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
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
Backstage, the energy was just as electrifying as it was out front.The sound of the music, the murmur of models getting last minute touch ups, and the rustling of extravagant fabric filled the space.Sarah and Alexander stepped into the room, the tension of the event pressing against their backs but doing nothing to dull the air of control they carried.Alexander, now dressed in a crisp white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up just enough to show off the lean muscles of his forearms, exuded effortless charm, while Sarah, always a picture of quiet dominance, swept her gaze across the room, assessing everything with the precision of someone who owned the moment.Raven stood near a full length mirror, arms crossed, exasperation written all over her face as she shot an unimpressed look at Seb."For the last time, Sebastian, you need to take this seriously," she scolded, placing a hand on her hip. "This isn’t some casual strut down a nightclub aisle."Seb scoffed, running a hand through his t
The sight of Sarah so comfortable, so effortlessly belonging in a room filled with power and status made Victoria’s fingers curl around her champagne glass.“This isn’t fair,” she muttered under her breath, her jaw tight.Cecilia, however, was too distracted to focus on Sarah’s moment of victory.Her mind was on something else.Something far worseThe video.Her breathing was slightly uneven, her grip trembling as she downed her drink in one go. The thought of Sarah having that kind of power over her was suffocating. If that video ever got out...Victoria noticed her distress and placed a hand over hers. “You need to get a grip,” she hissed. “We’ll deal with this later.”Before Cecilia could respond, the lights in the venue dimmed, signaling the start of the event.A hush fell over the audience.A single spotlight illuminated the stage, and soon, the MC stepped forward, holding a sleek microphone in hand.“Ladies and gentlemen,” her voice rang out, confident and smooth, “welcome to a
The grand showroom was already buzzing with anticipation. Conversations flowed, champagne flutes clinked, and the venue brimmed with some of the most influential figures in the industry.The fashion elites, billionaires, and dignitaries from the jewelry world were all present, waiting for the show to begin. The air was thick with curiosity and excitement.Then, the main doors to the venue swept open.For a brief moment, everything seemed to pause.Alexander Blake had arrived.He stepped in first, effortlessly commanding attention despite not making a grand gesture. His presence alone was magnetic. Dressed in a finely tailored black velvet tuxedo, his broad shoulders and sharp features only accentuated his natural dominance.The subtle but undeniable aura of power that surrounded him made every man in the room straighten their backs, and every woman steal a second glance.Yet, for all the admiration and envy directed at him, Alexander’s gaze wasn’t on the crowd.It was on the woman bes
Elise, comfortably seated in the VIP section, felt her confidence waver for the first time that evening. Her hands clutched the armrest of her seat as she watched the living legend walk in.Meanwhile, Victoria and Cecilia, stuck in the regular section, were rendered speechless.Cecilia, who had been sipping on her cocktail with a detached air, almost dropped the glass. "You’ve got to be kidding me," she muttered under her breath.Victoria swallowed, shifting in her seat. "Margaret Windsor? Here? Of all places?"Neither of them had expected this. Margaret was known for being selective with the events she attended, and her appearance tonight elevated the Mountain Rose Showroom to a whole new level of prestige.The murmurs grew louder as people craned their necks to get a better look at the woman who had shaped the modern jewelry industry.And as she made her way toward the VVIP section, Liam Carrington stood out of respect, offering her a nod. Margaret acknowledged him with a slight smi