LOGINShare
Chapter 5
Last Updated:
2025-02-06 21:28:06Once Ama stepped into the hall, her breath caught in her throat. She was completely captivated by the grandeur of the room. Never before had she encountered such opulence, and she was certain she didn't belong here.
The hall radiated elegance, with high ceilings draped in pristine white fabric and crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over polished marble floors. Tables dressed in crisp white linens, adorned with golden candleholders and velvet chairs, demanded attention. A stage at the far end awaited the orchestra. The air hummed with conversation and music, while fresh flowers contributed a luxurious touch, creating a sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere.
Staff in sharply tailored black and white outfits glided through the crowd, offering food and glasses of various wines. Some circulated among the guests, while others stood aside, ready to assist. Ama realized she was lingering at the entrance when one server shot her a questioning glance. Straightening her shoulders, she moved boldly deeper into the room, determined to blend in seamlessly.
She picked up a champagne flute from a nearby server, a woman who greeted her with grace. Ama scanned the room for the purpose of her attendance, but when she didn’t find it, she resolved to wait for it to reveal itself later.
The soft murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the gentle classical strains from the orchestra enveloped her, setting the tone for an extraordinary evening.
Approaching the art display, Ama took her time, matching the effort of those around her as she studied each piece for a few minutes. Although art wasn’t her forte, she maintained an air of intrigue.
“It’s a captivating piece, isn’t it?” a deep voice beside her remarked.
Ama turned, ready to contribute something insightful, but her mind momentarily blanked. “I wouldn’t know; I’ve never been an art enthusiast,” she replied, tilting her head to examine the painting.
The man chuckled softly, which snapped her focus back to him. “That explains the puzzled expression you’ve worn while studying the other paintings,” he observed, an unexpected boldness in his gaze.
The man looked like he was in his late 20's or early 30’s, he commanded attention with a quiet, undeniable confidence. His dark hair was effortlessly tousled, and his tailored suit was a flawless fit—elegant, sharp, and expensive. A gold watch gleamed subtly beneath his cuff, and his polished shoes struck the marble floor with purpose.
Ama was fully aware that she stood before one of the city's elites.
His eyes were intense, he looked like he was used to always being in control. There was no mistaking his maturity, built through decisive moves and relentless ambition. He wasn’t just part of the world; he shaped it.
“You were watching me?” she asked, disbelief mingled with curiosity.
“It’s hard not to; you’re quite compelling,” he said, his eyes roaming over her with clear interest.
Ama smiled, choosing to focus on the painting again. “Feel free to admire me from a distance, then,” she said, maintaining her playful banter while keeping her gaze fixed ahead.
“That would be a pity. I’ve always thought beautiful things deserve close examination,” he retorted, a charming smile playing on his lips.
Realizing he was flirting with her—something she found appealing—Ama decided to match him wit for wit. “The painting certainly has its allure; I can see why you might want a closer look at it,” she shot back, allowing a small smirk to escape.
His laughter echoed in the air, and she felt a surge of confidence as she noticed she could make him laugh.
“You're quite amusing, Miss…?” he prompted, clearly eager to know her name.
“Thank you. I’ve heard that often,” she replied coyly, yet she wasn’t ready to give him her identity just yet.
They both fell silent, engrossed in the painting for a moment longer until he broke the stillness. “Would you be my date for the gala?” he asked, his gaze still lingering on the artwork.
Was he serious? Asking her to be his date when they had only just met? Ama turned slightly, poised to decline, but before she could speak, a young girl barged into their space, redirecting her attention.
“Sebastian, I’ve been searching for you everywhere! How could you just disappear like that? And why isn’t Gray here yet? I’m going mad over here! How could you do this to me?” the girl exclaimed.
Sebastian Blackwood. Ama felt a rush of disbelief—she had been conversing with none other than Sebastian Blackwood. The girl must be important to him, possibly a sibling or close friend, perhaps too young to be a partner.
“Calm down, Emma. You’re overreacting,” Sebastian responded, attempting to ease her distress.
“Overreacting? No, Seb, this is the perfect reaction when your father turns your first art exhibition into his own publicity stunt!” Emma retorted, her voice rising.
