Scrutiny Synonym

Valentina Luca, a struggling artist, marries the enigmatic billionaire Marco Lorenzo, who only married her simply because of her beauty and appealing appearance. Despite her efforts to win their approval, Valentina faces constant scrutiny and rejection from Marco’s family, particularly his formidable mother Francesca, who deems her unsuitable due her background. When pressured by his family, Marco agrees to divorce Valentina and pursue a relationship with Isabella Alessandro, a wealthy heiress recommended by his parents. Valentina discovers a secret about her parentage from her mother, Sofia—a revelation that alters the course of her life. Fabio Matteo, Valentina's billionaire father, reveals himself. Fabio, desperate for an heir and previously unwilling to acknowledge Valentina due to societal pressures, now recognizes her after a DNA test confirms their relationship. He bequeaths his vast fortune to her before passing away, instantly making Valentina the wealthiest woman in Italy. With newfound power and wealth, Valentina's former in-laws and Marco Lorenzo seek her forgiveness and return, begging for another chance. As she navigates her new reality as Italy's most prominent figure, Valentina must decide whether to forgive the past and embrace a new future, including a potential reconciliation with Marco Lorenzo or forget about him and give her new billionaire admirer, William James a chance. Prepare for a rollercoaster effect

Ysabelle Andra Guerrero never thought her love life would become a business transaction. As the only daughter and heiress of an airline company, she lived independently— an adrenaline junkie, a traveler, and someone who swore never to open her heart yet but her world turns upside down when her family uses her for a deal: a marriage contract to secure a business partnership. Worst? She must marry Aldrich Evan Lorenzo— the man who left her without any explanation. Aldrich, heir to a well-known travel company, faces his own crisis. With his family’s business on the brink of collapse, he agrees to the arranged marriage, unaware that the bride-to-be is the woman he secretly loved and lost. Bound by a contract with clear terms: 1. End the marriage once the Lorenzo company recovers. 2. Act as a powerful couple in public. 3. No strings attached. Neither of them wants to say “I do,” but both have too much to lose. On their wedding day, chaos strikes when Sarina Fructuoso—a famous dermatologist, crashes the ceremony, claiming she’s pregnant with Aldrich’s child. The revelation stuns everyone, especially Ysabelle but gives Aldrich the benefit of the doubt, suspecting a setup. As they navigate a web of lies, public scrutiny, and hidden feelings, their scripted affection begins to feel real. Behind the staged smiles and cold arrangements, they find themselves drawn back to each other. What started as a contract becomes a fight for something deeper—a second chance at love neither of them expected.

I never in my wildest imagination thought that my life would one day take such a huge turn: signing a marriage contract with Jonathan Wells, the coldest billionaire in Wells Enterprise, so my sister could stay alive. It was supposed to be cut and dry: I’d be his wife on paper, and in return, he would take care of my sister’s medical bill and promise our future. No attachments. No strings. Business only. But life rarely adheres to a simple script, does it? Pulled into his ruthless world, secrets of my past start to resurface, putting everything in jeopardy. I, Chloe Jackson, was the illegitimate daughter of his biggest competitor-a man I had been running from my whole life. Now my estranged father wants me back under his control, just when I’m starting to see that maybe Jonathan isn’t as heartless as he seems. Torn between the board’s merciless scrutiny, Jonathan’s mistrust, and a corporate war driven by my father, I’m adrift in a maelstrom of power, betrayal, and something even more dangerous—love. I wasn’t supposed to fall for him. I wasn’t supposed to care. But in the end, it might not be the contract that keeps our worlds apart-but rather the very thing that could mend my heart. Because Jonathan Wells isn’t just a billionaire. He’s the only man who can break me-or save me.

