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Captive of the Merciless Billionaire Without saying that my life was flowing like a long, quiet river, I had found a comfortable routine in my small Parisian apartment. But of course, everything changed the day I crossed paths with Lucian Crowford, a real estate tycoon as enigmatic as he is ruthless. A simple misunderstanding led me to sign a pact that I did not fully understand: to live under the same roof as this terrifying man and... his equally intimidating associates. But why me? Why would an ordinary woman like me, Elise Morgan, interest a billionaire with many faces? Under his air of benefactor, Lucian hides much darker secrets. The whispers of a cursed legacy, enemies ready to do anything for his downfall, and alliances impossible to break draw me into a spiral of mysteries and dangers.
Chapter 1
The city seemed different in recent weeks. The streets no longer had that same gentle and familiar excitement, as if a heavy cloud had fallen on everyone without warning. Jaxon's arrival had turned everything upside down. In the blink of an eye, this young billionaire from nowhere had risen to the top of the city, taking control of its businesses, its institutions, and even, it seemed, its residents. Those, like my family, who were not ready to bend to his will, were quickly pushed aside.
My once respected father was now a shadow in his own office. Jaxon, with his cold and relentless strategy, had pushed him out of influential circles, reducing him to a mere spectator. Seeing my father waste away because of this man revolted me, and as the days passed, my anger grew.
Jaxon. His name was on everyone's lips, but his face remained an enigma to most. I just knew that he was a formidable businessman, and that the rumors of his cruelty did not seem exaggerated. Employees who dared to oppose his methods ended up being fired or completely wiped out. A man like that deserved neither respect nor admiration. Yet a part of me wanted to understand how a human being could inspire so much fear.
Fate gave me no choice but to find out for myself. It was during a charity gala organized by a neighboring company, in a prestigious salon in the city center. I accompanied my parents, who perhaps naively hoped to regain part of their lost reputation. I knew Jaxon would be there. It was as if his presence hovered above us, eerie and invisible. Everyone was murmuring, looking towards the entrance, impatient and nervous.
Suddenly the crowd parted, and he appeared. Tall, slender, with an almost frightening confidence. His dark suit, tailored to perfection, contrasted with the cold glow of his eyes, which roamed the room as if taking possession of each person present. My heart began to beat faster without me understanding why. Jaxon was...fascinating, despite everything I knew about him.
He advanced slowly, greeting the guests with a polite but distant nod. When he looked at me, my whole body froze. His icy blue eyes seemed to read beyond my thoughts, and I found myself looking away, like a child caught at fault. However, I had come with a clear mission in mind: approach him, seduce him, and find a way to avenge my father and my family. But in front of him, this resolution seemed to waver. How could I be attracted to this man who had destroyed so many lives, including my father's?
I felt his heavy gaze return to me. Then, against all expectations, he headed in my direction. My parents, standing aside, glanced at me worriedly. They knew what I was about to do, even if they didn't approve of my plan.
"Good evening," he said in a deep, calm voice, his intense gaze fixed on mine.
I composed myself, trying to hide my confusion behind a confident smile. "Good evening, sir... Jaxon. »
He gave a slight smile, amused. "You know who I am, then. But for me, I have the pleasure of discovering a stranger in the middle of so many... familiar faces. »
His remark made me blush, but I forced myself to respond confidently. "Indeed, I know your name. Everyone is talking about it in town, it's hard to miss you. »
He let out a short, almost sarcastic laugh. "And yet, I remain a mystery to many. Maybe even for you. »
His gaze scanned every nuance of my expression, as if trying to guess what I was thinking. I felt vulnerable, exposed, and a part of me wondered if it was wise to play this game. Yet that's what I decided: to get closer to him, to get justice for my family. It was now or never.
"Maybe I know you more than you think," I replied, almost provocatively.
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. " Oh yes ? In this case, enlighten me. What do you know about me, miss...? »
"Emma," I said, lifting my chin. "Emma Rosenthal. »
He froze for a second, and I guessed he probably heard the name in an unflattering context. The tension between us was palpable, but he remained impassive.
"Nice to meet you, Emma. So tell me...what do you know about me? »
I could have told him everything I heard: that he was ruthless, calculating, that he ruined lives without scruple. But strangely, these words did not pass my lips. Maybe because, deep down, I wanted him to see me differently from everyone he had ever manipulated.