Ama felt unwittingly caught in the middle of their dynamic. She cleared her throat to reassert her presence, ensuring they acknowledged her.
Emma turned to her, surprise flashing across her face. “I’m sorry; we were in the middle of a conversation. I can tell you about the piece later,” she said and pivoted back to her brother, ready to continue.
“I was having a conversation with her before you interrupted, Emma,” Sebastian said, his frustration evident at his sister's lack of manners.
Emma quickly redirected her attention to Ama, embarrassment softening her expression. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize! I’m really sorry for sounding like a brat just now,” she said, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.
“By the way, I’m Emma Blackwood,” she said, extending her hand.
Ama took control of the moment, “I'm Ama West.”
“Wow, we have similar names; that's exciting!” Emma exclaimed, enthusiasm lighting up her expression.
“Emma, I need a moment with the young Miss,” Sebastian stated firmly, his gaze directed at Ama. “I’ll be with you shortly.”
Emma glanced between her brother and Ama, processing the situation.
“Fine, I’ll see if I can reach Gray. I just can’t comprehend how he could choose to abandon me like this,” Emma replied, her frustration evident.
As she turned to leave, she glanced back at Ama. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Ama. I hope to see you around more,” she said, her voice trailing off as she continued to voice her grievances about her brothers.
“I just met my baby sister,” Sebastian remarked, drawing Ama’s attention back to him.
“She certainly has a vibrant personality,” Ama replied, a confident smile gracing her lips.
“She really does,” he agreed, returning her smile with genuine appreciation.
“Now, about the response you were about to give me before the interruption,” Sebastian prompted, his expression curious.
Initially, Ama had intended to reject his offer, but now that she was aware of his identity as Sebastian Blackwood, her perspective had shifted.
“Yes, I’d love to be your date,” she declared, her smile confident.
Sebastian’s face lit up with pleasure at her affirmation. He extended his hand, which she took without hesitation, and together they strode toward the VIP table in the room.
Related chapters
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 6
They approached one of the VIP tables that remained empty, as some guests were still admiring the art, likely deciding which pieces to bid on.Sebastian pulled out the chair closest to the one marked with his name card.“Do we really have to sit down now? It looks like the auction won’t start anytime soon,” she challenged, trying to buy time to find the necklace.“It will begin shortly,” Sebastian replied, taking his seat.She nodded, conceding his point.Sebastian pulled out his phone and began scrolling through it.Ama was taken aback; she expected him to engage her in conversation. Is this what it’s like to be someone's date at a high-profile event? Just sitting in silence beside them?Determined to break the silence, she was interrupted by a commotion from a nearby table.“What do you mean this is my table?” a woman screamed at one of the event staff.The woman, dressed in a gold sleeveless dress with dark blonde hair swept back in a ponytail, was making quite the scene.“I’m sorr
Last Updated : 2025-02-10A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 7
Grayson glanced down at the determined brown-haired woman who had just collided with him. He recognized her from the diner a few days prior, and she happened to be his brother's date tonight.She wore a striking red dress, the slit running up to her knee, showcasing her long legs. The deep v-neck hinted at allure without crossing the line into inappropriate territory. It was a simple dress, yet it exuded confidence and elegance.“Sorry I didn't see you there,” she said, finally finding her voice.“Clearly,” Grayson replied, his annoyance evident.His mood had already soured after a discussion with one of the men he had sent to investigate the incident from his last trip. They had turned up nothing about the man who had tried to kill him; it was as if the guy had vanished into thin air.“Well, I should head back to the hall,” she said, avoiding his gaze.Just as she attempted to step away, he called out, “You know who I am, right?”“What,” she stammered, clearly struggling to conjure a
Last Updated : 2025-02-11A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 8
Ama stepped out of the hall, forcing her feet to move calmly despite the frantic pounding of her heart. She had spun a hasty excuse for Sebastian, claiming an emergency had come up that required her to leave. Now, she made her way toward the back room where the auction items were stored—a secret she had stumbled upon when she was trying to find her way back. She had witnessed men carefully placing art pieces inside, their manager overseeing the operation with a watchful eye. As she lingered unnoticed, a sense of purpose washed over her. She recalled the breathtaking necklace from the film Mr. Reynolds had shown her; it had been mesmerizing on screen, but in reality, it was simply stunning.Glancing over her shoulder, Ama ensured no one was approaching and slipped inside the dimly lit room. The gravity of her actions hit her hard. She hadn’t thought this through—what was her plan? Peering from her hiding spot, she spotted a lone man in the room. A relieved sigh escaped her lips; she
