Power, secrets, and bloodshed, no one is safe in a world built on lies. Rico Blackwood was born into power, but behind the wealth and influence lies a family built on bloodshed and betrayal. When his sister’s murder exposes cracks in the Blackwood empire, Rico is forced to make a choice dig deeper or become the next casualty. Melissa Reynolds should be dead. The world thinks she is. But staying in the shadows is no longer an option. Someone knows she’s alive, and if she doesn’t find them first, her second chance at life will end in a body bag. Catherine Blackwood is the perfect wife, the perfect mother… and the perfect predator. When she learns of a woman from Rico’s past, a woman who should have stayed buried, Catherine is ready to do whatever it takes to protect her throne. And Evelyn Hawthorne? She’s not playing games. She’s waging war. In a city where alliances shift like shadows, secrets are unraveling and bodies are piling up and love is a weapon as deadly as a bullet, survival isn’t guaranteed. Some will rise. Some will fall. And Some will burn!
View MoreChapter 1: SHATTERED DREAMS:
Sophia's eyes wouldn’t leave the TV screen, with each sound the clock made her breath became sharper and shorter. Rico Blackwood, the man she loved, stood confidently beside his fiancée, Catherine Lionel, in social ranking the Lionel family, comes closely behind the Blackwood’s. The news anchor's mouth kept moving, but Sophia’s mind had already checked out, unable to process the words. "How could he? Why would he?" she whispered, tears flowed down her face. Her mind raced back to their last encounter, the way his eyes sparkled when he was with her, the gentle touch of his hands on hers and all the promises. Had it all been a lie? She thought. Sophia picked up her phone with trembling hands and called Rico, she did not know if she felt anger, pain, or betrayal, it was a rage of emotion. "Hey Sophia," Rico said as soon as he answered the call, unaware of what was happening. "You're getting married?" Sophia spat out, trying to contain her rage, the tears kept flowing Rico's paused. "Sophia, I—" "Don't even try to lie to me," Sophia cut him off, her voice trembling. "I saw it on TV. You're engaged to that...that Catherine, You shouldn’t have led me on Rico, you shouldn’t have!" Rico's sigh was audible. "Sophia, calm down, I don’t understand what is going on, Kindly explain” "Save it, Rico," I am done playing this game with you, turn on your TV. "You're just like them, aren't you? Playing games with people's hearts" The line went silent, and for a moment, Sophia wondered if she'd lost him. "Sophia, please listen," Rico pleaded, his voice cracking, my parents did this. "I never agreed to this, I do not even know I have been engaged, this video being played was for a birthday, I stood by her because I was asked to, just like you, I am just finding out that I am engaged, I've been trying to find a way to tell my parents about us." Sophia's laughter was bitter, “about us? Or do you mean about me? About our child? Rico's sharp intake of breath was his only response. "Don't bother calling or explaining," Sophia continued, her voice cracking. "You've made your choice, Rico. You’ve always made your choice, how come I never saw it until now, I should have known, you’ll always choose wealth, family over what we shared, I was dumb. I should have listened to my mom, bye Mr. Blackwood. Sophia pleases …. Wait She ended the call; the phone slipped from her shaking hands and fell to the ground, crying profusely. Sophia crashed to the floor, the TV continued to broadcast Rico's smile, his once beautiful eyes now haunted her. Little did she know their story was far from over, it had only just began. Rico stood still, his phone in his hand. Sophia's last words still echoed in his mind, “what am I going to do?” he muttered. Rico felt his stomach knotting, his mind racing with anxiety. How did this happen? He thought back to his last conversation with his parents. They'd pressed him about settling down, but he had refused getting married to Catherine. Yet, he knew his parents had always been a hard nut to crack. And he couldn’t defy their orders directly. Rico's hands trembled as he dialed his parents' number. He hesitated for a few seconds, unsure of what to say. "Rico, dear," his mother answered, her voice stern but soft. "We've been expecting your call. Hope you’ve seen the news” she asked Rico swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. "M-Mother, I—" "Oh his stuttering, his surprised at the