A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood

"You want me to steal from the Blackwoods!” Ama exclaimed, disbelief coursing through her. It felt like a death sentence.Mr. Reynolds was a bald-headed man, and his strained face clearly revealed his age.“Oh, come on, Miss West. You're acting as if you haven't done worse.” Mr. Reynolds replied confidently from behind his large black desk.“Are you serious? The Blackwoods are one of the most dangerous families in town. I can’t even begin to imagine the consequences if I get caught.”Mr. Reynolds relaxed in his chair, unfazed, gazing at her with an utterly unemotional expression. “Well, it’s not like you’re planning to get caught, Miss West,” he said, tilting his head slightly.Ama exhaled sharply. “I really thought this wouldn't be a big deal for you, considering the other things you've done for me.”She was appalled that he was using her past jobs against her, especially after he had introduced her to this lifestyle when she was at her lowest and desperately needed some money.“I

Grayson Blackwood has always been the formidable brother—fearless, unyielding, and willing to put it all on the line for his family. He never backed down from a mission and dealt swiftly with anyone who dared to threaten his loved ones or undermine their business.Today, he found himself downtown—a place he didn’t belong—trying to unravel the shocking truth from his last mission: someone within his own family wanted him dead.As he observed the waitress dropping their food at the table, he noticed immediately that it wasn’t the feisty brown-haired woman who had taken their order.“Do you need anything else?” asked the new waitress.But Grayson’s focus was locked on the counter, searching for the woman who had captured his attention.“How rude of her not to bring the food herself,” Chadwick remarked, shaking his head.“Come on, mate, aren’t you getting a bit obsessed with this girl?” Liam, seated beside him, joked.“Very funny,” Chadwick dismissed him with a gesture.“I believe that if

Once Ama stepped into the hall, her breath caught in her throat. She was completely captivated by the grandeur of the room. Never before had she encountered such opulence, and she was certain she didn't belong here.The hall radiated elegance, with high ceilings draped in pristine white fabric and crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over polished marble floors. Tables dressed in crisp white linens, adorned with golden candleholders and velvet chairs, demanded attention. A stage at the far end awaited the orchestra. The air hummed with conversation and music, while fresh flowers contributed a luxurious touch, creating a sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere.Staff in sharply tailored black and white outfits glided through the crowd, offering food and glasses of various wines. Some circulated among the guests, while others stood aside, ready to assist. Ama realized she was lingering at the entrance when one server shot her a questioning glance. Straightening her shoulders, she moved

Grayson glanced down at the determined brown-haired woman who had just collided with him. He recognized her from the diner a few days prior, and she happened to be his brother's date tonight.She wore a striking red dress, the slit running up to her knee, showcasing her long legs. The deep v-neck hinted at allure without crossing the line into inappropriate territory. It was a simple dress, yet it exuded confidence and elegance.“Sorry I didn't see you there,” she said, finally finding her voice.“Clearly,” Grayson replied, his annoyance evident.His mood had already soured after a discussion with one of the men he had sent to investigate the incident from his last trip. They had turned up nothing about the man who had tried to kill him; it was as if the guy had vanished into thin air.“Well, I should head back to the hall,” she said, avoiding his gaze.Just as she attempted to step away, he called out, “You know who I am, right?”“What,” she stammered, clearly struggling to conjure a

Ama lay in bed that night, her mind racing as she replayed the events of the evening—how she had effectively dug her own grave. Grayson’s words echoed in her ears; she was to become both a servant in his family’s home and his personal spy. It was a grim choice: comply or face a perilous end. The thought of leaving her sister, Olivia, alone in this world chilled her to the bone. Their mother was barely capable of caring for herself, let alone caring for Olivia.Still, the thought of abandoning Olivia without a steady income gnawed at her conscience. So, with a heavy heart, she had agreed to Grayson’s terms, securing his promise to send her weekly wages to her sister. Because that had been the reason for her desperate theft of the necklace in the first place. To her surprise, Grayson had readily acquiesced, his agreement hanging in the air like an unexpected lifeline. Afterward, he had let her leave, assuring her that they would meet again soon. Ama couldn't quite grasp why he had simp