Chapter 21

Days passed since Jace stood breathless in Elias’s office, tangled in lust and guilt. Now, he was home-alone-happy -for the first time in what felt like forever. The morning light streamed through the tall windows of his small apartment, casting a honeyed glow across the cluttered space. His easel, long abandoned, stood by the window like a forgotten lover. Today, he returned to it. Jace’s fingers were already stained with streaks of cobalt and ochre as he dipped the brush again, slowly dragging it across the canvas. The face that began to form was not a person, not exactly. It was warmth, softness—hope. The painting was for Noah. Noah, who had woken up three days ago. Noah, who smiled weakly and squeezed his hand. Jace had cried then. Quiet, private sobs that never reached anyone’s ears. For once, it wasn’t about pain—it was relief. The knot in his chest loosened just enough to let him breathe. So he painted. Each stroke on the canvas was gentle but purposeful. A sky that b

Last Updated : 2025-08-02

Chapter 22

Jace had seduced Elias to get close to the file, but he had failed to retrieve it. Noah was back in the ICU, and the bills were doubling by the hour. Jace’s world was falling apart. It felt like the world was out to get him at this point. Jace had lost his bartending gig because he hadn't showed up for work for weeks due to Noah's last surgery and recovery. He had no way to pay the bills but the bills didn't care, they had to be paid or else jace would be starving, homeless or worse he could loose his younger brother. Jace had no choice. His pride was already in pieces—what was one more crack in the glass? The job he seduced Elias to get....He took it. He hated that he needed the Crane's help so much, this was not part of the plan. Now Jace had to work for the man that killed his parents. --------- Jace's official onboarding at Crane Corp was rushed but meticulous. Paperwork, confidentiality agreements, access badges—all signed and sealed within a day. His position? Office a

Last Updated : 2025-08-04

Chapter 23

The next morning at Crane Corp, the air still carried remnants of the tension from the previous day. After the humiliating conference room scene, Jace kept his head low, focused on the work piling up on his screen. Though his pride still ached, he reminded himself of the bigger picture. This job, no matter how twisted, paid well enough to keep his brother’s treatments going. By midday, Elias’s assistant appeared at Jace’s cubicle. "Mr. Crane wants to see you in his office." Jace hesitated, heart thudding. He’d barely looked at Elias since yesterday. But he stood up, composed himself, and walked into the lion’s den. Elias stood by the window, back turned, his tall frame silhouetted by sunlight. When he turned, his eyes softened. "Close the door." Jace obeyed silently. "I owe you an apology," Elias began, voice low. "My father was out of line. What he did in that meeting... it won’t happen again." Jace studied him, arms crossed. "He made it very clear how he sees me." "And I mad

Last Updated : 2025-08-05

Chapter 24

The ballroom glittered with gold and crystal, laughter echoing under chandeliers that sparkled like falling stars. Music drifted from a string quartet nestled in the corner, and the scent of wealth, of expensive perfume, aged wine, and polished arrogance hung thick in the air. Jace stood at Elias’s side, dressed in a sleek deep navy, Italian-cut, with subtle silk detailing along the lapels. The one Elias had gotten for him.The suit that hugged his form like sin. Yet, despite the luxury, all he could hear was one thing. “I think I’m falling for you, Jace.” Elias’s words had been a whisper against his skin, spoken in the dark while their bodies were tangled and slick with sweat. But now, under the harsh glow of society’s watchful eyes, they clung to Jace’s mind like a cruel echo. He replayed it again and again. Had he meant it? Or was it just sex talk? Elias looked as composed as ever—calm, confident, that signature Crane detachment in place like a perfectly tailored mask. Jace wa

Last Updated : 2025-08-06

Chapter 25

Jace woke up with a pounding headache and a bitter taste in his mouth. The room was still dark, save for the sliver of light creeping through the old blinds. His clothes were in a heap. The bottle of cheap alcohol was still uncapped on the table. Half full. Or half empty. He groaned and rubbed a hand over his face. His thoughts were murky, swimming in last night’s wine and humiliation. He’d gone out drinking after the ball, trying to forget the way Victor Crane had poured wine on him twice and how Elias, the man who had whispered he was "falling" for him, had just stood there like a mountain. unmovable. What the hell was he expecting? From the son of the man who’d destroyed his family? He sat up slowly, glancing at his phone. There was a message from the hospital. 'Noah’s vitals are improving. Still stable.' It wasn’t a miracle. But it was something. Noah was fighting. That alone was enough reason for Jace to keep moving even if his heart felt like a ruined battlefield and hi

Last Updated : 2025-08-08

All Chapters of RUTHLESS TEMPTATION : Chapter 21 - Chapter 25

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25