Novels by Tory June

EPILOGUE: The air in the Malvis estate was filled with the soft hum of life.. the distant chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.Avalynn stood on the terrace, her eyes drifting over the landscape as the day slowly gave way to night. The previous few months had been a blur as she adjusted to her new position in the family business, planned the wedding, and experienced the pleasures of married life. She had, however, had a profound sense of joy and happiness throughout it all that she had never experienced before. With a little smile on her lips, she carelessly stroked her expanding tummy. Even though everything had changed so rapidly, life yet seemed quite right. The days had been full with love, laughter, and a wonderful sense of what was ahead.Silently, Jace walked into the room behind her, his light hardwood floorsteps. With his chin resting on her shoulder, he encircled her with his arms from behind and followed her look out the window. With a low g

Avalynn stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection with breathless eyes. Her body fit the ivory gown, which seemed a second skin with brilliant veil cascading down her back and delicate lace flowing down her arms. Grateful for the pearls' coolness, she ran her fingers over the beaded bodice.Lisa was behind her, adjusting the finishing touches, tucking the dress's train and setting the veil.With a note of wonder in her voice, she said, "Ava, you look amazing."Avalynn shifted slightly and looked into Lisa's mirror. With tears still welling up in her eyes, she said, "I can't believe this is happening. I never thought this would happen."With a kind grin, Lisa squeezed Avalynn's shoulders. "You are deserving of everything." You will make the most stunning bride when you tie the knot with the love of your life."Avalynn inhaled deeply and then looked at her mirror again.The girl who was gazing back at her appeared to be a dream - graceful, dazzling, and brimming with joy

With the sun rays coming in through the transparent curtains and lightning the room in a warm, golden glow, Avalynn stirred in her deep sleep.The blankets hugged her body tightly, leaving the remains of last night's excitement still visible on her skin.Jace stirred at her touch, his eyes slowly opening. When he saw her, a slow, lazy smile spread across his face, and he tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer. “Morning, beautiful,” he whispered, his voice husky with sleep.His features, softened by the dawn light, were relaxed in sleep, a far cry from his usually controlled and powerful look.Her heart became big with love and happiness as she reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair off his face. Peace, love, and the man who had become her whole world were all she had ever wanted.At her touch, Jace moved and slowly opened his eyes. A slow, lazy smile crossed his lips as he spotted her, and he tightened his grip, drawing her in. He whispered, "Morning, beautiful," his vo

The dim light of the bedside lamp cast a soft glow over the room, creating a cozy atmosphere that enveloped Jace and Avalynn as they lay side by side on the large bed. The events of the past weeks had been intense, but now, everything seemed to have settled into place. The room, decorated in muted tones of gray and blue, felt like a sanctuary from the outside world.. a place where they could finally breathe and enjoy the calm after the storm.Avalynn laid her head on Jace's chest and made gentle circles over his skin while she listened to his heartbeat.They had a comfortable stillness that was laced with the warmth of unsaid understanding and shared experiences. Thinking about how far they'd come and how a one-night encounter had brought them to this point, she grinned to herself."Remember the night we first met?" Avalynn has a hushed, almost dreamy voice.With a chuckle, Jace ran a hand through her hair. "How could I overlook that? You were the most stunning woman in the club, an

Two weeks had passed since the whirlwind of revelations that had shaken the foundation of Avalynn’s world. But now, the dust had settled, and with it, a newfound clarity and peace had emerged. Avalynn had come to terms with her heritage, her place in the Malvis family, and most importantly, with Jace. The man she loved, who had been her anchor in the storm, was no longer just the man she thought she knew; he was so much more.The Malvis house was a hive of joy tonight. The huge hall gleamed with wealth and grace, decorated with crystal chandeliers and high ceilings. The walls, which were covered with pictures of the Malvis ancestors, appeared to witness to the importance of the evening.. the official recognition of Avalynn as a real Malvis and the celebration of the family's victory over the Rinders, longtime enemies.Guests started to pour into the hall as the evening sun started to set, soaking the estate in a warm, golden glow. With the quiet hum of string instruments playing

With a deep breath, Jace's grandfather looked at him and Avalynn who were seated across from him. There was a tight, stifling silence as the weight of the information he was about to impart seemed to drain the room's very oxygen. As Jace's jaw tightened and his eyes locked on the elderly guy, Avalynn shifted in her seat, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest.The grandfather said, "Jace, Avalynn," in a tone that was serene but full of a gravity that made Avalynn's skin crawl. "The results of the DNA test are in."The words, thick with anticipation and terror, hung in the air like a fog. Avalynn braced herself for what was about to happen, her fists clenched in her lap and her claws digging into her hands. Jace leaned forward a little, his eyebrows furrowing in a startled yet nervous way.The grandfather stated, "The test proves that Avalynn is in fact my late son's biological daughter."A painful gasp from Avalynn's lips as her breath caught in her throat. The words echoed in her

