Novels by bella Reid

Victoria reached out, her trembling hands handing the portfolio case that contained the original designs to Adrian. "I need to help your friend at Lloyd Corporation. This is fair, to wipe clean the accusation James has, along with Cox Corporation, hurled at them. These will prove just how innocent they are.Adrian stared at her, momentarily speechless. The woman he married to escape the chaos of her family was now unknowingly helping him protect his company and reputation.“Thank you, Victoria,” Adrian said softly, his voice sincere. “My friend at Lloyd Corporation will be so grateful for this. You’re doing the right thing.”Victoria offered him a small smile, unaware of the hidden meaning behind his gratitude.Adrian Puts the Plan in MotionThat evening, Adrian went back to Lloyd Corporation with the portfolio, making sure it was safely delivered to Nora, his assistant."These are the original designs," Adrian explained. "Victoria created them when she worked for Cox Corporation. Jam

James burst into his office, his anger now converted into resolve. If Lloyd Corporation wanted war, he would give them war."Get the PR team in," James told his assistant, Kelly, as he slung his coat onto the chair.Kelly looked hesitant. "Sir, are you sure that's a wise move? Lloyd Corporation's reputation is—"I don't care about their reputation!" James snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "They think they can humiliate Cox Corporation by pulling out of our projects? They think they can crush us without consequences?"Kelly nodded nervously and left the room to call the team.A Strategic Smear CampaignWithin an hour, James had his PR team assembled in the conference room. He paced back and forth, laying out his plan."We're going to flip the narrative," he began. "I want a statement released immediately claiming that Lloyd Corporation cut ties with us because they're trying to steal our designs."One of the PR managers, Sarah, raised her hand. "But do we have any evidence to back tha

chapter 4 what my husband hiding Adrian watched me walk away toward the waiting car, a smile on his lips until he answered his phone. His voice turned from that soft warmth he saved just for me to something much colder and commanding. Whoever was on the other end of the line wanted something from him, and the tone hardened as he responded tersely.Meanwhile, I slid into the car where Adrian's grandfather, Mr. Steele, was waiting. He greeted me with a kindly smile, his presence exuding wisdom and strength."Good to see you, Victoria," he said in that deep voice of his that was as soothing as it was deep. "You're making Adrian very happy, you know."I blushed, unsure how to respond. "He makes me happy too, Mr. Steele.He nodded approvingly with a warm but probing regard. "Adrian doesn't let people in easily. You managed to do what others can't. That's special."The sincerity in his words took me aback. I didn't fully understand why Adrian's family seemed so invested in our relationship

"I couldn't find a bathrobe in my size," Adrian said casually, breaking the silence."Oh, right. I'll order you one," I replied, busying myself with packing James's things. I couldn't bring myself to look directly at him again, so I focused on stuffing items into a cardboard box.Adrian's brow furrowed as he watched me. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low but filled with concern. "What's all this? Are you okay?"I blew out a breath, stopping midway in my actions. "Just putting James's stuff out," I muttered, the bitterness creeping into my tone. "Five years of supporting a guy through grad school, and this is what I'm left with.Adrian moved closer, his hand lightly touching mine as he took the box from me and put it to one side. "You don't have to do this by yourself," he said quietly, his lips curving into a small, sympathetic smile.His compassion threw me, but before I could say anything, he leaned down, his face so near I could feel the warmth of his breath.What are you doin

I held my ground and rolled my eyes. "Actually, no. I came to let you all know that I'm officially married."The room fell silent for a moment. Then, my dad, Richard Branson, stood up, his face a mix of incredulity and anger. "You're lying.""Am I?" I said, pulling out the marriage certificate and placing it on the table. "Here's the proof."Clara snatched the document, scanning it with her sharp eyes while my stepsister Sabrina peered over her shoulder. Sabrina's mouth twisted into a cruel smile. "Married already? That's rich. Who's the poor fool you managed to trap?"I ignored her taunt, standing tall. "That's none of your concern."“It is my concern,” my father snapped, his voice rising. “You think getting married like this changes anything? You’re still reckless and impulsive! Who is this man? Is he some gold digger looking to leech off your inheritance?”I swallowed hard, steadying my voice. “His name is Adrian Lioyd. And unlike James, he’s a man of integrity.”Sabrina laughed, t

buzzed in the air as I stood in the corner, my grip on the glass of champagne a little tighter than it needed to be. My engagement party was supposed to celebrate love, yet it felt like a masquerade. The tension between James-my fiancé-and Sabrina-my stepsister-was palpable, darkening the evening with glances and whispered secrets.Sabrina came right up to me, smiling slyly; her sequined dress flashed in the light. "Victoria," she purred, holding out her phone. My stomach curled over as she jammed the screen right in my face. A series of pictures stared back at me--James and Sabrina, arms entwined in intimate poses, faces inches from each other."Surprised?" she sneered, her voice full of triumph.I swallowed the lump in my throat, my fingers trembling. "Why are you doing this?" I whispered."Because I can," she replied smugly. "And because you'll never be good enough for him."Her words pierced through me, but before I could respond, Sabrina grabbed my arm. "Let's make this evening

