All Chapters of Her Empire, His Terms.: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

I fell to my knees outside my father’s mansion, sobbing until I couldn’t breathe.I had been betrayed by the two people I trusted most, the man I loved, and the cousin I treated like a sisterI forced myself to look up, my blurry eyes locking into a second story window.My son's room.I wished with all my heart I could hold him, or just tell him I was alive. Instead, I had to stay back knowing If I took even five steps toward him, security would drag me away."I'm so sorry, Leo," I choked out, pressing a trembling hand to my lips. "Mommy’s here. I'm going to get you back."Suddenly I felt a presence behind me and before I could even turn my head, a hand grabbed my shoulder, ripping me backward off the ground."Hey—!"My scream was cut short as a cloth dripped in chloroform was slammed over my nose and mouth. I thrashed wildly, kicking my legs and clawing at the thick arms holding me down."Hold her arms," a gruff voice grunted."Hurry up, the security patrols around here every twenty

Dean's pov At Qunnix innovation Headquarters I sat at the head of the table in my custom tailored Italian suit, fingers laced together under my chin looking every bit like the powerful CEO I had stolen my way into becoming. "Breaking news out of the tech sector this morning. Rumors are circulating that Amelia Quinn, the sole heir to Quinnix Innovations who was officially declared dead two years ago after a tragic incident in a South African prison, may actually be alive. A photo leaked online just an hour ago shows a woman looking identical to Amelia walking alongside the reclusive billionaire CEO of Donovan Tech, Jared Donovan..." A clear photograph flashed on the screen. It was Amelia and standing right beside her was our fiercest competitor, Jared Donovan. Bang! My fist slammed into the table so hard that the coffee cups rattled in their saucers and I rose on my feet angrily. "Turn that garbage off!" I roared. The board members gasped confused "Dean, what is t

Logan fingers instantly snapped back as he straightened up in his chair while I turned my head toward the door.Jared had discarded his suit jacket, his white dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows to reveal his muscular, vein lined forearms.His dark, curly hair was slightly disheveled but his sharp hazel eyes were fixed on his cousin with a lethal, unblinking glare.Logan stood up slowly, shoving his hands into the pockets of his lab coat, entirely unbothered by the death stare. "Just checking her vitals, cousin. She has a moderate concussion. Her pupils are dilated, and her heart rate is a little elevated." He glanced back down at me with a knowing smirk."Though I think that last part might be my fault."Jared took three long steps into the room, effectively placing himself directly between Logan and my bed, cutting off his cousin's line of sight to me."Your job is to patch her up, not analyze her heart rate," Jared said, his voice dropping into

My father Gideon, didn't break his stare as he slowly raised a finger, pointing it toward the chair."Cover his mouth," Gideon commanded. "The trash is screaming too loud. I can't hear my own son."One of the armed mobsters stepped forward, tearing a thick strip of heavy-duty duct tape from a roll.The man in the chair tried to thrash, his eyes bulging in pure terror as the tape was slapped brutally over his bloody lips.His agonizing screams were instantly reduced to muffled pathetic whimpers.With the distraction gone, Gideon took two slow steps toward me as the scent of stale tobacco rolled off him.Without warning, he leaned in and spat directly into my face."You worthless bastard," Gideon hissed, his voice trembling with rage. "You dare tell the entire world you are marrying a Quinn? You plaster our name next to theirs on every television screen in the country?"Beside me, I felt Lorenzo’s entire body go rigid and his hand twitched toward his holster.I didn’t move a muscle as I

My hands were still trembling, the paper of the restraining order crinkling under my grip when Jared stepped in."Mr. Dean." Jared moved smoothly, his tall frame slicing right between Dean and me. He held his hand out, his posture relaxed, almost lazy. "Jared Donovan. I don't believe we have had the pleasure to meet."Dean tore his cold, threatening gaze away from me and stared at Jared, blinking in confusion.Jared was wearing a bright, dazzling, almost blinding smile.It looked entirely genuine and that was what made it terrifying.I held my breath. Wasn't Jared supposed to help me?Why was he smiling at the man who had spent the last few years trying to ruin my life?"No, I believe we haven't," Dean said slowly, his chest puffing out a little at the recognition. "Although I doubt there is anyone in the country who hasn't heard of you."Dean reached out, his fingers spreading to accept the handshake.But just as their hands were about to touch, Jared casually pulled his hand back,