I've built my career in digging out hidden secrets and exposing them as a journalist that I am. But the story in which I am going to embark might bring my doom. The main focus of my research is Ethan Blackwell, a billionaire businessman and the owner of Blackwell Enterprises. I have tried to-label him as a corrupt person, making his late father responsible for causing the plane crash that claimed the lives of my parents. Sackings and other dismissals started and seemed quite brutal. Still, Ethan comes back with defamation trial that puts all the work I have invested at risks of being destroyed. Desperate for a way out, I agree to an crazy deal: come to his house and pretend we are engaged for three months, and he will withdraw the lawsuit. Strategically, the decision made at the beginning aims at protecting my career but soon evolves into something beyond a strategic plan. The life I'm pulled into is as glamorous as it is ruthless. The media does not back down, Ethan's mother hates me, and ex-girlfriend is right behind to make sure I am done for, figuratively and literally. After getting to know Ethan better, I no longer dream of posing as a different person, but am practically living a different life. I perceive a man carrying the mantle of his father without him understanding what this means which is the past I've been researching all this time. I never thought, I would develop feelings for him. But now, caught between justice and desire, I have to decide: leave the man I have interest in or endanger myself and everything in my pursuit for the whole truth. Secrets brought us together. Will the truth tear us apart?
Madison POV
There was an unnatural silence that filled the whole newsroom, except for the occasional shuffle of papers and old computers making silent noises. My coworkers were trying not to look at me, but I couldn't help but feel their eyes slowly perching around me. Some were pitying me, others accusing. My phone couldn't stop vibrating on my desk, and I know what it was all about. I couldn't see the need to check it. The buzzing was annoying, and it matched the unease in my chest. I felt like everyone was watching me, and it was hard to sit still. The silence was uncomfortable, and I just wanted it to end.
The article had gone live barely an hour ago.
I took a deep look at the headline again, bold and accusatory across the screen:
"Ethan Blackwell: The Billionaire Behind the Curtain of Corruption."
I felt my chest tighten. I had double-checked every source, every quote, every lead. Months of work poured into exposing the truth. And yet, I couldn't help but have doubts, as sharp and cold, and the weight of what I had done began to sink in. Ethan Blackwell wasn't just a billionaire, he had all the security assets
And I'd just painted a target on my back.
My editor, Harold, had barely looked me in the eye when I pitched the story. He'd mumbled something about treading carefully, but his reluctance only fueled my determination. Blackwell's empire needed to be exposed for the rot that lay beneath its polished surface.
Now, the reality of my choice pressed down on me.
The double doors to the newsroom flew open with a bang, and a man stormed in, his towering frame exuding fury. Ethan Blackwell.
The room immediately turned dead silent as he walked in, his expensive suit that proved his influence despite the anger in his dark eyes. His presence was intimidating as it got everyone's attention drawn to him. Conversations died, fingers froze over keyboards, and every head turned toward the Ethan Blackwell.
I stood, willing my knees not to buckle. He was larger than life, even more intimidating in person than I remembered.
"Madison Russo," he said, his voice a low growl that carried across the room.
I squared my shoulders. "Mr. Blackwell."
He stalked toward me, each step measured and lethal. He stared right into my face as soon as he stopped in front of my desk.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" he asked, in a calm tone, too calm. And it scared me but I couldn't back out now.
"I reported the truth," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt.
Ethan's laugh was sharp and devoid of humor. "The truth? You've published lies and rubbish. Baseless accusations with the intention to destroy my reputation." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Do you have any idea what I can do to you for doing this to me?"
My heart hammered against my ribs, but I refused to flinch. "Every word in that article is backed by evidence."
"Evidence," he spat, straightening to his full height. "You wouldn't know evidence if it hit you in the face. This is reckless, amateur journalism at its finest."
The room watched in stunned silence as he made me feel low of myself, his words like knives. I felt the sting of humiliation, the heat rising to my cheeks, but I held my ground.
"You'll take down the article," Ethan continued, his tone sharp and final. "Or you'll regret why you chose to be a journalist in the first place."
I lifted my chin. "I won't take it down."
His jaw tightened, and for a moment, his composure slipped, revealing a sense of raw anger.
"You're making a mistake," he said, his voice like ice.
"Maybe," I said, swallowing hard. "But I stand by what I wrote."
Ethan's gaze lingered on me for a long moment, a silent war of wills. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out, the door slamming shut behind him.
Everyone in the newsroom started whispering, but I didn't let it bother me at the moment . My hands were shaking as soon as I sat down, but I refused to let anyone see it. I looked at the white screen of the word document waiting for my thoughts to be put into some kind of order.
---
A shadow loomed over my desk. It was Harold, my editor looking uncomfortable, his tie slightly loosed.
"Madison," he started with his deep voice.
I knew what was coming.
"I have just been speaking with the board," he went on to say. "They're not happy. I have been informed that Blackwell's team is consulting its lawyer and, as you can imagine, that we cannot afford to do that here".
I rose slowly; the noise of the chair against the tiled floor was loud. "So you're.. you're firing me?"
