The Masked Heiress: Don't Mess With Her Mga Nobela at Kwento

“To build again, to show who you are.” He nodded and a slight smile played on his face. “And to be aligned with somebody who knows what it is to fight for their spot.” He looked me in the eye, and for a second, I felt recognized, not as the heiress and not as the ex-convict but simply as Isabella. There was more I wanted to say, thank him, but my phone buzzed in my pocket and the moment shattered. I reached for it, assuming it was Maggie or an update from the board, but the message was from an unknown number. When I read it, I got cold all over: Step down as Ashcroft heiress, or you’ll be dead before the end of the week.

The orchestra suddenly transitioned into an ethereal melody as all eyes turned to the top of the grand staircase. Everyone let out a deep breath as Elara’s figure finally emerged, followed by Eliott, Katherine, and Richard. She looked like a vision from a dream, draped in her gorgeous silk gown that caught the light of the crystal chandeliers with every step she took. Nobody was able to see her face as a delicate, and semi transparent lace mask like veil was hiding her features except her eyes, to maintain the mystery of the Hale heiress, only revealing her beauty eyes.

She removes her mask and lets it slip free. “Is that?” “No, it can’t be.” “She is even more beautiful than I thought.” “I am Donna Cassandria Bristol-Romano. I am Don Francesco Romano’s niece and the rightful heir to the Romano family. From now on, there will be changes made to how things are done. I can see a few angry faces. So let me say this. Suck it. Challenge me if you want. But as you have just heard, I have power behind me. So let’s all get along, shall we? Ciao.” She says and steps down, her team surrounding her as she walks past me, but I grab her hand and she stops. Fuck this.

"She wasn't, six years ago." "Daniel." I stood up, phone pressed hard against my ear, walking toward the window without seeing anything outside it. "She is CEO of one of the largest luxury conglomerates in the country. She is leading a hostile takeover of Sebastian's company. She walked into his boardroom and he didn't even recognise her at first, which means she's changed enough that even he can't see what's underneath it anymore. This is not nothing, Daniel. This is the opposite of nothing." "I'm aware."

exactly what they came for. **** The evening sun set behind the horizon, bathing the resort in a gentle glow as Cassia and her friends got ready for the masquerade ball Quinn had insisted they attend. The excitement was evident as they picked out their masks. Cassia’s mask was elegant, black with gold accents, shaped like delicate wings that framed her face. It perfectly matched her flowing dark dress, giving her a mysterious yet stunning look. Kiara’s mask was bold and vibrant, decorated in red with feathers, while Quinn went for something simple but sparkling, lined with silver beads.

“Smart girl. Don’t worry — I’m not interested in your little love story. I have bigger plans.” He walked to the desk and handed me an envelope — thick, unmarked. “This will cover the exact amount. No more, no less. Deliver it to Heather, and she’ll have no excuse to linger.” I took it, my hands shaking. It was heavier than I expected, like it carried more than just money. “And the favor?” I asked quietly. “When?” His gaze turned cold and his mouth curved into a grin before he said, “It wouldn't be fun if I tell you now, would it, princess?"

“And remember, princess—don’t pull that thing from under your dress unless you sense danger. And don’t leave my side or Xavi’s side.” Not for a second. Because I already know I’ll be distracted tonight. The Hunter’s Don will be there. Arrogant prick loves poking at me like it’s a sport. And if he so much as breathes wrong in my direction— I’ll fuck his fiancée tonight just to spite him before I catch the unfortunate motherfucker I actually came here for. Masks on.

I hang my leather bag on one of the hangers, forgetting all about the dress I was supposed to deliver. "Then we'll get you out of the pack tomorrow." Tess paces back and forth. She spins to face me, her eyes twinkling. "There's a masked party tonight, at the Bloodmoon borders. It's the perfect cover. No one will know if you..." I think of it. "I... I don't have anything to wear..." A fist pounds hard against the door. We lock eyes. My heart thumps faster. "Elena? Elena Graymoor. We know you're there. Your dress fitting starts in two minutes."

I never got to tell her she was right. I never got to say sorry. Now I’m curled on a velvet chaise in a stranger’s mansion, wearing nothing but a man’s coat and a collar that burns every time I breathe too deep, and all I can hear is her voice. You should have listened, little star. The masked lord—Lord Cassian, he told the auctioneer—snaps his fingers at the maids. “Clean her. Feed her. Dress her in something pretty and breakable.” His smile is all teeth. “She’ll be my Hunt toy this year.”