Sarah shifted slightly on Alexander's lap, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of his shirt.The intimacy of their position, her perched delicately on his lap while they sat in the quiet of his study, had eased some of the tension between them, but her curiosity gnawed at her.“Alexander,” she began softly, tilting her head to meet his gaze. “I’ve been meaning to ask… why did you bid so fiercely for the Mountain Rose jewelry? Especially when Blake Group already had Elise’s designs on display. Was it just business strategy?”His dark eyes held hers for a moment, searching, as if deciding how much of himself to reveal. Finally, he sighed, leaning back slightly, though his arms stayed firmly wrapped around her waist.“At first,” he admitted, “it was a calculated move. The Mountain Rose brand was gaining a lot of buzz, and I couldn’t let Blake Group miss out on the chance to align with such a name, even if it wasn’t ours.” He paused, his thumb lightly brushing over her back. “But then I s
“So, Mr. Blake,” she said, her tone teasing. “What’s next for the thirty million dollar investor?”He chuckled, his hands sliding down to rest on her hips. “Next, we turn Mountain Rose into a household name. Together.”“Together,” she echoed, her smile widening.But as much as the lightness had returned, Alexander’s mind still lingered on a thought he couldn’t quite shake.He couldn’t deny the jealousy that had flared when he’d seen Liam with her, or the frustration he’d felt at being kept in the dark.While he trusted her promise to be open moving forward, the possessiveness he felt was a stark reminder of how deeply he cared, and how much he had to lose.Still, for now, he pushed those feelings aside, focusing instead on the woman in his arms.As their lips met, the room seemed to grow warmer, the tension that had simmered between them melting into a passionate embrace.Sarah's arms wrapped around Alexander's neck, pulling him closer as their kisses deepened, each one more fervent t
The soft glow of the morning sun spilled through the curtains, casting a warm light over the room.Alexander stirred first, his senses waking to the comforting presence of Sarah still curled against him.For a moment, he let himself relish the quiet intimacy, the sound of her even breathing bringing a rare sense of calm.Just as he was about to close his eyes again, Sarah shifted, her hand lazily swiping across his chest as she stretched.Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him groggily."Morning," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips."Good morning," Alexander replied, his voice smooth but carrying a hint of teasing. "Finally awake, are we? I was beginning to think you'd sleep the whole day."Sarah let out a soft laugh, her face still nestled against his chest. "Says the man who couldn't keep his eyes open past midnight last night," she quipped, her tone playful."I was exhausted from all your secrets," Alexander shot bac
Alexander smirked and crossed the room to stand behind her.He rested his hands lightly on her shoulders, meeting her gaze through the mirror. "Sarah, you could wear a potato sack and still turn heads. But if you’re asking for my opinion..." His voice trailed off as he tilted his head, scrutinizing the dress.She turned to face him fully, her eyebrows raised. "Well? Honest thoughts."He gave a small shrug. "It’s nice. But ‘nice’ doesn’t suit you, not for tonight. You need something that makes everyone in the room stop and stare."Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she glanced down at the dress before tossing it onto the bed with a sigh. "That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out, but nothing feels good enough."Alexander stepped around her, pulling a sleek navy jacket from the wardrobe and shrugging it on. "Do you want me to call a stylist? We can have someone here in an hour with a rack of options."Sarah shook her head quickly. "No, no, I’ll figure it out. I don’t want to make
The streets of Paris were bustling as Alexander and Sarah strolled along, his wheelchair expertly maneuvering through the cobblestone streets.The crisp air was laced with the scent of freshly baked bread from nearby patisseries.Sarah had been unusually quiet though her eyes sparkled at every window display they passed.Alexander noticed her hesitance, attributing it to her nerves about the gala later that evening.His gaze softened. Though he had grown accustomed to masking his emotions, he found himself feeling strangely protective of her. More than usual."See something you like?" he asked, motioning toward a storefront showcasing elegant Parisian jewelry.Sarah shook her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not really. Just admiring the craftsmanship."He arched a brow, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. "You, admiring someone else's jewelry? Should I be jealous?"Before Sarah could respond, a familiar voice cut through the din of the crowd."Alexander! Sarah!"They t
Alexander sat in the study, the faint light from the desk lamp casting shadows across his furrowed brow.His hand rested on the arm of his wheelchair, fingers drumming absently as frustration boiled within him.The confrontation with Liam and the way he had abruptly ended their day haunted him.What’s wrong with me? He thought bitterly.His possessiveness had spiraled out of control.He wasn’t the insecure type, yet with Sarah, everything seemed heightened, his protectiveness, his jealousy, his doubts.Liam’s casual familiarity with Sarah had ignited something primal in him. The realization left a sour taste in his mouth.He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.I cut the city tour short for what?To prove some nonexistent point?His own actions disgusted him.She had been so excited about exploring, and he had stolen that moment from her.In their bedroom, Sarah stood by the window, arms wrapped around herself as she gazed out at the city lights.Her mind replayed the day