"It's not personal," Harold muttered, avoiding eye contact with me. "Madison, you're a good journalist, but this ... this is beyond us. We can't stand behind you on this one."
I immediately flared up with anger. "So you're giving up because the pressure is too much? Letting him have say in what we can and can't report?"
Harold sighed. "This is bigger than you, Madison. Bigger than me."
I grabbed my bag and turned toward the door, my pulse roaring in my ears. "You're making a mistake," I said, echoing Ethan's words.
Harold didn't respond.
I marched out of the newsroom and with that heated feeling of being wronged that almost felt liberating. They could fire me. Ethan Blackwell could intimidate me. But I wouldn't back down.
---
Outside, the city buzzed with life, and none of them knew what was happening in my world, in my storm. Finally, the responsibility of making the decision lay a burden on my shoulder but equally the responsibility of executing the decision made.
I stopped at a coffee shop, which I preferred over other places when I needed to clear my head. I got my order from the cashier and the bar lady gave me a sympathetic look and must have read the papers.
"Rough day?" she asked.
"You have no idea," I muttered, clutching the cup like a lifeline.
Standing by the corner table, I pulled my laptop and tried to read the notes one more time. If Blackwell wanted this the hard way, I would be there.
But reading through the documents, some doubt crept into my mind. Am I really doing the right thing?
---Suddenly the buzz of my phone broke my train of thought. It was Jessica, my best friend
"What were you thinking, Madison," she began without even bothering to ask my welfare.
"I was thinking about the truth," I said, my words shaky and very far from convincing.
"Blackwell isn't just any billionaire," she continued. "He's ruthless. If you think he'll let this go, you're fooling yourself."
"Good," I shot back. "Let him come. I have nothing to lose."
"That's where you're wrong," Jessica said, her tone softening. "You've worked too hard to throw it all away. Just... be careful, okay?"
I nodded, even though she couldn't see it. "I will."
---
Hours later, I found myself walking aimlessly through the city. The lights blurred as exhaustion set in, but my mind was too restless to stop.
When I finally returned to my tiny apartment, I collapsed onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. My phone buzzed again, a notification flashing across the screen:
"Ethan Blackwell announces impending legal action against a reckless journalist"
I closed my eyes, a mix of fear and resolve churning in my chest.
This was only the beginning.
Lyra, a hybrid of angel and werewolf is destined to bring danger or peace in the supernatural worlds. She is being raised in the werewolf pack that fears and distrusts her, with her powers suppressed by her stepfather, Michael. But kael her step-brother always supports her When she crosses paths with the Devil son, xaphan her worlds is never the same again. With their forbidden love that draws danger to each side. Xaphan obsession with Lyra deepens as he decides whether to betray his father or protect the woman he's drawn to. Lyra must embrace her hybrid nature to stand against those who want to control her. Dive into this paranormal romance to find out!!!
RIEKA She was a naive, chubby, wolfless werewolf, maltreated by her mate to the point where she loses her sanity and womb, her crime was being chubby and less attractive than her peers. GABRIEL He was a handsome, strong willed womanizer, who happens to a hybrid ALPHA prince, the person he loves the most is his kid brother RALPH. He has searched high and low for a mate he could never find. What will happen when he finds out that his beloved brother's ex wife, happens to be his long awaited mate, who was maltreated and is currently mentally unstable? Will he forgive his brother for hurting his mate? or will blood flow?
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
RATED 18+ (WARNING) - EXPLICIT SCENES. "Strip for me" the beastly alpha called, his voice echoed from his dark cell, causing a shiver to go down her body. She couldn't fight the way her body reacts to him. Her nipples harden from his touch. "I can smell your wetness omega" he mutters, his hands tracing under her skirt till he feels up her wet jeweled folds, causing a hiss from her lips as his fingers push in. He whispers to he ears, a voice filled the dangerous promise "you are mine" .******. Elise Aldermen is the daughter of the Silvernight Pack's chief alpha. She has waited her whole life for her marriage ceremony, hoping it would be the best day of her life. However, she gets the shock of a lifetime when her betrothed coldly rejects her and makes her a slave after finding out her true origins, even though they were already bound. Not Not only is she claimed to be a bastard on her mating day, but she is also disowned and rejected by her pack and mate. Elise's life turns into a nightmare as she is thrown into the dungeons as the cruel alpha's slave, only to be handed off to his greatest beastly champion, who dwells in the dark cells. Elise soon discovers that the beast she is now forced to be marked and bound to is more than a monster; this beastly alpha could also be her fated mate.
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
Everyone thought Lorenzo truly loved Gracie, until the day of their daughter’s heart surgery. To Gracie’s utter shock, Lorenzo gave the precious organ needed by their child to another woman. Devastated, Gracie opted for a divorce. Fueled by her need for revenge, Gracie joined hands with Lorenzo’s uncle, Waylon, and orchestrated Lorenzo’s downfall. In the end, Lorenzo was left with nothing and consumed by remorse. He pleaded for a reconciliation. Gracie thought she was free to move on with her life, but Waylon held her back in a death grip. “Did you think you can just walk out on me?”
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"