Hawthorne Cafe Pulp

"Now you see?" she shouted in a mix of annoyance and disappointment. "You can't outsmart Scrients! They're the most intelligent beings across the two realms." "You're right," I muttered, averting my gaze with a heavy sigh. "I made a mistake. I was too arrogant to think that a mere human like me could fool them." —BOOM!! "Heik! Wh-What was that?" "Hmm? I'm not sure. Maybe you should go and ask the most intelligent beings across the two realms. Oh wait, you can't. I killed them all.” ______ My name is Samael Kaizer Theosbane. On the last day of high school, I got into a fight with a kid I used to bully. It was a stupid, pointless scuffle, and in the middle of it, I tripped and hit my head on a rock. That’s when the memories came flooding in - the memories of another life, of a different world. Suddenly, everything made a twisted kind of sense. I realized two things. First, I was in a game I used to play in my past life. Second, I was a villain. A villain! Not the cool and mysterious kind, either. No, my destiny was to be manipulated and die a dog's death! I was the worst type of cliché: an ungrateful, privileged, insufferable young master. The sort you'd find in those poorly written fantasy stories. The kind everyone hates — a snobby brat from a powerful noble family who thinks he owns the world just because he was born with a silver spoon lodged in his mouth. You know the type. The one the hero beats to a pulp to prove his worth. Yeah, I was that guy. And the hero? The hero was the kid I’d been bullying all this time. The same one I got into a fight with. He was the supposed savior of this damned world. A world teetering on the edge of destruction, beset by wars, calamities, and a grim future that only I knew. And at the end of it all, the final antagonist of the game, the undefeatable boss… the Spirit King, was waiting. But could I even make it to the end? Could I conquer a game where defeat was the only certainty? A game that was now my reality! “Ah, fuck it.” I had no idea if I could, but I sure as hell was going to try. Extorting extras, manipulating main characters, twisting the story to my advantage, stealing the hero’s cheat items, killing villains before they could become threats - nothing was beneath me. Would the main characters be affected? Who cares! Would the story change? Even better! All I cared about was me—my survival, my life, my choices. “I will live this life with no regrets.” …But as I soon discovered, fate was not easily changed. And the price of altering one's destiny was steep. ========== Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VjFQtDUaTR

Esmeralda Hawthorne, 36 years old woman who is unmarried was asked to find a spouse or her name would be ousted from the family inheritance. Charlotte Hernandez, 35 years old divorced woman and a single mother of a 16 year old daughter. she works as a medical doctor in a local hospital. on a day destined to change everything, Esmeralda has a car accident and was sent to the hospital. she witnessed a woman being harassed by a man and she helped the woman. the woman becomes in debted to her.

A princess's duty is to be beautiful, quiet, not loud, to be seen and not to be heard, which was how Dahlia lived most of her life. Bound by the expectations of her title, she spent years trying to prove to her father that she was more than just a princess and capable of being more than an ornament in his court but each time she never got the chance. Instead, she was forced into a marriage of convenience with the bravest knight in all the kingdom, Reagan Hawthorne. Dahlia thought she would use this marriage to escape the brutal crutches of her father and glide out of her cage but Reagan’s cold disdain was an unexpected prison of its own. While he waged wars on distant lands, she stayed behind, holding his household together and protecting the people he seemed to ignore. But Dahlia carried a dangerous secret. By day, she was the perfect wife. By night, she became the "Black Knight," a masked vigilante fighting for justice in the shadows. Reagan returned, ready to focus on his personal mission: avenging his father’s death. To him, Dahlia was just another pawn in his plans—a spoiled princess he needed to tolerate. But as cracks began to form in her perfect façade, Reagan couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to his wife than met the eye. Now, with enemies circling closer and their secrets threatening to collide, Dahlia and Reagan must confront the lies they’ve told themselves and each other. But when masks fall and truths are revealed, will their fragile bond withstand the storm—or will it shatter beyond repair? One wound. One secret. One night that changes everything.

