Novels by J.B.Vale

For a second, something shifted. Alateriel’s voice—usually like untouched snow—cracked with the barest hint of emotion. Bitterness. Like a glacier starting to split.Ethan didn’t respond. The only sound in the room was the faint graze of his thumb tracing the edge of the phone, over and over.“I’ve looked for you, Ethan… for seven years,” she whispered, her voice softening—melting like the first drip of spring snow.He let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that so?”“Ethan… I’ll be in Atlantis tomorrow. Can we meet? Just once?”Her voice was barely a whisper, a feather falling through silence.Ethan’s response cut like glass.“Miss Alateriel, you’re the crown jewel of the Dunphy dynasty now. Me? I’m just the washed-up heir of a forgotten family. I’d hate to taint your vision with my presence.”His words carried a cruel edge—sarcasm, self-loathing, and something darker buried underneath.He didn’t want to revisit the past. Not anymore.“Ethan, did you hear about—”“No need.”He cut her off, tone laced

The dim room was still—until Katherine's text tone pierced through the silence.Ethan glanced down at the screen. The glow lit up his face, and as he swiped to unlock, his brows instinctively furrowed.“Ethan, did you hear? Alateriel is coming to Atlantis City!”Alateriel?Ethan’s thumb froze mid-air. A dull throb pulsed at his temples.What the hell is going on today? Why is everyone suddenly bringing up that name?He rubbed the bridge of his nose, then typed back:“I heard. You seem really excited about her?”The reply came almost instantly:“Of course! Alateriel Dunphy is basically the capital’s goddess! I’m heading to the airport to see her in person!”“So much has happened lately… I need something fun to look forward to.”Ethan stared at that exclamation mark—somehow, he could see Katherine smiling through the screen.He hesitated, then hit Call.“Ethan?”Her soft voice drifted through, along with the faint rustle of magazine pages in the background.“You’re really that eager to

“Vulture was able to operate without fear,” Robert’s voice was low, every word dripping with weight, “because he had The Black Jack backing him.”“What? The Black Jack?!”Madeline’s eyes went wide in disbelief. She looked like she’d just seen a ghost.Everyone knew the truth—The Black Jack ruled this city.In this town, it wasn’t Vulture who was the true power player. He was just a pawn in a much bigger game. The Black Jack? That was the shadow ruler pulling the strings, the one who controlled the city’s heartbeat.The power The Black Jack wielded was untouchable.In business, politics, the military—The Black Jack had influence everywhere.If you crossed him? It was worse than death itself.“Robert, you can’t be telling me that The Black Jack is involved in this too, right?” Madeline swallowed hard, panic creeping into her voice.“It’s hard to say,” Robert muttered as he stood up and walked to the window, pulling the curtains shut with a snap. In the dim light, the veins on his forehea

Elijah—the man who ran The Black Jack syndicate in Atlantis City—stirred his coffee slowly.The silver spoon tapping gently against the fine bone china cup with a crisp, delicate clink.Sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, landing on his manicured hands. The gleam on his nails was cold, sharp—like polished steel under a surgeon’s scalpel.Across from him, the old man known only as The Night Owl sat as calm as a still lake. His thin, wrinkled fingers methodically dropped sugar cubes into his black tea, each movement steady, almost ritualistic.“Mr. Elijah, about the shipment from Colombia—”But The Night Owl was cut off mid-sentence.A massive bodyguard—easily pushing six-foot-six—strode up, leaned down, and whispered urgently into Elijah’s ear. His breath brushed warm against Elijah’s skin.“What?”Elijah’s voice cracked through the quiet like a whip. “Vulture’s dead?”The spoon slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the saucer with a metallic clang. Black coffee