"Well..." I took a breath. "You have a reputation as a leader, a determined man. But I wonder...is that all that defines you? »
His smile faded slightly, as if my question had destabilized him. Then he answered, after a slight pause. "Maybe that's not all. But few people care. What interests them is power, success. »
His words resonated with me unexpectedly. Behind this icy facade, was there a man different from what people said about him? I didn't want to let myself be moved, but his look, suddenly more vulnerable, shook my certainties.
"Maybe some people prefer to see beyond appearances," I muttered, almost to myself.
He looked at me for a long time, and for the first time, I thought I detected sincere emotion in his eyes. This moment could have lasted forever, if a voice had not broken the silence.
"Jaxon, we'll be waiting for you in the private room. »
He nodded at the assistant, then gave me one last look. "I hope we can continue this conversation one day, Emma. »
And without another word, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my racing heart. What had just happened? Why had I felt such attraction, when every fiber of my being was screaming at me to be wary?
My parents quickly came to join me, worried. My father placed a hand on my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. "Emma, did you manage to talk to him? »
I nodded, still confused. " Yes. But he's... different from what I thought. »
My mother seemed reluctant. "Remember why we are here, Emma. This man ruined our family. »
I pull myself together. They were right. No matter what I had seen in his eyes, no matter what flaws I had perhaps guessed, Jaxon remained the man who had caused my father's undoing. What I had felt was only an illusion, a trap I should not fall into.
"Don't worry," I finally replied with a reassuring smile. "I know what I have to do. I'm going to get closer to him. I will make him fall in love with me, and I will make him pay for everything he has done. »
My father nodded, relieved. " GOOD. So take your time, but be careful. This man never let anyone escape him. »
I knew my parents were right. The road that opened before me would be strewn with pitfalls. But I no longer had a choice. My fate was tied to Jaxon's, for better and, quite possibly, for worse.
My Contract with the Alpha Eleanor "Ellie" Wainwright, a young woman from a cruel and manipulative family, is forced to marry a feared and lonely Alpha, Victor Hartfang. Born without a wolf, she is considered an anomaly in her pack, a dead weight for her family and an object of contempt for the other members. Victor, Alpha of the powerful pack of the Dark Shadows, agrees to this marriage for mysterious reasons. Aloof, icy and dominant, he treats her like an outsider. However, behind his impenetrable facade, he hides a dark secret: his past is marked by betrayals and heartbreaking choices, and his own wolf is chained by a strange evil. Plunged into a new pack where tensions and challenges multiply, Ellie must navigate a world of domination, jealousies and political intrigue. Why did Victor really agree to this union? What did he hope to get from her? And why does her wolf seem to react so violently to her presence, oscillating between rejection and an almost unbearable attraction? As their unlikely bond begins to strengthen, a greater threat emerges. A rival pack, ancient enemies, and a forgotten prophecy threaten to upset their fragile balance. Can Ellie, devoid of lupine powers, prove she is more than a weak human? Will Victor dare to reveal her secrets before they destroy them both? And most importantly, what will happen when Victor discovers that Ellie may not be as "human" as she thinks?
Married to the Alpha of the Mafia Sienna Moretti, an ordinary young woman from a former fallen family of werewolves, sees her life turned upside down when she is forced to sign a marriage contract with Dominic "Alpha" Valenti, an enigmatic billionaire, leader of a powerful pack... and ruthless head of an underground mafia network. Dominic is not a man to be refused. Known for his intimidating aura, his colossal fortune and his absolute control over his affairs (human and supernatural), he is as feared as he is admired. But behind his air of unwavering sovereign, Dominic is haunted by a curse that eats away at his wolf, making him uncontrollable and dangerous. Sienna, rejected by her own family for the absence of her wolf, is sold as a pawn in this arranged alliance between her clan and the Valenti pack. But why did Dominic choose her? Is it really for her rare blood, or is there a darker reason behind it? As she enters a world of luxury, danger, and secrets, Sienna discovers that this marriage is not only about power, but also a war of influence where mobsters, wolves, and billionaires clash. Dominic, despite his apparent control, hides a dark past and a growing obsession with Sienna that he seems unable to contain. When Dominic's enemies target Sienna, she must discover: who is the man behind the Alpha? And how far will she go to protect a man she doesn't know whether to hate or love?
