Crosshair

"You can outrun many things, but fate will always find you, like your shadow in the light." . In the heart of Washington D.C., mafia heir Vaughn Volkov is on a mission that takes him far from the sun-soaked streets of California. The bustling city, with its imposing monuments and corridors of power, is a far cry from the palm-lined avenues of his home. Vaughn, however, is not one to be easily intimidated. His piercing blue eyes and commanding presence turn heads wherever he goes, a reminder that beneath his polished exterior lies a man accustomed to danger and control. Vaughn's path crosses with Eliza Monroe, a seemingly innocent college student whose gentle demeanor masks a resilience forged from her own turbulent past. Eliza, with her kind heart and determined spirit, is an enigma. She spends her days buried in books at the library, her nights working part-time to make ends meet. Her brown eyes, often hidden behind a cascade of dark curls, hold a depth that Vaughn finds both intriguing and unsettling. Their first encounter is anything but ordinary. Vaughn watches, intrigued by her fearlessness and the fire in her eyes. "You're not like the others," he remarks later, cornering her in the quiet corner of the library. His voice is a low, dangerous purr that sends shivers down Eliza's spine. "And you're not just the student here," she retorts, meeting his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What do you want from me?" Vaughn's lips curve into a slow, dangerous smile. "Maybe I just want to get to know you." Despite her reservations, Eliza feels a strange pull towards Vaughn. His presence is intoxicating, a blend of danger and allure that she finds hard to resist. As they spend more time together, Eliza begins to see glimpses of the man beneath the mafia heir. Vaughn, too, finds himself drawn to Eliza in ways he never anticipated. Her kindness, her strength, and her unyielding spirit ignite something within him that he thought long buried. Yet, as their connection deepens, the shadows of their pasts loom ever larger. Vaughn's family business, shrouded in crime and violence, is never far from his mind. His enemies are ruthless, and his association with Eliza puts her squarely in their crosshairs. Eliza, too, harbors secrets. The dark forces that have shaped her life threaten to consume her, and Vaughn's world only amplifies those dangers. As their worlds collide, they must navigate a treacherous web of intrigue, passion, and forbidden desire. But with danger lurking around every corner, will their love survive, or will they be torn apart by the shadows of fate?

Seraphina Blackwood has always lived between two worlds—one ordinary, the other supernatural. Raised by her enigmatic grandmother in a quiet, remote town, she never imagined the truth about who she really was. But after her grandmother's sudden death, Seraphina’s world unravels. She’s not just any girl—she’s a Lobizona, a rare female werewolf, born from the forbidden union of a human and a werewolf. Now, with dangerous enemies hunting her down, she’s forced to flee the only home she’s ever known. In search of safety, she stumbles upon Lupine Academy, a hidden school high in the mountains where the supernatural world’s most powerful beings—werewolves, vampires, and witches—train and thrive. But safety remains elusive. Even at the Academy, Seraphina’s presence sparks curiosity, envy, and danger as tensions among the factions boil beneath the surface. Ronan Stormbane, a fierce Alpha-in-training with a dark, brooding presence, carries the weight of his past—a brutal attack that wiped out his entire pack. Determined never to lead again, he’s shaken by Seraphina’s arrival. From their first encounter, sparks fly, as they are drawn into a turbulent and undeniable connection neither can control. As Seraphina unravels the secrets of her lineage and the Academy’s shadowy past, she finds herself in the middle of a deadly power struggle. A rogue hybrid werewolf-vampire named Kyros is out for revenge, with Ronan in his crosshairs. And Seraphina? She’s the key to unlocking an ancient power, one Kyros is determined to possess at any cost. Complicating matters further is Ciaran Nightshade, the dangerously charming vampire prince, whose attention pulls Seraphina in unexpected directions. Torn between two worlds and two dangerous men, she battles to control the powers waking inside her. Meanwhile, whispers from the forest warn of a looming threat, and Seraphina must learn to navigate the blurred lines between friend and foe. In the end, Seraphina must make a choice: will she embrace the wild power within her, or will it consume her whole?