UPDATE: CONSISTENT POSTING FROM NOW ON!! Elliot Hawthorne, had transmigrated into the body of a struggling apprentice mage, and now had one simple goal, summon a small, harmless spirit to pass his magic academy’s final exam. But thanks to a mistranslation in an ancient grimoire, he instead summons Azrael, the almighty Demon King. That would’ve been bad enough…. but then the spell accidentally binds them in an unbreakable marriage contract. Now, Elliot is stuck with a possessive, dangerously powerful, and ridiculously affectionate demon husband who: Carries him everywhere because "His cute little summoner’s feet shouldn’t touch the ground." Summons hellfire just to keep Elliot warm when he complains about the cold. Declares war on any kingdom that dares to call Elliot “single.” Refuses to be unsummoned."Why would I leave? My husband is here." Worse, every holy knight, exorcist, and jealous god now wants Elliot dead for "stealing" the most powerful demon in existence.. Stuck with a one-in-a-million system dungeon and a devilish Demon husband, Elliott's life is constantly on the brink of disaster... But when Elliot starts uncovering secrets about the contract, he realizes… Did I really summon him by accident? Or… was Azrael waiting for me all along? One way or another, Elliott’s unlucky life becomes worse. An impending doom threatens the existence of the human and mortal worlds. And as if that wasn’t enough, he’s also stuck with a Demon for a husband. But maybe, just maybe… being bound to a dangerously powerful Demon King isn’t the worst fate after all.

Ghost stories descend, binding national fate. People enhance themselves and their nation's luck by constantly participating in Analog Horror. Mental patient Jiang Xiao is initially selected to enter a nine-star level mental hospital Analog Horror! However, he bizarrely finds out that he seems to be the most seriously ill one... Jiang Xiao: "I sign a pact with the ghost stories, the weirdness is my grandson!" Participating in the seven-star level Analog Horror "Where Did Daddy Die". A peachy-cheeked son with big eyes blinking asks: "Do you want to be my daddy?" The chosen one: "Yes!" Son: "Then I have a tiny request, which is to beat you to death!" One chosen daddy after another is smashed into pulp by the son right from the start. Facing the rebellious son charging forward, Jiang Xiao smiles coldly: "Dad, I'm actually your son!"

A story of Gin, a young man who lost his memories before the age of 17 and became a magician. Living a quiet life running a cafe while researching magic, he is suddenly thrust into an unknown world. Moving between Earth and a realm filled with danger and secrets, Gin must rely on his knowledge, skills, and magical prowess to navigate the perils that arise. Ruthless and determined, he will stop at nothing to uncover the truth behind his lost memories and the mysteries of the world, using every tool at his disposal to rise above all

This charming romcom follows Sam, an engineering student, who has a tendency to overthink everything in his life. One evening, he meets Mahiru, a book-loving girl at a cozy café, and they strike up a conversation that turns into a series of unexpected "coincidental" meetings. As they grow closer, Sam finds himself falling for her, but his fear of ruining their budding friendship holds him back from confessing his feelings. Through their time together, Sam learns to open up about his uncertainties, while Mahiru encourages him to embrace life's spontaneity. Eventually, Sam gathers the courage to confess his love, and Mahiru, with a playful grin, reveals that she feels the same way. Their relationship blossoms, filled with laughter, teasing, and shared moments of joy. Their love story is simple yet real, marked by the little things that make their bond unique. It’s a tale of learning to let go, embrace imperfections, and cherish the moments that make life meaningful.

In a charming small town, Mani and his towering, affectionate minotaur wife, Mocha, run a bustling café that’s as warm and inviting as their love for each other. Balancing their daily lives, they face everything from quirky customers and fierce business rivals to unexpected adventures and tender moments. Mocha’s towering frame and mischievous teasing often leave Mani flustered, but her unwavering love and care for him create a bond stronger than any challenge. Whether they’re navigating holidays, tackling home projects, or simply enjoying quiet nights together, their days are filled with laughter, love, and the occasional bit of fan-service chaos. From heartwarming acts of devotion to playful antics, their story celebrates the beauty of an unconventional relationship and the magic of finding true partnership. In this lighthearted and romantic slice-of-life tale, Mani and Mocha prove that love comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors—just like the drinks at their café. [3-4 chapters a week]

