her family ties but she politely denies his interest. Expert assassin Avery pays for her schooling by means of high-stakes operations. Her world meets Lucas's when she finds out he is in charge of a competitor criminal group. As Lucas and his estranged brother Damien come to see Avery could be the key to bringing their disparate groups together, Avery must negotiate her feelings, her mission, and the dangerous underground of college organized crime. Avery battles to find the truth about her father's desertion and create her own path, therefore her particular abilities both help and hinder her. Will Avery be swallowed by the criminal underworld in a society where loyalties shift like sand?
Avery Chen's lone suitcase stood out sharply among the many bags as she walked onto Blackthorn University's ivy-covered campus in the fading summer sun. The air was filled with a mix of laughter, tears, and the rustling of maps as freshmen moved into their new home. Avery took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. This was it-a fresh start, a chance to become someone new, not just the forgotten daughter of a famous mafia boss. She was determined not to let whispers and sideways glances stop her from reaching her dreams. She had worked hard for this opportunity.
As she crossed the large quad, she began to hear murmurs. At first, they were faint, but soon they grew louder and seemed to follow her everywhere. "Isn't that the don's daughter?" someone asked. "I heard he left her all alone." "What is she doing here?" Avery tightened her jaw but kept her expression unchanged. She had spent years perfecting this indifferent mask. Let them talk. She came here to study and build a future far removed from her family's dark past.
In the distance, a large red brick building marked her new apartment for the year. Avery stopped at the door and watched families helping their kids move in. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pang of loneliness but pushed it aside. She wouldn't benefit from feeling sorry for herself. Inside, the hall was a maze of activity. Avery moved through the chaos, dodging packed boxes and teary parents. Her small, simple room was easy to find-no roommate, which she had hoped for. Fewer people in her personal space meant more privacy.
As she unpacked, she overheard a group of girls talking outside her door. They suddenly went quiet when they saw her. Avery caught snippets of their conversation: "That's her. Should we say something?" "Are you kidding? Her father probably has spies everywhere." Avery slammed a drawer shut, and the girls quickly left. She closed her eyes for a moment, leaning against the wall. If this kept up, the year would feel very long.
Her door was knocked on, and a tall, slim guy with curly hair grinned at her. "Hello, neighbor! I'm Alex. Just wanted to say hi and see if you needed help moving in." Avery looked him over, searching for any sign of judgment. When she found none, she relaxed a little. "Avery here. Thanks, but I'm almost done." Alex's smile stayed in place. "Great. Later, we're heading to the dining hall if you want to join us. It's the first night dinner." For a second, Avery was tempted. Saying yes would be an easy way to fit in. But breaking old habits was tough. She gave a quick smile to soften her refusal. "Maybe next time." "Don't worry! When you're ready, you're welcome to join us," Alex said, waving as he walked away.
Avery pulled out a faded picture and turned back to packing. It showed her as a child, smiling beside Marcus Chen, her father, whose face had been skillfully removed. She traced the edges of the photo with a mix of longing and anger. Why was she keeping this? She reached to throw it away but hesitated and then tucked it into a book. Some ties were harder to break than others.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with orientation activities. Avery watched her peers from a distance, keeping to herself. She observed cliques forming and tried to figure out potential friends and foes. As evening fell, she found herself drawn to the library. The large Gothic building stood out among the modern campus buildings. Inside, the smell of old books and polished wood was comforting. She ran her fingers along the leather-bound spines and stumbled into a quiet corner on forensic science and criminology. A sardonic smile crossed her face. She couldn't escape her past, even here.
Curious, she picked up a big book on organized crime. As she turned the pages, one name caught her eye-Chen. Her breath caught as she read about her father's rise to power and his later disappearance. "Interesting book choice," a voice said behind her. Avery almost dropped the book. A young man with green eyes and a confident look stood there.
He closed the book with a smooth lie. "I'm writing a paper."
"Really?" He raised his eyebrows as if he sensed she wasn't being completely honest. "I'm Lucas Sterling, political science major and unofficial welcome committee for lost freshmen." Avery knew his type: friendly and used to getting what he wanted. Dangerous in his own way.
"Well, Lucas Sterling, I'm glad you're here, but I'm not lost. Just exploring," Avery said, moving to put the book back on the shelf. Lucas reached out and took it from her hands. "Family Dynamics in China. Interesting material. You know, the Don's daughter is supposedly on campus this year."
Avery kept her face neutral, though her heart raced. "Is that true?"
"Mm-hmm." Lucas flipped the book over, showing a chapter on her father. "He disappeared, ruined his empire, and left his loved ones."
"I'm sure it's all very dramatic, but I have an early class tomorrow," Avery said coolly. "Excuse me." As she tried to leave, Lucas blocked her path. "You never told me your name."
Avery considered lying but felt Lucas was hard to fool. Finally, she said, "Avery."