As they made their final preparations, Sarah added subtle jewelry to complement the gown, delicate emerald earrings and a matching bracelet.Alexander, ever attentive, adjusted the clasp on her necklace, his fingers brushing against her skin.She shivered at the touch, and he noticed, his lips quirking into a knowing smile.Once they were ready, Sarah stood back to admire the both of them in the mirror.They looked like a power couple straight out of a fairy tale, her radiant in green and him a pillar of poise and strength, even in his chair.“You know,” she said playfully, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say we look like we’re about to take over the world.”Alexander raised a brow. “Who says we’re not?”They both laughed, and he held out a hand. “Shall we, Mrs. Blake?”“We shall,” she replied, her heart swelling as she took his hand.She bent down to place another lingering kiss on his lips before standing straight again.“We’re going to turn heads tonight,” he said as they exited the
The grand hall was a dazzling display of opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors and gilded walls.The Paris Fashion Gala had drawn a crowd of elite figures from across the globe, designers, celebrities, business magnates, and journalists, all mingling in their most extravagant attire.As Alexander and Sarah entered, their presence immediately commanded attention.Heads turned, and a murmur rippled through the crowd.It wasn’t just Alexander Blake, the formidable businessman, or Sarah, his stunning wife, it was their palpable aura as a couple that drew people in.“Mr. Blake!” A portly man with a thick French accent approached, his hand extended in greeting. “A pleasure to see you again. It’s been too long.”“Good to see you, Jacques,” Alexander replied smoothly, shaking his hand while subtly shifting his chair to ensure Sarah was included in the conversation. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Sarah Blake.”Jacques beamed as he turned to Sar
Sebastian had already anticipated their move the moment Cecilia had reached out to him last time about the Mountain Rose invitation. It was almost amusing how predictable they were. They wanted something, and they thought seduction would be enough to get it.As Victoria and Cecilia sauntered toward him, Seb swirled his whiskey in his glass, the amber liquid catching the dim club lights.He leaned back lazily against the bar, eyes flicking between the two women as they approached like a pair of sleek, poised hunters.“Ladies,” he drawled, amusement playing at the edge of his lips. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”Victoria slid into the seat beside him, crossing her legs deliberately, the slit of her dress riding up just enough to draw attention.Her perfume was intoxicating, expensive, laced with something meant to ensnare. “Do we need a reason to say hello?” she purred, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass.Seb let out a low chuckle. “When it comes to you two? Yeah, you alway
The once mighty Caldwell Group, a name that once commanded respect in the business world, was now crumbling under Alexander’s relentless attacks.Stocks plummeted, investors pulled out, and their business partners were jumping ship like rats abandoning a sinking vessel.The media had already started speculating on the downfall of the Caldwell empire, and whispers in the elite circle spoke of Alexander Blake being the force behind it all.And he didn’t deny it.To him, this was personal.The Caldwells were Sarah’s biological parents, yet they had sat by and allowed Victoria to mistreat her at every turn.They had turned a blind eye to Sarah’s struggles, letting her suffer while they pampered the girl who had taken her place.Now, Alexander was making sure they felt every ounce of the pain they had once ignored.Inside the Caldwell estate, the atmosphere was tense.Richard Caldwell, the once proud patriarch, sat in his study, his fingers digging into his temples as he stared at the fina
The elite circle was in a frenzy.News had spread like wildfire, Sebastian Hargrove had secured multiple invitations to the Mountain Rose Showroom and, more importantly, he knew exactly who was behind the mysterious yet highly sought after brand.It all started when Seb, in his usual nonchalant manner, had posted a cryptic message in an anonymous private studio forum.Alongside his words, he had attached a photo of the Mountain Rose emblem, instantly sending the exclusive jewelry community into chaos.Speculation ran wild.Some believed he was simply showing off, while others were desperate to confirm whether he was truly connected to the elusive designer behind Mountain Rose. After all, the brand had managed to remain in the shadows despite being one of the most prestigious and mysterious jewelry houses to emerge in recent years.But one person, in particular, was not amused by the rumors, Cecilia.If Seb really had connections to Mountain Rose, then he was more valuable than she tho