“What did you just say?”Noah’s smile froze. For a second, he thought he must’ve misheard.“I said, I have zero interest in a company that's about to go bankrupt,” Ethan repeated calmly.“Bankrupt?”The word hung in the air like a thunderclap. Everyone froze, struggling to process what they just heard.“You’re full of it!”Noah jolted upright, his voice rising in panic. “Hudson Pharmaceuticals is raking in money! We’re thriving! Why the hell would we go bankrupt? Quit fear-mongering!”Ethan leaned back, voice cool and steady. “Whether I’m fear-mongering or not, you know better than anyone. I just got word—Hudson Pharmaceuticals has been completely shut down for selling counterfeit meds. It’s only a matter of time before the bankruptcy paperwork hits.”“Fake meds? Shut down?”Everyone turned, stunned, their eyes locking onto Noah.“Bullshit! That’s complete bullshit!” Noah snapped. “Ethan, you better shut your damn mouth. Hudson runs a clean business! We play by the rules! One more word

And Lewis Parker, of all people, in that photo?Yeah right. Had to be fake.Sarah let out a cold laugh. “You? Know Lewis freaking Parker? Come on. A guy like you probably can’t even spell sommelier.”She crossed her arms, chin raised in disdain. “Let’s be real—you probably stole that wine.”“Exactly!” Luke jumped in, eyes lighting up like he just cracked the case. “No way you could afford something like that. You swiped it, didn’t you?”Noah’s face lit up with smug satisfaction, like a cat who’d cornered a mouse.“That makes perfect sense,” he sneered. “Of all the things to steal, you went and grabbed a $3.4 million bottle? You realize if the owner presses charges, you’re looking at ten years minimum behind bars?”In Noah’s mind, this was checkmate. No way someone like Ethan could ever own something that valuable.Ethan didn’t flinch. He just set his napkin down, the soft rustle of fabric against wood loud in the sudden tension.First, they said his wine was cheap.Then they claimed it

When he realized that Liam wasn’t angry about his oversight, Amnon let out a quiet breath of relief. He straightened up quickly."Young Master, are you heading to the Garden now?""I'll be near the Imperial Grand Garden. Call if whenever you need me."Liam ended the call and tossed his phone into his pocket. He changed into simple clothes. Even though knowing full well he’d run into Jake and Nina today, the wedding barely crossed his mind. The past was the past.As he walked into the garage, his eyes swept over the sea of luxury cars.Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes… It could dazzle anyone who saw this scene.Not a single modest car in sight.Liam pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed. “Amnon… How many times have I told him to tone it down?”With no other choice, he hailed a cab.Not for long, the cab neared the Imperial Grand Garden. The driver let out a long whistle.It didn’t take long for Liam to reach the block near the Imperial Grand Garden. The driver mus

Inside, the villa was just as breathtaking.Every inch of it radiated quiet luxury. The high-end furniture looked like it had never been touched. The decor was understated yet elegant.Liam took his time exploring. His footsteps were the only sound breaking the stillness.After freshening up, he finally let exhaustion win. He sank onto the plush bed and let sleep take him under.He woke up with the sharp vibration of his phone.It was Emily Carter."I heard Jake got arrested. What happened?"As soon as Liam picked up the phone, Emily asked immediately. Her tone was a mix of curiosity and concern.Liam smirked and sat up."How’s your stomach? Feeling better?""It’s fine now, no big deal." Emily replied quickly, then pressed on. "But seriously, what happened? Did it have something to do with you?"Liam shrugged over the phone."News travels fast. Let me guess, Nina called you?"Emily sighed. "She was begging me to help bail him out."Liam let out a short laugh, low and unimpressed."Ins

Nina’s breath caught as reality sank in. The car was real. If Liam wasn’t a loser… then what did she do? She walked away from a hidden billionaire?!Her stomach twisted. She thought she’d made the right choice. Now it felt like a cruel joke. Her voice came out strained, cracking at the edges."Liam… if you had this kind of money, why didn’t you tell me?""Why did I have to suffer for five years? If I had known…"Liam laughed, but there was no warmth in it. Just cold amusement."Listen to yourself, Nina.""Five years ago, you told me you wanted to marry someone on your level."His gaze flicked over her, unreadable. "That’s what I did. I hid my identity to support you from the shadows.""Do you really think you could’ve built Nova Group into what it is today without my help?"Nina flinched like he’d slapped her. Her phone slipped from her fingers and hit the pavement with a dull clatter. Jake sneered, clinging to any scrap of control he had left."Nina, don’t tell me you’re fall

