Evelyn Carter has always been the obedient daughter, sacrificing her dreams to keep her family afloat. But when her father strikes a desperate deal with the ruthless billionaire Adrian Blackwood, her life spirals out of her control. Trapped in an arranged marriage with a man as cold as the towering empire he rules, Evelyn must navigate a world of luxury, secrets, and hidden agendas. Adrian Blackwood has one goal: revenge. Marrying Evelyn is just a calculated move in his plan to destroy the man who ruined his family. Yet, Evelyn’s quiet strength and unyielding kindness begin to unravel the walls he’s spent years building. But Adrian isn’t the only one hiding secrets. As Evelyn digs into the past, she uncovers dangerous truths about her father, Adrian’s enemies, and a shadowy crime syndicate that threatens to destroy them both. Torn between duty and desire, betrayal and redemption, Evelyn and Adrian must decide if their fragile bond is worth risking everything—or if love is a luxury they can’t afford.
더 보기Evelyn's Pov.I couldn't go with Adrian to the office, as I was swarmed with more informations to unearth and other syndicates to expose.I was backing off from Victoria's case for now, since he said he had it under his control. My fingers halted on the keys I was about to press as I recollected the look Adrian gave me yesterday at his office.The desire in his eyes, I wondered what was running through his mind, I have never been claustrophobic but in that moment it felt like the walls were closing in on me.But as always he controlled himself, before leaving for another meeting.I joggled my head focusing on the task I should be doing, Adrian probably wasn't even thinking about me.After hours of scouring the internet, I stumbled upon a publication that was aired yesterday. It was meant to be top secret but with the help of Adrian's strong web developers, I am able to have access to some informations on the dark web.It was about a meeting with lots of loaded men and women in attenda
Evelyn's Pov.Michael stood up, " Are you even listening to yourself. If you claim you were scammed why isn't there any report to confirm, Victoria. You're the real conniving bitch here", He bellowed.The air was harsh against my skin, the scent of expensive perfumes mingling with the tension filling the air, it all felt conflicting."That's enough. Evans please escort her out of here and ensure to inform the security never to let her in again", Adrian said.My shoulders bunched in annoyance at the words coming out of Adrian's mouth."Adrian you are making a big mistake by letting her go again", Michael warned." Just take her away", He gestured towards Victoria. He ignored Michael's warning and I felt livid. What kind of mistake was he letting himself make again?.I wanted to speak to him, to change his mind, but I stopped once I saw the deadset look in his eyes.What was the essence of digging up a crime just to let the person go so easily. I felt enraged as I recollected Victoria'
Evelyn's Pov." You're going to give a detailed analysis of the financial records of the boutique you're heading", he ordered.Victoria tenses whipping her head to look at Adrian as her mouth parted in shock." Analysis?", She questioned. Her perfectly arched brows wrinkled as she blinked in disbelief. Everybody watched her, the silence in the room almost deafening." Yes. You know very well that reports like that come up once in a while. Besides I haven't asked for a report from you for the past four years ", he said. " You should have told me before, I didn't prepare anything", She drawled passing warning glare at anyone who dared to look at her. I looked at Adrian, observing his cool and collected poise. I still didn't understand what he planned to do to her." Doesn't matter", He shrugged. " Pick up your system and do a quick rundown of the financial records, that's all. Stop stalling "."Adrian ", She whispered fluttering her fake lashes at him. " Can we talk outside quickly?".
