Eliza was once the perfect wife to billionaire Noah until ambition tore them apart. Now, divorced and reinventing herself, she's stronger than ever- building her empire and surrounded by men who appreciate her independence. But when Noah realizes what he's lost, he'll stop at nothing to get her back. However, Eliza has grown she's no longer the woman he knew. With three very different men vying for her heart, Eliza must decide who she is now and who she will become.
Chapter 1 Eliza's Rise
Eliza said, "I didn't sign up for this," barely heard above the din of the crowded room. She was drowned in the excitement that pervaded the fashion gala atmosphere. Her eyes darted across the sparkling sea of tuxedos and expensive gowns, and her palms tightened around the crystal champagne flute. At least they all assured her that she had succeeded.
However, it didn't feel that way.
Eliza's mouth tightened into a smile as the spotlight momentarily illuminated her face. Despite being the face of a brand-new fashion enterprise, she nevertheless carried the scars of her past with her. The tumultuous legal proceedings, the divorce, and the persistent rumours about her private life had all taken their toll. And yet here she was, amidst the glittering elite, the unchallenged queen of the fashion industry.
She sipped her drink slowly while looking around the room. A woman wearing an emerald green dress was standing close by, staring at Eliza for an excessive amount of time. A faint smile that conveyed adoration and a hint of something deeper curled the woman's lips. Eliza nodded politely, forcing herself to hold her place despite her twisted stomach. Now she understood the game. You kept your flaws hidden from them.
"Eliza," a smooth, assured voice said, cutting through her thoughts. She turned to find Rachel, her boss, walking confidently in her direction with a smile on her face. Rachel had her blonde hair professionally coiffed and her black blazer fitted perfectly. Eliza had learnt to trust her gut, and she was the kind of lady who could sell ice to an Eskimo.
Rachel remarked, "Stunning, as always," as she glanced at Eliza's elegant black gown. The press is aflutter. Tonight, you're everywhere.
Despite not having her heart in it, Eliza nodded. She had learnt to be happy despite the constant attention, the cameras, and the interviews. In actuality, though, it had required more than a simple wardrobe adjustment and some calculated public relations. She had to start over and recreate herself.
She had been all but shattered by the divorce. With only a chilly, vacant expression in his eyes, her ex-husband-a famous business magnate-had abandoned her for a younger lady. The world had seen their dirty linen and the headlines had cried out their betrayal. During those months of rejection and loneliness, Eliza had learnt an important lesson: no one would give her anything. The scandal had hurt her hard. No matter the cost, she had to accept it.
Eliza had now fought her way to the top, with a global brand growing at an unprecedented rate and a portfolio of luxury fashion brands under her name. She had created an empire on her own, and every accomplishment and milestone was a blow to the guy who believed she would be nothing without him.
Eliza stated calmly, "I'm just doing my job." Rachel arched an eyebrow but didn't say anything more. She was aware of the reality.
Rachel said, "Of course," but her smile was piercing. But, Eliza, you're not just anybody. You've changed. You are now a symbol.
As the media team prepared to interview the leading designers, Eliza's gaze strayed to the other side of the room. She could just feel the cameras swivelling in her direction, anticipating the right opportunity to take her picture. It was the cost of achievement. She attempted to divert the discussion from any further discussion of symbols by asking, "Is there a reason you're here?"
With a laugh, Rachel looked at a tall man who was talking to a famous stylist across the room. Although his crisp suit made him a striking figure, Eliza wasn't drawn to his appearance.
Rachel continued, "I have to introduce you to someone." "He's going to provide you with an irresistible proposition."
Interested, Eliza followed Rachel's gaze. Even though the man was unfamiliar, something was alluring about him. The atmosphere of power surrounding him was more commanding than his height, the flawless fit of his suit, or even the silver strands in his dark hair.
He was unknown to her. She already had enough knowledge, though, to know that he was not someone to cross.
"Does he represent an investor?" Even when a wave of uneasiness passed over her, Eliza asked. The same instincts that had let her survive in the brutal world she now controlled were on high alert.
Rachel's mouth twitched. Not precisely. However, you should listen to what he has to say.
Eliza nodded subtly, letting people guide her through the mob with deliberate movements and measured steps. She had long since discovered that control, not connections, was the key to success in the worlds of high fashion and business. Power over the story, the transactions, and the populace.
Eliza had an odd surge of consciousness as they got closer to the man. It was more than just the weight of his gaze; there was no denying that his presence seemed to change the environment around them, making it thicker and heavier.
"This is Alexander Cross," Rachel said, raising her voice a little as she introduced them, "Eliza. The man I spoke of.
Eliza felt something as she heard the name, but she was unable to identify it. She reached out and touched him with her fingers. For a while, she was unable to speak as the quick touch shot a shock of energy up her arm.
Alexander Cross's face was unreadable as he gazed down at her. His deep-set, almost frighteningly intense eyes scanned her as though removing each layer of her meticulously crafted faƧade.
His voice was deep and silky, a low, rumbling tone that conveyed weight, "Eliza, it's a joy." He was not smiling. His greeting was cold and uninspiring, a cool assurance that made her uneasy. "I've been keeping up with your work. Amazing.
Eliza's voice was firm as she said, "Thank you," but her heart was starting to race. She had not felt vulnerable in years, but there was something about him that made her feel that way. "Thank you for the recognition."
His unsettling look seemed to be stripping her bare as he continued to stare at her. A beat too long, the stillness dragged on.
Alexander went on in a hushed voice, "I have an offer for you." "One that has the power to transform everything."
Eliza's heartbeat accelerated. Such promises were nothing new to her. But she hesitated for some reason when she saw him.
With a note of caution in her voice, she questioned, "What kind of offer?"
A faint twitch of a smile that might have begun in the corners of his mouth vanished in a flash.
He looked directly into her eyes and whispered, "You'll find out soon enough." "However, you'll need to decide."
A gentle chime, a warning that the evening was approaching, reverberated from the distant corner of the room before she could reply. Both her brand and the media were waiting.
Alexander was far from finished, though. His voice was hardly more than a whisper as he took a step closer.
"I advise you not to wait for too long. This kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime. They also tend to disappear just as quickly.
Eliza stood there with the weight of his offer bearing down on her as the words lingered in the air.
A peculiar uneasiness developed in her chest as she turned to follow Rachel back towards the spotlight.
In that brief instant, Eliza realised that she was going to make a decision that could ruin everything she had worked so hard to achieve.
But when the stakes were larger than she could have ever imagined, what was the cost of success?
Chapter 1 Eliza's Rise
27/01/2025
Chapter 2 Noah's Regret
27/01/2025
Chapter 3 Eliza's New Life
27/01/2025
Chapter 4 Flashback
27/01/2025
Chapter 5 The Press
27/01/2025
Chapter 6 Noah's First Attempt
27/01/2025
Chapter 7 Lucas Bennett
27/01/2025
Chapter 8 Benjamin appears
27/01/2025
Chapter 9 Ethan Sinclair's Support
27/01/2025
Chapter 10 Insecurity
27/01/2025
Chapter 11 Eliza's Inner Struggle
27/01/2025
Chapter 12 Lucas Offers Help
13/02/2025
Chapter 13 Deep Conversations
18/02/2025
Chapter 14 Ethan's Confession
19/02/2025
Chapter 15 Noah's Desperation
19/02/2025
Chapter 16 Growing Connection
27/02/2025
Chapter 17 Temptation
27/02/2025
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