Alexander wheeled himself into the expansive CEO’s office, the room that had been his sanctuary, his command center.Sarah followed silently, her steps soft against the plush carpet.She could feel the weight of his frustration, the air thick with unspoken words.The office was as opulent as one might expect from a corporate giant like the Blake Group.Floor to ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline, and the furniture was sleek and modern, exuding an air of power. Yet, for all its grandeur, it now felt stifling to Alexander.He sighed heavily, rolling his chair to the large mahogany desk that dominated the room.Resting his elbows on the polished surface, he buried his face in his hands for a moment before straightening.“This place used to mean something to me,” he muttered. “Now it feels like a cage.”Sarah wanted to say something comforting, but before she could, the door opened. Alexander’s assistant, William, entered briskly, clutching a slim leather fold
The drive home was quieter than usual, the hum of the car a soothing backdrop to their conversation.Alexander gazed out of the window for a moment before speaking. “When I was sixteen, my grandfather passed away. He was the original founder of the Blake Group. His death hit my father hard, but it also left a gaping hole in the company’s leadership. My dad, Lawrence, stepped up, but he was more of an enforcer than a visionary. The board respected him, but they didn’t fear him.”Sarah listened intently, her usual playful demeanor replaced with genuine interest.“I was always close to my grandfather,” Alexander continued. “He taught me the ropes early on, how to negotiate, how to recognize talent, how to think ten steps ahead. When he died, I think a part of me felt responsible to carry on his legacy. So, I started working part time at the company during school breaks, absorbing everything I could.”“Were you the prodigy everyone claims you are?” Sarah teased gently.“Maybe,” he admitte
Alexander leaned back in his chair, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing as Sarah sat beside him.His piercing gaze settled on the mound of files stacked on the desk.“Sarah,” he said, his voice steady but laced with fatigue, “I need your help.”Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “With what? Sorting papers? Organizing chaos?”He smirked at her attempt at humor. “Rummaging through chaos, actually. I need to figure out what’s salvageable in the jewelry department.”Her expression grew serious. “You trust me with that?”He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “You’ve got an eye for design, Sarah. I’ve seen the way you analyze things, meticulous, thoughtful. Besides, you’re my personal assistant now, aren’t you?”She rolled her eyes playfully but nodded. “All right, where do I start?”He gestured toward a smaller stack of files on the left. “Start there. Look for anything that mentions past collaborations or high value clients. I need to know who we can still rely on.”Sar
The muffled sound of Alexander’s deep voice echoed from the study down the hall.Though his words were indistinct, the tone was sharp, commanding, a man locked in battle with forces trying to strip him of his legacy.Sarah could picture him there, seated at the massive oak desk, surrounded by the trappings of power and wealth, fighting to reclaim the position that was rightfully his.The thought tightened her chest with guilt.How could she keep this secret when he was confiding in her, asking for her partnership, trusting her to stand by his side?She shook her head, pushing the guilt aside.This isn’t betrayal. It’s... self preservation.The room felt colder as Sarah closed her laptop, her hands trembling slightly as she tucked it away.She stood and moved to the window, pulling back the heavy drapes.The garden outside was a silvered patchwork under the moonlight, its elegance marred by a faint chill that matched her mood.Her reflection in the glass caught her attention.She looke
The estate was silent, save for the faint hum of the night wind brushing against the windows.Alexander made his way through the hall, his movements slower than usual.As he approached the master bedroom, he hesitated, his hand resting on the doorknob.Am I doing this for her... or for me?The thought froze him for a moment, but then he pushed the door open quietly.The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room in a warm, golden light.Sarah was sprawled across the bed, her hair a dark halo against the white pillows.One hand clutched the edge of the blanket, and her face was turned slightly toward his side of the bed, as if she’d unconsciously sought his presence.Alexander wheeled closer, his movements careful to avoid waking her.She looked peaceful in sleep, the faintest curve of a smile on her lips.For a moment, he just watched her, his heart tightening in a way that was both foreign and achingly familiar.What is it about her?He had met countless women in his life, mo
At breakfast, the dining room was unusually quiet.The morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the elaborate spread prepared by the staff.Sarah sat across from Alexander, nervously fidgeting with her fork as the tension in the room became palpable.Alexander’s mother, Beatrice Blake, was seated at the head of the table, her sharp gaze flitting between her son and Sarah like a hawk circling its prey.She sipped her tea delicately, her composure as impeccable as ever, but the disdain in her posture was unmistakable.“Sarah,” Beatrice finally spoke, her tone clipped. “I trust you’ve had sufficient time to learn the responsibilities that come with being Alexander’s wife.”Sarah’s hand froze mid motion.She looked up, meeting Beatrice’s cool, assessing stare. “I’m doing my best,” she replied evenly, though her voice betrayed a hint of nervousness.Evelyn’s lips thinned. “Doing one’s best is admirable, of course. But this family requires excellence, not effo
The jewelry division was a stark contrast to the sleek, modern aesthetic of the rest of the Blake Group.The offices were filled with vibrant sketches, dazzling prototypes, and intricate displays of finished pieces.The air buzzed with creative energy, and Sarah immediately felt a spark of excitement.“Impressive, isn’t it?” Alexander said, watching her reaction.“It’s beautiful,” Sarah admitted, her eyes roaming over the displays.“Good. You’ll be spending more time here,” he said casually.She turned to him, surprised. “What do you mean?”“I mean, you’ll be helping me manage this division,” Alexander replied. “I trust your instincts.”Sarah stared at him, stunned. “You trust me? You barely know me.”“I know enough,” Alexander said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re my wife, and I’d rather rely on you than anyone else.”His words left her speechless.As they toured the department, Alexander explained his vision for elevating the jewelry division.Sarah listened intently,