"She Strikes Back" is a gripping tale of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Sophia Reeves, a young woman trapped in a controlling relationship with powerful billionaire Marcus Blackwood, finds her world shattered when he unexpectedly proposes to end their five-year relationship. Devastated and lost, Sophia must confront the harsh reality of her diminished sense of self-worth and the years she spent molding herself to fit Marcus's expectations. As she struggles to rebuild her life, Sophia rediscovers her passion for journalism and her own latent talents. With the support of her loyal friend Zoe and a chance encounter with her old mentor, James Chen, Sophia begins to uncover a web of corruption surrounding Marcus's business empire. Determined to expose the truth and reclaim her identity, she embarks on a dangerous investigation that puts her directly in Marcus's crosshairs. Along the way, Sophia faces numerous obstacles, including Marcus's attempts to discredit and intimidate her. She also navigates complex emotions as she encounters Ethan Ryder, an FBI agent investigating Marcus, who becomes both an ally and a potential love interest. As Sophia delves deeper into the case, she must confront her own past mistakes and the temptation to seek revenge. The story culminates in a high-stakes confrontation where Sophia's newfound strength and intelligence are put to the ultimate test. She must choose between vengeance and taking the high road, all while exposing the truth and securing her own future. "She Strikes Back" is a powerful narrative about breaking free from toxic relationships, facing one's fears, and emerging stronger on the other side. It explores themes of personal growth, the courage to stand up against powerful adversaries, and the transformative power of self-belief. Sophia's journey from a controlled "accessory" to a confident, successful woman serves as an inspiring testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to rise from the ashes of one's past.

Mia Fischer believed she'd finally escaped the dark shadow of her father, Albert, a ruthless billionaire whose cruelty knew no bounds. His supposed death had brought her a sense of freedom, but the past comes back to haunt her when a chilling message reveals he's alive. As Albert's sinister threats intensify, Mia's world descends into chaos. With her family in the crosshairs, Mia must confront the evil she thought she'd left behind. Will she find the strength to face her demons and protect those she loves, or will Albert's resurrection destroy everything she holds dear?" ---

In a world where ancient powers awaken, india becomes the epicenter of an unprecedented crisis. Yohan, a young martial artist, finds himself thrust into a battle against supernatural beings endowed with the legendary Ashta Siddhis-eight divine powers capable of defying the very laws of nature. When a mysterious creature emerges from the ocean, defying gravity and causing chaos, Yohan and his friends steps up to protect the innocent.their bravery captures the world's attention, but it also puts them in the crosshairs of global governments desperate to understand and contain the threat

When Elizabeth Hayes, a woman who loves art and music returns home to save her family's failing gallery,she never expects to find herself in the crosshairs of Xavier Coles,a billionaire known for his ruthless business acumen and cold demeanor. The Cole's family owns half of the businesses in New York City, and now, Xavier sights are set on Elizabeth's family asset. Desperate to save her family's legacy, Elizabeth confronts Xavier only to be surprised when he offers her an unextended deal: he will save her gallery but on one condition SHE MUST MARRY HIM. What will happen when she begins to see glimpse of the man behind the cold facade.

“I’m sure I’ll run into Imperial Princess’s trouble again.” “All of a sudden, I’m trouble. You’re really daring, Lieutenant Colonel.” Kamaria is the picture of a gentle and elegant imperial princess. As a child not born by the first wife, she’s learnt to humbly stay out of Empress’s crosshairs and not outshine her siblings. Sorin is the stone-faced young lord who has established his fierce reputation as a ruthless soldier on the battlefield. Why bother about not inheriting his father’s title and fighting with his stepmother? But no coin has one side. Somehow a lethal ominous bloom and a wounded dire wolf find themselves crossing paths through various battles as the politics of their families, the empire and the seven kingdoms ruled by it entangle their lives. A/N Find me on Royal Road as well :D

Behind the crosshair, a hawk's eye sharpens its focus. The trigger is held by a steady hand, while the rifle's precision is as surgical as a scalpel. That single, brilliant shot captures both elegance and power, embodying the speed and passion of a master marksman. Watch as our sharpshooter, Edward, dominates the world of gaming, bending it to his will and living life with unrestrained freedom.

