Slade And Terra Judas Contract

After being betrayed by her fiancé and cousin on her wedding day, Zara, reborn with memories of past mistakes, vows to rewrite her destiny. Impulsively, she marries a stranger to keep her ex at bay, not realizing Snow is far from a mere call boy. Snow Zephyr, a wealthy CEO and alpha of the Ivory Crescent Pack, needs a contract wife to appease his father and secure his position. When a bold, determined woman proposes a marriage of convenience, Snow agrees, unaware of the chaos she will bring into his life. Zara's defiant choice provokes her parents' fury, leading to her being cast from the company and forcing her to find work elsewhere. She lands a job at Aurora Conglomerate Inc., only to discover that her new boss is Snow, the very man she married—and her ex's uncle. Sparks fly as their mutual attraction grows amidst the darkness of his family's secrets and looming threats. Zara’s strength and independence captivate Snow, who begins to see her as the potential Luna his pack needs. Together, they face vengeful ex-lovers, kidnapping plots, and deadly rivalries. As Zara's powers awaken, she must confront the reasons behind her family's disownment, the hidden clauses in her marriage contract, and her ultimate role in Snow’s world. When their marriage of convenience deepens into a genuine partnership, a new challenge emerges in the form of a fated mate. Will Zara fight the dangers that await or embrace her true destiny? **EXCERPT** "I... didn't want to be late for work. You seemed busy, so I thought I'd get a head start." Snow raised an eyebrow. "Really? Or is it because last night affected you so much that you couldn't stand being around me?" "Don't flatter yourself, Snow. You didn't affect me at all." He smirked, stepping closer. "Is that so?" His fingers brushed my chin, tilting my face up. My pulse quickened. "We're at work," I snapped, swatting his hand away. "This isn't professional." "You're my wife," he murmured. "You're supposed to obey me at all times." I bit back a retort, a hint of rebellion flaring within. Slowly, I stepped closer, letting my fingers graze his chest. His smirk wavered for a second when his wolf reacted and Snow bit his lips. "Careful, Boss," I purred seductively. "Don't hurt those lips. I'm sure plenty of girls would love to kiss them." Snow leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. "And you? Are you dying for a taste?" Caught off guard, I hesitated, then regained my composure as I looked him in the eyes. "Unlike other girls, I have strong resistance against—" I didn't get a chance to finish when Snow's lips crashed onto mine with a fierce kiss that left me breathless. *************** MATURE CONTENT Participating in the Viral Book Call Contest. Kindly Support Me!

Zephany Draven is a shy, clumsy celebrity journalist who is constantly ridiculed for not getting the big scoops. She is soft-spoken and easily intimidated, so she looks weak. However, behind closed doors, she's Eclipse, an altogether tougher, loud-mouthed agent and quite ruthless and efficient. Kendrick Montclair is a gentle, positive artist who loves his family and remains optimistic despite his struggles. His gentle nature makes him easy to take advantage of. But secretly, he's Obscura, a cold, ruthless agent who is efficient and silent. Both work as partners in a secret organization that preserves hidden truths erased by governments, yet they remain completely unaware of each other's true identities. Their goal is to reach the highest level of clearance to access classified information. But just when they're on the verge of success, they fail. Then, a mysterious man appears with an offer—a contract marriage in exchange for the information they desperately seek. Trapped with no alternative, they sign the deal. But neither expected what would happen next. ------------- Kendrick and Zephany sat by the glass wall, waiting for their food when a car suddenly crashed through. Kendrick pulled Zephany to safety just in time, but both got small cuts from the broken glass. "Are you okay?" they asked, checking each other. To their astonishment, the cuts healed before their eyes. Their minds raced. "Beside me, the only person I know who has that ability is." "No! She can't be that loud, short-tempered woman!" "No! He can't be that silent, obnoxious man!" "Did I marry my secret partner in crime?" They both shuddered at the thought.

