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Sophia Rivera has always relied on her own grit and determination to carve a name for herself in the cutthroat world of art. At 29, she's on the cusp of success, managing an exclusive New York City gallery. The last thing she needs is distractions-especially in the form of Alexander Pierce, a devastatingly handsome tech billionaire nearly two decades her senior. Reserved, enigmatic, and harboring scars from a bitter past, Alexander is everything Sophia shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. Drawn together by chance, their connection quickly ignites into something undeniable. But their budding romance is anything but simple. Whispers of their age gap and Alexander's reclusive reputation follow them everywhere, while his cunning COO, Victoria Lannister, has her own reasons to keep him single-and firmly under her control. When hidden agendas and secrets threaten to tear them apart, Sophia must decide if love is worth risking her independence, while Alexander faces the ultimate challenge: lowering his walls and trusting in a love that defies logic and societal expectations. In a world where age, power, and appearances matter more than the truth, can two souls find their way to a love that's worth fighting for?
The rain slicked streets of Manhattan glistened under the muted glow of streetlights as Sophia Rivera tugged her coat tighter around her. The cold November wind bit at her cheeks, but she hardly noticed. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts as she hurried down Madison Avenue, her heels clicking against the pavement in a rhythmic cadence that matched the restless energy coursing through her veins.
She was late. Again.
The gallery's private opening was her chance to prove herself, to show the board of directors that she was more than just an idealistic curator with an eye for modern art. She had fought for tonight's exhibit, convinced them to take a chance on an up-and-coming artist no one had ever heard of. Failure was not an option.
Pushing through the heavy glass doors of the Rivera Gallery-her namesake, though only in coincidence, not ownership-Sophia was greeted by the low hum of polite conversation, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the soft strains of a live cello. The scent of lilies and cedarwood lingered in the air, mixing with the faint hint of paint and varnish.
She smoothed her dress, a sleek black number she had snagged on sale, and quickly scanned the room. The exhibit's centerpiece, a breathtaking installation of suspended metallic sculptures that reflected light in mesmerizing patterns, hung in the center of the gallery. Guests circled it like moths to a flame.
"Late again, I see," came a familiar voice to her left.
Sophia turned, bracing herself. Marcella Bennett, the gallery's managing director, stood with her arms crossed, a glass of champagne in hand. Her perfectly coiffed blonde hair and sharp designer suit exuded authority, but it was the faint smirk on her lips that set Sophia on edge.
"Traffic," Sophia replied smoothly, offering her most practiced smile.
"Of course." Marcella's gaze flicked over her, assessing. "Your artist's work better impress tonight. The board is watching."
"They'll love it," Sophia said, though her stomach twisted into knots.
Marcella raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, moving to greet a group of patrons near the far wall.
Sophia exhaled and took a moment to collect herself before weaving through the crowd. She stopped occasionally to exchange pleasantries with guests, subtly steering conversations toward the exhibit's theme of industrial beauty and the resilience of human creativity. Her artist, Theo, stood near his installation, looking every bit the tortured genius in his worn leather jacket and perpetually tousled hair.
"You're doing great," she whispered as she approached him.
Theo shot her a nervous smile. "If by great you mean trying not to pass out, then yeah."
Sophia chuckled softly. "Just talk about your work. People love hearing about the inspiration behind the pieces."
Before Theo could respond, a sudden ripple of energy passed through the room. Heads turned, and the low murmur of conversation hushed.
That was when she saw him.
Alexander Pierce.
He entered the gallery with the kind of quiet authority that demanded attention without asking for it. Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that fit him like a second skin, he moved with an effortless confidence that made the room seem smaller. His sharp, chiseled features were framed by neatly combed dark hair streaked with hints of silver, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd with calculated precision.
Sophia's breath caught.
"Is that...?" Theo whispered, his voice tinged with awe.
"Yes," Sophia said, her voice barely audible. She had seen Alexander Pierce in magazines and television interviews, but in person, he was an entirely different force of nature.
Before she could think of a reason why he, of all people, was at her gallery, Marcella swooped in.
"Mr. Pierce, what a pleasure to have you here," Marcella said, her tone sugary sweet as she extended a hand.
Alexander's expression didn't change as he shook Marcella's hand briefly. "I heard good things about this exhibit," he said, his deep, velvety voice cutting through the room like a command.
Sophia felt an inexplicable pull toward him, as if the air around him crackled with an unseen energy. She didn't realize she was staring until his gaze shifted and locked onto hers.
Time seemed to slow.
"Sophia Rivera," Marcella said, her voice jolting Sophia back to reality. "She's the curator behind tonight's exhibit."
Alexander's eyes lingered on Sophia, a flicker of interest crossing his face. "Impressive work," he said simply, his words deliberate and measured.
Sophia felt her cheeks flush. "Thank you," she managed, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.
Marcella stepped in, clearly eager to monopolize his attention, but Alexander didn't seem to notice. His focus remained on Sophia.