"Hey, beautiful," she paused, "may I know your name?" Nox asked, not really believing the words that were leaving her lips at that moment. "I'm Dunamis, Aylin Dunamis. What's yours?" Aylin spoke, her sweet, soft voice sounding to Nox as beautiful as a symphony of angels. "Nox, Scarlett Nox, and I, dear Aylin, am your mate." Came the reply, Aylin's eyes widening with realization at the revelation by the Alpha before her. ------------------------------------------------------------- A random visit to a cafe` for a fresh coffee after a soulless morning in the office is the last place Alpha Scarlett Nox expected to find her mate, a sweet-looking omega called Aylin Dunamis. As they begin to explore their lives together as mates, the universe begins to stir. Unexpected encounters, unending hostilities and reunited loved ones appear, making the two wolves begin to realise that not all is as it seems. When the secrets they suffered to keep hidden finally surface, will they be buried under the skeletons they hid in their closets? One thing that is certain is that their meeting may have been fortune's favour, but the road ahead of them had no such sentiments. ----------------------------------------------------------- This is not a slow-burn romance in any way, shape or form. It contains some Futa aspects, if not comfortable, I suggest you don't read. Also, I do not take credit for any of these character images, the credit goes to pixart. This story is in the WSA Contest, so please vote and add it to your collection! Ruthless Alpha x Fiery Omega Girl x Girl

21 century Wall Street financial analyst Victoria Clarke travels to the American South in 1861 in a car accident and becomes the infamous widow Eleanor Van der Lyn-a serpentine woman recorded in history as having been “hanged by the neck on the eve of the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln for treason”. Lincoln on the eve of his inauguration for treason”. She looks in the mirror at her original character's flaming lips and waist, and sneers, “A villain? No, I'll make both the North and South kneel and tremble under my skirt!” Clutching the mysterious diary left behind by the original owner in her left hand (which records the dirty dealings between the Southern aristocrats and the Northern politicians), and carrying the three mysterious “adopted sons” in her right hand (which are actually the artificial war machines in the Southern secret laboratories), Eleanor kicked away Alexander Hawthorne, the plantation owner who tries to control her by marriage, and threw the champagne into her hand, and then kicked her out of the room. Hawthorne, who pours champagne on a slave-state legislator's marriage agreement: “I have only two rules for parenting: teach my children to level slave estates with dynamite, and teach them to turn Northern generals with love letters.” --When the New York Times ridiculed her as a “slut stirring up the war through nepotism,” she took her adopted children to burn cotton fields live and force Lincoln to sign the Early Emancipation Proclamation; when Northern spies kidnapped her children, she backhandedly exposed the gold smuggling chain between General Grant and the Bank of the South, which was featured in the Washington Post. When Northern spies kidnapped her children, she backhandedly exposed the gold smuggling chain between General Grant and the Bank of the South, making headlines in the Washington Post: “Thanks to the arms sent by the enemy, I am now the first female arms dealer and interim Secretary of State of the United States of America.

When I opened my eyes, I was inside a novel. [The Birth of a Hero]. [The Birth of a Hero] was a novel focused on the adventures of the main character, Choi Han, a high school boy who was transported to a different dimension from Earth, along with the birth of the numerous heroes of the continent. I became a part of that novel as the trash of the Count’s family, the family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits is located. The problem is that Choi Han becomes twisted after that village, and everyone in it, are destroyed by assassins. The bigger problem is the fact that this stupid trash who I’ve become doesn’t know about what happened in the village and messes with Choi Han, only to get beaten to a pulp. “…This is going to be a problem.” I feel like something serious has happened to me. But it was worth trying to make this my new life. DISCLAIMER: I am neither the author nor translator of the story. Please support author on official site. Translation credit: Eatapplepies

Warning: Mature Content Prince Cristiano Lockwood, the heir to the werewolf throne, has everything he could ever want—except the one thing he desires most: his true mate. But on the day of his royal wedding, Cristiano is blindsided when his mate rejects him at the altar, leaving him humiliated and heartbroken. In a twist of fate, he is bound by duty to marry Portia Hawthorne, the wolf-less daughter of a duke. Despite his resentment, Cristiano finds himself drawn to Portia in ways he cannot explain. The more he pushes her away, the more she seems to be tied to his fate, as if an unseen force is conspiring to bring them together. As they uncover the mysteries of their forced union, they finds a centuries-old prophecy that binds them in a way neither could have imagined. Can Cristiano accept the bride fate has thrust upon him, or will his refusal tear apart the strings of destiny itself?

The story follows Young high school student named Oscar Hawthorn. Who one day found a stone in his grandparents cellar. The magic stone transports him to another world, & he is reborn as a child.

