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Living in a world where only money talks and power is the ultimate key, Charlotte Alston never imagined that she would be pulled into a lethal game of secrets and lies. Compelled into a marriage of convenience to the mysterious, ruthless billionaire Richard Hamilton, her life escalates into a vortex of deception, manipulation, and desire. Richard is an enigma, wheelchair-bound, hiding behind masks-quite literally and figuratively. Cold and calculating, he has no room for love, only control. Then Charlotte comes into his world and threatens to tear down the carefully constructed wall that has so adequately protected his heart. The more she's being drawn into his darkness, the more she realizes fighting for survival means fighting for her heart. In a game where the commodity is trust and every corner is turned to show betrayal, Charlotte must learn dangerous rules-of love and power-or be ready to lose all-and lose her life in the process. Passion erupts and secrets from the past again surface, binding Charlotte and Richard in a no-winner fight. Can she free herself from this twisted game that she has been caught in, or will she fall into dangerous temptations from the man with all the trump cards? Love becomes a gamble in Twisted Hearts, Billionaire's Game; only the boldest shall survive.
The moment Charlotte Alston entered the Hamilton estate, she
knew that her choice in life had cast the dark shadow of an oncoming storm upon
her. For within this grand mansion, the air was thick with family history and
power that she had married into so begrudgingly. She was standing in the great
marble foyer, heels clicking against the highly polished floor as she adjusted
her vision to the dimness of the light. Richard Hamilton, her new husband,
awaited her.
"Mrs. Hamilton," a cold, male voice spoke from
across the room.
Charlotte looked up, locking eyes with the man in the
shadows. Richard was nothing like what she had envisioned. But even as his
reputation preceded him for being one of the most ruthless businessmen in the
country, the man before her was an enigma-half of his face shrouded behind a
mask, and the wheelchair he sat in was the last reminder of an accident that
had left him broken in more ways than one. He watched her with an expression of
disdain and curiosity, his sharp blue eyes cutting through the distance
separating them.
"Mr. Hamilton," she returned coolly, forcing
herself to hold his gaze.
"You're late," Richard said as impassive as ever.
She clamped her jaw on a reply. Of course he did-have an
issue with when she arrived. She should have come sooner, rather than keeping
her head in the sand, pretending this contractual marriage wasn't about to
become a fact in her life. But she was here now, in front of a man who quite
clearly did not want her.
She reminded herself what hung in the balance: her family
business was on the verge of going under, and Richard Hamilton had been their
only hope. This marriage wasn't about the money but a matter of survival.
"I'm here now," she said; her voice even, yet
tinged with an edge of defiance in it.
A shadow of a smile crossed Richard's lips, at best. "I
suppose that would have to do.
The silence between them hung heavy as cold. Charlotte's
eyes wandered, drinking in the acreage of high ceilings and priceless art, a
crystal chandelier above like an executioner's axe ready to drop. It felt so
much like a museum rather than a hom-full of warmth, full of life. Much like
its owner.
"You do understand the terms, don't you?"
Richard's voice cut into her reverie.
"Yes, I understand perfectly." She took a step
forward and squared her shoulders. "I stay married to you for one year.
You invest in my family's company and keep them from going under in return. We
part ways after a year."
Richard's eyes gleamed from behind his mask. "No
strings attached."
"No strings," she agreed, though the weight of the
lie settled heavy on her chest.
It was a simple arrangement, but none of it had felt that
way at all. Richard Hamilton wasn't some benevolent patron; he was hazardous.
Powerful. The kind of man who could destroy one's life without raising a little
finger. And now she was tangled up in his hands in the way she would never
quite have expected.
Richard watched her for a long moment, his eyes seeming to
bore into hers as if searching for assurance that she knew exactly what she was
getting herself into. Then, with an airy flick of the wrist, he motioned to a
folder resting on the small table beside him.
"The contract," he said, his tone glacial.
Charlotte walked over and picked up the folder, her hands
shaking a little. This was it; this sealed her fate. She flipped the pages,
scanning the cold, legal language laying out in detail every point of their
arrangement. It was all there what she was bound to do, his conditions, the
exit clause. But one thing that really twisted her stomach was the fact that
she had to live here, with him, for the whole year.
Any questions?" Richard's voice snapped her out of her
reverie.
She peered for another second before she closed the folder.
"No, it's all quite clear."
"Good." Richard relaxed back into his wheelchair,
his face impassive once more. "Then sign it.
Charlotte sat down in the little table, picked up the pen
left for her. For a moment, she considered turning and walking away-about
tearing this contract up and leaving this cold, empty mansion to its own
devices. But then she thought of her family-their debts, their desperation. She
couldn't afford to be selfish. Not now.
Taking a deep breath, she signed her name on the dotted
line.
"There," she said, laying the pen down and pushing
the contract back towards Richard.
Richard looked from her to the page and back again. He
remained still and silent. It seemed as though nothing had changed for a
heartbeat. But Charlotte knew better.