Serena Alaric wanted nothing more than a quiet life, far from the shadows of her family’s dark past. But when masked enforcers storm her home and drag her into the clutches of the Council of Vitae, she learns her blood is the key to a deadly legacy she never asked for. Lucian Draven is the cold and ruthless leader of a powerful mafia syndicate, cursed to endure unimaginable pain. The Council claims Serena is his only salvation. Yet beneath the Council’s polished facade lies a web of lies, experiments, and betrayal that runs far deeper than either of them imagined. Forced into an uneasy alliance and given a time limit to produce an heir, Serena and Lucian must navigate a treacherous world of power and manipulation, where trust is a rare commodity. As they uncover the truth about the Council’s sinister plans, their hatred begins to give way to something unexpected—a bond forged in fire and blood. But with enemies closing in from all sides and time running out, Serena and Lucian must decide: will they fight their fates, or embrace the dangerous connection that could either save them, or destroy them both?

Jiang Mian initially became famous in the entertainment circle with just one photo, in which the woman looked stunningly beautiful and unforgettable with a lazy, indulgent smile directed at the camera. Despite her beauty that captivated everyone, her acting skills were criticized, and the internet labeled her a "vase beauty." Yet she didn’t care at all, "Is it my fault for being too beautiful?" #MyBeautySealsMyActingSkills# Since Jiang Mian entered the circle, she had been showered with endless resources, becoming so arrogant it made others jealous. Even her manager couldn't stand it anymore, "I say, ancestor, should I send you for a makeover, get you cleaned up?" Jiang Mian: "I don't want to." Later, everyone unexpectedly saw Jiang Mian on the most popular variety show, and the internet sneered and questioned it. What shocked her was encountering her "missing husband." During the recording: "Jiang Mian, you're 30 seconds late, you're penalized!" In private: "Wife, I was wrong, I'll kneel as punishment!" Latter, Jiang Mian gained countless fans from this show. * North City's new CEO of Fu’s, Fu Sichen, had a sharp eye and acted decisively, creating a sensation in the entire financial sector as soon as he took office. One day, at an event, when Jiang Mian was asked about her ideal type, she didn't hesitate and said, "Definitely has to be manly! And if he has a sexy wheatish complexion, it would really hit the spot for me." Fu Sichen: ?? Where did the wheatish complexion come from? After the event, Jiang Mian gave the man at home a fright, "Fu Sichen, you... why did you tan?" The man hung his head and looked at the woman in his arms, "I wanted to hit the spot in your heart." — I love you, no turning back.

Her first encounter with Qin Sijue is an unexpected one. While trying to hide from her pursuers, she accidentally barges into his changing room. Yet, their paths crosses again fatefully—after a fake marriage, she legally becomes his bride. She imagines that they will only interact before the agreement ends, after which they would have nothing to do with each other. However, Qin Sijue comes over with two red booklets—their wedding certificate. "Take them for an appraisal and see if they're real".

A fake marriage. A sarcastic disaster of a groom. A stubborn no nonsense bride. What could possibly go wrong

what does it feel like to be married to a man who hates you, who holds you responsible for a lot of things. watch out and join Erica in this hate-love story

"Shying away from your wifely duties, little wife?" He questioned in a husky voice, lowering his face to hers. Ariel quickly turned her head away, "No, Mr. Chaz, you're misunderstanding me again," She voiced quietly. Aiden scoffed, not believing her. He looked down at his chest and found her slim hand still placed against it. "You're quite corny, Ariel. Saying you don't want me, yet you're hands are all over me," Aiden whispered in her ear. *** After overhearing her father and stepmother planning how they were going to marry her off in place of her Stepsister to the unsuccessful son of their debtor. That night, Ariel plans her run away, but that same night, Ariel mysteriously gets kidnapped. Waking up to discover she'd been kidnapped by the same people she was trying to run away from made her life seem like it had hit rock bottom. Now, she was going to be forced into a marriage with a man she didn't know and didn't love. But, would everything remain the same for her when she discovers that her new husband was the richest Billionaire in the country? Chaz Aiden was a successful billionaire with billions of businesses all over the world and zero interest in women, especially after his mother had divorced his father for a richer man. When his grandmother asked him to do him a favor by marrying the Hudson family's daughter, he knew it was for the sake of greed. He swore to make his new wife's life a living hell, making sure he reminded her that she would always be an object he purchased, contracted and never to be loved.