[LitRPG / Isekai / Adventure / Action / Comedy] Inspired by Mushoku Tensei, God of War, Bloodborne, Elden Ring & Warhammer 40k. Zen Hawthorn is a strange fellow, born with a curse that makes everyone question his sanity. In a cruel twist of fate, he embarks on a journey to avenge his grandfather; further unlocking the mysteries of the world he lives in.  Join him on an action-adventure-romcom journey filled with Demons, celestials, and cosmic beings as he narrates from his humble beginning to the prevention of the Demon King's resurrection and more. Beware of plentiful memes, Easter eggs, and references found within. This story contains Japanese folklores, Norse & Greek mythology along with Elves, Demons, Reptilians, Vikings and Dragons. Have fun reading! Book 1 - Not An Isekai Story (Completed) [Rewritten] Book 2 - Not An Isekai Story Unshipped (In Progress) Book 3 - Simply Not Another Isekai Story (Coming Soon) Book 4 - Simply Not Another Isekai Story Unlimited (Coming Soon)

A cosmic event involving an artifact like cube crafted by an ancient Martian civilization has created a supernatural barrier called the Sky Wall, which divides future Japan into three literal, and figurative regions, Touto, Hokuto, and Seito. Along with creating a complex split between the three, the event has brought with it legions of creatures dubbed Smash down onto the country, who chase and attack citizens on sight. Sento Kiryu, having lost his memory, is found and sheltered by a enigmatic cafe owner named Soichi Isurugi who gives him a belt called the Build Driver that gives him the ability to turn into Kamen Rider Build, which he uses to fight the Smash in his own way. Sento learns that his forgotten past is connected to the events of the Sky Wall Disaster. In his search for the truth about his past and a solution to the current crisis, Sento makes several friends who also gain the ability to transform and battle with him, acquires several adversaries who fight back at his attempts to save everyone, and is pushed to figure out who is on what side, and what the sides even are or mean! Fan adapted Novel following the Show "Kamen Rider Build" as closely as possible.

Owen Chamomile, a 17-year-old, has fallen into a comfortable routine of reading and napping at home, essentially becoming a NEET. His brother, Jodale, finally puts his foot down after discovering Owen's unkept room. Jodale insists Owen get a job at the newly opened Oolong Cafe, forbidding him from returning to their residence until he's turned his life around. Reluctantly, Owen agrees. At the cafe, Owen attempts to blend in and focus on his work. However, his plans are quickly derailed by Brioche Onare, a clumsy but well-meaning barista. Brioche possesses an insatiable curiosity, believing that even the smallest anomaly in the cafe could lead to disaster. Driven by this fear, she constantly seeks Owen's help in deciphering the cafe's mundane mysteries. Despite his desire to simply do his job, Owen finds himself drawn into Brioche's world, dedicating part of each day to solving the quirky puzzles she presents.

In a gaslit city where time is currency and memories are traded like coins, Linden Hawthorn, a reclusive archivist, inherits a broken pocket watch and a blood-stained journal after his father vanishes. The watch doesn’t tick—it feeds. With every cryptic vision it offers, it devours fragments of Linden’s past: the scent of his father’s pipe smoke, his sister’s voice, even the reason he began his search. The journal leads him to a drowned barge filled with corpses clutching coins from the future, a porcelain doll that whispers of a faceless figure called the Woundless Man, and a hidden underworld where aristocrats trade seconds of life and cultists worship gears instead of gods. As Linden uncovers his father’s sins—a legacy of stolen time and mechanized horrors—he must decide what he’s willing to lose: his memories, his morality, or his very soul. But the watch hungers, and the shadowy Tockmen who pull its strings demand payment in blood. Time is running out. And it’s taking Linden with it.

