In a realm of crumbling rules and forbidden ties, Ethena Stewart, an undercover cop, is tasked with taking down the influential CEO, Kaiden Wright. Drawn into this web of intrigue, she tries to see through his concealed mysteries, questioning whether the Wright family's fortune holds a legacy of illicit activities.

Amidst the unfolding drama and heightened emotions, Ethena faces a conflict between her heart and her commitment to justice. Will Ethena's heart survive the complexities of duty and desire? Or will she lose it all? Explore a world where forbidden ties blur lines and undercover hearts are laid bare.

Ethena\~

“You say you couldn’t catch him, but did you truly exert any effort?” I heard a lady in her mid-thirties yelling at Brian as I made my way to the cabin.

“You are all the same – Selfish, deceitful, and sold.” The accusatory tone in her voice cut through the air like a sharp blade as she carried on with questioning with hurt and visible frustration.

“How much did he offer you, officer? How much did he bribe you to cover him up!!”

It happens. Every time and always. And again, I assumed my role as a silent observer, bearing witness to the relentless drama that played out. Over all these years, one undeniable thing I learnt at my job is that although the system is meant to safeguard the vulnerable, it often crumbles under the weight of power, leaving the helpless cries of people echo in vain. I love my job, but I hate this – getting tormented by helplessness.

“I swear the wait feltlike an eternity.” Liam acknowledged my presence with a warm-infectious smile. Liam Carter – a big name in our domain, yet remarkably grounded in contrast with his towering position as the head cop. His walnut brown hair and matching eyes presented an unassuming charm, leaving me pondering over the nuances of the colour description.

His dimples shone brightly as he extended a genuine welcoming smile. I have known him for six freaking years, and he is the closest person I have to family if we don’t count my best friend Jade, of course. Well, the staff speculate there’s more to it, but I am unsure. Do I think he is exceptional? Absolutely. But do I like-like him? The question lingered, yet one certainty remained; my admiration for him has grown over all these years. He is an outstanding cop and his unwavering commitment to the job justifies his well-deserved reputation. The way he manages his responsibilities contributed an additional layer to the captivating appeal he radiated.

I followed him to the cabin and the air seemed to shift as we settled into our seats. The ambiance, once warm and welcoming, now held a subtle tension. I pondered over the reasons I could be here for, but nothing came to my mind. I mean as an undercover agent,it makes no sense to be summoned in broad daylight considering my confidential identity. Why this unconventional approach then? Curiosity compelled me to break the silence, "Why am I here, Liam?"

He sighed, his eyes momentarily distant. "It concerns Daniel," he began, a weight evident in his voice. "He's gone missing."

A chill of unease rippled through me. Daniel Luther, a comrade in arms and Jade’s boyfriend! Oh god. The severity of the situation sank in as Liam continued, "His last assignment was an inquiry at the Wright mansion. We were exploring potential irregularities."

“It’s clear then. Why not apprehend the suspect?” I queried, spurred by my instinct for decisive action.

Leaning back, Liam's expression turned solemn. “I wish it was that simple. Martin took a leave post-inquiry, returned, and even met me before disappearing. It may sound absurd, but we can't simply accuse the Wright family based on speculation. Also, their influence is undeniably considerable, and we require concrete evidence before taking any decisive steps."

“You can’t be serious.” Frustration surged within me.

“So, we just stay put? Even if all indications point towards them?”

"We can't act without evidence, Ethena. Right now, our priority is locating Daniel, and I am actively working on it. I have reached out to one of my known stealth agents to investigate this matter. I just hope he accepts it to yield results. We’ll find him soon.” Liam replied, his eyes reflecting the complexity of the situation.

A sense of helplessness draped over me like a heavy cloak. It was the first time I witnessed Liam, the invincible leader, grappling with a situation where rules and the demand for incontrovertible proof rendered him powerless. The characteristic calmness he exuded gave way to vulnerability and an audible sigh escaped him.

"This is unjust," I muttered, more to myself than to him. Liam nodded in silent agreement, frustration evident in his eyes. I was once again reminded of how little authority we hold. Still constrained by regulations and limitations imposed by the protocol. For real?