He married the daughter of the Lancaster family purely for revenge. He expected her to be obedient and submissive, not to resist or show emotions—a perfect pawn in his plan for vengeance. However, when his gaze locked onto the third daughter of the Lancaster family, the one who barged into the living room was her—disheveled and stained with blood. She seemed ordinary, but beneath the surface, she hid an unknown sharpness. "Do you love me?" he asked coldly. "You're crazy!" she rolled her eyes in disdain. In that moment, he smiled with satisfaction, believing he had everything under control. But she fought back. Marrying him was merely one step in her own plan. Four years later, with the Lancaster family completely destroyed, she threw the divorce papers in his face, smiling like the final victor: "Albert Wilson, have you finished using me? Thank you for making me think I once loved you. Now, never see me again, even in death." Just as she turned to leave in triumph, she accidentally walked into a gang's arms deal, and an explosion forever separated her from him. It was only when he found the two-month pregnancy test result among her belongings that he realized he had lost the only salvation of his life.

Tommy lived like most rebellious teenagers, drinking, smoking, and chasing fleeting thrills, until his world shattered with a leukemia diagnosis. But this was only the prelude to his descent. Desperate and cornered by fate, he signed a contract with the Devil, unknowingly binding himself to a shadow realm teeming with entities beyond mortal comprehension. Dragged into this hidden world of ancient devils, vengeful demons, and merciless angels, Tommy finds himself trapped in a war older than humanity itself. Here, every corner hides nightmares ripped from the darkest corners of myth, and survival demands more than courage, it requires unraveling the Devil’s cryptic bargain before it consumes his soul. Now, armed with nothing but wit and a flicker of defiance, Tommy must confront horrors that defy reason, forge uneasy alliances, and outmaneuver celestial schemes. Will he emerge as a pawn of the darkness… or rewrite his destiny in a realm where even gods fear to tread?

"You wouldn't force me, would you? I thought you hated me," I plead. "I do," Matthew hisses, his eyes flashing dangerously as he rips open my dress. Sarah Wilson's dreams of a perfect marriage shatter as Matthew's hatred for her is revealed on their wedding night. She had always loved him in secret, but now she realizes the ultimate truth - he despises her. Will Matthew ever see past his bitterness and realize they are meant to be together? Or will he make Sarah suffer until death finally separates them?

"A Normal Student? Yeah, right. Not Anymore!" Joine was just your average high school student waking up late, stressing over tests, and taking care of his little sister, Mina. But everything changed the moment he met Lumi, a mysterious talking fox who claimed to be from an ancient tribe. Before Joine could even process what was happening, he found himself in a life-altering contract, unlocking a hidden power buried deep within him. And then... Mina was taken. Now, with enemies lurking in the shadows and his sister in danger, Joine must train, fight, and push past his limits to rescue her. But there’s one problem his newfound abilities are unstable, and if he’s not careful, they might consume him entirely. With Lumi by his side, Joine is about to step into a world filled with magic, danger, and secrets beyond his imagination. But can he truly control his power before it's too late?

In the shadow of Old Detroit’s neon-lit skyline, where rift scars tear the sky and monsters stalk the rain-slicked streets, Elias Voss hunts to survive. A stoic monster slayer forged by loss, he wields a rune-etched machete and a suppressed pistol against the horrors unleashed by The Breach—a cataclysm that cracked reality eighty years ago. When a routine contract spirals into a clash with The Shrike, a charismatic crime lord trafficking in monster parts, Elias finds himself entangled in a conspiracy that could reshape the world. Joined by Mira Kade, a fugitive sorceress with a sharp tongue and volatile magic, Elias navigates a city of corporate towers and desolate fringes, where every ally hides a blade and every shadow a threat. As whispers of a mythical rift key surface, pursued by the sinister scientist Dr. Leon Carver and the elusive Shrike, Elias must unravel the truth behind The Breach’s legacy—before an ancient force awakens to claim it all. In a world where technology and magic collide, survival demands more than skill—it demands sacrifice. The Rift Chronicles: The Neon Contract is a relentless, modern epic of hunters, monsters, and the thin line between hero and outcast. patreon.com/JosphKing

Terra II, a world divided into seven vast plates by the mirror, where endless deserts and black zones carve through the land. It is a place haunted by horrors from beyond existence and nightmares birthed from within. Year 1635 of the Common Era, an age where the very idea of happiness has been left behind. Here, no story begins with joy, and none end with peace. One mistake—a wrong word, a fleeting gesture—can seal your fate before you even realize it. At the heart of this desolate world is Sera, a woman whose life has been defined by loss. Her parents, ones she knew little of, were replaced by strangers in the aftermath of tragedy—only to lose them too. In a world so unrelenting, where trust is a fragile illusion and loyalty is a fleeting dream, how long can one endure before breaking? Seraniti fights not because she wants to, but because there is no other choice. Every decision she makes chips away at what remains of her conscious, yet the alternative is worse: surrendering to the darkness that threatens to consume her and everything she holds dear. Terra II offers no promises, only pain—but even in the face of an inevitable end, Seraniti stands, battered and unyielding, daring to face the horrors and make her choice, if only to survive one more day.