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."The words reverberated through the air as Samantha felt Tyler's warm hands cup her face. His blue eyes were so intense that her breath caught, and before she could blink, his lips were on hers. The kiss was slow and deep, sending goosebumps down her spine, and it sealed a commitment far bigger than any previous pledge. As guests stood clapping and whistling, cheers broke up all around them. White rose petals flew across the air, captured by the gentle evening breeze. Samantha let out a frantic giggle against Tyler's lips as he pulled her in closer. "We did it," she muttered. "We did," he said softly, leaning his forehead against hers. "And I'm never letting go." Samantha's heart felt fuller than ever as they went down the aisle together. Caleb was gone, the past was behind them, and a bright future awaited them. *** Six months later. Samantha sat in bed, fatigued but happy, her fingers tracing the newborn's small features cuddled again

Four days later. Samantha stood in front of the mirror, her heart racing against her ribs. The smooth ivory fabric of her bridal gown clung to her body like a second skin, with beautiful lace accents cascading down her arms. It should have been the best day of her life. But something seemed odd. She inhaled softly, attempting to push the anxiety away. Perhaps it was simply nerves. After everything they'd been through... Tyler's health issues, her father's death, the inheritance drama, Caleb's reappearance... it was understandable to be on edge. A gentle knock on the door made her jump. Bella looked inside, her eyes lit up. "Sam, you look…" She placed a hand on her chest. "Breathtaking." Samantha smiled, but Bella's countenance immediately changed, indicating that something was awry. "You okay?" Bella inquired, coming closer. Samantha hesitated before shaking her head. "I do not know. "I just have this feeling." Bella frowned. "The bad kind?" Samantha nodded. Befo

Samantha sat on the examination table and gripped the edge as the small, clean exam room was filled with the continuous beep of a monitor. With his leg hopping restlessly and his gaze darting between her and the closed door, Tyler sat next to her. "Blake, Samantha?" The physician came in, leafing through the file. She smiled politely and professionally and took the stool across from them. Samantha took a deep breath. "I am that." After looking over the chart, the doctor looked directly at Samantha. "Your bloodwork results have been returned." She hesitated. "You are expecting a child." There was a slight tilt to the room. Samantha blinked. "What?" The physician's grin grew softer. "You are roughly six weeks pregnant." From next to her came a sudden intake of breath. When Samantha looked back, she saw Tyler transfixed, his eyes wide, his lips slightly apart. He remained silent for a minute. Then his face changed, as though the realization had to come gradually. "You're..." He g

Despite the frantic energy pulsing through him, Tyler's hands remained calm as he adjusted the final candle on the table, filling the air with the aroma of fresh roses. As he had intended, the restaurant was deserted; he had rented out the whole place for the evening. The tastefully arranged table was bathed in a golden glow while soft instrumental music played in the background. He rolled his shoulders back and let out a breath. It has to be flawless tonight. He turned when he heard a familiar voice at the door. "Tyler?" Samantha stood in the doorway, looking both surprised and intrigued. With her hair falling over her shoulders, she looked stunning in a form-fitting emerald dress. Tyler took a deep breath. God, she's stunning. She glanced at the intimate scene and then back at him. "What's all this?" He moved forward and extended his hand. "Supper. Only us. After a moment of hesitation, she inserted her fingers inside his. Her tender touch stabilized and anchored hi

Tyler exhaled sharply as he pushed himself up from the therapy bench, sweat dampening his shirt. His muscles trembled from exertion, but he gritted his teeth and steadied himself. Samantha stood nearby, watching him with careful eyes, ready to step in if he faltered. “Easy,” she murmured. He shot her a look. “I’m fine.” She crossed her arms, one brow lifting. “You nearly collapsed last week. Forgive me if I don’t take your word for it.” Tyler sighed but didn’t argue. Truth be told, he still felt the weakness lingering in his limbs, the occasional dizziness that reminded him he wasn’t at full strength yet. But he was improving. And that mattered. The physical therapist, a middle-aged man named Greg, clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s enough for today. You don’t want to push too hard.” Tyler wiped a hand over his face and nodded. “Got it.” Samantha handed him a water bottle, and as he took a sip, her fingers brushed against his. It was a small, fleeting touch, but it g

Samantha paced the clean hallway, the only sound in the otherwise quiet room being the steady tapping of her heels on the shiny hospital floor. She detested medical facilities. I detested having to wait. She glanced at the clock, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Four hours. Tyler had spent four long, excruciating hours in surgery. She turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Owen standing next to her, holding a coffee cup in one hand and wearing a worried expression. He offered her the cup and added softly, "You must sit." Samantha gave a headshake. "I am unable to. Not until I'm certain he's alright. Owen leaned against the wall and moaned. "You have stood here the whole time. You're going to lose your mind. The lump in her throat was swallowed. "What happens if something goes right?" Her voice broke. "What if..." "Cease." Owen spoke in a friendly but stern tone. "Tyler is powerful. Additionally, he is being treated by one of the nation's top surgeons