That evening, Sarah sat in the spacious lounge of their estate, her sketchbook open on her lap.The pencil in her hand moved aimlessly, creating faint lines that didn’t form anything meaningful.Her mind was far from focused on design tonight.The guilt was beginning to creep in.She glanced over at Alexander, who was seated by the grand fireplace, a glass of whiskey in hand as he reviewed documents from his meeting.His sharp profile was illuminated by the flickering firelight, and he exuded an air of quiet authority.He deserves to know, Sarah thought.Her gaze shifted back to the sketchbook, where she had subconsciously begun to outline a design, a delicate mountain rose pendant with tiny, intricate petals. It was her signature, the hallmark of her secret identity.The Mountain Rose brand had been her escape, her sanctuary. It was the part of her that she’d built entirely on her own, without the influence of the Caldwells or the Blakes. But as the days passed, the secrecy weighed h
A famous editor from Lune Mode stepped into her path, clutching her designer clutch like it might fly away if she didn’t grip it hard enough. “Darling, that was revolutionary. I haven’t seen a collection that bold and sensual since Windsor’s early years. I must get the exclusive on your next line.”“I’m honored,” Sarah said, already sidestepping. “But for now, we’re committed to in house content through Blake Media Holdings.”Each answer was the same.Each decline delivered with grace.Each proposal deflected without arrogance, but with a poise that asserted her position clearly: She wasn’t desperate for the industry. The industry was desperate for her.And all the while, Alexander walked silently beside her.A quiet shadow to her shining light.He didn’t mind.In fact, he seemed... content. Every glance from the crowd, every stare of awe, every whisper that mentioned “Sarah” and “genius” and “how did we not see it before”, he took it in stride. His pride was personal. Private.And un
Sarah had built an empire in secret.Sarah had mastered the world they had assumed she was too weak to handle.Eleanor placed a trembling hand over her mouth, mourning the loss of the future they could have had.“If we had known,” she whispered, blinking back tears. “If we had known she had this potential…”If we had treated her differently.If we had fought for her.If we hadn’t cast her aside.The showroom had been electric, but now, as the event neared its conclusion, the air hummed with anticipation. Every guest, socialites, industry moguls, designers, and critics, sat at the edge of their seats, hanging onto the night’s final moments.The grand reveal had sent shockwaves through the fashion world. Sarah was Mountain Rose.And now, all eyes were on her.The MC, a well known fashion journalist, stepped forward, adjusting her mic with a knowing smile. “Ladies and gentlemen, before we close this unforgettable night, we believe it’s only right to hear from the woman who has shaken the
Cecilia let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh.It was short, almost bitter, before she clapped a hand over her mouth, as if she couldn’t believe the sound had come from her.Sarah? Sarah was behind Mountain Rose?The woman she had looked down on? The woman she had once mocked, dismissed as nothing more than an inconvenience in her pursuit of Alexander?Cecilia let the truth settle in her chest, and for the first time, she felt something other than resentment.She felt... understanding.This was why.This was why Alexander had never looked at her the same way again.Why he had stopped seeing her, stopped caring for her the way he once had.It wasn’t just because she had betrayed him.It wasn’t just because she had once been the woman meant to be by his side but had chosen herself over their engagement.It was because he had Sarah.And Sarah was everything.Cecilia’s fingers curled into the fabric of her dress as she exhaled slowly.The realization was almost... freeing.For so long, she
There was an unmistakable challenge in his tone, daring anyone to dispute it.Liam, who had been watching the exchange with quiet intensity, clenched his jaw. His fingers curled around the rim of his glass as he observed the way Alexander looked at Sarah, the quiet devotion in his eyes, the absolute certainty in his words.There was no denying it.Alexander Blake was in love with his wife.Liam exhaled slowly, schooling his features into a mask of indifference, but a flicker of something unreadable lingered in his gaze.Seb, standing further back, simply smiled, a rare, genuine one.Unlike Liam, he had long accepted that Sarah would never be his. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t be happy for her.He had always known she was extraordinary. Now, the rest of the world finally saw it too.As the applause resumed, this time stronger, unanimous, Sarah let out a slow breath.She had won.She had truly won.And as she met Beatrice’s furious, defeated glare, Sarah smiled, a slow, knowing curve
The entire room followed her gaze.The tension was a living thing, thick and suffocating, as realization began to dawn on the guests.“You see,” Beatrice continued, her lips curling into something resembling amusement, “this entire spectacle, this supposed ‘legacy of brilliance’, it’s the work of none other than Sarah.”The name hit the crowd like a dropped glass, shattering the carefully crafted atmosphere of admiration and intrigue.Sarah, standing frozen in place, met Beatrice’s gaze head on. She had expected sabotage. She had even anticipated drama. But she had not expected this level of public exposure, this deliberate act of humiliation staged before the most powerful individuals in the fashion world.“This woman,” Beatrice went on, her voice sharp, “who was fortunate enough to marry into the Blake family, has been deceiving us all. Parading in our world as if she belongs, as if she has earned this level of prestige. Tell me, Sarah...” she tilted her head with faux curiosity, “.