Olivia Langston, a brilliant and ambitious doctor, has always focused on her career, vowing never to let love or relationships distract her. However, everything changes when she crosses paths with James Pierce, a charismatic and successful billionaire with a reputation for being a powerful, yet lonely man. Despite their vastly different worlds, Olivia and James share an undeniable chemistry that neither can ignore. As their connection deepens, Olivia finds herself drawn into the complexities of James's life, from his troubled relationship with his father to the manipulative tactics of his ex-fiancée, Claire. Despite their differences, Olivia and James grow closer, learning to navigate the pressures of their respective careers, the public eye, and the expectations placed on them by their families. However, their relationship faces numerous challenges. James’s business is threatened by a rival company, and his past continues to haunt him in the form of both old flames and family drama. Meanwhile, Olivia struggles to balance her medical career with her newfound role in James’s high-profile world, dealing with the intense scrutiny of the media and the emotional toll it takes on her. Through every twist and turn, Olivia and James’s love is tested, but they both realize that their bond is stronger than any obstacle. As they grow together, they face the difficult decisions that come with building a future, including James’s decision to propose, Olivia’s health scare, and their ultimate decision to start a family together.

Erika Regis dreamed of love and belonging, but her world has always been ruled by tragedy and secrets. Forced into a political union with the enigmatic Alpha Diego Di Rocco, she finds herself trapped in a cold, calculated marriage, fighting for acceptance in a pack that sees her as an outsider. But beneath Diego’s icy exterior lies a fractured soul, and as Erika battles to prove her worth, she begins to uncover dangerous truths about her tragic past, a prophecy that ties her fate to the survival of the Lycans, and the strength she never knew she possessed. Their mating ceremony is no fairy tale. Diego’s pack is steeped in tradition, secrets, and rivalries, and Erika is thrust into a world where she is both the object of scrutiny and the pawn in a dangerous game. Diego’s domineering mother, Dunia, and his cunning childhood friend, Lucia, conspire to test her every move, while Diego himself remains an enigma—distant yet magnetic, capable of igniting both longing and despair in her heart. When betrayal cuts deeper than any wound, Erika walks away—not to escape, but to reclaim her own power. Yet destiny has other plans. As enemies close in and war looms on the horizon, Erika must decide if her broken bond with Diego can be mended—or if she’s destined to rise alone. Gripping, seductive, and fiercely empowering, Dark Luna Rising will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, heart-pounding page.

"Isla," he called, his voice brutally stern, "you know it was a terrible mistake that shouldn't have happened in the first place. You're my best friend's daughter and he has entrusted you to my care for Pete's sake!" "Is that your excuse? But that doesn't mean we can't feel something for each other," I retorted, my voice rising. "You kissed me back, Robert. You didn't stop me; infact, you seemed to enjoy it!" Isla's dad had entrusted her to Robert Hardy, his best friend. His goal was for Isla to learn the core of handling business under the scrutiny and watchful eyes of a dear and very trusted old friend, who was to become Isla's mentor, and guardian, but Isla only saw this as an opportunity to finally be able to pursue the strikingly handsome man she has had a huge crush on ever since her young girly heart knew what it meant to feel. As she settles into Robert's world as his office assistant, sparks ignite dangerously between them as a forbidden steamy romance evolves. Their secret office affair faces a huge threat from Robert's manipulative and materialistic Ex, who also works as his manager. Amidst the uncertainty, Isla comes face-to-face with the heart wrenching secret of her very dear Robert. As she confronts this secret, her heart breaks into a million pieces on who Robert Hardy truly is. Isla also brutally finds out the most unbelievable truth about her always busy and hardworking parents. How does Isla handle the emptiness she feels, and the bile life threw directly at her face?

Lance, a Mafia Boss, a man with an iron fist and dispensing harsh justice to anyone who disobeyed his law. He was feared by men and desired by women, but his heart was frozen, kept hidden behind thick icy walls. All that changed when Bella came crashing into his life. Bella was an ordinary woman, but she had a big heart and was determined to break through Lance’s cold walls. She showed him a whole new perspective on the world and slowly melted his frozen heart. Although Lance was wary of opening himself up to Bella, he found himself wanting to be closer to her. Their relationship was tested when Bella’s brother, a petty criminal, was caught in one of Lance’s raids. Lance was determined to punish him according to his law, but Bella begged him to spare her brother’s life. In the end, Lance decided to show mercy, and Bella was deeply grateful. The couple’s relationship blossomed and Lance opened himself up to Bella, revealing his true self. He started to become more caring and compassionate and was no longer the cold-hearted Mafia Boss. Their relationship had a positive efect on Lance’s business. He became more lenient, particularly when it came to punishing those who hurt women or children. This made him even more respected in the city and soon he was known as the kind-hearted Mafia Boss. Bella and Lance’s relationship was not formed without its challenges. They had to keep their relationship a secret due to the danger and scrutiny that would come with it, but eventually they decided to make it public. Despite the disapproval of their families and the danger it posed to them both, will they stay together and continue to love each other's flaws?