Amy's breath caught as velvet curtains brushed her bare shoulders. The gala stage lights were nothing like the soft lamp glow from that night two years ago, but the memory snapped down on her all the same.~Flashback~She had been laughing then.. young, tired, barefoot on the penthouse balcony. Liam came up behind her, a jeweler’s box hidden in one hand. He fastened a sapphire necklace at her throat, cool stones sliding over warm skin. “For the woman who never lies to me,” he whispered. Amy turned, smiling at the joke, and noticed the second glass of wine already half‑empty on the railing. One glass too many. She asked who had joined him before she arrived. He said no one. A week later she learned the first lie had worn lipstick.~Back to now~The ballroom spun back into focus. Amy adjusted the thin strap of her silver dress, steadying her pulse. That necklace.. her necklace.. now glittered on Celine's collarbone across the room. Every sapphire an old bruise.Music swelled. Waitstaff

The knock came at dawn, three sharp taps that rattled the hotel‑suite door.Amy jolted awake, adrenaline burning away the last scraps of sleep. She opened the door a crack and found Bruce in the hallway, eyes bright, hair still damp from the shower.“Package arrived,” he said. “Time to spring the trap.”No coffee, no small talk.. just business. Amy liked that about him, even when it scared her.Action moved fast. An hour later they sat in a borrowed office three floors below, the kind used for pop‑up war rooms and quiet takeovers. On the table lay a thin manila envelope. Inside: doctored financial statements Bruce's tech contact had whipped up overnight. They looked real.. enough to fool a bloodhound.Bruce slid the pages toward the open laptop camera. “Our mole will pass these to Liam within the hour.”Amy crossed her arms. “And you’ re sure the metadata points to only three people?”“Positive.” He tapped the screen. “If it leaks, we trace the document signature. Whoever forwards it

Amy slammed her laptop shut like it had personally betrayed her.She didn't move right away.. just sat there in the dim hotel suite, the glow from the city skyline flickering against the windows. Her chest rose and fell a little too fast.That message..'You' re not safe. He’s planning something bigger..' was still echoing inside her like a warning bell in a church tower.She hadn't replied. Hadn't forwarded it. Hadn't told Bruce.Yet.She rubbed her hands together like she could scrub the chill off her skin. Maybe it was paranoia. Maybe it was just another ploy to shake her up. But something about the image… Liam speaking to that shadowy figure in the hallway, tension radiating from his posture like a weapon being cocked… it didn't feel like strategy.It felt personal.A knock sounded at the door. She tensed. But then, a second later, a familiar voice.“It’s me.”Bruce.She didn't answer right away. Gave herself a breath. Two.“Come in,” she called.He stepped inside, holding two coff

" Amy , marry me.”Amy dropped her pen mid- signature . “I’m sorry.. what?”Bruce stood across the boardroom , hands in his pockets like he’d just suggested lunch, not fake marriage. The morning sun poured through the windows, catching the sharp edge in his eyes.“Not for real,” he said, stepping forward, voice even. “A fake engagement. Public. Strategic.”Amy leaned back in her chair, trying to process. “You want me to fake an engagement to you? Why now?”“Because Liam just filed an emergency appeal to block your access to the Hawthorne voting shares ,” Bruce said, sliding a legal folder across the table. “He’s painting you as unstable . Impulsive . A liability to the company your father built. But if you’ re seen as grounded , moving on, and.. this part’s key.. aligned with a respected business partner? The narrative flips .”Amy stared at the file, its red tab screaming *URGENT.* She barely heard Bruce now. Her brain was running circles around one word: **engagement**.“I get the s

Amy stood in the middle of the office conference room, staring at the city skyline beyond the glass wall as her thumb hovered over the “send” button. A single message. Just one sentence. That’s all it took to set everything in motion.Bruce leaned against the doorframe behind her, arms crossed . “Are you sure about this?”“No,” she said quietly. “But we don’t have time to wait for safe plays. If Liam is feeding off my next move, then it’s time we start feeding him lies .”She hit send.The fake leak was out. A confidential email.. stating Amy had secured a deal with a fictional French investor to buy out her father’s flagship tech subsidiary—now floated in carefully chosen inboxes . Ones they knew Liam ’s people had eyes on.All they had to do now was wait.Bruce walked over, sliding a folder across the glass table. “In case this works, we’ ll need real numbers to back it up just long enough to sell the story. I’ ve prepped everything.”Amy didn ’t respond right away. Her jaw clenched

Amy adjusted the collar of her blazer in the restroom mirror, her fingers slightly trembling. Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she stepped out into the grand foyer of the hotel where the Hawthorne Group’s annual charity gala was underway .It was technically a corporate event.. board members , potential investors , old-money socialites.. but Amy knew the game. These parties were where alliances were made and reputations cemented . And tonight, she wasn ’t just here to smile politely . She was here to send a message.She descended the staircase slowly, her gaze sweeping the crowd. Everyone was dressed to impress, champagne glasses in hand, conversations polished and hollow. She spotted three of the board members near the terrace, already deep in discussion. That would be her first stop.But then.. Liam .He stood near the open bar, wearing that perfectly tailored suit like armor , surrounded by laughter, a glass of whiskey in hand. Amy could almost smell the smugness rolli