"If something happens to me, it wasn't an accident."

Sixteen years ago, those were the last words Amara Reyes heard from her father before he died at Vale Industries. Heart attack, they said. She was twelve and powerless to do anything about it.

Now she's a journalist with nothing to lose, and someone really wants her to stop asking questions. Black roses. Threatening messages. Her photographer beaten. Her best friend gone. And the cold billionaire CEO whose company killed her father offering one choice: stop digging or face the consequences.

Roman Vale doesn't make threats. He makes promises.

But when blackmail forces them into a fake engagement, everything changes. She needs his resources, he needs her silence, and working together uncovers a truth that shatters everything: both their fathers were murdered sixteen years ago by the same killer.

Fake engagement turns real. Enemies become allies. And the person who killed their fathers is watching, waiting, ready to make sure history repeats itself.

Because some secrets are worth killing for. And some truths are worth dying for.

Unknown number but I answered anyway because lately those meant threats.


"Is this Amara Reyes?" Woman's voice, tired.


"I'm calling from Mount Sinai Hospital, you're listed as an emergency contact for Ethan Carter. He was brought in about an hour ago, asking for you."


"He's stable but you should come down."


I was already grabbing my jacket. "I'm coming."


The subway took forever, my leg bouncing the whole time trying not to think about what happened, if this was my fault.


I got to the hospital, found the ER and gave Ethan's name. The nurse pointed me back and I pushed through the curtain.


Ethan was on the bed and I stopped,He looked horrible.


Large bruise spreading dark across his cheek, cut above his eyebrow with butterflies, lip split.His right hand wrapped and more bruises under his shirt.


Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Accusations