Novels by GYLE MANN

Damien’s arm twined around Benita’s arm.“Come with me.”She glanced at him but said nothing as he guided her toward the center of the hall.All eyes followed them.Whispers rose again.Damien stopped at the front, took the microphone, and pulled her slightly closer to his side.“Good evening, everyone.”The room quieted.“Thank you all for coming to the Blackwell annual charity event.”His hand tightened slightly on Benita’s.“This year…” he continued, “is different.”His gaze shifted briefly to her.“My wife made sure of that.”Murmurs spread.Benita’s eyes flickered up at him.“I’d like to acknowledge her,” Damien said, his voice steady but firm. “For the work, the sleepless nights, and the brilliance behind everything you’re seeing tonight.”A few claps started. Then more.Benita blinked, slightly caught off guard.Damien leaned closer, his voice low just for her.“Take it. You earned it.”She didn’t reply, but her fingers tightened slightly against his.He faced the crowd again.

Youda pushed the door open and froze.“Ma’am…”Benita stood in the middle of the room, staring at what was left of her dress.“It’s ruined,” she said quietly.Youda rushed closer. “Who would do something like this?”Benita let out a sharp breath. “Someone who doesn’t want me downstairs tonight.”They both went silent for a second.Then at the same time, they said the name at once.“Trina.”Benita nodded slowly. “Of course it’s her.”“What do we do now?” Youda asked, panic creeping into her voice.Benita pressed her fingers to her temple. “Go downstairs. Check if Tana is here yet. If she is, bring her to me. Now.”Youda didn’t hesitate. “Yes, ma’am.”She hurried out.Benita turned back to the torn dress, her jaw tightening.“She really has to go this far…”The door opened again.“Tana’s here,” Youda said, stepping in.Tana walked in behind her and stopped dead.“What the hell happened?”Benita gave a humorless laugh. “Sabotage happened.”Tana moved closer, picking up a piece of the fab

The afternoon sun was still high when Benita picked up her phone and called Damien.“Damien.”“Ben?”“We’re done.”“With everything?”“Yes,” she said simply. “You can all come back. Everything’s ready.”Damien stood up from his chair, surprised.“That fast?”“You’ll see.”Something in her tone made him smile.“I’m on my way.”“Pack up,” Damien told Mary to announce to everyone “We’re heading back.” Trina looked up immediately.“Already?”“Yes.”Clarissa scoffed.“This should be interesting.”The cars rolled into the Blackwell estate.Doors opened. Everyone got out. Before they could enter…They saw it.The entire mansion had changed.They all entered inside and saw the masterpiece.The usual rigid, predictable setup was gone.In its place was.. Elegance. Warmth.A modern, tasteful arrangement that still carried class but without suffocation.The space felt alive.Damien stopped walking.For a moment, he said nothing.Then a slow smile touched his lips.“This…”He glanced around

Trina leaned against the balcony rail, her phone pressed to her ear.“She’s cleared the house.”Rafe’s voice came through low and sharp.“Then you’ve already lost this round. She knows you up to something.”Trina smiled.“I wouldn’t be so sure.”“She’s onto you,” Rafe said bluntly. “Benita doesn’t make moves like that blindly.”Trina’s smile widened.“ Well that’s because she hasn’t seen my second card yet.”“Don’t play games with me, Trina. You've got to let me in on anything you planning on?.”Her tone cooled instantly.“You don’t control this game.”“I do.”Before Rafe could respond, a voice came from behind her.“What game are you talking about?”Trina jolted.She turned sharply and cut the call.Damien stood there, watching her.She forced a smile.“Do you have to sneak up on me like that?”Damien shrugged.“You should be less secretive.”She crossed her arms.“What do you want?”“The new project outline,” he said. “Bring it to me. I'd like to review it after the event.”Trina n

Trina sat across from Rafe, her legs crossed, expression calm.“It’s been handled,” she said.Rafe didn’t look impressed.“And no problem?”Trina’s fingers tapped lightly on the table.“There might be a loose end.”Rafe’s gaze sharpened, he leaned forward slightly.“Be careful with her, Trina. Benita is not like the others.”Trina scoffed softly.“I can see that.”“She notices things,” Rafe continued. “Tiny things. The kind most people ignore.”Trina smiled.“Good thing I’m not most people.”Rafe studied her.“I hope so.”She leaned back, confident.“I didn’t partner with you without having a plan of my own.”Rafe’s lips curved faintly.“Then let’s hope you are not caught in the web of your plan. The kitchen fell silent the moment Benita stepped in.Every movement slowed, every voice dropped.Benita noticed immediately.She smiled slightly.“Good morning.”No one answered.Mary appeared almost instantly.“Mrs. Blackwell,” she said politely. “It’s not ideal for you to be here.

The next day. Breakfast began quietly.Too quietly.Damien sat at the head of the table, coffee untouched.Clarissa studied him suspiciously, like she knew he was about to do something uncalled for.Trina stirred her tea slowly.Benita kept her attention on her plate.Then Damien spoke.“Starting today, Benita will be in charge of the upcoming Blackwell events and functions.”The fork in Clarissa’s hand clattered loudly against her plate.“I knew it, Damien!”Damien didn’t repeat himself.Clarissa leaned forward, disbelief written all over her face.“You must be joking.”“I’m not.”“That girl knows nothing about our traditions,” Clarissa snapped. “Nothing about the standards of this family.”Benita opened her mouth.“I actually don’t—”Damien’s eyes met hers.Just one look.The memory of the previous night flashed through her mind, he had threatened her with the only thing important to her.She stopped talking. She sighs as another memory of what happened last night flash through her