The Vengeful Masquerade

The Power Play

Rita’s interest piqued instantly. She knew of James Madison, the heir to the Madison Empire, a business conglomerate that spanned industries and continents. He wasn’t just wealthy, he was influential, powerful, and unattainable to most. But not to her.

James approached with a charming smile, extending his hand to Maxwell. “Maxwell, good to see you,” he said, his voice smooth and composed.

“Likewise,” Maxwell replied, his tone slightly sycophantic as he shook hands. He then turned to Rita. “James, this is Rita.”

James shifted his gaze to her, his smile widening just slightly. “Rita,” he greeted, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. “Maxwell’s mentioned you before, but he didn’t do you justice.”

Rita smirked, sensing the subtle flirtation in his words. “I hope he left out all the bad things,” she said, her voice low and sultry.

“Oh, nothing bad,” James replied, his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer than necessary. “You’re even more captivating in person.”

Maxwell chuckled nervously, clearly unaware of the growing undercurrent between them. “Well, why don’t we all get a drink and talk business?” he suggested, gesturing toward the bar.

The three of them made their way over, and as Maxwell droned on about potential collaborations and deals, Rita noticed that James wasn’t paying much attention. His focus was entirely on her, his eyes studying her every movement, every word. Rita, of course, knew how to play this game. She leaned in slightly whenever she spoke to James, laughed at his subtle jokes, and let her fingers lightly graze his arm sometimes.

Maxwell was too engrossed in his plans to notice that the real negotiation was happening between James and Rita, not in business, but on something far more dangerous. As the evening wore on, Rita and James exchanged subtle glances, secret smiles, and, finally, as Maxwell excused himself to take a call, James made his move.

“You’re wasted on him, you know,” James said, his voice low, leaning in close so only she could hear him.

Rita raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? And why do you think that?”

James smiled, taking a sip of his drink. “You’re playing a much bigger game than he realizes. You’re not in this for love. You’re in it for control, power.”

Rita’s heart raced for a moment, but she didn’t let it show. “What makes you think I don’t care for him?”

James chuckled softly, his eyes locking with hers. “I know people. I know ambition. And you, Rita, have far more of it than Maxwell will ever understand. You deserve someone who can match that. Someone who can take you to places you’ve only dreamed of.”

Rita leaned back slightly, intrigued. “And you think that’s you?”

James’ smile widened. “I know it is.”

The attraction between them was palpable, but it wasn’t just physical. It was intellectual, strategic. They both knew what they wanted, and they both knew they could use each other to get it.

Over the next few weeks, their meetings became more frequent. It started with brief encounters at social events, then secret lunches at exclusive restaurants, and finally, late-night phone calls where they discussed not just their desires but their shared goals. It wasn’t long before they devised a plan, one that would leave Maxwell in the dust and cement their partnership, both in business and marriage.

Rita had been right to keep Maxwell close. He had his connections to James, but once she had infiltrated James’ world, Maxwell became expendable. She didn’t need him anymore. What she needed was James Madison, and together, they would become an unstoppable force.

One evening, in the privacy of James’ penthouse, they sealed the deal. James poured them both a glass of champagne, and as they clinked glasses, he smiled. “To new beginnings,” he said.

“To new beginnings,” Rita echoed, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

James leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Once the papers are signed, you’ll have everything. The company, the name, the status. Maxwell won’t know what hit him.”

Rita smirked, her mind already racing ahead to the future. “I want the wedding in two weeks. It has to be fast, before Maxwell catches wind of anything.”

James nodded, setting down his glass. “Consider it done. I’ll handle Maxwell. He’s too distracted by his little schemes to notice what’s happening right under his nose.”

They planned on ditching Maxwell and getting everything he had from him. “ What about him?” James asked, suddenly making the hair at the back of Rita stand up.

“ Who are you talking about?” Rita asked, trying to pretend like she didn't know anything.

“You want to tell me that you ain't married?” James looked at Rita and she kept quiet. “ I won't get married to you when my reputation is at stake. I am risking a lot by taking you, because your reputation isn't that good, but we can make it work. Since we have sidelined Maxwell, then I think the next step is getting Stephan off your back, which will really be a good thing.” James said, sipping his drink.

“ I know but I have given him a divorce and we are getting things over by the end of the week. I promise you I am not going to delay things.” Rita promised

“ Rita, I want to believe you are this kind of woman that knows what she wants. I will wait and see how this pans out. Text me when you have all of this fixed. In the meantime, don't call me.” James said finally gulping down his drink and getting up.

Rita looked up and she was mesmerized by his looks. James was indeed the most handsome man she had ever since.

James stood tall, his broad shoulders squared, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into Rita's soul. His chiseled jawline was accentuated by a hint of stubble, giving him a rugged edge that only added to his allure. His dark hair was perfectly messy, and his full lips curled into a sly smile as he gazed at Rita.