beauty of his new bride, meanwhile, I am over here with your father" she said “But mom, I told you about Sophia, the woman I love and have been going out with for the past two years, we agreed, I was going to bring her over soon” Rico said “Oh the peasant girl, I forgot about her, and No, Rico you said you would invite her over, we never agreed, besides no child of mine is getting married, to a low life, money deprived person, wealth is a criteria” Mrs. Blackwood said sternly. “But Mom, do you even care how I feel?” Rico continued “Enough! You would marry who we say you would marry”, His father interrupted, we don’t marry for feelings, we marry what is right for the family name, feelings will come in later. Rico's protest died on his lips. He knew anything else was futile "Yes, Father," Rico whispered, with defeat in voice. His mother continued with her tone still soft. "We would discuss the details later, for now, focus on your duties. Forget Sophia or whatever her name is." The call ended, and Rico felt a crushing weight settle upon him. “What would I do now? He said Sophia still crying on the floor felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Sophia, sweetie, what's wrong?" Sophia's mother, Grace, knelt beside her, concern written all over her face. "Rico," Sophia sobbed, her voice shaking. "He's getting married." Grace's expression turned stern. "I told you, Sophia. Men like Rico, they're not like us. They're raised to priorities their family's wealth and status." Sophia shook her head, defending Rico. "No, Mom, Rico's different. He's kind and genuine." “And now his getting married to someone, who isn’t you, so much for being kind and genuine” Grace said Grace's words struck a chord. Sophia remembered the countless times her mother warned her about Rico. "Sophia, they'll never truly accept you. You're not their social class." Memories of Rico's gentle touch and loving words flooded her mind and the pain she felt came rushing in. Three weeks ago, Sophia discovered she was pregnant. Only Rico knew. They'd planned to tell their families together, but now: "Sophia, talk to me," Grace coaxed. “What else, these tears is more than the betrayal, you’re a strong woman, what else is wrong? Sophia hesitated, unsure if she should reveal the pregnancy. But something in her mother's eyes, "Mom, I…. I…. I am pregnant," Sophia whispered, fresh tears falling. Grace's expression changed from concern to shock. "Oh, Sophia..." Sophia nodded, feeling a mix of emotions fear of the unknown, uncertainty and sadness. "What am I going to do, Mom?" Sophia asked her voice barely audible. Grace wrapped her arms around Sophia, holding her close. "We would figure it out together, sweetie. But one thing's for sure: you deserve better than Rico Blackwood." As Sophia cried, Grace's words echoed in her mind: "Men like Rico...they don’t like us." But Sophia knew the truth: Rico was not exactly like his parents, he was just the trophy son, bound by duty. Grace's expression turned distant, her eyes clouding over as she held Sophia close. "Sophia, I know what it's like to be caught up with this people," Grace whispered, her voice laced with sadness. "I thought I'd escaped it, but seeing you hurt brings it all back." Sophia pulled back, "What do you mean, Mom?" Grace took a deep breath, her eyes drifting into the past. "I grew up in a poor neighborhood, Sophia. Your father was my escape. He was kind, genuine, and loved me for who I was. But when he passed away, I was left alone, struggling to make ends meet." Grace's voice cracked. "That's when I met Reginald. He was wealthy, charming, and promised to take care of me and you. But it was all a lie. He wanted a trophy wife, a sex toy, someone who owed him, someone not worthy to be called a wife, he needed a main he could sleep with basically. Sophia's eyes widened, shocked. "You never told me." Grace's smile was bitter. "There is a lot I can’t tell you sweetie. But I learned the hard way: wealth and status come with a price. They'll use you, discard you, and move on to the next shiny person." "Rico's not like that, Mom," Sophia protested, though her conviction was shaky. Grace looked at her. "You’re love drunk, Sophia. But trust me; Rico's family will never accept you. You're not their kind." "What do I do, Mom?" Sophia asked her voice barely above a whisper. Grace's voice was resolute. "We'll face this together. We'll raise this child, and you'll move on from Rico. You deserve better." I don't want to move on mom, I want Rico, how do I raise this child all alone? I didn't make the child alone, why should I raise it alone? She continued cryingChapter 65: The Game ShiftsRico’s CounterattackThe Blackwood estate was silent in the early morning, but inside Rico’s office, the tension was thick. Raymond sat across from his father, his fingers tapping against the polished wood desk as he waited. The scandal surrounding Rico’s Dubai deal had exploded overnight, and the investors were already asking questions.