Novels by Maryqueen

Alexa walked through the villa hallways, her thoughts swirling as she headed to Miss Yvonne’s room. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around Julian’s recent kindness. He had been cold and distant at first, a man with walls so high she doubted anyone could climb them. But lately, he had surprised her—not just with his words, but with his actions. Why is he being so kind? she wondered. A small, unfamiliar warmth stirred in her chest. It was strange, almost unsettling, to be treated with such consideration. Her thoughts shifted to Marcus, and the warmth quickly dissipated. She shuddered as memories of his cruel words and punishing threats surfaced. Marcus had always used her like a pawn, reminding her that she was expendable, dispensable. The bruises he left weren’t always physical, but they hurt just the same. Alexa clenched her fists. Marcus will find out I’ve failed him. Her chest tightened at the thought. The stolen jewelry hidden in her room and the misplaced hearing aid loomed

Julian adjusted the crisp collar of his tailored navy suit, the sheen of the Italian fabric catching the morning light streaming through the villa windows. A pristine white shirt complemented the ensemble, with a deep crimson tie adding a bold accent. His polished black Oxford shoes clicked softly on the marble floor as he crossed the room. Theo entered without knocking, as was his custom, holding a leather-bound planner. "Your schedule for today, sir," he began. "You'll be meeting with the investigator again. This time, not here but at a private location, as arranged." Julian nodded, his sharp eyes focused on Theo, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He was replaying fragments of the cryptic words Dr. Patel had shared with him the day before: "The answers you’re looking for aren’t just hers—they might be yours, too." A knock at the door pulled him from his reverie, and Alexa entered, a delicate tray balanced in her hands. Her smile was hesitant, her movements precise as she appr

Theo's jaw tightened as he observed Julian and Alexa from a distance. His boss, usually aloof and exacting, was suddenly warm and accommodating to the new maid. It didn’t make sense. Something about the way Julian looked at her, spoke to her—it unsettled Theo in ways he couldn’t explain.His fingers brushed the edge of his earpiece, his voice sharp and low. "Derrick, meet me in the east corridor. Now."Moments later, Derrick appeared, his expression calm but curious. "Yes, sir?"Theo leaned in slightly, his voice dropping further. "Keep an eye on Alexa," he ordered. "Discreetly. And make sure Julian doesn’t catch wind of it."Derrick’s eyebrows lifted, a flicker of surprise breaking through his composed demeanor. "The maid?" he asked, though he quickly schooled his features and nodded. "Understood."Without another word, Derrick turned on his heel and strode away, leaving Theo alone. His eyes darkened as they tracked back to Julian and Alexa. Who are you really, Alexa? he thought. The

Alexa's eyes widened in surprise at Julian’s unexpected words. Can he really be her friend? She hadn’t expected kindness from him, especially after everything that had just happened. Her cheeks flushed as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Y-yes."A genuine smile spread across Julian's face, and he gently squeezed her hands. "I'm glad," he said, his eyes crinkling with warmth, softening the intensity she had always associated with him.They both stood up, and Julian led her out of the room. With every step, a surprising sense of ease washed over Alexa. She couldn’t believe it—this was Julian, the man who had once intimidated her, now offering his kindness so effortlessly.As they entered the living room, Miss Yvonne looked up from her book, a surprised expression crossing her face. "Alexa, dear, how are you feeling?" Her voice was filled with concern.A grateful smile tugged at Alexa's lips. "I’m feeling better, thank you, Miss Yvonne," she replied, her voice steadier than befor

Marcus's Underground LairMarcus paced the dimly lit room, his anger simmering just below the surface. The hearing bud lay silent, its connection severed. His attempts to reach Alexa had failed, and the silence gnawed at him. With a sharp motion, he swept the bottles off the table, sending them crashing to the floor. "You conniving idiot," he snarled, his voice venomous. "Is this what you’ve been plotting all along?" Turning sharply, he barked, "Nelson! Disconnect the hearing bud and any other links to the lair. Now." Nelson sprang into action, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Yes, sir. Cutting off all connections. The device will be useless now—just a shell with no traceable records." Satisfied, Marcus stormed into another room. Inside, monitors glowed in the darkness as one of his men worked diligently. "I’ve tracked his movements, sir," the man reported without looking up. "No suspicious activity yet, but we’re keeping close tabs." Marcus's lips curled into a grim

Marcus's Underground LairMarcus paced the dimly lit room, his anger simmering just below the surface. The hearing bud lay silent, its connection severed. His attempts to reach Alexa had failed, and the silence gnawed at him. With a sharp motion, he swept the bottles off the table, sending them crashing to the floor. "You conniving idiot," he snarled, his voice venomous. "Is this what you’ve been plotting all along?" Turning sharply, he barked, "Nelson! Disconnect the hearing bud and any other links to the lair. Now." Nelson sprang into action, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Yes, sir. Cutting off all connections. The device will be useless now—just a shell with no traceable records." Satisfied, Marcus stormed into another room. Inside, monitors glowed in the darkness as one of his men worked diligently. "I’ve tracked his movements, sir," the man reported without looking up. "No suspicious activity yet, but we’re keeping close tabs." Marcus's lips curled into a grim