Last Updated : 2025-02-14A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 9
Ama lay in bed that night, her mind racing as she replayed the events of the evening—how she had effectively dug her own grave. Grayson’s words echoed in her ears; she was to become both a servant in his family’s home and his personal spy. It was a grim choice: comply or face a perilous end. The thought of leaving her sister, Olivia, alone in this world chilled her to the bone. Their mother was barely capable of caring for herself, let alone caring for Olivia.Still, the thought of abandoning Olivia without a steady income gnawed at her conscience. So, with a heavy heart, she had agreed to Grayson’s terms, securing his promise to send her weekly wages to her sister. Because that had been the reason for her desperate theft of the necklace in the first place. To her surprise, Grayson had readily acquiesced, his agreement hanging in the air like an unexpected lifeline. Afterward, he had let her leave, assuring her that they would meet again soon. Ama couldn't quite grasp why he had simp
Last Updated : 2025-02-15A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 10
They pulled into the Blackwood mansion, and as Ama stepped out of the car, she noticed Liam waiting for her by the door. He offered a reassuring smile as he escorted her inside, while Chadwick quietly made his way in a different direction.As Ama stepped inside, she felt a wave of unfamiliarity wash over her. The grand decorations from the previous night had disappeared, replaced by a stark, empty hall. The tables, chairs, and stage were all gone, leaving just a vast and plain space that felt overwhelmingly bare.An older woman approached them, and Liam introduced her as the head maid responsible for Ama. Something was commanding about the woman, but Ama hoped that she would also be approachable.After handing Ama over to Madame Rachel, Liam's departure left her feeling oddly solitary, even with the presence of an established figure by her side.“From now on, you will address me as Madame Rachel,” the woman instructed, her tone leaving little room for argument. “I expect you to listen
Last Updated : 2025-02-17A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 1
"You want me to steal from the Blackwoods!” Ama exclaimed, disbelief coursing through her. It felt like a death sentence.Mr. Reynolds was a bald-headed man, and his strained face clearly revealed his age.“Oh, come on, Miss West. You're acting as if you haven't done worse.” Mr. Reynolds replied confidently from behind his large black desk.“Are you serious? The Blackwoods are one of the most dangerous families in town. I can’t even begin to imagine the consequences if I get caught.”Mr. Reynolds relaxed in his chair, unfazed, gazing at her with an utterly unemotional expression. “Well, it’s not like you’re planning to get caught, Miss West,” he said, tilting his head slightly.Ama exhaled sharply. “I really thought this wouldn't be a big deal for you, considering the other things you've done for me.”She was appalled that he was using her past jobs against her, especially after he had introduced her to this lifestyle when she was at her lowest and desperately needed some money.“I
Last Updated : 2025-02-06A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 2
Ama was contemplating an effective way to gain access to the Blackwoods mansion. Mr. Reynolds had already given her a file containing everything she needed to know about the family, and she had spent all of last night reviewing it and conducting her own research.The Blackwoods came from old money, which they gained from their construction business, and talent for creating unique art pieces. Which have aided them in their money laundering.Mr. Edward Blackwood, the current head of the family, was married to Violet Blackwood née Conner. Their marriage was not initially founded on love. When the Conner family found themselves in significant debt, the Blackwoods lent them a helping hand, leading to the arrangement of Violet's marriage to the Blackwood's eldest son.Edward and Violet Blackwood had three children who stood to inherit their father’s legacy: two sons and one daughter.The eldest son, Sebastian Blackwood, was the golden boy of the family, the one everyone cherished. He mainta
Last Updated : 2025-02-06A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 3