What does revenge mean? Harvey crushed the man's finger with his boot, relishing in the satisfaction of his agonizing scream. What does revenge mean? Walking towards the man writhing in pain, Harvey delivered a forceful kick to his ribs as desperate pleas for help escaped him. This is revenge. ... Harvey Laurier and numerous players, once immersed in the virtual world of Visceral Online, found themselves inexplicably trapped with no means of escape. How was such a phenomenon possible? In a fantasy realm filled with dragons, monsters, cursed weapons, and kingdoms—a dream for many gamers—an emerging faction within the game transformed this dream into a chilling nightmare. Players capable of challenging their dominance are targeted before they can reach their full potential, with Harvey finding himself in their crosshairs. However, in the midst of his battle against the faction, his girlfriend becomes a casualty, losing her life in the process. For many, such an event would be traumatizing, but for Harvey, it shattered something. A loosely held chord within him snapped, and he made a solemn vow upon her corpse. "I'll kill every single one of them with my own hands, regardless of what I have to sacrifice to do so.” Additional tags No edge lord(synopsis is exaggerated) World building Vengeance Fantasy Trapped Mystery.

Volume 1 - In the bordertown of El Paso,Texas,a dangerous new game is afoot. On one side is Kai Ramirez, a 17-year-old former gang member trying to outrun his violent past however, the notorious Animalz gang won't let him go so easily, blackmailing him into an impossible mission - hunt down the city's most wanted criminal, the elusive Pink Bandit. On the other side is Sarai Jimenez, a 19-year-old pageant queen by day and a daring vigilante by night known widely as the pink bandit. Motivated by her father's murder, she robs businesses tied to the ruthless Mexican cartel while evading both the law and the cartel's crosshairs, making her the subject of a massive manhunt. When their paths inevitably collide, Kai is forced to make an impossible choice - bring in the Pink Bandit or face the consequences from his former gang. As the vice slowly tightens around them, Kai and Sarai must navigate the harsh realities of the criminal underworld, confront the demons of their pasts, and decide what lines they're willing to cross for redemption and revenge. Set against the gritty backdrop of cartel-controlled El Paso, this propulsive tale merges the brilliant thrills of a crime saga with the raw, coming-of-age urgency of two protagonists caught in the crossfire of their circumstances. Brimming with high-stakes action, star-crossed tensions, and hard-hitting revelations, it's a dark and twisted journey where the only way out is all in.

Long ago, The Sacred Frontiers was a prosperous land where people dreamt of a better world. However, it fell into the wrong hands and became the source of all wrongdoing in the world. To prevent any further harm, it was sealed away into 10 pieces of charms that were scattered across the world. Our protagonist, James Woodheart, found himself in a dangerous situation when he was kidnapped by an Eldritch. Fortunately, a mysterious man rescued him, inspiring James to become a guardian himself. Along with his friends, James is about to embark on a journey through The World of Gaia to make it a better place for everyone to live in. However, becoming a guardian might put them in the crosshairs of factions that they weren't prepared for! An action will have consequences after all! Will our heroes succeed in their quest to make the world a better place?

Sam Bales is thrust into a world of terror and danger when she finds herself in the crosshairs of Damien, an unrelenting Fae-hunter. Captured and held prisoner after a fateful event, Sam discovers that her unique ability to sense and eliminate Fae creatures is exactly what Damien needs to achieve his mission - killing the enigmatic Fae queen. As Sam navigates this new, dangerous reality, she learns of the unseen politics and age-old rivalries governing the Fae realm. With each encounter, her perception of these magical beings evolves, uncovering a dark truth behind their motives. When Sam meets the powerful and charismatic Fae king, her outlook on the Fae forever shifts as she's pulled into a treacherous game of politics and prophecy. Realizing that her destiny lies intertwined with the fate of the Fae world, Sam must fight against time as they both teeter on the brink of disaster. In her quest for truth and redemption, Sam must navigate a treacherous path, facing betrayal, heartache, and unimaginable choices. Will she choose to embrace her role as the savior of the fae world, sacrificing her own desires? Or will she defy expectations, forging her own path as she discovers the true nature of her powers and the extent of her impact on both worlds?