Jake checked his watch. He looked visibly irritated."Every minute we waste here is money lost. Can you even afford to cover that?""Just do yourself a favor. Apologize to us and the viewers. Admit you’re a fraud. Save yourself the humiliation."Liam ignored the jeers. He tilted his head slightly, as if listening for something. Then he smiled."It’s here. Cash or card?"Nina blinked. "What?"Before she could process his words, the deep, throaty roar of an engine echoed from the entrance. A sleek white supercar rolled into view. Its polished exterior gleamed under the lights like a predatory beast fresh out of a showroom.Liam took a slow lap around the car. He nodded in approval."Not bad, Jake. You’ve got decent taste."The driver’s side door swung open. A young, attractive salesgirl stepped out, clutching a purchase contract. Her face glowed with excitement."Who’s Liam? Mr. Liam?"Liam raised a hand lazily."That’s me. Payment goes through?"The salesgirl beamed. This sale alon

Jake oozed with smug confidence. He let out a cocky laugh."Oh, you think you know everything, huh?" He spread his arms wide."Let me enlighten you. I’ve got connections! Do you know Mr. Amnon? He’s a close friend of mine!"Liam studied him for a moment. Then he chuckled softly and quitely. He shook his head."Impossible," he said, his voice calm but sharp, like a blade wrapped in silk."I know Amnon well. He works for me.”“Amnon doesn’t waste his time with idiots, and he sure as hell wouldn’t lower himself to someone like you."Jake smirked and shook his head."Liam, do you even hear yourself? You? Amnon works for you?"He clapped his hands and doubled over with laughter."Dude, it’s nighttime! Quit daydreaming!"With a mocking tilt of his head, Jake pointed at Liam."So what are you now? Some undercover billionaire?" He scoffed. "Lemme guess, delivering pizzas is just your way of ‘staying humble’?"He snapped his fingers."Alright, big shot, here’s your chance. Buy me a Lamborghini

But Nina forced a smile, her hand brushing over Jake’s chest."Jake, you were amazing!" she cooed. "I’m the luckiest woman alive to have you!"Jake puffed up like a damn peacock, soaked up every word of her praise.He planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek, then, without warning, dropped the bombshell."Nina, will you marry me?"He didn’t even wait for her answer, already convinced it was a done deal."This weekend, I’m throwing the most extravagant wedding at the Imperial Grand Garden. You’re going to be my bride there!"Nina’s heart nearly stopped.This weekend sounded too soon.But The Imperial Grand Garden? The most exclusive venue in the city?That place wasn’t just for anyone. Even a Silver Membership required a minimum deposit of over a hundred million.Even though Nova Group was successful, Nina wasn’t anywhere near that level."Oh my god!" she gasped without one more second hesitated, "Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes! I can’t wait to be your bride!"She threw her arms around him,

Time ticked by as the rich and powerful began to trickle into the Holiday Auction House, each one more important than the last.Holiday Auction House was world-famous, always offering treasures beyond imagination.It wasn’t just an auction; it was the event to attend if you had money and influence.The hall was split into two levels.The first floor was the main area, buzzing with chatter.It was bright and spacious, with wooden tables piled high with drinks and snacks, where guests mingled casually.The second floor, though, was where the real action was.Reserved for VIPs, the suites up here were private and luxurious, offering a perfect view of the entire hall.It was quiet, secluded, and absolutely the most exclusive place to be.Peter had already heard that the Phoenix Herb would be up for auction tonight.He’d spared no expense, securing the best suite on the second floor just for this moment.Arthur sat back in their private suite, cool and calm, while Peter stood by, eyes lock