Grayson Blackwood has always been the formidable brother—fearless, unyielding, and willing to put it all on the line for his family. He never backed down from a mission and dealt swiftly with anyone who dared to threaten his loved ones or undermine their business.Today, he found himself downtown—a place he didn’t belong—trying to unravel the shocking truth from his last mission: someone within his own family wanted him dead.As he observed the waitress dropping their food at the table, he noticed immediately that it wasn’t the feisty brown-haired woman who had taken their order.“Do you need anything else?” asked the new waitress.But Grayson’s focus was locked on the counter, searching for the woman who had captured his attention.“How rude of her not to bring the food herself,” Chadwick remarked, shaking his head.“Come on, mate, aren’t you getting a bit obsessed with this girl?” Liam, seated beside him, joked.“Very funny,” Chadwick dismissed him with a gesture.“I believe that if
Last Updated : 2025-02-06
Latest chapter
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 10
They pulled into the Blackwood mansion, and as Ama stepped out of the car, she noticed Liam waiting for her by the door. He offered a reassuring smile as he escorted her inside, while Chadwick quietly made his way in a different direction.As Ama stepped inside, she felt a wave of unfamiliarity wash over her. The grand decorations from the previous night had disappeared, replaced by a stark, empty hall. The tables, chairs, and stage were all gone, leaving just a vast and plain space that felt overwhelmingly bare.An older woman approached them, and Liam introduced her as the head maid responsible for Ama. Something was commanding about the woman, but Ama hoped that she would also be approachable.After handing Ama over to Madame Rachel, Liam's departure left her feeling oddly solitary, even with the presence of an established figure by her side.“From now on, you will address me as Madame Rachel,” the woman instructed, her tone leaving little room for argument. “I expect you to listen
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 9
Ama lay in bed that night, her mind racing as she replayed the events of the evening—how she had effectively dug her own grave. Grayson’s words echoed in her ears; she was to become both a servant in his family’s home and his personal spy. It was a grim choice: comply or face a perilous end. The thought of leaving her sister, Olivia, alone in this world chilled her to the bone. Their mother was barely capable of caring for herself, let alone caring for Olivia.Still, the thought of abandoning Olivia without a steady income gnawed at her conscience. So, with a heavy heart, she had agreed to Grayson’s terms, securing his promise to send her weekly wages to her sister. Because that had been the reason for her desperate theft of the necklace in the first place. To her surprise, Grayson had readily acquiesced, his agreement hanging in the air like an unexpected lifeline. Afterward, he had let her leave, assuring her that they would meet again soon. Ama couldn't quite grasp why he had simp
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 8
Ama stepped out of the hall, forcing her feet to move calmly despite the frantic pounding of her heart. She had spun a hasty excuse for Sebastian, claiming an emergency had come up that required her to leave. Now, she made her way toward the back room where the auction items were stored—a secret she had stumbled upon when she was trying to find her way back. She had witnessed men carefully placing art pieces inside, their manager overseeing the operation with a watchful eye. As she lingered unnoticed, a sense of purpose washed over her. She recalled the breathtaking necklace from the film Mr. Reynolds had shown her; it had been mesmerizing on screen, but in reality, it was simply stunning.Glancing over her shoulder, Ama ensured no one was approaching and slipped inside the dimly lit room. The gravity of her actions hit her hard. She hadn’t thought this through—what was her plan? Peering from her hiding spot, she spotted a lone man in the room. A relieved sigh escaped her lips; she
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 7
Grayson glanced down at the determined brown-haired woman who had just collided with him. He recognized her from the diner a few days prior, and she happened to be his brother's date tonight.She wore a striking red dress, the slit running up to her knee, showcasing her long legs. The deep v-neck hinted at allure without crossing the line into inappropriate territory. It was a simple dress, yet it exuded confidence and elegance.“Sorry I didn't see you there,” she said, finally finding her voice.“Clearly,” Grayson replied, his annoyance evident.His mood had already soured after a discussion with one of the men he had sent to investigate the incident from his last trip. They had turned up nothing about the man who had tried to kill him; it was as if the guy had vanished into thin air.“Well, I should head back to the hall,” she said, avoiding his gaze.Just as she attempted to step away, he called out, “You know who I am, right?”“What,” she stammered, clearly struggling to conjure a
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 6
