Amari Riley Lopez is a smart, ambitious lawyer determined to fight for justice. But behind her success is a past she's tried to forget. Years ago, she was in a fake relationship with Lucas Trail Grant, a charming and mysterious man from a powerful family. After one unforgettable night, Lucas disappeared without a word, leaving Amari heartbroken. Now, Amari's career brings her face-to-face with the Grants in a major corruption case. Her goal is to take down their shady business empire, but when she discovers Lucas is the CEO, old feelings resurface. Amari tries to stay focused on the case, but her emotions and memories make it harder than she expected. As she digs deeper, Amari learns shocking secrets about the Grants, including Lucas's hidden efforts to bring down his family from within. But others, like a vengeful former employee and a manipulative PR executive, are determined to use Amari's past against her, threatening her reputation and even her safety. When the case ends, Amari's career and name are left in ruins. Feeling lost and betrayed, she leaves her old life behind and starts fresh in a quiet countryside town. She wants peace and plans never to look back. But Lucas, filled with regret for how he hurt her, doesn't give up. He tracks her down, determined to win back her trust and prove his love. As their paths cross once more, Amari must decide: Can she forgive the man who broke her heart and risk loving him again, or will her scars keep them apart forever?
"Amari."
I looked up from the files on my desk, surprised to hear Thomas Barrett's voice on my phone. It's very surprising because the head attorney of the firm wasn't one to make casual calls!
"Thomas? What's up?"
"I need you in my office. Now." His tone was curt, urgent.
I could tell this wasn't a routine request. It is something...important.
I glanced at the clock. It's late, but nothing new. Still, the edge in his voice had me on alert. Without another word, I grabbed my things and made my way to his office.
When I entered, I saw Thomas sitting behind his desk. There is a folder open in front of him.
"Sup, boss?" I grinned, trying to be witty despite his serious face.
He didn't greet me with his usual smile. Instead, his eyes were focused, serious.
I shut my mouth. Yeah, he's not happy right now, Amari. You stupid!
"Sit down," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him. "We've been handed a major case, and I need you to take point on it."
I sat down, trying to mask the sudden tension in my body. "What's the case all about?"
He slid the folder across the desk before he spoke again.
"Grant Group. Sounds familiar?"
What?
"Grant Group. Corporate empire. Banks, tech, real estate. They're currently involved in a multi-million-dollar investigation-fraud, money laundering, insider trading. You name it. It's all here."
The what?
I blinked, processing the enormity of what he was saying. Grant Group? The Grant Group? The name alone made my pulse quicken, but...
Amari, you calm down!
"T...That's huge. Are we really taking them on?"
"This is the thing. You know Valerie knows a lot of cases like this but she's been handling serious cases in regards to the recent senator who's finally in jail. let's give her a break. And you also handled this kind of case before."
I sighed, feeling so problematic because I think I knew now what he would do.
"This is exactly the kind of case we've been preparing for you, Amari. The stakes are high. We need someone with sharp minds to handle this, someone who can go toe to toe with them." Thomas' gaze was intense, focused. "And that someone is you. You're the best we have, Amari."
I glanced down at the file, scanning through the documents. The more I read, the heavier the weight in my chest became. And then, it hit me. There, in black and white, was the name that made everything freeze.
Lucas Trail Grant. Chief Executive Officer.
I almost dropped the file.
I hadn't seen that name in years. The memories hit me like a storm.
I took a sharp breath, my voice trembling just slightly.
"Lucas Grant?" I repeated, my mind struggling to comprehend. "The CEO?"
"Yup. We need you to go after him, Amari. This is a chance to bring down one of the biggest players in the game."
"He's the current CEO?"
I felt my hands begin to sweat, my pulse hammering in my ears. This was no longer just a case. This was personal. Too personal.
"Yes, and I heard there's a lot of people resigned in that company after he became the CEO. He's ruthless, I heard. Wait, you went to the same university, right?"
"I-" I started, but the words choked in my throat. I was supposed to be professional, to take control. But my mind was a whirlwind, racing through a thousand thoughts I couldn't silence.
The case... it was everything I had worked for. But him? Lucas? Facing him again... could I really put myself in that position?
Could I really walk into this battle knowing everything it would cost me?
"Thomas, I don't think I'm the right person for this. I can't take this-"
Thomas furrowed his brow, clearly caught off guard. "Amari, you're the best we have. You've been handling cases like this for years now. You've got the legal mind for it, the tenacity. You're exactly who we need."
I shook my head, frustration building.
"You don't get it. I think this... this is too much. I can't go up against him or them. It's too dangerous for us. You said he's ruthless and I don't think I could-" I broke off, realizing how much I was giving away.
Thomas was watching me carefully now, trying to read between the lines.
"Amari, I understand that this might be a big ask, but you're the one who can do this. I could help you but you know I will be going abroad for another case as well."
I opened my mouth to protest again, but then I stopped. The reality of the situation was undeniable. I couldn't back down. Just...shit!
"Please, Amari... Our clients have valid reasons as well. Their lands were taken by the company without legal process with them. A lot of workers are unpaid and there are so many injustices inside. Even the company as a whole seems problematic. That's what our firm thrives on, right? Justice for those in need...and this is not just one, but many are victims of this company, Amari."
With a sigh, I closed the file and sat back, trying to steady my thoughts. "Okay...I'll check the case."
Thomas nodded, relief washing over his face. "Good. You start meeting the clients tomorrow."