“I knew Adrian would try something,” Raymond muttered. “But I didn’t expect him to come after you Dad.”Rico leaned back, eyes unreadable. “This isn’t just Adrian, this is Evelyn, his just a child, he wouldn't dare"Raymond frowned. “You’re sure?”Rico smirked. “Adrian might be smart, but he’s a child like you. This attack? It’s too calculated. Evelyn knows exactly where to hit.” He tossed a folder onto the desk. “You want so bad to be involved in adult dealings here you are we need to respond, and fast.”Raymond picked it up, flipping through the details of Rico’s plan. He exhaled slowly. “This is risky dad.”Rico’s expres
Chapter 64: A Dangerous GameRaymond’s Next StepThe night air was cool, but Raymond barely noticed it as he pulled up to the location Camila had sent him. It was an upscale lounge, discreet enough to keep conversations private but exclusive enough that anyone inside knew they were dealing with power.Camila was already seated in a booth at the far end, sipping on a glass of wine. She looked completely at ease, but Raymond knew better. Camila was always calculating, always one step ahead.“You took your time,” she said, not bothering to look up as he slid into the seat across from her.Raymond leaned back, arms crossed. “I wasn’t sure if this was a setup.”She smirked. “If I wanted you destroyed, I wouldn’t be so obvious about it.”Raymond exhaled sharply. “Then what do you want?”Camila tapped her nails against the glass. “You’re in a mess, and I have a way out for you.”He narrowed his eyes. “And what would that be?”She leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering. “You’re not the o
Chapter 63: A Battle has began.Raymond In TroubleThe Blackwood name had weight, until it didn’t, Raymond was the reason why the Blackwood name began to sink gradually.Raymond had spent the night in a holding cell, the cold metal bench beneath him doing nothing to soothe his rage. The moment the police raided the party, he knew he had been set up, but it didn’t matter. The flashing cameras, the whispers, the humiliation, all of it had happened so fast. And now, the headlines were everywhere."Blackwood Heir Busted in Drug Scandal!""Raymond Blackwood: Reckless or Ruined?"The door to the holding cell creaked open, and in walked his father, Rico Blackwood. He wasn’t angry. No, Rico was worse than that. He was disappointed.Raymond stood immediately, trying to salvage some dignity. “Dad, I” he started before he was interruptedRico raised a hand, silencing him. “Don’t.” His voice was like steel, cold and final. He turned to the officer behind him. “Release him.” he said with a voice o
Chapter 62: The Seeds of WarThe Weight of ConsequencesRaymond Blackwood had never known restraint. His entire life had been a series of privileges, expensive cars, exclusive clubs, and unlimited access to wealth. But now, standing outside St. Augustine’s Academy, waiting for a driver that would never come, he realized just how much had changed overnight.His bank cards were useless. His friends, once so eager to be around him, had suddenly become ghosts. Even Rosalie, usually his partner in crime, seemed distant.“Let’s just go home,” she muttered, adjusting the sunglasses on her face to hide the bruise Adrian Hawthorne had left.Raymond clenched his fists. “I’m not going anywhere without a plan.”His pride wouldn’t allow him to simply accept Rico’s punishment.As if on cue, a sleek black car pulled up beside them. The window rolled down, revealing a girl around their age. Her dark brown eyes gleamed with amusement, her black hair styled in effortless waves.“Raymond Blackwood,” she
