Novels by ARPAN PORAME

The crystal chandeliers in the main hall of The Savoy cast a dazzling light over the perfectly polished marble dance floor. Tonight, Lumiere Industries was celebrating the launch of its newest AI division, a move that had sent shockwaves through London’s stock market. However, the main attraction was not the technology, but the woman standing beside the CEO, Julian Lumiere.Liora known to the world tonight as "Elaine White" looked stunning in an elegant midnight blue gown with an open back design. She no longer appeared to be just a clumsy research assistant; she was the embodiment of intellect and refined beauty."Miss White, you are truly the star of tonight," Julian Lumiere whispered as he stepped closer, holding a glass of champagne. His hand almost reached her waist, but Liora subtly shifted away to take a drink from a passing waiter's tray."I am here to ensure the technical presentation runs smoothly, Mr. Lumiere. Not to be the star," Liora replied in a cool, professional t

The Queen's New GambitLondon welcomed the return of Mavric and Liora Thorne with thick fog and the distinct scent of rain. The Thorne Group private jet touched down on the exclusive runway, where a convoy of black Bentleys waited with their engines purring softly. However, the scene inside the cabin was far from the stiff formality of corporate business.Mavric Thorne sat in his leather seat, yet he did not loosen his embrace around Liora even for a second. Ever since they left the catacombs of Rome, Mavric had become her shadow. He would not allow Liora to walk more than three steps away from him, and every time she tried to release his hand, his jaw would tighten and his eyes would flash with deep-seated anxiety."Alex, we are in London now. I am safe," Liora whispered, trying to stroke her husband's sturdy arm, still wrapped in bandages from the battle."You will never be truly safe as long as 'Number Zero' is still breathing, Liora," Mavric's voice was low and hoarse. He ki

Seven Days of HellRome was known as the Eternal City, but to the Syndicate elders, it had suddenly transformed into a grand mass grave. Ever since Elena Thorne entered the extraction machine beneath Palazzo d'Oro, a shadow of death had begun sweeping through every dark corner of Italy. Mavric Thorne was no longer playing with stock market strategies or corporate negotiations. He had shed his suit, replacing it with black tactical gear, and allowed the "Volkov" side within him to take complete control.Mavric stood atop the Janiculum Hill, gazing at the flickering lights of Rome. Beside him, Leo Vance and the Vanguard Black units stood like an army of shadows."Sir, we have tracked the locations of three out of the seven elders present in Italy," Leo reported. "Lord Valerius is hiding in a fortress outside Frascati.”“He commands a battalion of private mercenaries."Mavric did not answer. He simply tightened his leather gloves and drew his black steel katana. His grey eyes now

The Masquerade of SinnersRome was not built in a day, and apparently, the fall of the Syndicate would not happen that quickly either. Beneath the star-studded night sky of Italy, a magnificent Renaissance-style villa on the outskirts of the city became the focal point of the underworld. The Villa Palazzo d'Oro belonged to the Borghese family, but tonight, it played host to a high-level secret meeting of international corporate and syndicate leaders.A metallic black Rolls-Royce Phantom came to a halt before the marble gates. A servant in a white uniform opened the door. Mavric stepped out first. He wore a custom-made three-piece black suit with crimson silk accents on the lapels. His sharp features were concealed by a silver mask shaped like a dragon's face, giving him an aura that was both mysterious and menacing.He turned back and offered his strong hand. Liora descended from the car, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still for anyone who laid eyes on her. Liora wore a

The Gilded Cage in ParadiseThe morning sun over the Aegean Sea cast a silvery glow across the calm blue waters. A private island, unmarked on any map exclusively owned by Mavric Thorne lay like an emerald jewel amidst the ocean. Perched on the most prominent cliff edge stood a minimalist villa constructed of glass and white marble. This was The Sanctuary, a place Mavric had built for one purpose: to hide Liora away from the world that sought to harm her.Inside the master bedroom, which opened directly to the horizon, Liora Thorne slowly opened her eyes. She felt the softness of silk sheets against her skin, but there was also a heavy weight wrapped around her waist. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The scent of sandalwood, expensive tobacco, and Mavric’s distinct masculine aroma filled her senses."Don't move," Mavric’s low voice whispered against the crook of her neck. His breath was warm and steady. "I have just convinced myself that you are truly here, br

The Storming of the Alpine FortressThe snowstorm raging across the Alps that night was no ordinary natural phenomenon. Amidst the freezing vortex of wind, three stealth fighter jets tore through the clouds at supersonic speed, bearing no insignia. In the cockpit of the lead jet, Mavric Thorne sat calmly. His pale face was illuminated by the neon glow of the instrument panels. He wore no oxygen mask; his breathing was steady, as if he had already merged with the machine of death he piloted."Target locked, Sir. The underground facility is directly beneath coordinates 47.5N," Kael’s voice crackled through the encrypted radio transmission."Launch the EMP missiles. Cripple their air defenses in one strike," Mavric ordered. His voice no longer held the tremor of humanity. It was the voice of a predator that had finally located the den of those who stole what was his.Whoosh!Two missiles streaked away, striking the mountain peak. In an instant, every light in the Syndicate facility w