Novels by Vanessa Orukpe

Upstairs in the hotel suite, Damien layed comfortably on the couch while Vanessa sat rigidly in the armchair, her gaze fixed on the small velvet pouch in her hand.“Give it here,” Damien said suddenly holding out his palm.Vanessa blinked clutching the pouch tighter “What?”“The necklace.” His tone was relaxed but his eyes were fixed “Let me have it.”Her lips pressed into a fine line “It’s broken there’s no point”“There’s always a point,” Damien cut her off. “I know someone who can fix it hand it over.”She hesitated that pendant was her father’s heirloom could it really be repaired?Damien exhaled “Do you trust me?” Her gaze flickered “Yes.” “Then give it to me.”After a long pause Vanessa placed the pouch in his palm her voice dropped “If it can be restored, I will owe you.”“You already owe me plenty,” Damien smirked, pocketing the pouch. “But I’ll take interest later.”Vanessa shook her head faintly “Thank you.”He leaned back examining her grim face “You look like someone just

“Boss!”The two hotel security guards froze with their shoulders stiffening the moment they recognized Damien. The unfriendliness in their eyes evaporated, replaced by absolute fear.“Boss, we we didn’t realize you were here” one stammered his voice shaking.Damien’s gaze swept over them like a blade. “Shut up.”The men’s faces drained of color.“Get out of my sight,” Damien said coldly each word bitten off. “Before I decide you’re next.”The guards almost fell over each other as they ran away bowing repeatedly, saying apologies before disappearing down the hall.The sudden silence was choking.Mrs. Aurora’s eyes moved between Damien and the bodyguards arranged behind him. Each of those men stood tall, their expressions blank radiating the kind of quiet threat that only came from years of loyalty and violence.Her stomach strangled. This wasn’t just some rich playboy clinging to Vanessa. Whoever he was, he was dangerous... far beyond her imagination.“You” she hesitated, her voice tre

At the hotel entrance, Vanessa reached out and stopped Damien with a firm hand before he could open his door.“You go in first.”Damien tilted his head puzzled “Why?”“I need to keep a low profile,” she replied her tone even but firm. “It will not look good if people see me walking in with the son of the Chamber of Commerce president.”His brows furrowed together “you’re too cautious what is the worst that could happen?”Her lips curled lightly but her eyes remained sharp “The worst is that my mission fails even before it begins.”Damien let out a groan, throwing his head back against the scattered cushion. “Mission, mission, mission Is there any room in your head for me?”She ignored his complaint and reached for the door handle. “Go.” Her voice carried a warning edge. “Don't allow me repeat myself.”He snorted dramatically then leaned over, eyes glinting with naughtiness “Fine. But I won’t leave empty handed.”Before she could react his lips brushed her cheek in a quick stolen kiss.

“General Lucas, please step inside.” The heavy doors of the conference room slid openinside, a line of officials rose to their feet their chairs scraped back in unison and then came the sound of dozens of voices “General Lucas” Vanessa stopped at the head of the table her expression stayed calm. “At ease.”The President himself stood at the center his tone carried authority “Vanessa Lucas, today we acknowledge your years of sacrifice.”He motioned and an aide stepped forward with a velvet box.The lid opened and inside lay the badge of a Five-Star General.The President’s voice rang out "From this moment you are promoted to Five-Star General of the nation.”Applause filled the room.Vanessa’s lips curved faintly “I accept. Thank you Mr. President i only hope this means I can finally retire in peace.”“Retire?” The President’s brows lifted his voice hardened “No. Not yet.”The applause died instantly.Vanessa’s gaze sharpened “Sir, I have given everything isn’t it time to let me go?”

“Mrs Wilson” the secretary’s voice was cold and full of contempt. She placed a thick folder on the glass table that separated them. “Mr Wilson asked me to deliver these divorce papers, all you need to do is sign.”On the other side of the booth, dressed in the plain gray uniform of the prison sat Vanessa Lucas, once the socialite wife of Jacob Wilson now reduced to a convict in the eyes of the world. She didn’t touch the folder. Her gaze sharp despite the dark circles under. Her eyes shifted from the papers to the secretary, Vanessa's lips curved into a faint mocking smile “So this is how it is? Jacob can’t even face me himself?”The secretary, Bella crossed her arms with a smirk “Why should he? You’re not worth his time anymore and you’ve already ruined his reputation enough as it is. Honestly, Madam you should just be grateful he’s letting you walk away clean.”Vanessa leaned back in her chair eyes steady “Tell him if he wants this divorce, he’ll have to look me in the eye and say i