Summary: Aurelius Gilgamesh De Anigh the aberration of the Grand Clan of De Anigh...but also high ranking professor at Iridia Technical Mana Academy. To Protect his students…to Protect His students so they could grow into themselves and live long prosperous lives Aurelius would give everything and anything in this moment De Anigh refuses to just let go he cannot give in, or his students and their allies would be the next one’s in Kurayami’s crosshairs but this time there would be no one left to defend them there would be no ‘one above all’ and they would end up in the same position as him with Helios during the whole Sixth Gate incident before he mastered his Innate ability and bloodline abilities. De Anigh would give everything past, present, his future hell even his chance at the afterlife if it meant he could protect his student’s Brandon, Nalia, Erik, Madeline, Porsche, Grant…Ryan…he doesn’t care what it could and would cost him he’ll see his students safe and living the lives they wish for.

The shadow of war loomed menacingly on the horizon, casting an ominous pall over everything. A family found themselves suddenly caught in the crosshairs, their lives abruptly uprooted as they were forced to evacuate. But as the war raged on, their struggle was far from over. They had to fight to carve out their own place in the alliance, to find their own unique contributions and strengths, lest the Empire come crashing down upon them with its vast and awe-inspiring war machine, leaving them helpless and defenseless in its wake. The fate of their very existence hung in the balance, as they battled against overwhelming odds, driven by the fierce determination to survive and protect all that they held dear

When a body turns up frozen mid-stride in the hottest time of year, the FBI enlists Dr. Josefine Wolfe's assistance in solving the case. All signs point to magic and Josefine's friend Emilius Solomon gets caught in the crosshairs of the investigation.

The fall of House Ellestad marked the end of one era, the Aldren Dominion (AD), and the start of another, the Age of Empires (AE). Some say it was the triumph of light against the forces of evil. Others say it was the end of prosperity and the beginning of darkness. Some say Aldren was the pinnacle of civilization. Others say the Aldren Matriarch was the Dark Queen Lilith herself. It has been 10 years since the Dominion of Aldren fractured into squabbling kingdoms later gobbled up by the surrounding Empires of Eiridan, Obsidian, and Dakkone - the Trinity of Nations that now rule the Continent of Atraidan. The Prodigy Paladin Nash Synestra receives a chilling warning and is sent on a top-secret Imperial mission. Yvaine never wanted to be a mage. But it is what kept her alive since the House Ellestad's fall. Three years into the most prestigious Magic Academy of the Obsidian Empire, she is just a year away from her Revenation. Then she can finally be free from her prison. But everything is not what they seem. First, she struggles with passing her classes. Then she encounters random dreams that may be connected to the new student who seems eerily attracted to her. And Yvaine would soon find herself in the crosshairs of every monarchy in the Empire. _______________________________________________________ I would appreciate your comments so I can improve on my work. Also, please leave a review. This is my first novel so it will definitely need a lot of improvement. But I believe it is better to start and just correct things along the way instead of 'perfecting' your drafts and end up not starting at all. I love Brandon Sanderson's works so if you are into his kind of books, that's what I strive for in this series. Follow the story of Yvaine, Nash, and the other characters in this whole new world I have in store for you. Enjoy. _______________________________________________________ Website: www.antonvalentyne.com Support me with Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/antonvalentyne Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/antonvalentyne

After a vampire murders his brother, Darko won't rest until the vampire dead, or better yet, all vampires- even if it gets innocents caught in the cross hairs. Meet Katherine Cruz. The innocent caught in the crosshairs. Or so it seems. She's Darko's only lead, but the closer he looks at the secrets hiding behind her pretty face, the more he begins to question wether she's a lead or a suspect.

Jay, a socially ostracized high schooler burdened by his family's disdain and relentless bullying, finds solace and strength in the virtual world of Valorant. Known online as "Shuujin," a near-legendary player, his two worlds collide when Lia, a popular and enigmatic classmate, uncovers his identity and pushes him to step out of the shadows. As Jay grapples with his insecurities and the fear of exposing his true self, a high-stakes challenge against the school’s gaming club forces him to confront his hidden potential. Through battles in both the game and real life, Jay embarks on a journey of self-discovery, overcoming his fears and proving that even behind a screen, he can be extraordinary. But will stepping into the light bring him acceptance—or only more challenges in a world that has always tried to break him? A tale of resilience, friendship, and finding confidence in the unlikeliest of places, Shuujin: The Shadow Prodigy blends the intensity of competitive gaming with the emotional struggles of a boy fighting to reclaim his sense of self.