The next morning, the world of high end jewelry was in an uproar. News of Mountain Rose hosting an exclusive showroom had spread like wildfire, setting the industry abuzz with speculation and excitement.From Paris to New York, Milan to Tokyo, the mere mention of Mountain Rose had top tier designers, collectors, and industry insiders scrambling for details.It wasn’t just another showcase, this was a rare chance to witness a brand shrouded in mystery, one that had risen to prominence yet remained elusive.Social media platforms were flooded with discussions. Luxury jewelry forums, high fashion blogs, and elite designer circles were all talking about it."Mountain Rose is finally stepping into the spotlight! Who's behind it?""This could redefine luxury jewelry as we know it. I NEED an invite!""Forget the usual names, Mountain Rose is where true exclusivity lies. But will they even consider collaborations?"Even those who didn’t meet the standards of Mountain Rose were desperate to ge
He nuzzled against her, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "Because I miss you, wifey," he murmured, voice almost childlike in complaint. "Like a baby without his favorite blanket."Raven choked on her laughter, pretending to busy herself with her phone.Sarah, however, rolled her eyes. "You're such a drama queen, Alexander. You know that, right?"Alexander hummed, ignoring her mockery as he tightened his hold around her. "Yet you still married me."Sarah sighed, leaning back slightly against him. "You really can’t sleep without me?"He nodded against her shoulder. "Nope. The bed feels cold. Empty. Lonely."Sarah scoffed, trying to hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "I left for a few hours.""A few hours too long."Raven, still trying not to burst into laughter, finally interjected. "Alright, alright, lovebirds. As much as I enjoy watching the great Alexander Blake act like a needy husband, I’d like to get back to work before this PDA kills me."Alexander lifted his head j
"Tonight," Sarah answered without hesitation. "I need a venue locked down, a full guest list of elites, and a team of the best designers under Mountain Rose, not just random jewelers, but people who can handle high end craftsmanship. I need exclusivity. I want the kind of designers that make Cecilia and every other snob in this city grind their teeth in envy."Raven’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she pulled out her phone. "Consider it done. I’ll start making calls and reaching out to potential hires. But you do realize this is going to ruffle a lot of feathers, right?"Sarah smirked, her gaze sharp. "That’s the goal."Raven chuckled. "I swear, you thrive on chaos."Sarah simply shrugged. "Chaos makes things interesting."She turned back to her screen, already pulling up a list of potential designers she wanted to recruit. If she was going to do this, she was going all in.Raven barely had a moment to breathe as her phone continued buzzing, lighting up with messages, calls, and not
Alexander shook his head but let the matter slide.He had known from the start that life with Sarah would never be dull. If anything, it was the chaos she brought that kept things interesting.Deciding to move on, he leveled her with a more serious look."How was Seb?" he asked, his voice losing its teasing edge.Sarah's playful expression shifted slightly, her shoulders straightening as she leaned against her car."He’s recovering well," she admitted. "Still a little beat up, but nothing too bad. He was discharged today."Alexander nodded. "Did he say anything about what happened that day?"Sarah hesitated for a second, then exhaled. "No. I think he’s trying to move past it. He played it off like it was nothing, like he didn’t just throw himself in front of a damn truck for me."There was a flicker of something unreadable in Alexander’s gaze. "And you?"She tilted her head. "What about me?""How do you feel about it?"Sarah let out a small, humorless laugh. "How do you think I feel?
Raven chased after Sarah, her motorcycle weaving through the street like a shadow, moving with a precision only a skilled rider could manage.Sarah had barely settled back into the rhythm of driving when she caught sight of Raven through her side mirror, closing in on her car at a ridiculous speed.With a smirk, Sarah rolled down her window just as Raven pulled up beside her, her leather clad figure leaning slightly as she gestured toward Sarah to get her attention.“Race you back to the Blake Residence,” Raven called out, her voice carrying over the hum of her engine.Sarah's grin widened. Oh, this was exactly what she needed.“Fun,” she said, her fingers gripping the wheel in anticipation. “You’re on.”The moment the words left her mouth, Raven twisted the throttle, and her bike shot forward like a bullet, disappearing down the road.Sarah cursed under her breath, shifting gears instantly as she slammed her foot on the accelerator.She knew there was no way she was going to beat a m
His fingers dug into the seat. “Sarah...”“You sound scared.” She grinned, completely unbothered. “You look scared too.”Seb exhaled sharply, forcing himself to let go of the dashboard, though his pulse was still racing. “I just don’t have a death wish.”Sarah hummed as if considering his words, then suddenly, with an exhilarating rush of power, she shifted gears and pushed the car even faster.Seb nearly choked.“Sarah!”Another laugh. “Alright, alright. I’ll slow down, for now.”True to her word, she eased off the accelerator slightly, though her version of “slowing down” was still leagues beyond what any normal driver would consider safe.Seb let out a breath, relaxing marginally. His heart was still hammering against his ribs, but at least now he felt slightly less like he was about to die.Sarah glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her smirk widening. “Admit it, Seb. You had fun.”He shot her a flat look. “I was about ten seconds away from writing my will.”She chuckled,