Joseph sat across from his niece, Gabriella. He called her his daughter because he’d paid a weighty sum to take her from his sister after her husband died in a job that went wrong. She struggled to comprehend the job’s success and their continued dedication. He had goals and no one would stand in his way. Joseph determined long ago that he’d take over every company and family that he felt failed people like him. Oh, he wasn’t getting revenge for the little guy. No, he wasn’t a martyr. Joseph saw himself as a better man wronged and he’d use any means necessary to prove it. There wasn’t any idea of providing better services or products. He wasn’t looking to lower prices, and he was sure he wouldn’t be giving anyone else a break in life. The world belonged to the takers. That’s what he did. History taught him that great families rise on the shoulders of others, and he would follow suit. “So, let me get this straight. You were doing what you

Conner must uphold his reputation. Many didn’t understand it, who lived outside of his social circle. His buddies and he long ago set up a lifestyle that they kept well hidden. When they were in relationships, their women obeyed them in everything. Domination was the name of the game. He’d not hurt or injure Merina, but he would put her in her place. He knew she was submissive. Conner knew this years ago. Her rebellion and inability to stay away from trouble led to her father. He’d ignored her for too long. Now, Conner had to punish her for her deeds and redirect her rebellious actions. After that, he’d help her explore her submissive side. He knew she was hurting and confused. Conner wouldn’t leave her side as he took her through her education. As for the prenuptial agreement, it had included a power of attorney over her. Because he couldn’t trust her to do something stupid with her family business or end her career by doing something else illegal.

Conner left Merina sleeping in his bed. She needed sleep because consummating their marriage made him hungry for more. He thought to step out of the bedroom to order room service. Conner wanted to inform his father to stay away, too. Instead of calling his father, he sent him a text to keep Andre away, too. He got dressed as he waited for room service, and he was thankful he did that. Conner thought it was his room service. When he opened the door, Gabriella stood there. Her face held a sly, interested look upon seeing him with his shirt. “Were you waiting for me?” Gabriella asked. She tried to sound like she purred, but she failed. Conner didn’t find it a pleasant sound. “Not really. What do you want, Gabriella?” He asked in return. Conner knew his father wanted his marriage secret, but he suspected if the sabotage increased, he’d have them with ease. Keeping it secret was pointless.Just checking if you’re open to a proper apology for

Merina stood in the bathroom, leaning against the stone counter. She avoided looking into the mirror because she knew she couldn’t face what she’d admitted. It was one thing to say it and pass it off as a joke. Admitting to Conner would reveal her experience. Was something else to her. Merina couldn’t stay in the room with him. He echoed what teachers, caregivers, and her father had said. ‘You are attention seeking Merina. Grow up and do better. Why are you like this? Mistakes happen, forgive and forget. Be the better person.’ Were things they said to make her accept others’ inappropriate behavior to her. She knew it all. For a long time, Merina believed it was her fault. If she improved, others would show her respect and recognition. But they didn’t and hadn’t. Nothing she’d ever done or not done before worked. Her intention was to show her usefulness to them, and then deprive them of that benefit upon her departure. In doing that, she’d prove to them she didn

Merina looked at Conner and couldn’t believe he was using a sex toy as a fidget toy. He needed to understand and used intimidation to make her comply. He needed to know, using intimidation to make her comply.It did was make her wonder how he wanted to use it on her. Merina struggled not to cross her legs as she felt her body respond to her thoughts and memories of the things, he’d done to her since discovering who she was. She sneered at Conner before she flounced back onto the sofa. Which was a mistake. The lower half of her robe parted and exposed her from her bare feet up to her navel. Conner didn’t miss a thing, and Merina knew it when his eyes flared with heated interest. “Oh no love. Don’t be modest now. Leave it as is and don’t cross your legs.” Conner eased his shoes off, but did nothing more right now. “Your father has financial evidence that Lillian was playing fast and loose with the money he set aside for you. Vacation plans, gifts, and