"Love in the Crosshairs" is a thrilling tale of two assassins, Matthew and Aura, who fall in love while working for a secret government agency. Their unconventional marriage sees them going on missions together, posing as a couple on vacation, and using their skills to take down their targets. But when they are assigned to take down the same target, their personal feelings get in the way of their mission. "Love in the Crosshairs" is a story of forbidden love, action, and loss that will assuredly keep your eyes open until the very end.

In the heart of a bustling city, "Whispers of Devotion: A Mafia Romance" unfolds the captivating love story of Nevan and Lorne, two individuals bound by an unbreakable connection amidst the dangerous world of organized crime. Nevan Montagna and Lorne Delvecchio come from rival mafia families, each entangled in a web of secrecy, power, and treachery. When fate brings them together during a high-stakes business deal on a flight, their lives take an unexpected turn. Sparks fly as they discover an undeniable attraction that transcends the boundaries of their criminal lives. Their love story is a rollercoaster ride of passion, intimacy, and unrelenting danger. Rival syndicates seek to exploit their love, putting Nevan and Lorne in the crosshairs of deadly power struggles. Despite the chaos surrounding them, their love remains a beacon of hope and resilience. The narrative weaves through chapters filled with intense encounters, secret rendezvous, and moments of raw vulnerability. As their families meet and they celebrate their wedding, they face rivals who threaten to tear them apart. An argument tests their commitment, but their love always finds a way to reconcile. The story takes a surprising twist when they're unexpectedly captured by an unknown organization. Separated and facing danger, they must rely on their love and determination to reunite and escape. "Whispers of Devotion: A Mafia Romance" is a tale of love, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It explores the depths of love between two individuals from opposite sides of the law, highlighting the power of love to conquer even the most formidable challenges.

After being exiled from the country where he spent much of his childhood, Ronan Seamus Hemming found himself traveling to The United States Of America in search of a new life. He found it in front of a camera as a male model and quickly elevated his status among the citizens of New Jersey, on the surface he represents what many aspire to be, a self made billionaire, a known philanthropist, and a dabbler in chemistry, Ron seemed to have it all...good looks, fast cars, and just about everyone he meets throwing themselves at him be it man or woman, but beneath the ruggedly handsome exterior lies a heart of the deepest darkness belonging to a vile being whom had successfully blended into the lifestyle of the rich and famous only to end up in the crosshairs of a notorious Wolf Hunter.

Olesya is a spy hunter. In a high-tech world of programmed assassins, betrayal and far-reaching conspiracies, Olesya and her team are the last line of defense against a covert organization that will stop at nothing to control the world. But a new, deadlier enemy is rising. And they have Olesya in their crosshairs... If you love conspiracies and covert ops, this book is for you.

Maria is a rugged, rough, and worm mercenary living a humble urchin's life. That is until her prestige lands her in the crosshairs of a devious noble. With no options but to comply with their demands, Maria must embark on a mission to secure a dangerous land with a less than ideal group of allies. Little do they know a far more insidious plot awaits them.

In a universe where ancient alien races wage a cosmic war, Earth finds itself caught in the crosshairs of an intergalactic conflict that threatens the very fabric of existence. Zack Adams, a seemingly ordinary 17-year-old high school student, discovers his hidden powers and a destiny that will thrust him into the heart of this cosmic battle. With the help of his crush, Lily Evans, and a group of extraordinary individuals known as the Number, Zack must learn to harness his newfound abilities, confront his fears, and make sacrifices to protect the people he loves and the world he calls home. As the fate of the universe hangs in the balance, Zack embarks on an epic adventure that will test the limits of his courage and determine the survival of all life as we know it in Code 0: Worlds Unleashed.

Luke is thrust into a captivating literary world through a mysterious transmigration. However, his entry into this new realm takes an ominous turn as he becomes the character who was merely mentioned in passing within the narrative. Almost immediately, Luke finds himself in the crosshairs of an assassination attempt. As the story unfolds, the question lingers: Will Luke defy the predetermined path of the novel, or will he choose to live his life carelessly, oblivious to the unfolding events around him?