When my work ended, I got into my car, the weight of my decision sinking in. I'd said yes to the case, but everything about it felt heavy.
I have never seen Lucas for I don't know how many years already. Maybe almost...ten years...
Accepting this meant Lucas would be back in my life, and I knew that meant trouble.
Trouble I wasn't sure I was ready for.
As I pulled out of the parking lot, my phone buzzed in my pocket, breaking the silence. It was a message from Tali, my younger sister.
From: Tali:
Almost home, Ate? Can I call? I have to tell you something.
A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips. Tali always had a way of making me feel grounded, even when everything around me felt chaotic.
To: Tali
Yup. I'm driving now. I'll call you once I get home.
A few seconds passed before another message popped up.
From: Tali:
Everything okay?
I stared at the message for a few moments. How could I tell her what was really going on? How could I explain that I was about to take on the Grant Group-and him? I couldn't. Not yet. I quickly typed back.
To: Tali
Yeah, just a long day. I'll call you later.
I shoved my phone back into my pocket and focused on the road. But my thoughts kept drifting back to the case. Then, as I turned a corner, I saw it. The GrantTech building. The sleek, shiny glass tower that was part of the Grant Group.
A chill ran down my spine. I'd known that building, known what it stood for. It was part of the empire that had taken everything. And now it was staring me in the face.
I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, trying to push my feelings down. I had a job to do, but as I kept driving, I could feel the weight of it all. The city seemed quieter, somehow, as I made my way home.
When I pulled to my apartment, I just wanted to get inside and shut the world out. I dropped my keys and bag by the door and kicked off my shoes, the silence swallowing me whole.
I needed a moment to breathe. I entered the kitchen, grabbed a glass of water, and sat by the window. I stared at the lights in the distance, trying to calm the storm inside me.
Tomorrow, I'll meet the clients. Tomorrow, the fight would begin. But tonight? I just had to make it through. I had to remind myself why I was doing this. It wasn't just for the clients.
It was for justice. Justice that I promised to offer.
But deep down, I knew the truth. The past was never as far behind as I wanted it to be.
Lorriel Chantria Fernandez is the daughter of a governor-a social butterfly, everyone's favorite, admired by many. But behind the facade lies an unruly woman, pretending to be flawless in the eyes of others. In an instant, her life turned upside down when her parents were killed in an ambush by an unknown assailant. She hired investigators to solve the case, but then she discovered a letter among her mother's belongings. She felt as though she was losing her mind, unsure of where to hide. In the end, she decided to completely erase her identity. She changed her name and started working in a place no one would expect to find her: an escort agency. That's where she encountered Draco Amancio Echeverria again-the arrogant, mischievous, and unruly heir to the country's leading airline and a chain of hotels in Abu Dhabi. She was terrified of being recognized by him, so she tried to avoid him. In her mind, she thought there was no way he would recognize her anyway since the place where they first met was dark. Later, she saw him again at a social gathering, but this time, she was wearing her perfect lady facade-nothing like the version of herself she had become. She thought that would be the last time. But a week later, he contacted her again. This time, he made her an offer: marriage. She didn't want to agree to such a deal because she dreamed of marrying a man who truly loved her, not someone bound to her by a mere agreement. She was hesitant at first, fearful of what it might mean. But when he offered her a ten-digit sum in exchange for marrying him for just one year, she didn't think twice and agreed. One year. That was all it would take. Then, she would have the funds to leave the country, start over, and live a life free from fear. But... In a marriage built on desperation and agreements, is there a chance for truth and forgiveness? In an arrangement full of secrets, is there a chance for love with her unruly husband?
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
Veronica is an eighteen-year-old omega who falls into an emotional breakdown when her Mate, who was soon to be the Alpha of the Sun crest pack, turns against her, hurls hurtful words at her, and rejects her on the night of the full moon festival because he and everyone in the pack, including her, thinks she is an omega. As if the pain of rejection, helplessness, and worthlessness wasn't enough, she lost her best and only friend to the cold hands of death when rogue wolves attacked their pack. Right in the presence of her mate, she was tagged as someone who always attracted problems and calamities anywhere she went and he turned a blind eye and watched as she was banished from the pack. With hatred for her life, she runs deep into the woods that were off-limits and jumps off to end her life, but in a turn of events, something else happens. What would her mate do when he finds out that Veronica is not who he thinks she is? Will she be able to forgive him? What fate lies ahead for them?
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.
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
"I'm going to tell you what I have in mind," he murmured. "First you're going to strip down until you're completely naked," he whispered against her ear. "Then I'm going to tie you up so you're completely powerless and subject to my every whim." "Mmm, sounds good so far," she murmured. "Then I'm going to insert a plug to prepare you for me. After that I'm going to spank that sweet ass of yours until it's rosy with my marks." She shivered uncontrollably, her mind exploding with the images he evoked. She let out a small whimper as he sucked the lobe of her ear into his mouth. God, she could cum with just his words. She was already aching with need. Her nipples tingled and hardened to painful points. Her clit pulsed and twitched between her legs until she clamped her thighs together to alleviate the burn. "And then I'm going to f**k your mouth. But I won't cum. Not yet. When I'm close, I'll flog you again until your ass is burning and you're on fire with the need for relief. And then I'm going to f**k that ass. I'm going to take you hard and rough, to the very limits of what you can withstand. I won't be gentle. Not tonight. I'm going to take you as roughly as you can stand. And then I'm going to cum all over your ass. Are you ready to be completely and utterly dominated?"
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.