Chapter 61: One Good, Two Bad.Rachel sat at the farthest corner of the school library, her fingers flipping through the pages of a thick textbook. The familiar scent of old paper and ink filled the air, a quiet comfort in the otherwise chaotic world of high school.She didn’t mind being alone.It was easier this way.People at St. Augustine’s Academy, one of the city’s most elite private schools weren’t cruel to her, but they weren’t friendly either. She was neither rich enough to be admired nor outgoing enough to be noticed. The other students barely acknowledged her presence, as if she were part of the furniture.Rachel had stopped trying to fit in years ago.“Class, before we begin, I want to acknowledge something,” Mr. Grayson, their economics teacher, said as he entered. He was one of the few teachers who actually noticed her.He turned to face the class. “We had a round of mock exams last week, and the highest scorer as usual where a number of kids but someone had given a large
Chapter 60: New Beginning, Old ShadowsFifteen years had passed, and the world had moved on. The city still played with power, its undercurrents of corruption as strong as ever. The names that ruled it, Blackwood and the Hawthorne had not faded, only grown more ruthless.And among them, hidden in plain sight, was a girl who had no idea she was part of that world.Rachel Smith.Or, as she had once been called Zira.She didn’t remember the name. She didn’t remember much of anything from the life she’d left behind.But some things, even forgotten, never truly disappeared.***The Smith's Household: Two Sisters, Two RealitiesThe Smith's were a good family. At least, that’s what everyone believed.And in some ways, it was true. They weren’t cruel. They didn’t raise their voices, didn’t hit, didn’t mistreat her.But love?That was different.Rachel sat at the dinner table, the warm glow of the chandelier above them casting soft light over the polished mahogany. The smell of roasted chicken
Chapter 59: Before A New Era.The world had shifted, but the game? The game was still the same, power, secrets, and survival. Only this time, the rules were different.Some won. Some lost. And some? They simply waited for their next move, it took years but it never ended.***Evelyn’s Unfinished BusinessEvelyn Hawthorne sat in her dim lit office, her fingers tapping against the polished wood of her desk. The city skyline stretched beyond the floor to ceiling windows, a reminder of everything she had built… and everything she had yet to destroy.Dominic, her right hand, stood by the door, watching her closely. “We have a problem,” he said.She exhaled slowly, swirling the whiskey in her glass. “I don’t like problems, Dominic.”“This one won’t go away.” he saidEvelyn arched a brow. “Alison Roman?”“She disappeared.” he answered Silence."Isn't that suppose to be Alexis and Alex job?" She fired back, staring at him.Evelyn didn’t react right away, but the weight in the room changed. D
Chapter 58: Shadows and ReckoningsThe night was thick with tension. Evelyn Hawthorne sat in her car, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence. Across the street, the remnants of the burned warehouse still smoldered, sending wisps of smoke curling into the dark sky. Her men were scattered, stationed at vantage points, waiting for movement.And then it came.A black SUV, tinted windows, slow and cautious, pulled up near the alleyway. Someone had come to investigate the aftermath of her destruction. Evelyn smiled coldly.“Finally,” she murmured.Dominic, her enforcer, leaned forward. “Want us to move in?” he askedEvelyn held up a hand. “No. Not yet. Let them think they’re safe, I also want to see who it is.”She watched as a figure stepped out of the SUV, their figure obstructed by shadows. They stood still for a moment, surveying the damage, then pulled out a phone. Whoever they were, they were making a call.Evelyn’s fingers drummed against her armrest. “Find out who they’re ca
Chapter 57: Resilience and Confessions.The night air smelled of smoke and destruction. The fire raged, licking at the sky as the old warehouse collapsed in on itself. Evelyn Hawthorne stood a safe distance away, her face illuminated by the flickering flames, eyes cold and calculating.Her men moved like shadows around her, efficient, ruthless. This was just the beginning. Whoever had taken over Alex Montgomery’s empire had hidden well, but Evelyn wasn’t one to play guessing games. She’d draw them out the old-fashioned way, by making them bleed, This wasn't a fight for her children as she had instructed them to watch and learn how it is done.One of her men, a tall enforcer named Dominic, stepped closer. “The fire will take care of any evidence. We hit three of their locations tonight. Their operation is falling apart Ma.” he aaidEvelyn took a slow breath, the scent of burning metal sharp in the air. “Good,” she murmured then smiled, “Now we wait.” she replied.If the new leader was
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