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What happens when a no-nonsense lawyer fakes an engagement with the man who could ruin her family-or save it? Jade Nguyen has always played by the rules. As an environmental attorney, she's dedicated her life to protecting the planet and upholding justice. But when her family's beloved eco-resort teeters on the brink of collapse, Jade faces an impossible choice: watch their legacy crumble or strike a deal with the devil himself. Elliot Drak is a ruthless tech billionaire known for hostile takeovers and an icy demeanour. His latest venture threatens to destroy the very land Jade's family has cherished for generations. Yet, in a twist of fate, Elliot proposes a solution: a fake engagement. By posing as a committed couple, they can sway public opinion and secure the necessary approvals for both their interests. As they navigate high-stakes boardroom battles and intimate moments under the tropical sun, the lines between pretence and reality blur. Jade discovers a side of Elliot that challenges her perceptions, while Elliot finds himself drawn to Jade's unwavering passion and integrity. But with secrets lurking beneath the surface and their arrangement built on deception, can their staged romance withstand the pressures of truth? Or will their hearts become collateral damage in a game neither intended to play?
The late afternoon sun hung low on the horizon, its rays filtering through the rustling palm fronds and casting warm, golden ribbons across the weathered planks of the resort's main boardwalk. Jade Nguyen paused at the top step of her family's beachfront veranda, allowing the humid breeze to wrap around her like an old, familiar quilt.
It carried with it the unmistakable tang of salt-an aroma intertwined with the distant, rhythmic echo of crashing waves. This place should have felt like home-inviting and reassuring-but today, every creaky plank and peeling paint board whispered reminders of everything her family had at stake.
Her father's old lounge chairs stood ghostly at the edge of the veranda, their once-vibrant cushions now damp and forlorn after last night's storm, their fabric faded and weary from years of sun and sea. The flower beds that had once bloomed with a riot of colours now languished, choked with stubborn weeds that clawed their way through the soil, hiding the memories of vibrant blossoms that used to sway in the wind.
And beyond the horizon, an imposing orange yacht loomed, trailing along the skyline like a predator circling its prey: the flagship of Elliot Drake's Drake Industries, here to survey the very stretch of sand her family had lovingly stewarded for generations.
Jade inhaled sharply, her chest tightening as she steadied herself. She hadn't intended to return to this place, having carved out a life focused on law school, clerkships, and high-profile environmental victories-each step pulling her further from Dune Haven Resort, the eco-retreat her parents had dedicated their lives to nurturing.
But the stark reality of bankruptcy notices and looming foreclosure warnings offered no consolation to her pride or ambition. When her mother's voice broke over the phone-"They're closing in, Jade"-she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that her next case was no longer confined to courtrooms or legal statutes.
She brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, shaking off the weight of despair that threatened to cloud her resolve. Squaring her shoulders, she steeled herself for the challenges ahead. Regret would have to wait. First, she had a resort to save. With determination pulsing through her veins, Jade turned away from the veranda and descended the steps onto the sun-bleached sands, feeling the warm grains slip slightly beneath her heels.
Each footstep resonated with the laughter of guests who had gathered for sunset bonfires, the splashes of kayakers navigating the mangroves, and the whispered vows exchanged in the tiki-thatched chapel that stood as a testament to love amidst nature's splendour. She was propelled forward by the memories and the urgency of her mission: to reclaim her family's legacy.
At the weathered cottage door, Jade lifted her chin, her breath catching in the salty air. "Marco?" she called softly, her voice echoing against the distant crashing waves. Inside, she discovered the manager hunched over a chaotic spread of permit applications and loan documents, his fingers anxiously tracing the red-inked deadlines that loomed like ominous guillotines on the scattered pages. As he looked up, his weary eyes met hers-relief flickering momentarily across his face.
"You made it," he said, his voice cracking with the weight of unspoken fears. It felt as if he had been carrying the burdens of uncertainty for weeks, each day stretching longer than the last. "It's worse than I thought. The county wants our environmental impact study completed by next week, or they'll shut the file for good."
Jade set down her well-worn leather satchel, her heart pounding in her chest like a war drum. "Then we begin tomorrow," she declared, already reaching inside for her laptop, her fingers itching to dive into the chaos. "We'll call every expert we know, compile every report-whatever it takes to turn this around."
But as she studied Marco's expression, gratitude mingling with a profound sense of despair, a troubling realization settled in her gut. Winning this fight would require more than just scientific data and sound arguments; it would demand influence, momentum, and a partner who could manoeuvre through the tangled web of bureaucracy with ease. A partner who could command headlines and financial backing-the kind of partner who could navigate the stormy waters they faced. Someone like Elliot Drake.
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the cottage and highlighting the gentle sway of the palm trees outside, Jade felt her resolve ignite. Tomorrow, she would face Drake Industries head-on, ready to confront the formidable challenges that lay ahead. But tonight, her heart was set on fighting for the only place she had ever truly called home-even if it meant striking a deal with the devil himself.
And so, beneath the rumble of the surf and the soft whispers of the breeze, a pivotal battle line was drawn, fraught with tension and possibility.
As Hallie Dawson navigates the exhilarating yet challenging world of college life, she eagerly anticipates the discoveries that lie ahead. With a longing for freedom and comfort, she dreams of the experiences that await her. Caught in a love triangle, Hallie feels the thrill of possibilities as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, hoping to uncover who and what she truly desires. The excitement of what's to come fuels her ambitions, igniting a sense of wonder about all the choices that will shape her future.
Julia and Evan were the perfect couple-or so she thought. But everything changed when Evan abruptly ended their relationship, leaving her heartbroken and unable to tell him she was carrying his child. Years later, Julia has built a life for herself and her son, Andy, while Evan has risen to unimaginable wealth and success. Their paths cross again at a chance meeting, but Julia soon discovers Evan has moved on with someone else. Julia is done with the pain. She's fought battles alone, raising a son who deserves the truth about his father, even if Evan doesn't deserve her forgiveness. When Julia told Evan years ago she had something to say, he didn't listen. Now, it's time for him to listen. But is it too late to reclaim what he lost? "We should break up," he'd said, the words cutting through her like glass. The pregnancy test in her pocket stayed hidden, just like the child they would never share. Now, it's Evan's turn to hear the truth-and to face his deepest regret.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
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!"
He told her to call him Daddy. Not because he earned it, but because he fucking owned her. The moment she signed that contract, she stopped being a woman with dignity and became his filthy little plaything. His holes to use. His mess to ruin. He didn't just fuck her, he rewired her. Stripped her clean of boundaries and filled her with sin. Every punishment made her scream. Every game dragged her deeper into his twisted world. And the way he praised her... Good girl. She should've run the first time he said it. But Daddy doesn't let his toys leave. He breaks them until they beg to stay. ** Mia's life changed the night she let a stranger ruin her. One night. She never expected to see him again. Until she walked into her new job... and her boss turned around. Ace.Her one-night sin in a thousand-dollar suit. Only this time, he wasn't asking her to be his assistant. She was to be his wife.