Novels by Yahya

As the magical evening began to wind down, Montenegro approached me privately while Sarah was still admiring the spectacular view of the city below."Mr. Thompson," he said in a low voice, "Ms. Sterling has informed me of your true identity."I nodded, understanding the weight of what he was saying."I want to give you something that will serve you well in the days ahead," he continued, reaching into his jacket pocket. He produced a ring unlike anything I'd ever seen—made of what appeared to be black titanium with an intricate design that seemed to shift and change in the light."This ring represents my personal authority," Montenegro explained solemnly. "Anyone who works under my organization, any business partner, any associate—when they see this ring, they will treat you with the highest level of respect and honor."I took the ring, feeling its surprising weight. The design was subtle but unmistakable—the Montenegro family crest combined with symbols that spoke of power and influen

As the chaos around Isabella's forced apologies began to settle, I noticed Derek Manning lurking near the back corner of the room, trying his best to remain invisible.But I hadn't forgotten about him—not by a long shot."Mr. Montenegro," I said, my voice carrying clearly across the room."There's one more matter that needs to be addressed."All eyes turned to follow my gaze as I pointed directly at Derek. "That man over there tried to coerce my wife into sleeping with him in exchange for a business loan. He used her desperation to help my mother as leverage for his own sick desires."Derek's face went white as sheet."That's... that's not what happened! I was just trying to help—""Help?" I continued."By demanding she come to your hotel room? By setting conditions that would destroy our marriage?"Montenegro's expression turned murderous. "Is this true?"Derek stumbled forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture."Mr. Montenegro, please, let me explain! I have the utmost respec

The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Every person in the room stared at Santiago Montenegro in complete bewilderment, their minds struggling to process what they'd just witnessed.Isabella was the first to break the silence, her voice sharp with indignation. "Excuse me, Mr. Montenegro, but I think there's been some mistake here."Montenegro's gaze shifted to her with the cold precision of a predator. "I beg your pardon?""Well," Isabella continued, emboldened by what she perceived as confusion, "you're obviously looking for someone important to invite upstairs. But this is just Michael Thompson—he's nobody special. He doesn't even have a job."She gestured dismissively toward me. "If you're looking to honor someone from our family, surely it should be my mother, Elena Fletcher. She's the matriarch of one of the city's most respected families."Grandmother Fletcher's eyes lit up with desperate hope. An invitation to the seventh floor would be the crowning achievemen

As we settled into the second-floor venue, the whispers and speculation grew louder. The elegant chandeliers and fine table settings couldn't mask the underlying tension that had followed us down from the third floor."I heard from one of the waiters," a family member said in hushed tones, "that whoever booked the top floor did it for a woman. Some kind of romantic celebration."Grandmother Fletcher's eyes lit up with curiosity. "A woman? How fascinating. I wonder who could possibly be worthy of such an extravagant gesture.""Probably some foreign heiress," Richard speculated. "Or maybe a senator's daughter."Isabella suddenly let out a sharp laugh, pointing directly at Sarah. "Maybe it's for our dear Sarah here! After all, she's so special that she can afford to turn down hundred-million-dollar investments!"The table erupted in laughter again, the absurdity of the suggestion striking everyone as hilarious."Can you imagine?" another relative chimed in. "Sarah dining on the seventh

The moment I spoke, the entire table erupted in laughter. Even the waiters paused in their work to stare at the spectacle."Are you serious right now?" Isabella gasped between laughs. "Four hundred thousand dollars? You?"Richard was practically choking on his wine. "This is the funniest thing I've heard all year! The man who begs for handouts is going to pay off his wife's debt!"Even Robert looked mortified. "Michael, please. Stop embarrassing us and just leave quietly."Tina's face was crimson with shame. "How dare you come in here and make jokes at a time like this? You're humiliating our entire family!"But Sarah looked at me differently. Despite the skepticism in her eyes, I could see something else—a flicker of warmth, maybe even gratitude. I was the only person in this room who had stood up for her."Michael," she whispered, "you don't have to—""Yes, I do," I said firmly, keeping my eyes locked on hers. "You're my wife."Derek's smugness hadn't wavered. "This is entertaining,

I entered the banquet hall just in time to see Sarah's father, Robert, leading their small group quietly along the perimeter of the room, clearly trying to avoid drawing attention. The third floor of the Grandview Hotel was magnificent—crystal chandeliers cast warm light over elegantly dressed guests, and the tables were set with fine china and gleaming silverware.But their attempt at discretion failed immediately."Well, well, look what crawled in," came a mocking voice from across the room. Sarah's uncle Richard approached with his daughter Isabella beside him, both wearing expressions of barely concealed disdain."Uncle Richard," Robert said stiffly, forcing a polite smile."Don't 'Uncle Richard' me," he sneered. "I'm surprised you had the nerve to show your faces here after what your precious daughter did to the family company."Isabella laughed cruelly. "Speaking of Sarah, where's that useless husband of hers? Too embarrassed to bring him along?""Michael had... other obligatio