They approached one of the VIP tables that remained empty, as some guests were still admiring the art, likely deciding which pieces to bid on.Sebastian pulled out the chair closest to the one marked with his name card.“Do we really have to sit down now? It looks like the auction won’t start anytime soon,” she challenged, trying to buy time to find the necklace.“It will begin shortly,” Sebastian replied, taking his seat.She nodded, conceding his point.Sebastian pulled out his phone and began scrolling through it.Ama was taken aback; she expected him to engage her in conversation. Is this what it’s like to be someone's date at a high-profile event? Just sitting in silence beside them?Determined to break the silence, she was interrupted by a commotion from a nearby table.“What do you mean this is my table?” a woman screamed at one of the event staff.The woman, dressed in a gold sleeveless dress with dark blonde hair swept back in a ponytail, was making quite the scene.“I’m sorr
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 5
Once Ama stepped into the hall, her breath caught in her throat. She was completely captivated by the grandeur of the room. Never before had she encountered such opulence, and she was certain she didn't belong here.The hall radiated elegance, with high ceilings draped in pristine white fabric and crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over polished marble floors. Tables dressed in crisp white linens, adorned with golden candleholders and velvet chairs, demanded attention. A stage at the far end awaited the orchestra. The air hummed with conversation and music, while fresh flowers contributed a luxurious touch, creating a sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere.Staff in sharply tailored black and white outfits glided through the crowd, offering food and glasses of various wines. Some circulated among the guests, while others stood aside, ready to assist. Ama realized she was lingering at the entrance when one server shot her a questioning glance. Straightening her shoulders, she moved
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 4
"Don’t you think this is too much, Gracie?” Ama challenged as she faced herself in the full-length mirror.Standing confidently in the small dressing room of Gracie’s basement, she wore a striking gold floor-length dress adorned with glitter and feathers around the neckline.“You're heading to a party with a crowd of elites. No, it’s definitely not too much,” Gracie shot back, meeting Ama's gaze through the mirror.“I understand, but I refuse to be the center of attention,” Ama asserted, crossing her arms. “Honestly, I’d prefer if no one even noticed me.”Gracie rolled her eyes. “That’s just absurd. You get one shot to shine among the high and mighty, and you don’t want to look fabulous?” “Yes, Gracie, I don’t want to look like a prized doll,” Ama replied firmly, turning to face her friend head-on.Gracie hesitated, clearly wanting to argue but then chose to drop it. “Fine, I’ll find you something else,” she said, heading to the back room where she kept her collection of dresses.Ama
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 3
Grayson Blackwood has always been the formidable brother—fearless, unyielding, and willing to put it all on the line for his family. He never backed down from a mission and dealt swiftly with anyone who dared to threaten his loved ones or undermine their business.Today, he found himself downtown—a place he didn’t belong—trying to unravel the shocking truth from his last mission: someone within his own family wanted him dead.As he observed the waitress dropping their food at the table, he noticed immediately that it wasn’t the feisty brown-haired woman who had taken their order.“Do you need anything else?” asked the new waitress.But Grayson’s focus was locked on the counter, searching for the woman who had captured his attention.“How rude of her not to bring the food herself,” Chadwick remarked, shaking his head.“Come on, mate, aren’t you getting a bit obsessed with this girl?” Liam, seated beside him, joked.“Very funny,” Chadwick dismissed him with a gesture.“I believe that if
A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood Chapter 2
Ama was contemplating an effective way to gain access to the Blackwoods mansion. Mr. Reynolds had already given her a file containing everything she needed to know about the family, and she had spent all of last night reviewing it and conducting her own research.The Blackwoods came from old money, which they gained from their construction business, and talent for creating unique art pieces. Which have aided them in their money laundering.Mr. Edward Blackwood, the current head of the family, was married to Violet Blackwood née Conner. Their marriage was not initially founded on love. When the Conner family found themselves in significant debt, the Blackwoods lent them a helping hand, leading to the arrangement of Violet's marriage to the Blackwood's eldest son.Edward and Violet Blackwood had three children who stood to inherit their father’s legacy: two sons and one daughter.The eldest son, Sebastian Blackwood, was the golden boy of the family, the one everyone cherished. He mainta