The energy in the room remained electric as guests continued to mingle, sip on champagne, and trade speculation about the mysterious force behind Mountain Rose.Sarah, however, was far too preoccupied to let the gossip faze her. Seated in the VVIP section beside her mentor, Margaret Windsor, and Liam Carrington, she allowed herself a moment of quiet satisfaction."I must say," Margaret began, her sharp eyes scanning the room with admiration, "you have played this game masterfully, Sarah. Even now, they’re all in a frenzy trying to figure out who’s behind this grand spectacle. Not one of them has guessed correctly."Sarah smiled, taking a slow sip of her champagne. "It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Too many people wanted to see me fail. I couldn’t afford to let my identity be known too soon."Liam chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "And yet, look at them now. Scrambling for answers, when the woman they’re all dying to uncover is sitting right under their noses."Margaret nodded a
Mrs. Beatrice Blake wasted no time. The moment Alexander stepped off the runway and into the luxurious VVIP lounge, she was already there, standing with a wine glass in hand, her expression composed yet sharp."Alexander," she called, her tone holding the perfect balance between curiosity and demand.He turned leisurely, as if he hadn’t just caused an uproar in one of the most prestigious fashion events of the year. He took his time, undoing the top button of his tailored suit, adjusting the exquisite brooch still pinned to his lapel.His mother didn’t even glance at the jewelry. Her focus was entirely on him."Why did you do it?" she asked smoothly, her voice low enough for only him to hear.Alexander smirked. "Do what, Mother?""You know what I mean," she snapped, keeping her tone controlled despite her growing frustration. "Why, in the name of everything logical, would you, Alexander Blake, walk on that runway? For Mountain Rose?”She took a deliberate sip of her wine before contin
Among them, Elise sat frozen, her carefully constructed confidence cracking.This wasn’t what she had expected.She had been so sure her designs would turn heads tonight, that she would steal the spotlight and bask in the admiration.But now?She wasn’t even an afterthought.Everything, the attention, the speculation, the whispers, was all about Mountain Rose.And worse?No one even knew who was behind it.Elise’s jaw clenched, her nails digging into her palm as she shot a sharp glance at Victoria and Cecilia, who looked just as shaken."We need to find out who the hell is running this brand," Victoria muttered under her breath, barely able to keep the venom out of her tone.Cecilia wasn’t listening.Her mind was spinning in another direction entirely.Because there was only one person she suspected.And if she was right, if Sarah was behind all of this, then this wasn’t just a victory.It was a message.A warning that she wasn’t done yet.That she was coming for them.And Cecilia was
Seb, aware of the chaos, allowed himself a leisurely glance at the audience, his eyes deliberately locking onto the ones who stared a little too hard, a little too long.Then, in the most sinfully taunting way possible, he let his smirk widen, dragging his tongue over his lower lip for just a second...A calculated, devastating move.The reaction was instant.Several gasps.Some audible giddy shrieks.A few not so discreet lip bites.One particularly bold woman in a crimson gown reached for her champagne glass, fingers trembling slightly as she whispered to her friend, "I need to have him."The raw, undeniable tension in the room was tangible.Seb knew it.He reveled in it.Because this?This was the effect he had.The moment he reached the end of the runway, he paused, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to let them ache for more.He stood there, under the bright spotlight, exuding dominance in a way that was effortless, natural.Then, with the same lazy arrogance, he lif