"Avery Chen," Lucas said with a triumphant smile, confirming her fears. He had known who she was all along. "Well, Avery Chen," he said softly, with a hint of something she couldn't quite place. "Hey, Blackthorn. This place is going to get really interesting soon." He handed her the book and quickly walked away, leaving Avery alone among the dark shelves.
Looking at the book, she felt the weight of her father's legacy. So much for a fresh start. As she returned to her dorm, the campus seemed to grow darker, and every laugh and whisper felt aimed at her. Feeling watched, she quickened her pace and leaned against her door, safe in her room. Starting over would be tough, but she didn't expect her past to catch up so quickly. Her phone buzzed, showing an encrypted message that pulled her back to her old life. Avery read the message with trembling fingers. A new job, another goal. She closed her eyes and sighed. Opening them again, she replaced uncertainty with determination. She had sacrificed too much and worked too hard to let anything stop her. As she dressed in black for the evening, she vowed to excel at Blackthorn and in her other life. She would show Lucas Sterling and her family's ghosts just how dangerous the Don's heir could be. As the last light faded from the sky, Avery left her dorm and disappeared into the campus darkness. Blackthorn University slept behind her, unaware of the perilous journey that lay ahead for both student and assassin Avery Chen.
Young Omega Aria challenges herself to dream outside her expected position under the Moonstone Pack. On her eighteenth birthday, she risked her life for Zander, the strong Alpha of the pack. But his nasty rejection breaks more than just her heart. As Aria explores further into the jungle, twin Beta brothers Liam and Ethan observe her latent power. Although Aria is motivated to attempt something different by their interest, it also starts a rivalry that can split the group in half. Just as Aria is starting to get her footing, her father orders her to give up her recently acquired freedom. But is the pack under control by a shadowy, deeper entity, or is this arranged marriage truly his idea? Zander's abrupt change of heart over Aria fuels mistrust. As the pack learns of changes, is sincere regret or a means of control sought? As the next full moon approaches, conflict intensues. Aria has to decide that will impact not just her heart but also the pack's fundamental structure. But the pack has a secret threat that will strike when they are most weak. Allegiances will be tested, secrets will be exposed, and blood will be lost one fateful night. Aria will have to negotiate not only her suitors but also the very underpinnings of her world. Aria's choice will either cause the Moonstone Pack to descend into darkness or glimpse a fresh dawn. And what type of sacrifices are required to build a world whereby every wolf, regardless of hierarchy, may howl free?
He was her one indefensible sin - the extremely rich person who left her when she wanted him most. Be that as it may, shortly Michael Drake is back, and the admission hanging between them takes steps to break everything... Elizabeth Parker sacrificed all that to bring up the child Michael never knew existed all alone. In an effort to give her young son the life he deserves, she has fought for years to live. But Elizabeth's perfect life is about to fall apart as her art store opens in the Hamptons. Since Michael Drake isn't simply her child's mystery father - he's her new business, claimed by the realm that could represent the moment of truth her career. Destiny has tossed Elizabeth's past rashness back right in front of her. This time, Michael demands information that she is hesitant to provide. An unknown adversary approaches Elizabeth and her child as tensions between them rise, putting them in unimaginable danger. Michael's angry security is unexpected...but the sizzling energy that actually consumes hot after this time is as well. He'll successfully guard them, regardless of whether it suggests leaving his billion-dollar organization. Even if it means losing her life for the child they share, she will do anything to finally have the family she has always wanted. Be that as it may, could they at any point beat the lethal mix-ups of the past before it's past the point of no return? Reality could destroy them. It could be even more evil to keep their secrets hidden. This meeting is certain to be...explosive, that much is certain.
In the glitzy world of high-stakes politics, billionaire James Harding's Senate bid seems to be inexchangeable. But under the polished campaign, a network of secrets waits and might destroy everything. James's secret weapon is Alex, his charming, bright, totally committed son. So then is he? James is distant from the two-fold life his child leads as he rises in the polls offering to eradicate the drug epidemic afflicting the city. Now enter Sarah, Alex's girlfriend and the best drug expert in the city, hot on the route of a wily head honcho often known as "The Apparition." What she finds will completely change her world. As election day comes, the borders separating family from obligation from survival are erasing. An amazing attempt at murder... a pregnancy that might kill... An astounding double-crossing... As rival gangs approach and long-buried facts surface, the Hardings discover they are in a dangerous game in which none is who they seem. Will James's political ambitions be realised? Could Alex at any time transcend his past? And to protect the people Sarah loves, how far will she travel?
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?"
A sudden twist of fate connected Helena to a prominent and influential person. To onlookers, she appeared as a naive bimbo. In truth, she was a top-tier specialist, shrouded in layers of hidden identities. Charlie declared, “She’s quite delicate and easily hurt. Cross her, and you’re crossing me.” The elite families, outwitted by Helena's prowess, kept these truths from him. Helena eventually broke free from Charlie, sending him on a frenzied worldwide hunt. To him, she was a bird with dazzling wings, and his goal was to help her reach new heights.
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”