In Love with a Billionaire Irina, 18, is a young prodigy from the BloodMoon Foundation, known for training the most influential leaders in the world. Determined, she devotes her life to her studies and her ambitions, relegating romantic relationships to the background. Finding love is not a priority for her, especially when she is ready to do anything to honor her family's legacy. But what happens when she discovers that she is contractually engaged to the most ruthless billionaire on the planet, a man from a faraway land whose reputation frightens even the most powerful? **Xander Draymore**. This name alone makes investors and tycoons around the world tremble. Dangerously seductive but of legendary cruelty, he built his empire on ruins and sacrifices. Convinced that fate is playing a trick on him, he refuses to accept this arranged marriage which he considers a punishment. But why, from the first glance he exchanges with Irina, does he suddenly feel that she is different from the others? Is she a threat to his power or a key to his own secret ambitions? "Aren't you happy?" Irina dared to ask, as he stared out the window of his penthouse at the illuminated city, his face lit by the neon lights that made him almost vulnerable, a stark contrast to his reputation as a business predator. "Happy?" he replied with a cold smile, a hint of irony in his voice. "It's a concept I've never understood... and never will." Those words broke something inside her. But why does Xander seem to refuse all emotion? What wounds does he hide behind this facade of icy perfection? Will Irina be able to pierce her armor before losing her own heart in this game of ambitions and betrayals? And most importantly, what secret about their common bond could turn everything upside down?
The Billionaire and the Scandalous Heiress Elisa, heiress to an empire built by her father, Alexander Dorne, a formidable tycoon with powerful and dangerous alliances, has grown up in a world governed by luxury, expectations and appearances. Her adopted brother, Nathan, once an adored model and now head of an influential agency, is her mentor, her refuge, and perhaps her only ally in a stifling life. But an unexpected tension arises between them. What was once a family bond turns into a forbidden, electric attraction that threatens to shatter the rigid codes of their family. Elisa finds herself trapped between the weight of duty, her unspoken desires, and Nathan's dark secrets, which he jealously keeps hidden. As scandalous rumors begin to circulate, enemies of the Dorne empire seek to exploit this fragility to destroy their dynasty. Why does Nathan avoid some of their powerful associates? What is he hiding in his mysterious movements? Should Elisa sacrifice her own happiness to protect the family legacy or defy her father, ready to do anything to bury the slightest scandal? The truth she will discover could well shake everything she thought she knew about her family... and about herself.
The Intrepid Luna and the Machiavellian Alpha Luna Moreau, a devoted secretary for six years, sees her world fall apart when her husband's new "personal assistant," the ruthless alpha Ethan Blackwood, shows up. Although he claims that this woman, Isabella, is only there to lighten his professional responsibilities and avoid a resounding scandal, Luna senses that something more sinister is brewing. Is Ethan really ready to sacrifice the loyalty of the one who has always been by his side to preserve his flamboyant image? But Luna is not the type to be crushed. As Isabella quickly asserts herself within the company, using charm and manipulation to destroy everything Luna has built with so much passion, the latter discovers a secret contract linking Ethan to shady business and dangerous alliances. What role does Isabella really play in this power game? Is she simply an assistant or a pawn in a larger plan? As Luna embarks on a daring investigation to unravel the threads of this machination, she realizes that Ethan is becoming more distant and enigmatic by the day. Why does he seem to be hiding unspeakable secrets? What does he really know about Isabella? And how far will he go to protect her interests? With tension rising and danger lurking, Luna will have to draw on her inner resources to counter Isabella's schemes. But with each revelation, one question remains: can she stand up to an alpha whose power could cost her everything she loves? Time is running out and every decision could have devastating consequences... What will she do if she discovers that the truth is even more disturbing than she imagines?
revenge of the billionaire's woman The He loved me for eight years, but in the end, he sent me personally. In pain, I saw him get closer to my sister and treat myself as a tool to heal his suffering. He even went so far as to ruin our common future! Hatred burns in me like a fire, and I am determined to take revenge. Two years later, I came back, transformed and stronger. I was no longer the woman he had left behind. The man who had treated me with indifference and cruelty was now as sweet as a lamb. He knelt before me, begging my forgiveness: "I'm sorry, I'm ready to atone for my mistakes for the rest of my days. »» While I was about to put my revenge plan in action, I slowly realized that he was totally ignored what had really happened in the past two years. Should my revenge plan continue?
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.
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."
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!
For three years, Shane and Yvonne were wed, sharing heated nights, while his devotion clung to his ex. Yvonne strove to be a dutiful wife, yet their marriage felt hollow, built on desire rather than real warmth. All changed when she became pregnant, only for Shane to thrust her onto the operating table, warning, “Either you or the baby survives!” Broken by his cruelty, she vanished in grief and later returned, radiantly accomplished, leaving everyone awestruck. Haunted by remorse, Shane begged for another chance, but Yvonne only smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, men no longer interest me.”
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."