The moment that she signed that contract, everything was different.
"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Hamilton," Richard
said, his voice oozing with sarcasm.
Charlotte forced a tight smile. "I'll try to make the
best of it."
"DO that," Richard returned, low and threatening.
"Because you'll find this is no ordinary marriage."
---
Charlotte had spent her first night beneath the Hamilton
estate, guest in her own life. The new room was a suite and sleekly modern,
floor-to-ceiling windows framing a city skyline view. It was still sterile,
flat of any warmth or comfort, as was the man who'd put her here.
She sat on the bed and gazed at the twinkling lights below.
Her mind flew back automatically to the happenings of the day, to the contract
that she had signed today, to Richard Hamilton.
But who was he, really? Why had he agreed to marry her? The
rumors about him were wild-some said he was a recluse; others whispered about
the brutal way he did business. None of this explained why a man like him would
have a need for a contract marriage. He had power, money, and influence enough
to get anyone he wanted.
Why her?
A soft tap at the door brought her out of her reverie. She
got up, smoothing her dress in the process. Opening it, she found a maid
standing there with a covered tray of food.
"Dinner, Mrs. Hamilton," she said politely, though
her eyes were downcast.
"Thank you," Charlotte said, taking the tray.
The servant girl nodded and scampered off down the hall,
leaving Charlotte once more to her own devices. She set the tray on the little
table before the window-seat, eyeing the spread upon it-a plain sandwich and a
glass of water. Scarcely the grand welcome she had expected.
As soon as she sat down to eat, her mind began to wander to
Richard. What kind of man gave his new wife a sandwich for the first meal?
She wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.
But one thing was crystal clear: life with Richard Hamilton
was going to be anything but normal.
---
The chill was still in the air the following morning, and
there was no sign of Richard to be found in that mansion. The mansion seemed
just as empty as ever. Taking a stroll down the halls, this small room at the
far end of the house came into sight accidentally.
Curiosity took the better of her, and she opened the door.
Inside, she found herself surrounded by strangers:
well-dressed, sharp-eyed, silently appraising her as though she were some
manner of prize. The name Hamilton carried influence, wealth, and an aura of
fear. A world was in its quiet conversations and sideways glances-a world which
Charlotte had just agreed to marry into.
Her gaze continued to dance across the sea of faces until
they finally came to rest on Emma Hamilton-Richard's little sister, the only
one who had treated her with as much as common courtesy since this whole
arrangement had begun. Emma strode toward her, her head full of blonde hair, a
soft, sweet smile on her face, a glass of champagne in hand.
"Charlotte," she said, extending the drink.
"You came."
"I didn't exactly have a choice, did I?" Charlotte
whispered, taking the glass but not drinking. She wasn't here to unwind. This
night wasn't about her comfort-it was about a contract.
Emma leant her head, the tiniest frown towing her lips down.
"You're right, but you can make it your own, you know. Richard isn't as
scary as they say."
Charlotte curbed herself from snorting. "I'll take your
word for it."
Richard Hamilton was the man she had agreed to marry instead
of her sister, infamous not only for his merciless business dealing but also
for mysterious reclusiveness part of which was contributed by the fact that a
terrible accident had left him bound to a wheelchair, partially hidden behind a
mask.
None of them had spoken about it openly, but the whispers
had been everywhere. Car accident, terrible burns, a face that had been
scarred-he still hadn't seen him right, and just a thought of what lay behind
the mask sent a shiver down her spine.
The crowd parted slightly, and there he sat at the far end
of the room, commanding with an intensity that did not require words. He was
impeccably dressed in his black tailored suit; his dark hair slicked back; half
his face hidden behind a black leather mask. If anything, the wheelchair added
an aura of unapproachability around him. He didn't come anywhere near her. He
simply watched.
Charlotte grasped the champagne glass tightly, as though it
were her lifeline. Now was the precise time when her life would drastically
change. She was not the type of girl who thought marriages out of fairy tales
and knights in shining armor were real. She was realistic. And sensible females
gave up things. Among such sacrifices was to marry Richard Hamilton.
Emma did lean in closer to whisper, "Don't be scared of
him; he doesn't bite."
Charlotte shot a sideways glance at her. "That's
supposed to be comforting?"
Emma smiled and gave her a gentle nudge forward towards
Richard. "Go on; he's waiting for you."
Smoothing her nerves, Charlotte wove through the crowd, her
every step turning each gaze toward her, it seemed, in watchful, waiting
silence. It was unreal, as if she was approaching a cliff edge that was to
plunge into who-knew-where.
Richard didn't bat an eyebrow as she drew closer. When at
last she stood before him, the first thing she noticed was the glint of
amusement in his unpatched eye. He didn't smile, yet there was something about
the set of his face that spoke volumes on the notion he found farce amusing.