Elena Vasquez never imagined that saving her late mother’s boutique would come at the cost of her own freedom. But when Jason Sinclair—the ruthless billionaire responsible for her father’s downfall—offers her a contract marriage in exchange for financial security, she has no choice but to accept. To the world, they are the perfect power couple—graceful, untouchable, enviable. Behind closed doors, their marriage is a battlefield of icy glares, sharp words, and a tension neither of them can fully control. Jason needs her to seal a high-stakes merger, and Elena needs him to keep her mother’s legacy alive. But as much as she resents him, she can’t ignore the way his presence consumes the air around her. Jason Sinclair has always played to win. Business, power, control—he’s mastered them all. Marriage, however, was never part of the equation. Until now. Elena was supposed to be a means to an end, a pawn in his carefully orchestrated plan. But the fire in her eyes, the way she challenges him at every turn, makes him crave something far more dangerous than victory. As their worlds collide, desire turns into a slow-burning inferno neither of them saw coming. But secrets from the past threaten to shatter their fragile truce—Jason isn’t the only one with a hidden agenda, and Elena is about to uncover truths that could destroy them both. When business and emotions intertwine, the line between hate and something deeper blurs. Will Elena and Jason continue their war of wills, or will the contract that binds them become the very thing that sets them free?

[Mature content] Elia Miller's life has always been a sad one. She lost her mother at a young age followed by her father bringing in the woman he had always loved into her home. Her stepmother and stepsister made sure to torment her from day one. Still, Elia held hope and wished for a happy life with her long-time boyfriend until he was snatched away by her stepsister. Blinded by betrayal and anger, she goes into club for the first time and crosses path with three men not knowing their true identities as beings beyond her belief. Her life after that incident turned upside down and she should navigate through it to make it right. *Image is not mine

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, what could possibly go wrong? Everything! This is the story of Ava Harley, a young student on a scholarship in one of the best higher institutions in the country. Off school hours, she worked part-time to take of herself and her little brother after the death of their parents. But an accidental encounter at her workplace marked the beginning of the spiraling events in her life which put her in the path of the heirs of two powerful rival families and their dramas. Live the tale, and tell the story.

What good could come out of a loveless marriage birthed from a bitter feud? Amelia Hudgens' dream of a marital bliss filled with love was shattered when she was married off to Daniel Theodore as a pawn for an ancient vendetta. Her husband, Daniel, was a cruel and abusive man who tormented her with his mistress and his fists. He shattered her dreams of happiness and freedom, leaving her broken and hopeless. Hope bloomed, fragile as a butterfly's wing, when she discovered life stirring within her, but fate had other plans. A tragic accident took away her unborn baby, leaving her shattered and alone. Daniel blamed her for everything, even in the hospital where she was recovering. He showed no mercy, only malice. Amelia wanted to end her misery, to jump from a bridge and drown in the sea. But as she was about to take the final plunge, she crossed paths with Cullen, a mysterious man who saved her from the brink of death. He was kind and gentle, a soothing balm for her wounded soul. He offered her a chance to start over, to heal from her past. But could Amelia trust him? Could she rebuild her life and find happiness again? Could she stand up against Daniel, who would stop at nothing to get her back? Was Cullen's help all genuine?

