Beneath the billionaire’s lies

A NEW LIFE Amelia's POV I took in a deep breath and nodded at the words of the doctor, my mind zoning off as he began to list off the things I should do to stay healthy, from my diet to how I take care of myself. I nodded mindlessly when I thought he looked up at me to check if I was still listening. “That would be all,” he said, closing the document and giving me a small but evidently sad smile, before stepping out of the room. Silvia sank into the chair beside the bed and burst into tears like she could feel my pain. She squeezed my hand and spoke words of encouragement. “It's fine Silvia. I will be fine.” I said to her and just as I said those words, my father's assistant burst into the room, beads of sweat on his forehead, as his chest heaved from running over. “Miss. Amelia. The company… the company is nothing now.” My heart constricted but I forced myself to breathe. I knew this would happen sooner or later. “What are our assets?” I asked, trying to keep my voice conf

THE STORMAmelia's POV “Answer me! What are you doing here?”His voice thundered in the room, bouncing off the walls. I flinched backward, trying to get away from him or some space at least but he wasn't letting me. He leaned in, cocking his left brow as he looked at me.“Speak. Or do you want me to force you?”“I— the head maid—she told me to clean—” I blurted out but even though I spoke because he commanded, he didn’t let me finish before grabbing my arm and yanking me towards the door.The strength in his grip made me stumble, my heart pounding as I tried to keep up with his long strides.“I told everyone to stay out of this room!” he snapped, dragging me across the hall.“I didn’t know!” I cried, trying to pull free. “She said you were out, I—”“Don’t you dare say another word,” he calmly said, making me more scared than when he was yelling. When we reached the doorway, he turned sharply and shoved me out. I hit the floor, my hand scratching against the floor as I winced when

Close Quarters AMELIA’S POV The office was bigger than I expected but somehow it still felt too small with him in it. Xade sat behind his desk, reviewing something on his laptop, while I stood near the door, waiting for instructions. He hadn't looked up since telling me to come in and the silence was starting to make my skin itch. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other and clasped my hands in front of me. The uniform suddenly felt too tight, even though it had fit perfectly yesterday. "Sit," he said without looking up. I moved to the chair across from his desk and sat down with my back straight and my hands folded in my lap. He finally looked up and those eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. He stared at me very closely. "Your responsibilities," he began but his gaze didn't waver. "You'll manage my schedule. Review documents before they reach my desk. Attend meetings and take notes. Order my meals. Organize my files." He paused and

Dangerous Proximity Amelia's POV My heart still pounds from being caught as I stand in the doorway of his study trying to look innocent while my mind races through possible explanations. Xade stares at me with those sharp eyes and I know I need to say something convincing before the silence stretches too long. "I couldn't sleep," I say again because repeating it might make it sound more truthful. "I was walking the grounds and I saw the light on in here. I thought maybe something was wrong." He doesn't respond right away. He just keeps staring me down, his eyes boring into me. The study feels smaller with both of us in it and I'm suddenly aware that I'm standing here in thin pajamas with my hair down while he's fully dressed even at two in the morning. "Would you like some tea?" he asks. The question catches me completely off guard. Of all the things I expected him to say that wasn't even on the list. "Tea?" "Yes. Tea." He walks past me toward a small cabinet in the co

Accusations My blood turns to ice, but I force every muscle in my face to stay relaxed while Mrs. Thornton watches me with those sharp calculating eyes that remind me of a hawk circling prey. The two security guards fan out on either side of her, filling my small room with their bulky bodies. "Of course," I say with a calm. "Search whatever you need to search."Mrs. Thornton, the head maid twitches her mouth like she expected me to protest or maybe run. When I don't give her the satisfaction, her eyes narrow further before she gestures sharply at the guards."Everything. Check under the mattress, inside the drawers, behind the furniture. Leave nothing unexamined."The first guard moves to my small closet where my three uniforms hang beside the single dress I own for days off. He runs his hands through the pockets while the second guard kneels beside my bed and lifts the mattress.My heart hammers so hard against my ribs I'm certain everyone can hear it—the phone. The burner phone is