"Charlotte Alston," he said, his voice so low it
was smooth. "The woman who dared take her sister's place.
She winced at the reminder, her quick recovery including the
tilting up of her chin. "I am here to fulfill the agreement. Wasn't that
what you wanted?"
His eyes roved over her, weighing, as if testing how much of
what she was saying was the truth. "It wasn't my choice but I respect
your. loyalty to family.".
Loyalty. If only he knew. It had nothing to do with loyalty.
It was just a question of survival. Her family had needed this deal with the
Hamiltons. Her failing father's company, her sister's sudden disappearance-it
was all on her shoulders. And here she was now-standing before him who could
squash her with just a little squeeze as he could save her.
"Let's not romance the fact that this is anything other
than what it is," Charlotte whispered low, the flatness of her tone no
less stark for all its softness. "A business transaction. We do know
what's at stake in this."
Richard's lips quirked just a little at the corners,
something perilous threatening to break free of his unrippled veneer.
"You're not wrong."
He reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out the
folded piece of paper inside - The Contract. Charlotte had seen it, had signed
it, but seeing it now in his hands felt like the final nail in the coffin.
She remained silent for a while as he held it out to her.
This piece of paper represented the end of her previous existence and the start
of a whole new one, not because she hadn't made her decision.
With firm hands, she took the contract and felt the weight
settle into her palms.
"I'll play my part," she said, her voice flat
despite the terror eating away at her belly. "But don't expect anything
more."
Richard's eyes narrowed, and for one brief moment, she could
have sworn there was a flicker in his eye. Surprise? Amusement?
"Of course," he returned, silky smooth.
"We're both professionals here, after all."
But before any word could fall from her lips, footsteps
boomed and they were interrupted. Mr. Hamilton strode into the room,
commanding, just like his son. Two piercing blue eyes landed on Charlotte, his
expression approving.
"So, it is done?" he asked them.
Charlotte handed the contract back to Richard. Her fingers
brushed his in passing, and she didn't yank hers away too fast. That was all.
"It's done," Richard tucked the contract back into
his jacket pocket.
"Good," Mr. Hamilton said, a smile not quite
reaching his eyes. "Welcome to the family, Charlotte. You've made a very
wise decision."
Wise. So hoped Charlotte.
The longer the night drew on, the more she was lost in
introductions and polite conversation, all her thoughts darting back to
Richard: the calculating gaze, the cryptic words. What kind of man had she just
shackled herself to? More importantly, what sort of life lay in store for her
beyond these gilded cage doors?
As the evening finally drew to a close, Emma sought her out
once more, quietly sliding into her side.
"You did well tonight," Emma said in a soft,
soothing voice.
Charlotte turned to her and searched for a flicker of
deceit, but there wasn't any. Emma was telling the truth. "Thanks. I'm not
sure I'll ever get used to this."
"You will." Emma paused a second before
continuing, "Richard isn't what he seems. Give him time.
Time. Charlotte wasn't quite sure whether time was her
friend or foe in this twisted game she had just entered. But one thing was for
sure-she had long since passed the point of no return.
In the world of āMoonlit Redemption: Chasing the Alphaās Heart,ā the night belongs to the wolves, and under the silver glow of the full moon, destinies are forged and hearts are shattered. Kiera Blackwood, a fiercely independent she-wolf, has always been content with her solitary life, avoiding the complex politics of pack life. But when the brooding and powerful Alpha, Adrian Thorn, claims her as his fated mate, sheās thrust into a world she wanted nothing to do with. Betrayed by Adrianās past mistakes and the darkness that haunts his soul, Kiera walks away, leaving the Alpha reeling and desperate. However, the bond they share is not easily severed, and as danger closes in on the pack, Adrian must find a way to win back the heart of the woman heās bound to by fate before itās too late. With enemies lurking in the shadows and trust shattered between them, will Kiera and Adrian find redemption under the light of the full moon, or will their love be lost to the darkness forever?
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
Lucia Balstone thought she had chosen the right man to spend the rest of her life with, but he was the one who ended her life. Their ten-year marriage seemed like a joke when her husband stabbed her with a dagger. Fortunately, God is never blind to people's tears. Lucia got a second chance. She was reborn at the age of 22, before all the terrible things had happened. This time, she was determined to avenge herself and let those who hurt her pay! She made an elaborate list of her goals, and the first thing on her list was to marry her ex-husband's enemy, Alonso Callen!
On her wedding day, Khloeās sister connived with her groom, framing her for a crime she didnāt commit. She was sentenced to three years in prison, where she endured much suffering. When Khloe was finally released, her evil sister used their mother to coerce Khloe into an indecent liaison with an elderly man. As fate would have it, Khloe crossed paths with Henrik, the dashing yet ruthless mobster who sought to alter the course of her life. Despite Henrikās cold exterior, he cherished Khloe like no other. He helped her take retribution from her tormentors and kept her from being bullied again.
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?"
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
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.