"I'd like to hear more about the artist," he said. "Perhaps you could show me around?"
Sophia blinked, caught off guard. "Of course," she said quickly, glancing at Marcella, whose polite smile had turned razor-sharp.
Alexander gestured for her to lead the way, and as they moved through the gallery, Sophia was acutely aware of his presence beside her.
"Is this your first time here?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"It is," he replied, his tone unreadable. "Though I've been meaning to visit. The Rivera Gallery has a reputation for bold choices."
Sophia couldn't tell if that was a compliment or a critique. "We aim to showcase work that challenges conventional perspectives," she said carefully.
He glanced at her, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips. "And does that philosophy extend to the curator as well?"
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. Was he teasing her?
"I like to think so," she said, matching his tone.
As they stopped in front of Theo's installation, Alexander studied the piece in silence, his expression inscrutable. Sophia found herself watching him instead, drawn to the intensity in his eyes.
"It's remarkable," he said finally. "The way it captures both strength and fragility."
Sophia nodded, her voice soft. "That's exactly what Theo was aiming for. The resilience of human creativity, even in the face of adversity."
Alexander turned to her, his gaze penetrating. "You have an eye for more than just art, Ms. Rivera."
Sophia's breath hitched. There was something in his tone, something that hinted at a deeper meaning. But before she could respond, the moment was interrupted by Marcella's sharp voice.
"Mr. Pierce, I'd love to introduce you to some of our patrons."
Alexander hesitated, his eyes lingering on Sophia for a moment longer before he nodded. "Another time, then," he said, his words carrying a weight that sent a shiver down her spine.
As he walked away, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that her life had just shifted in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.
In the shadowy town of Black Hollow, secrets run as deep as the surrounding forests. Elena Voss, a young veterinary assistant, returns to uncover the truth about her late mother's past, only to stumble into a world she never knew existed-a world of ancient rivalries and untamed beasts. Damon Grey, the enigmatic alpha of the Shadowfang Pack, has always walked a fine line between duty and darkness. When Elena unknowingly trespasses on his territory, she becomes the target of Magnus Kane, a ruthless rogue alpha bent on revenge. Tasked with protecting her, Damon must confront his own demons while keeping her safe. As Elena unravels her connection to the werewolf legacy, a dangerous attraction grows between her and Damon. But when a shocking truth about her heritage comes to light, she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the one destiny has in store. With betrayal lurking at every turn and war brewing on the horizon, will Elena and Damon's bond be enough to overcome the forces threatening to tear them apart? Or will their love ignite a war that will destroy them both
Elena Ricci's world shatters when her mother falls critically ill, leaving her with no options but desperation. A whispered suggestion from a friend leads her to a dark and twisted auction where the rich buy more than just art. Desperate for the money to save her mother, Elena agrees to auction herself, only to be swept away by a man far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Dante Moretti, the ruthless Mafia Lord of Milan, didn't plan to buy anyone that night. But something about Elena's fire her defiance, her desperation captivates him. He saves her, but his intentions are anything but pure. Now trapped in his luxurious world of power and violence, Elena fights to keep her independence, even as Dante's possessive obsession over her deepens. Two years later, with her mother saved and a child born from their twisted union, Elena plans to escape. But Dante's enemies have other plans, using her and their child as pawns in a deadly game. Just when she thinks she's nothing more than a bargaining chip, Dante risks everything to rescue her, unraveling a passion neither of them can deny. Can Elena break free from the Mafia Lord's grasp, or will Dante's love prove to be the most dangerous force of all?
One unforgettable night with a stranger leaves heiress Elara Kingston in ruin disowned, disgraced, and exiled with a secret she never intended to keep. Three years later, she returns, ready for revenge against those who betrayed her. But her carefully laid plans unravel the moment she locks eyes with Ronan Blackwood, the powerful CEO who was her mystery man...and the father of her child. As Elara tries to shield her secret while seeking her revenge, Ronan's intense, possessive pull is impossible to ignore. Drawn back into his world, she's caught between old betrayals, new passions, and a shocking truth that changes everything. When Ronan uncovers her secret, he'll do anything to claim what's his, including her heart. . Can Elara escape her past or is she destined to fall for the one man who could destroy her carefully built life all over 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?"
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!
Amy didn't expect that her husband whom she had loved and trusted earnestly for many years would be cheating on her by having sex with his secretary. When she confronted him, he and his secretary mocked and ridiculed her, they called her barren to her face, afterall, she had not conceived for the past three years that she had been married to her husband, Callan. Terribly Heartbroken, she filed for divorce and left to the club, she picked a random gigolo, had a hot one night stand with him, paid him and dissapeared to a small city. She came back to the country six years later with three identical cute boys and three identical cute girls of the same age. She settled and got a job but soon find out that her CEO was the gigolo she had sex with six years back at the club. Will she be able to hide her six little cuties from her CEO, who happens to be the most powerful man in NorthHill and beleived to be infertile? Can Amy and the most powerful man in NorthHill get along considering the social gap between them.
"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."