All Chapters of Rising From The Ashes: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Natalie stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of her penthouse, looking down at the city lights that stretched infinitely beneath her. The skyline was breathtaking, a sprawling jungle of steel and glass, but tonight, it felt suffocating. The weight of Adrian's proposal still lingered in her mind.Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft chime of her phone. Glancing down, she saw Daniel Carter’s name flash on the screen. The financial mogul had been relentless in his pursuit of a business partnership, and she knew he wouldn't stop until he got an answer.She answered, her voice composed. “Daniel.”“Natalie,” came his smooth baritone. “I trust you’ve had time to consider my offer.”“I have,” she said, turning away from the window. “But before I make a decision, I need to know one thing—what exactly do you want out of this partnership?”A chuckle echoed through the receiver. “Straight to the point. I like that about you.” He paused before continuing. “I see potential, Natalie.

Natalie sat at the long mahogany table inside one of the city’s most exclusive restaurants, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her wine glass. Across from her sat Daniel Carter, a man who radiated quiet power, his sharp blue eyes studying her with undisguised intrigue."So, have you made up your mind?" Daniel asked, swirling the dark liquid in his glass as he leaned back in his chair.Natalie exhaled slowly. "Business decisions aren’t made over a single dinner."A smirk tugged at Daniel’s lips. "Of course. But let’s be honest here, Natalie—you’re not someone who hesitates when she sees an opportunity.""True," she admitted, "but I also don’t rush into agreements without knowing all the risks. I know you, Daniel. You always have an endgame. The question is, where do I fit into it?"He chuckled, lifting his glass in salute before taking a sip. "I admire your caution, but let me put it simply—Leonard’s influence is dwindling. Adrian may be powerful, but even he can’t protect you fore

The tension in the room was palpable as Natalie stepped into the private lounge of one of the city’s most exclusive hotels. Dim lighting cast elongated shadows across the plush velvet couches, and the subtle scent of expensive cigars lingered in the air. This was a place where high-stakes deals were made, where fortunes were won and lost in the span of a conversation. Every detail of the room screamed exclusivity, the kind of space where only the powerful and the privileged dared to negotiate.At the center of it all sat Daniel Carter, his demeanor as relaxed as ever, yet his sharp blue eyes betrayed the predator beneath the polished exterior. He was waiting for her, a glass of whiskey in his hand, his other arm draped lazily over the back of the couch. The golden liquid in his glass reflected the dim chandelier light, swirling as he idly moved his wrist, as if he had all the time in the world. But Natalie knew better—Daniel Carter never wasted a second.“Natalie,” he greeted, his smo

Natalie Evans had spent years underestimating the lengths to which Adrian Sinclair would go to maintain control. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of her penthouse, casting golden hues across the marble floors. Dressed in an elegant but sharp navy-blue suit, she sat at the breakfast bar, sipping her espresso while scrolling through the latest reports from her businesses. Everything was thriving. Every strategic move she had made since the divorce had led to this moment—complete autonomy.But something gnawed at her.Last night’s cryptic call still lingered in her mind. You’re playing a dangerous game, Ms. Evans.Whoever had called her knew something. But was it a warning or a threat?She had barely set her cup down when Lisa walked in, tablet in hand, her expression unreadable.“You’re not going to like this,” Lisa said, placing the tablet on the counter in front of her.Natalie arched a brow, sliding it closer. The screen displaye

Natalie’s grip on her wine glass tightened as she stared at Adrian. The air in her penthouse was thick with tension, the kind that settled deep into one’s bones. She had expected retaliation from him, but not this soon, and certainly not this bold intrusion into her personal space.“I don’t recall inviting you in,” she said, taking a slow sip of her wine, her voice deceptively calm.Adrian smirked, stepping further into the dimly lit living room. “Since when do I need an invitation?”Natalie’s eyes flashed with defiance. “Since the moment I signed those divorce papers.”Adrian let out a humorless chuckle. “You think a piece of paper changes anything between us?” His voice was low, almost taunting, as he slowly approached her. “You can play this game, Natalie, but you and I both know the truth—you’re still mine.”She laughed, shaking her head. “That possessive arrogance of yours is outdated, Adrian. I don’t belong to anyone.”He reached out, his fingers grazing her jawline before she s