[WARNING: MATURE CONTENT 21+// She Hates Me, But She's Mine in EVERY Way] “No… I won't.” “Oh, petal, I wasn't asking. You WILL marry me.” **** Dr. Kiyomi, a neurosurgeon rogue lycan, lives in & never leaves the human hospital— the safest place for her. That’s until a high-profile mafia surgery goes wrong and she’s blamed for it despite being on leave. Suddenly the limelight is on her, forcing her rare last name back into the memories of people who have long wanted her dead — the Bogdan Lycans. As if that isn't enough, the Ivanov Russian mob is after her with vengeance in their hearts. Scared, Kiyomi leaves the hospital pretending to be a night-shift male nurse — which works, only for her to be kidnapped at the hospital’s entrance, by the cruel lycan queen’s guards who drag her to the queen Sakura’s human home. — — — Sakura Watanabe; the soulless crazy queen known to screw up everyone for fun. She ruins everything she touches and sucks the life out of everyone around her. She is bad, cruel, and a menace who does whatever she wants, however, and whenever she wants it. When she hears of Dr. Kiyomi’s misfortunes, she is curious to see what will make that lycan break, and orders that Kiyomi be brought to her, so she can sign the infamous Sakura contract that always leaves the signee dead, dead and dead. What Sakura doesn't factor in is the fact that the woman who walks through her door is her soulmate. And even worse is the desire she gets to protect Kiyomi. Not one to relent in the hands of fate, Sakura forces Kiyomi to sign the oppressive contract. What happens when Sakura's heart starts beating for Kiyomi, and she goes after everyone who hurt her soulmate? Will she cancel the contract and embrace love, or will she stay the stoic soulless queen with nothing to live for? And even better, how long can Sakura fight fate?

To save her father, who stole from the ruthless mafia lord, she stands up for his life. Trembling with fear but determined, she confronts the mafia lord. He offers her a deal: be his pet for a year, and her father will be free. Despite knowing it will drag her to hell, she agrees.

When her business and the gallery she inherited from her mother burn to the ground, Nicolette Voss is determined to rebuild—and get revenge on her father. She turned to her father’s rival, Julius Allens, for an alliance, only to find that his son, Alaric, is now the new CEO. Alaric is willing to help, but on one condition—she must be his wife for a year. They called him Ruthless Alaric after an infamous incident 6 years ago. Alaric is back in town, and so are the crumbs of his past. But he is determined to change everything with a wife. He has his hidden agenda. She needs her revenge. But will this marriage between storm and steel survive the heat? Or will deep secrets beyond their control destroy them both?

"It's 2025. Who's gonna believe a myth or fantasy anymore? That only exists in the book or game or anime." And that's how everybody thought before the announcement that flipped the entire world completely. Everybody race to become the new god with the system they got. So, how about the people who don't get the system? ( Hey, kid. I can give you some power. Let's make a contract. ) [ Previous Volume's Soundtracks are in the Discord server. ] * [ 1983 - Schwartzesmarken ] by [ Fripside ] as OP song Volume 02. * [ Fatality ] by [ Kordhell ] as ED song Volume 02. ------------------------------- Author note : For latest news or announcement, just visit the discord : https://discord.com/invite/JG952SF9aU Thank you very much. ( b ' 3 ' ) b

A girl who became the CEO at a very young age got to meet her past in her own company. She can never forget that how the only love of her life cheated on her the day it was there 6th anniversary. Nova, the girl got to sign a deal with the biggest company of all time, nevertheless she had to first sign a contract, not a simple contract but a marriage contract. Will she sign the contract for the sake of her company? OR Will she abandon the contract?

Em um dos quatro reinos de Adira, a serpente infame Maeve Fermi Escarlate ressurge misteriosamente em um dia qualquer, quebrando a paz dos magos de Avalon. Seu retorno assusta o mundo de tal forma que cada reino não consegue ser mais o mesmo com sua presença, fazendo com que muitos desejem que a justiça seja feita e que ela pague pelos seus pecados. Enquanto é presa e espera pelo seu julgamento, se depara com fantasmas e problemas mal resolvidos do passado. Além de estar empenhada em fugir e encontrar um velho amigo que possa trazer respostas e um novo caminho a ela como escolhida. Por sorte do destino ou azar, Fênix e Serpentes voltam a se encontrar quando Maeve conhece o príncipe mais novo de Zamoria, Eros. Tendo certeza de que nem o tempo é capaz de apagar o ódio enraizado entre duas espécies inimigas, principalmente quando Maeve percebe que tem sua vida nas mãos de Eros. Do outro lado de Adira, em Calisto. Vive Baltazar, um homem íntegro e independente, que cuida sozinho dos seus dois filhos órfãos, e quando ele sente a presença de Maeve no mundo de novo, ele sabe que esse é o chamado, e que agora terá que escolher entre suas obrigações e seus dois filhos. tags: com foco em fantasia épica/medieval voltado para mulheres fortes, mistério, construção de mundo lenta, ação, aventura, violência, magia, deuses, demônios, anjos, bruxos, magos, protagonismo feminino forte, romance, slow burn, enemies tô lovers, friends tô lovers

The Great City of the Netherwards, the sprawling metropolis of scientific marvels and arcane wonders, was torn from its realm and hurled into the unknown. The very fabric of reality had folded, merging our technologically advanced empire with lands of strange nations, unfamiliar kingdoms, and primal magic. One moment, we were a beacon of enlightenment and power in our own world; the next, we were surrounded by chaos, uncertainty, and the raw opportunity of conquest.

