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Cracks in the Empire

Author: Alia Writes
last update Last Updated: 2025-09-11 17:05:40

The morning after the gala, Aria woke alone.

The sheets beside her were cold, the space empty. Ethan had risen before dawn, leaving behind only the faint scent of his cologne and the echo of his warning: If he touches you again, I will end him.

Aria dragged herself out of bed, exhaustion clinging to her bones. Last night had been a performance — glittering gowns, cameras flashing, Ethan’s hand gripping hers like a shackle. She had smiled until her cheeks ached, but beneath the surface she was unraveling.

The door opened. Ethan entered, suit jacket discarded, tie loosened, fury etched across his face.

Aria’s stomach clenched. “What happened?”

He tossed a folder onto the bed. Pages spilled out—financial reports, stock charts, headlines.

BLACKWOOD INDUSTRIES UNDER ATTACK Anonymous Source Leaks Sensitive Documents Boardroom Divided as Blackwood’s Rivals Smell Blood

Aria’s throat went dry. “Nathaniel?”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Who else?”

She scanned the papers, dread curdling in her stomach
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  • His Contract Mistress   The Brother’s Shadow

    The city lights blurred outside the penthouse windows as Aria stood by the glass, her heart still racing from the gala. She could feel Ethan behind her, his energy sharp, vibrating with possessiveness.He hadn’t said a word since they entered the suite. His silence was worse than shouting.Finally, he came to her, his reflection towering behind hers. His hand slid to her hip, his breath hot against her ear.“You looked at him,” Ethan said softly. Too softly. “You let him touch you with his eyes.”Aria stiffened. “I didn’t—”“Don’t lie to me.” His grip tightened, his jaw grinding. “He wants to take you, Aria. And you’re letting him.”Her pulse hammered. She spun to face him, fire in her chest. “I’m not letting anyone do anything. I’m not a pawn for you and Nathaniel to fight over.”His eyes darkened, stormy and wounded. “You’re not a pawn. You’re the queen. Mine.”Before she could protest, his mouth crashed against hers—possessive, desperate, demanding.The kiss turned into more. He li

  • His Contract Mistress   The Gala

    The ballroom glittered like a jewel box—crystal chandeliers, golden champagne, gowns worth more than Aria’s yearly salary before she met Ethan.Now she stood at the top of the marble staircase on his arm, a diamond on her finger and the weight of the world on her shoulders.Cameras flashed as they descended. Guests whispered, their smiles razor-sharp.There she is. The mistress turned fiancée. The scandal wrapped in silk.Ethan’s hand never left her waist, a claim as firm as iron. “Smile,” he murmured against her ear. “You’re the future Mrs. Blackwood.”Her lips curved, but her chest tightened.As the night wore on, the sharks circled.A blonde socialite drifted over, her voice dripping sugar. “Aria, isn’t it? You must tell us—what’s it like to capture Ethan Blackwood’s heart? Many of us thought it impossible.”Aria’s stomach knotted. Capture? It felt more like being captured.But Ethan’s fingers pressed into her hip, warning. She smiled politely. “I suppose impossible things happen e

  • His Contract Mistress   The Billionaire’s Fiancée

    The morning sun spilled through the penthouse windows, but the air felt heavy, charged.Aria barely touched her breakfast. Her mind kept replaying Nathaniel’s letter, the weight of his words gnawing at her.Ethan, on the other hand, looked carved from steel. Suit flawless. Expression cold. But his hand gripped his coffee cup so tightly the porcelain threatened to crack.Finally, he set it down and looked at her. “We’re changing the rules.”Her fork paused midair. “What do you mean?”“You’re no longer just my mistress.” His tone was flat, decisive. “You’re going to be my fiancée.”Aria blinked. “What?”He rose, pacing once before turning back to her. “The press is circling like vultures. Investors are nervous. The board is questioning my stability. I need control—and you’re going to give it to me.”Her pulse hammered. “By pretending to be engaged to you?”“Not pretending.” His eyes burned into hers. “You’ll be mine in every way that matters. Publicly, privately, contractually.”Aria’s

  • His Contract Mistress   Nathaniel’s Countermove

    The morning after the warehouse, Aria woke to silence.Ethan wasn’t in bed. The sheets beside her were cold.She rose, slipping into one of his shirts, and padded barefoot through the penthouse. The television glowed in the corner of the living room, a news anchor’s voice sharp and urgent.Her heart stuttered when she read the headline:“Blackwood Corporation Under Federal Investigation.”Ethan stood in front of the screen, glass of whiskey in hand though the sun had barely risen. His shoulders were rigid, eyes bloodshot.“What happened?” Aria whispered.He didn’t turn. “Nathaniel happened.”The anchor continued: “Unconfirmed sources allege Blackwood Corporation engaged in illegal offshore dealings, with evidence provided anonymously late last night…”Aria pressed a hand to her lips. Anonymous evidence. Only one man could have delivered it.Nathaniel.By noon, the headquarters was chaos.Reporters swarmed the building, microphones flashing. Board members whispered in corners, panic ba

  • His Contract Mistress   Blood in the Boardroom

    The city glittered below, but inside Ethan’s office the air was suffocating.Aria sat curled on the leather sofa, a blanket draped around her shoulders. She hadn’t spoken much since the attack. Her hands still shook.Ethan stood at the window, phone pressed to his ear. His voice was low, lethal.“I want names. I want their families. I want every man who touched her to disappear. Quietly. Permanently.”Aria’s breath caught. She turned her head sharply. Disappear?When he hung up, she whispered, “Ethan… what are you going to do?”His gaze met hers, unflinching. “I’m going to make sure Nathaniel never tries to touch you again.”“That sounded like… like you’re ordering executions,” she said, her voice trembling.He crossed the room in long strides, crouching in front of her. “Listen to me, Aria. Those men tried to drag you into a van. If they had succeeded…” His jaw tightened. “Do you know what Nathaniel would have done with you?”Her throat closed. She didn’t want to imagine.“I won’t le

  • His Contract Mistress   A Dangerous Game

    Aria couldn’t sleep.The penthouse was quiet, save for the hum of the city below. Ethan had finally drifted into an uneasy slumber beside her, his arm heavy across her waist like an unyielding chain.She stared at the ceiling. Nathaniel’s words wouldn’t leave her. You’re the reason his empire is crumbling.Her stomach twisted. Was she?The next morning, Ethan’s paranoia showed.“You don’t step outside without me,” he ordered as they dressed. “No café runs. No errands. No classes. If you need anything, you tell me.”Aria frowned. “Ethan, I can’t live like a prisoner.”His jaw flexed. “You’re not a prisoner. You’re my mistress.” His tone darkened. “And that makes you a target.”She opened her mouth to argue, but his eyes—stormy, cold, possessive—silenced her.By noon, Ethan was called into another crisis meeting.Aria stayed behind in the penthouse, restless. She tried reading, pacing, even cooking—but her thoughts kept spiraling.Then the intercom buzzed.“Miss Morgan? Package delivery

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