“I want to see our baby.” Ralph asked Klara with subtle hesitation and hope filled eyes. He who never feared a soul in the entire world is now having a hard time to be under the scrutiny of his little wolf. How can he make her love him again if she loathes him this much? Klara couldn’t believe her ears. Did she just hear him say…? How could he? How dare he? “You mean MY baby?” She asked, smirking with pleasure when she saw the pain in Ralph’s eyes. He deserves it. In fact it’s a lot less than the pain she had to endure because of him. “Little wolf, plea-” “Just because I agreed to meet you doesn’t mean I forgave you. You are nothing but a man who is better off dead in my eyes. So, save your face and leave.” Ralph lowered his head in shame and guilt. She has every right to be mad at him and make him feel like a dirt under her shoe but it’s hurting him. Very much. He can tolerate anything from her but not her hate. ……… Two broken hearts waiting to be united. Two wounded souls waiting to be healed. Remorse and loath filled lives fighting against each other only to find each other, again. To find peace and love amidst the hurt and broken hearts. With time, anger can be dissipated and loath can be dissolved but can a betrayal ever disappear? Don’t wait more and dig into Ralph’s Repentance to be a part of Ralph and Klara’s love-hate relationship and the unveiling of the mystery behind Julia AKA Ralph’s mother’s murder.

Panni never intended to steal her twin sister’s life. She only agreed to help with one simple favor—pretend to be Annie for a single meeting. But the moment she stepped into an elite private restaurant and faced Jinyan Lu, the cold, brilliant CEO of Lu Corporation, she realized nothing about this meeting was simple. Jinyan, still bound by his late grandmother’s dying wish to “find someone who will stay by your side,” had prepared a contract marriage proposal. He believed the woman sitting before him—Panni in disguise—was the one who had already agreed to the arrangement. Bound by fear, circumstance, and her sister’s disappearance, Panni reluctantly stepped into a life that wasn’t hers, signing a contract that would entangle her fate with a man who trusted no one. As she plays the role of the polished, confident twin, Panni struggles to hide her true identity while navigating the cold walls of the Lu family mansion, the scrutiny of the company board, and the unspoken expectations placed upon the future Mrs. Lu. But her biggest challenge is Jinyan Lu himself—distant yet unexpectedly protective, calculating yet quietly vulnerable. What begins as a practical arrangement slowly turns into a dangerous emotional territory neither can control. When Jinyan starts falling for the woman he believes is Annie, Panni is torn between duty and desire, truth and revival. Every moment she stays by his side deepens the lie… and the attachment. But secrets don’t stay buried forever. When the real twin retraces and hidden agendas threaten the fragile bond forming between them, Panni must decide whether to walk away—or fight for a love built on borrowed identity.

It was the perfect opportunity for the desperate Oriel. "The cancer in my body is going to take me earlier from this world. All of this is the punishment I am getting for my sins. However, it looks like a blessing has been mistakenly delivered to me by the heavens, that's you," said the leader of a drug mafia gang, a victim of Oriel's charms. She also didn't think twice before accepting his proposal, more like an offer that was to get her immense fortune in return. "I will make sure that your remaining days will be filled with happiness." She promised the dying boss and agreed live as his mistress. She knew that he had a wife and that the relation only existed on a piece of paper. Her name was Ursula, feisty and savage spouse of the dying mafia leader, Mr. Bruce. "Let him have that young girl as a last token of joy in his numbered days. But, I want you to keep her in close scrutiny because she also has her eyes set on his wealth. See to it that she never gets what she wants." Heartbroken Ursula ordered Collin, the loyal brother of Mr. Bruce. He was appointed as a personal bodyguard for his boss's mistress, "I will be following you everywhere from now on, you will have to bear with me because your safety is now a matter of concern for my boss." Oriel refused his company with a stern denial. "Don't tell me that you are still awkward around me, it has been years," but who knew that they shared a tragic past and a passion so deep. "Take my everything in return of your love. Just never betray me, and if you do, be meticulous hiding it," reminded her of Mr.Bruce.