In the heart of the sprawling metropolis, where skyscrapers kiss the sky and luxury knows no bounds, lies a world shrouded in secrets, power, and intrigue. "Crimson Ties: Beneath the Billionaire's Empire" takes you on a gripping journey through the hidden corridors of wealth, influence, and the clandestine underbelly of society. At the center of this gripping tale is Alexander Hawthorne, a reclusive billionaire whose vast empire encompasses technology, finance, and media. The world sees a charismatic visionary, but behind closed doors, a complex web of allegiances and machinations binds his life. The story unfurls as investigative journalist Emma Reynolds, driven by an insatiable curiosity, becomes determined to unveil the enigma behind Hawthorne's success. As Emma delves deeper, she discovers that Alexander's rise to power is not solely built on legal foundations. Whispers of a connection to the criminal underworld surface, leading her to the tantalizing theory that a hidden alliance exists between the billionaire and the city's infamous mafia syndicate, the Vermillion Cartel. With every clue she uncovers, Emma finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where revealing the truth could cost her more than she's willing to lose. The narrative takes unexpected turns as Emma's investigation introduces her to a cast of characters, each with their motives and secrets. Isabella Romano, the brilliant yet enigmatic CFO of Hawthorne's conglomerate, harbors a tragic past that intertwines with Alexander's. Antonio Moretti, the charismatic and ruthless don of the Vermillion Cartel, operates from the shadows, manipulating fortunes and lives with calculated precision. As Emma and Alexander's paths intersect, sparks fly, blurring the lines between journalistic objectivity and personal desire. Their complex relationship adds a layer of tension, raising questions about trust and the blurred morality of their choices. The story gains momentum as Emma's pursuit of the truth unveils a tapestry of lies, betrayals, and unexpected alliances. With her relentless determination, she peels back the layers of deceit surrounding Alexander's empire, inching closer to the heart of the conspiracy. But as her investigation reaches a critical juncture, the risks escalate, and she finds herself entwined in a dangerous dance with Antonio, whose motives remain shrouded in mystery. As truths are unveiled and allegiances are tested, Emma must navigate a treacherous landscape where loyalties shift like quicksand. The climax hurtles toward an explosive revelation that threatens to expose not only the hidden ties between the billionaire and the mafia but also the fragility of the world they've carefully constructed. "Crimson Ties: Beneath the Billionaire's Empire" is a riveting tale of ambition, power, and the darkness that lurks beneath even the most glittering façades. With its richly developed characters, intricate plot twists, and exploration of the moral complexities of wealth and influence, this novel delves into the depths of human nature when driven by power and the lengths one will go to protect their empire, no matter the cost.

First Arc: "Don't leave me! Just look at me and stay awake!" Words that haunted Ariana's dreams for as long as she remembered. Dying in the arms of her lover as they both are surrounded and engulfed in flames. However Ariana's quirks never stopped her from living her life. Her journey starts from when her adoptive mother sells her at the tender age of 12, afraid that she was stealing her adoptive father's love. A blow to her head unlocks her past life's memories and life skills. Any object she touches relating to her past life unlocks her past skills and education. Using her memories she changes the brothel she's sold to into a maid cafe, and slowly changes her community. While creatures called Lumas are born from her powers to protect Ariana but who are the Lumas really protecting? Especially when she gets her period on her 13th birthday and it morphs her into a humanoid garnet dragon. Second Arc: In a world full of magic, beast men, warriors, adventurers and elementals could there really be something more frightening then a girl with mixed blood? Garnet dragon, child of the jewel eyed priestess and the soul of someone who was summoned from Earth. Ariana is fully awoken to who she is and has started her life in St. Verusha Academy as their perfect score student. She will have to grow into the young lady she wants to be while trying to unravel the mysteries of her life. With the help of Cayden, her childhood friend and the the Lumas, Ariana will discover the roads she can walk down. The only problem is will she choose destruction or human evolution? Love or world dominance? Revenge or forgiveness? Or will she allow her human mind and heart to be devoured by the darkness inside of her because of a massive betrayal from the one person she thought meant the most to her? Third Arc The bells of war have been wrung and Ariana has now chosen to save all of humanity. Though she has come to know many truths she still trusts in the relationships she's made and is willing to put everything on the line to become stronger. Her Lumas are evolving, Cayden is her true love that she will never let go, the Goddess of Creation needs her to complete the mission given to her and above all else Ariana is determined to survive. Now with her new knowledge she abandons everyone from their own safety and travels to the Animus, the beast Kingdom to learn how to control her garnet dragon powers from her blood family and hoping that they wil aid her in the fight against Lord Romanoff, the robed army and the twisted church.

Elysian Dawn Storyline ELYSIAN DAWN is a bittersweet story which revolves around the life of  Tessa Lockwood, a  young high school girl. She is the only daughter of a widowed mom with an older brother, she is almost unnoticed by her mother as she only cares about her cafe. Due to her father's death,they relocate to his family house in Dukes Town where she got a scholarship at Perry Thomas highschool, a private highschool in Dukes Town. There she meets friends, enemies and a boy she loves. But what happens when Tessa's life takes a tragic turn after being diagnosed with a bad terminal sickness? ELYSIAN DAWN (A blend of Comedy, Romance, Youth and Tragedy) Prologue Tessa just finished her performance and the crowd cheered happily. She managed a small smile before collapsing on the floor. The whole cheering turned into chaos as people ran to her. She was rushed to the hospital immediately to prevent the problem from escalating. "... Anyone ever heard of Elysian Dawn? It's the fleeting moment in someone's life... this is the fleeting beautiful moments of my life." * * By Favour Lilian

