Novels by Icha Ghozali

Ethan Harrison never liked manipulation, especially when it involved emotions. Unfortunately, Valerie Haroldson was an expert at it.That day, Ethan had just returned to his office after handling a data breach case that Vanessa had exposed. But before he could even take a deep breath of relief, his phone vibrated. An unknown number.He answered it reluctantly. “Harrison.”The voice on the other end was shaky—weak, desperate.“Ethan… help me.”Ethan frowned. He recognized that voice.“Valerie?”“I… I can’t do this anymore. I’m tired. I have no one,” Valerie’s voice trembled. “I just want it all to end.”A long pause. Then, the sound of ragged breathing.“I’m in a hotel room. Top floor. I… I think this is the best way.”Ethan shot to his feet, his eyes widening. “Where are you?”But the call had already ended.Damn it.Without a second thought, Ethan grabbed his car keys and gestured to Vanessa, who had just entered his office.“I have to go. Don’t ask why,” he said quickly.Vanessa hes

The conference room lights cast sharp shadows on Gabriel’s face as he stared at the two people before him. Valeria sat upright, her fingers intertwined on the table, her expression calm despite the storm lingering in her eyes. Beside her, Max Miller leaned back slightly, his jaw clenched, his right hand tapping the table as if counting down time. “I don’t care what happened between you two,” Gabriel’s voice was low, but heavy with pressure. “Haroldson Construction and Macora are both on the brink. We have a common enemy, and I need assurance that you can work together.” Valeria took a deep breath, then nodded. “I’ll do whatever it takes for Haroldson.” Max let out a quiet scoff, his gaze flicking briefly to Valeria before settling on Gabriel. “And I won’t let Macora sink any further.” Tension hung in the air, but none of them backed down. They all knew this wasn’t about past wounds or lingering emotions. This was about bringing down Harrison Company, and none of them had any inte

The flashes of cameras filled the grand wedding hall, but Valerie's smile felt hollow. Her fingers intertwined with Max’s hand, which felt cold and unfamiliar. When she glanced to the side, Max only gave her a thin smile—not one of happiness, but of triumph.The weeks that followed turned into a small personal hell. Max was no longer the man who once wooed her with sweet promises. His gentle touch was now just a fading memory, replaced by indifferent glances and a sharp tone in his voice. Every morning, Valerie woke up in the same bed as him, yet she felt lonelier than she ever had before.Max came home late at night, often drunk, ignoring her presence as if she were merely a piece of furniture in this grand house. If Valerie tried to talk to him, she was met with short answers or, more often, a cold stare that made her words wither before they could leave her lips.One evening, as Valerie prepared dinner, Max threw his jacket onto the sofa and leaned back with a bored expression.“Wh

Chapter 21: The Returning ShadowThe Los Angeles night sky hung quietly over the exclusive five-star restaurant. Inside the classic-modern designed dining room, the Harrison family dinner unfolded with a warmth laced with caution.Andreas Harrison sat in his usual seat, occasionally sipping red wine from a crystal glass. Alicia sat beside him, listening attentively. Ethan, clad in his elegant black suit, appeared relaxed but remained ever vigilant.Beside the table, a bespectacled man stood upright. Smith. Ethan’s trusted assistant."There’s someone I’d like to introduce," Smith said in his professional tone before gesturing toward the restaurant entrance.A woman stepped inside.Vanessa.She wore a sleek black suit that accentuated her tall, athletic figure. Her sharp eyes scanned the room as if reading the situation in a single glance. Her long hair was neatly tied back, adding to her enigmatic aura."Vanessa will be your personal bodyguard, Ethan," Smith announced. "She’s the best

Chapter 20The crystal chandelier’s glow reflected off the polished marble floor, casting shimmering shadows that danced along the ballroom walls. Silk gowns rustled as guests murmured among the gentle clinks of champagne in crystal flutes. The scent of expensive wine mingled with luxurious perfumes, thickening the air with exclusivity.Yet beneath all the opulence, something unseen lingered—a tension, coiled and waiting to snap.On the stage, Andreas Harrison stood tall behind the podium. His aged fingers gripped the wooden edge tightly, as if anchoring himself amid a storm of emotions. His gaze swept across the ballroom, waiting for silence to take hold.When he spoke, his voice was deep, carrying a faint tremor—not from weakness, but from the weight of the moment. The man looked overwhelmed."Tonight, I have an important announcement to make for the Harrison family. After so many years … my lost grandson has finally been found."A quiet gasp rippled through the room. Andreas exhale

Lisa Caldwell crossed her legs gracefully at the edge of the five-star hotel pool, enjoying the soft evening breeze caressing her skin. The setting sun danced on the water’s surface, creating shimmering golden ripples. Sunglasses perched on her nose as her slender fingers idly played with the cocktail glass in her hand, the ice inside slowly melting.Beside her, a bag stuffed with thick stacks of cash lay carelessly, as if it meant nothing. But that money was the price of the information she had sold to Ethan Harrison. She had left the city in a hurry, abandoning the dirty traces of her past, and now she was basking in the rewards of her betrayal, far from media scrutiny and the threat of retaliation.A sheer burgundy silk dress draped over her figure, almost transparent under the sunlight. A pair of expensive designer heels rested on the chair beside her, while soft jazz music flowed from the poolside bar’s speakers.Lisa smirked. The world could call her a traitor—but who cared? In