Meet a billionaire man who decided to bring a woman who lived with her evil family into his life as a contract wife for his own purposes. She was tortured by her evil stepmother and her two children as they wanted to get rid of her completely from the family. However, things have changed when she met the billionaire man and he decided to help her from the crisis, by acting as his wife for a year with a contract. Little did he know that the woman he chose to act as his wife will become the half of his life, because there's a deep secret which no one was aware of, even both the man and woman had no idea about it. They're known as, Harsha Vardhan and Sivaangi Krishnakumar. Hop in to see the love rollercoaster ride with twists and actions, find out what is going to happen next by reading this story.

“Why are you doing this? What did I ever do to you?!” Amaya screamed, tears rushing from her eyes. Logan, standing by the window, smiled. “Your existence. The crime you committed is being your father’s daughter,” he replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. “How could that be a crime?” Amaya mumbled, pain evident in her voice. Logan’s expression darkened. “Your father owes me, and you are simply paying the price. Don’t complain.” He expected a response, but she remained silent. Gliding closer, Logan grabbed her hair with full force. “You can’t die now, Amaya. This is only the beginning.” ____ Logan, blinded by revenge, used Amaya to make her suffer for her father’s sins. Yet, somewhere along the way, he fell for her. Just when he let go of his hatred, she betrayed him. One moment, she was his wife, his possession. The next, she was gone—standing beside another man, tearing his world apart. His power, his wealth, everything he built—shattered. Now, he's out for vengeance again—a battle between him and the woman he loves. Did Amaya truly betray him, or was Logan blind to a greater deception?

If you could gain power, wealth, or prestige, but at the price of your soul, would you accept the deal? Humanity continues on to day-to-day life, oblivious of the supernatural creatures that lurk in the dark. Being attacked by one of these creatures, Jayce Price was given a choice, sell his soul or die as a human, picking one of the options, multiple messages appeared in front of him. [ You have acquired the System ] [ Current Demonic Synchronization 0.00% ] [ Increasing Demonic Synchronization ] --- Author here, As this is my first ever novel I would appreciate constructive criticism to help improve the quality of the novel. Hoping to improve the quality as I write more so please feel free to state your opinions on the matter. It would be most appreciated if you could support my novel in any way you can, every contribution toward a goal is valuable, regardless of how small it may be. Also, special thanks to J.G. for the artwork! Contact me through Discord or Email for any questions: Ribblood#3222 Ribblood2@gmail.com

Cucu pedagang rongsokan menikahi putri Duke pengemis. Kontrak tersebut berlaku selama dua tahun dan dimaksudkan untuk menguntungkan kedua belah pihak. Bastian Klauwitz yang membutuhkan batu loncatan untuk karier dan balas dendamnya. Dan Odette von Dissen membutuhkan uang untuk memulai hidup baru.

Synopsis Carlos, the cold and ruthless CEO known as “The Demon,” has no room for emotions in his meticulously controlled world. Evelyn, a spirited yet down-on-her-luck heiress, has been left homeless and penniless after her stepmother’s betrayal stripped her of everything. Their paths collide when Carlos presents Evelyn with a chilling ultimatum: a three-month marriage contract that promises her freedom—or her ruin. Initially terrified by Carlos’s icy demeanor and unyielding authority, Evelyn is determined to endure the agreement. But as weeks pass, her natural cheerfulness and unshakable confidence begin to chip away at the walls surrounding his heart. Carlos finds himself drawn to the very things he thought he despised—her resilience, her warmth, and her refusal to be intimidated. For the first time, he wonders if there’s more to life than power and control. What begins as a cold transaction transforms into a story of healing, trust, and unexpected love. But with the clock ticking and their worlds pulling them apart, can Evelyn thaw the heart of a man who never believed in love?