A centuries old vampire, Vladimir Hawthorne who yearns to experience the beauty of human life. He wants to feel his heart beat, to experience human vulnerability, to taste the sweetness and bitterness of human love and connection. For so long Vlad has walked in the shadows, an eternal observer of human existence.But now, he wants to be a part of it. He gets to find out to fulfill his heart's desire, he has to become mortal just like every other human. In his quest, he discovers the only way to become human is to pay a steep price; a century long slumber in an enchanted wooden coffin deep in the forest. Would Vladimir succeed? would he finally find the love and connection he yearns for?

Evan Hawthorne has never known love or acceptance on Earth. Born with an androgynous beauty, he faced rejection from his family and scorn from his peers. After a tragic accident transports him to the magical world of Hestia, Evan finally finds a place where he belongs. In Hestia, Evan meets Zane Blackwood, a kind and strong man who sees and loves Evan for who he truly is. As their bond deepens, Evan experiences love and family for the first time. Together, they face the challenges of this enchanting world, building a life filled with joy and belonging.

Adelaide Wade, a 22 year old business owner. Having just inherited her late parents bakery and bookstore, The Bookish Bites, coupled with the news of her having a betrothed who she has to marry to save the cafe, felt like the weight of the world had been saddled onto her shoulders. Never had she felt so lost, both of her parents had been the only offsprings of their parents also. And now that they were dead, their only wish for her before their death was for her to meet her betrothed and get hitched. And now it was time to do so. Ezekiel Steel, a 32 year old CEO. Being described as the most successful bachelor, who has managed to infiltrate and plant the roots of his Steel Corporations, even into the world's harshest economy, and still amassing billions of profits. Considered to be ruthless, cold and even sociopathic, but mostly detached. His ruthless ways incites fear in the hearts of his rivals, now determined to marry the woman of his dreams through a betrothal.

When San Francisco socialite Evelyn Hawthorne's wedding dress was stained with gasoline and blood on the eve of her engagement party, a woman with burns crawled out of an abandoned church in the slums of Chicago. Five years later, behind the scenes of a fashion show on Fifth Avenue in New York, emerging designer Lilith pierced her fingertips with a sewing needle and smeared blood on the waistband of a wedding dress named "Bloody Bride" - at this moment, her new sponsor Nathaniel Blackwood was kissing psychiatrist Isabella Voss in the VIP room, and the tulip birthmark on the doctor's neck perfectly matched the tulip earrings left at the arson scene.

Lu Shian, an employee burdened by personal struggles and an allergy to cats, dreams of opening a cat cafe. His life takes a turn when he remembers his past life and awakens a powerful "Tycoon System" that provides him with unlimited wealth. This money is not useful in his world but can use in Underworld. As horror games and guilds emerge, Lu Shian leverages his newfound riches to navigate this tumultuous realm, balancing his dream of the cat cafe with the demands of his extraordinary power. Can he overcome his allergy and make his dream a reality while shaping his destiny in a world where money can truly buy anything?

When preservationist Celeste Carter is hired to oversee the restoration of the historic Fairmont Theater, she expects a battle with real estate developer Adrian Hawthorne—not a descent into a decades-old mystery. The once-grand theatre holds a dark past, tied to a devastating fire in 1948 that killed a young actress named Evelyn Ross. The official story claims it was an accident. But the deeper Celeste digs, the more she realizes that someone is desperate to keep the truth buried. Strange occurrences at the Fairmont—ghostly whispers, missing records, and a mysterious informant—convince Celeste that Evelyn’s spirit is trying to communicate. When anonymous threats escalate into physical attacks, she and Adrian uncover a sinister conspiracy that dates back to the theatre’s original owner, Nathaniel Wren. But Wren wasn’t the only one involved. Powerful men in Port Bellingham conspired to cover up the truth—and some of them are still alive. With danger closing in, Celeste and Adrian must navigate a maze of deception, corruption, and long-buried secrets. If they expose the past, they could bring justice to Evelyn after seventy-five years. But someone is willing to do anything to stop them. And the Fairmont isn’t the only place haunted by its history.