Violet POVI melted into him, and Clyde's lips danced against mine with every kiss sending sparks under my skin. His hands wandered over my body, touching and sending waves of heat coursing through me. Lost in him, lost in the moment, the shrill ringing of my phone cut through the haze.We both froze, panting, tangled into each other. That ringing was a real reality check, slicing through the passionate fog that had enveloped us."I should get that," I whispered, shaking, my voice barely audible.Clyde's eyes shadowed, reluctant, and he nodded, drawing back more and more slowly. I reached for my phone, which was buzzing insistently on the nightstand. My fingers shook a little as I picked it up and saw the number on the screen."It's the store," I said, still trying to get my breathing to even out. "I ordered something.Clyde watched me intently, his gaze never leaving my face as I answered the call. His presence was a constant, burning reminder of what we had just shared and what was

Violet's POVClyde's hands roamed over my skin, leaving behind streaks of heat from his touch. Gentle yet firm, they were touches full of reverence, sending my heart into somersaults. He cradled my face as his thumb traced slow, dead-set circles on my cheek while he kissed me deeply.I melted into him, my body responding to his every touch, every kiss. The barriers we had erected between us over the past weeks crumbled, leaving nothing but raw emotion and desire. His lips moved from mine, trailing down my neck, leaving a path of heat that made me shiver despite the warmth of the water cascading over us.Clyde's hands slid down my shoulders, brushing over my arms, his fingertips lingering at my waist. His touch was electrifying, sending ripples of pleasure through me. He drew me closer, his body pressed against mine, his heart pounding in rhythm with my own."Violet," he whispered, his voice a mix of need and tenderness, "you drive me crazy."His name was breathed as my hands found the

Violet's POVThe day drained me, so I wanted some time out for myself. My head is muddled-a tangle of confusion-at everything happening between Clyde and me. One thought of Clyde's lips clutched, one moment of them embracing as the whole world seems to cease right outside, remains so vivid, not quite willing to vacate.I entered my room, shut the door, and leaned on it until I heard a gentle click. With my body leaned against it, I breathed slowly, my hands shaking to settle this sea of feelings rushing inside. I needed some clearing of the mind, This was not supposed to blur the edges, this arrangement with Clyde, but already, it had.I went to the dresser, pulling out a fresh towel as I headed to the bathroom. A hot shower was just what I needed to relax, to wash away the tension built up throughout the day. I stepped into the bathroom, letting the steam fill the space as the water warmed up. The soft sound of the water hitting the tiles was soothing, like a lullaby, coaxing my thou

Violet’s POVThe tension in the West estate seemed to ease after the explosive family meeting, but Violet couldn’t shake the feeling that the peace was temporary. Tony’s parting words echoed in her mind like a warning, but Clyde remained calm, his unwavering confidence both reassuring and intimidating.Days passed, and weeks started to go by; quite naturally, Violet took on her role as Clyde's sister-a role she never thought she would be able to accept so easily. Yet, the more time she spent with him, the harder it became to ignore the growing connection between them-one that had nothing to do with their fabricated sibling bond.One evening, Clyde invited her to a gala the West family would host to raise funds for their charity organization. "It's vital that you're there," he told her, thrusting a beautiful navy blue gown in her direction.Violet hesitated, looking a little fearful. "I don't think I am ready for this. What if anyone asks questions I can't answer?"Clyde smiled blandly

Chapter 7: Shadows of BetrayalViolet's POVThe West estate had grown eerily silent in the past few days, but Violet could feel the storm brewing. Clyde's insistence that she remain calm despite Tony, Sharon, and Eva's scheming was wearing thin. The weight of the lies they were both carrying had turned into a ticking time bomb, and Violet knew it was only a matter of time before it all exploded.She sat on the patio overlooking the expansive gardens and sipped tea, feigning to read a book. Clyde had gone to the hospital to visit his father, leaving her alone to fend off Sharon and Eva's thinly veiled insults. Yet, it wasn't Sharon or Eva that was the biggest of her worries; it was Tony.Tony was relentless, his hatred for her new life blinding him. Every interaction with him left her uneasy, like he knew something she didn't.As night fell, Violet made her way down the grand staircase to dinner when she heard muffled voices in the parlor. She drew closer and felt her heart race with t

The moment after Clyde had made the announcement publicly, the tension within the office had been unendurable. I could feel the employees' gaze at me while I walked down the hall, their whispers cloaked. It wasn't just my suddenly revealed identity that had captured the attention of all of them; it was the aftermath.The very next morning, Tony was called into Clyde's office. Though I wasn't privy to the conversation, the aftermath was loud enough for the entire floor to hear. "You can't do this to me!" Tony's voice thundered from behind the closed door. "I've been loyal to this company!Clyde's calm, measured reply cut through Tony's tirade. "Loyalty is not about coming to work, Tony; it's about respect, and you clearly lack that. Security will escort you out.The door sprang open a minute later and out stormed Tony, his face beet-red with rage. His poor fiancée trailed after him, her face bright red with embarrassment. I kept my head down, pretending interest in the folder that Cl