When Olivia Stone's father, a high-profile judge, is targeted by a ruthless assassin known only as "The Executioner," she finds herself caught in the crosshairs. Desperate to protect her father and herself, she hires a bodyguard, Liam Andrews, a former special forces operative with a troubled past. As Liam and Olivia work together to uncover the identity of the killer and stop him from carrying out his deadly mission, they begin to develop feelings for each other. But with the killer closing in, their newfound romance is threatened at every turn. As they race against time to stop the assassin and save Olivia's father, they must also navigate their own dangerous attraction. Will they be able to survive the danger that surrounds them and find love in the midst of chaos, or will the killer succeed in his deadly mission?

In the midst of grief and anger, 17-year-old Adria Renee Wilhelm vows to uncover the truth behind her parents' tragic death. Her quest for justice takes an unexpected turn when she meets enigmatic transfer student Alejandre Lopez, who seems to be hiding secrets of his own. With his piercing gaze and mysterious smile, Andre (as he's known) is an outsider who sparks both curiosity and suspicion. As they dig deeper, they unravel a complex web of family history and deceit that threatens to destroy everything they thought they knew. Adria's determination to expose the truth puts her in the crosshairs of powerful forces, while Andre's mission to fulfill a promise to his father leads him down a dangerous path. With their feelings for each other growing stronger, Adria and Andre must navigate treacherous loyalties, hidden agendas, and the dark truth about their families' past. They discover that their connection goes far beyond coincidence, and that their families' secrets are intertwined in ways they never imagined. Will they find a way to trust each other and confront the shadows of their history, or will the weight of their secrets tear them apart? As they delve deeper into the truth, they must confront the ultimate question: can love and loyalty overcome the darkness of their past, or will it consume them forever?.

Embark on a thrilling journey with Jin, an enigmatic omega vigilante known as 'Alastor,' navigating a city ruled by the powerful Ryu Mafia. In a society where omegas are seen as mere objects, Jin takes justice into his own hands, targeting alphas who prey on the defenseless. Caught in the crosshairs is Kage Ryu, the alpha leader of the feared mafia. Stirred by the escalating casualties among his ranks, he becomes determined to capture the elusive vigilante. However, this pursuit takes a dark turn as Kage Ryu's obsession intensifies—he aims not just to subdue Jin but to claim him as a mate, forcing an unexpected alliance that threatens to reshape their destinies. "Heh, what a dumb omega. Can't you see how special you are right now? A strong pure blooded alpha about to mate a low life like you and still refusing? You're much more disgrace for the omegas." Kage gripped Jin's broken arm further to see the omega vigilante's face contort into pain, yet he can see the strain of determination on his face as he bit his lip down to induce his scream. "Jokes on you brat, I'd mate you by the day we burn together in hell!" Jin bellowed at him, with a determined grit to take the alpha down.

After a botched coup within the Mercenary Guild left him on the run, Rylan Aylward fled to the lawless world of Lausgaiegüse, where his skills as a mercenary and now hitman kept him alive—but barely. At 22, Rylan has spent his entire life following orders: from his strict upbringing on Silopth to the Mercenary Academy and now the petty crime bosses of Lausgaiegüse. But he’s had enough of being someone else’s tool. In this sprawling Ecumenopolis, where gangs enforce brutal laws and survival is a daily struggle, Rylan realizes he must take his future into his own hands. However, in a city built on ambition, every move has its consequences. As he begins to assert himself, Rylan must navigate a volatile underworld of power-hungry factions and dangerous rivals—knowing that one wrong move could put him in the crosshairs.

Synopsis Emilia (Mia) Thompson returns to her hometown of Willow Creek, nestled in the heart of the apiary region, to inherit her family's beloved beekeeping business. Her father's sudden passing leaves her with a mysterious warning: " Trust no one. " As Mia Hunts into the world of beekeeping, she discovers a sinister threat to the bees, the town's ecosystem, and her own life. A corporation, led by the ruthless Victor Blackwood, is secretly poisoning the bees to exploit the lucrative honey industry. Mia's investigation puts her in the crosshairs of rival beekeepers, corrupt officials, and the corporation's henchmen. She finds solace in her friendship with Ruby, a local botanist, and Liam, a charming entomologist who helps her unravel the mysteries of bees. As she uncovers dark secrets, ancient myths, and hidden agendas, Mia must confront her troubled past and learn to trust others. With bees on the brink of extinction, Mia must muster all her courage and determination to save her apiary, her village, and herself. Can she uncover the truth and protect her bees? Or will her forces of greed and corruption silence her forever?