Evelyn's Pov."You're a coward".My words stopped him in his tracks and I inhaled sharply." What did you just say?", His nostrils flared."Let me help you", I repeated." Stop running", I added.I could see the conflict in his eyes, his silent battle with trust."I'm not doing this with you", he turned back to the door."Let me help you, Adrian. I'm not going to stop trying", I said.He halted and I closed the distance between us resting my hand on his shoulder, he spun around and I shrieked as he slammed his lips on mine. Keeping me locked in a kiss filled with so much uninhibited passion, I felt like I would pass out.My hands pressed against his firm chest, but I couldn't push him off, not when his tongue sent a feverish sensation down my spine. He suddenly stopped kissing me and cradled my face looking me dead in the eye." You keep messing with my mind that I'm resulting to drinking to keep myself sane but it only makes it worse", he said inhaling deeply. I watched him unable
Evelyn's Pov." Come with me, you're going to regret scheming with Michael again ", he huffed holding my wrist firmly dragging me as he walked to his room."What's going on?", I asked."You keep finding ways to make me livid", he barked." At least you can tell me what I did this time", I said."What happened to the phone I gave you, and don't even try to lie to me, Evelyn", He raised his voice making me tremble I fear. How did he know about that?. I felt terrified beyond words, Michael had promised Adrian's hackers wouldn't be able to trace the encrypted software.Mrs Greene appeared at the bottom of the stairs gazing worriedly at us. We were still at the entrance of his room and his grip was becoming increasingly painful."What's wrong?", She asked.Adrian groaned looking even more angry than before, " I'm talking to my wife, Mrs Greene. Go back to the kitchen ", He bellowed." Adrian?", I blinked shocked by his rude tone." Get in the room now ", He shouted. I blinked back my tea
Evelyn's Pov." Adrian still needs something concrete to pin down Richard Carter and expose his hidden agenda, that's what I've placed in your hands", he divulged." Okay", I whispered. I felt like the weight on my shoulders had doubled." Adrian has strong hackers available to trace any suspicious device within the premises. So I've provided encrypted softwares to conceal every information you gather until you're ready to show him", he relayed." Thank you Michael. It's all just so overwhelming, but I really appreciate your help ", I said. The pressure was too much, but my determination kept me headstrong." Don't mention it, Evelyn. I'll call you back later", He said before ending the call.I would finally be able to uncover the truth about my father's dealing to ensure my family was safe. My family, funny how I was beginning to see Adrian as family despite our complicated relationship.I opened the laptop smiling at the sticky note on the keypad, that revealed a password that happe
Evelyn's Pov.I stood at the garden watching as the gardener snipped off excess growth on the Bougainvillea shrubs. The tempered wind blew the trees fiercely, the gardener worked regardless.I watched him distracted by my own thoughts, I felt more like the wind right now.I felt my phone vibrating in the pocket of my short, I moved to a shade after seeing Michael's name on the screen."Hello"."I saw your message, I was busy with work", he explained." I really needed someone to share my thoughts with. Adrian doesn't listen to me. And I don't want to burden Mrs Greene with these heartbreaking news about my father", I told him."What's wrong?", He asked.The wind was a bit still now but the clouds were dark and heavy with rain." Would you believe if I said he didn't even deny it when I brought up the things he did he did to your family."" Honestly, I believe you. He is twisted in the head. Sometimes, whenever I think about, I feel like he deserves whatever Adrian has planned for him.
Evelyn's Pov.I shrugged, " I don't know. You asked me to stay in your room for a reason, and I won't leave until I have a valid reason to".He turned his head to the left observing me with caution."Do I have something on my face?", I said feeling self-conscious." No", he said looking away from me to focus on the plate of chicken à la king. The savoury smell waters my mouth."I got a call from your father, he said he wants to see you", he stated.I dropped my cultery squinting at him, "Why?", I probed." How am I supposed to know?. I wondered why he didn't speak to you directly ", he responded." I blacklisted him, Adrian. I was tired of his repeated threatening messages ", I clarified.He widened his eyes, " He is still your father, you know", he said." He treated me like an outcast, now that I know what the gravity of the evil he caused your family. I don't know who he is anymore", I confessed.I had kept my gaze on the wine in my cup, swirling the glass as I spoke but I looked u
Evelyn's Pov."I understand you might be feeling abashed", Joe cleared the thick tension in the car.I sat at the backseat, crossing my arms tightly over my chest. Stream of colours blurred the lights of the passing city as I stared out the window. Whirls of thoughts filled my mind about Adrian, I was livid but I tried to shove it aside. I had to ignore the nosy looks of people at the restaurant as I walked out with Joe, leaving Michael behind. I felt like a child caught doing something bad.And another major concern was Michael's clear explanation about the whole issue.There were so many pieces in this puzzle I was trying to figure out, so I couldn't afford to lose my composure."I understand you were only doing your job, Joe", I said. His expression was guarded, when he had walked up to me at the restaurant to relay Adrian's order to bring me back home. He looked reluctant, it was clear he was still on the edge of being caught in the crossfire between Adrian and I.As we got to t
Evelyn’s PovThe laughter of Manhattan’s elite echoed through the gilded ballroom, a cascade of crystal chandeliers casting a glow so blinding it almost felt artificial. I stood near the edge of the room, clutching a glass of champagne I had no intention of drinking. Around me, women in designer gowns and men in tailored suits moved seamlessly through a world I barely understood.This wasn’t my world. It never had been.“Smile, Evelyn,” my father hissed under his breath, his hand pressing against the small of my back. “You look like you don’t belong here.”His words stung, but I obeyed, forcing the corners of my lips to lift into a strained smile. I didn’t belong here, and he knew it. This wasn’t just a high-society engagement party—it was an auction, and I was the prize being quietly bid on.I glanced across the room, my gaze landing on him. Adrian Blackwood. The man my father had whispered about for weeks, the man who held the fate of our family in his hands.He stood near the grand...
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