That night, Daniel led a small team of armed soldiers, quietly closing in on the Selune house.The air felt thick with tension, the cold night wrapping the street in a quiet, oppressive silence.Edward Wells stood at the doorstep.The doorbell rang out, sharp and clear, cutting through the silence like a gunshot, its echo lingering in the still night air.Harold stepped forward with an easy smile, his hand already reaching for the door to pull it wider, expecting another normal evening.But when his eyes locked with Daniel’s, the smile faded as if it had been wiped away.Daniel stood tall and imposing—his broad shoulders and muscular frame silhouetted against the dim porch light.In his hand, he gripped a gun with an ease that spoke volumes about his deadly precision.His cold, hard eyes locked onto Harold, and the smile vanished entirely from Harold’s face."Mr. Wells, what’s going on?" Harold stammered, his voice shaky, a faint tremor betraying his confusion and fear."Cut the crap!

Peter Charles’s sleek, luxury car cruised slowly into Arthur’s line of sight, its polished design turning heads and drawing the attention of everyone nearby.“Not bad. Looks like you’ve awakened,” Arthur said with a slight nod.Peter looked full of energy.“It’s all thanks to your guidance! I can’t thank you enough!”“And I have got a good news for you!”Arthur raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. “What do you mean?”Peter grinned. “Earlier, you told me to keep an eye out for rare herbs. Tonight, there’s Phoenix Herb at the auction!”Peter quickly pulled an auction catalog from his bag and handed it to Arthur.Arthur opened the catalog, and his eyes landed on a stunning, blood-red plant.The fiery color seemed to burn off the page—exactly what Arthur had been searching for.His heart raced.Two-thirds of the ingredients needed for the antidote were already within reach.“This Phoenix Herb has to be mine!”“Of course!” Peter’s excitement matched Arthur’s. “I’ll make sure to get it for yo

“You’ve already caused enough trouble for our daughter, and now you’re hooking up with another woman?!”Ana’s voice was dripping with disdain, and Harold’s tone matched hers, laced with fury.But there was a smug gleam in their eyes, an air of certainty.They had been waiting for this moment.Once Selune saw the undeniable evidence of Arthur’s betrayal, she would finally see the light and toss him out of her life for good.Selune sat motionless on the couch, her body rigid, her hands clasped tightly together in her lap.Her eyes were fixed on the photo on the table in front of her, the image refusing to blur, even as her mind scrambled to process it.In the photo, Arthur was standing uncomfortably close to a woman—a woman she didn’t recognize.They were so close their bodies were practically touching, and the moment was captured just as they were getting into her car.It was like a punch to the gut, each beat of her heart feeling slower, heavier.The shock cut through her in waves, le

Arthur stood at the table, staring down at the broken crystal ball.He knew it wasn’t going to reveal anything more.But he couldn’t figure out why the old woman was so thrilled, or what she meant by "the Chosen One."“Well, let’s call it a day,” he said, his voice calm.“Take the fifth herb from the third row in your garden, mix it with the others in your basket, and simmer it for three hours.”“Drink it in three doses a day. In a week, your leg will be healed.”Arthur offered this advice as a thank you for the old woman’s reading, then turned to leave.Isis’s eyes lit up.Her respect and awe for him deepened.She couldn’t believe Arthur could figure out the exact effects of her herbs just by looking at them!She had been brewing potions with them for years, but the results were always weak.Now she realized she’d been missing one crucial ingredient.It all clicked. Gratitude flooded her heart.She was even more impressed by Arthur now.“Wait, Savior!” she called, rushing forward wit

Mia and Arthur stepped out of the car, their boots sinking into the soft, wet earth.The air smelled fresh, a mix of rich soil and pine.All around them, the forest was alive with vibrant green leaves and the sound of birds chirping.“Don’t get any ideas just because my dad likes you. I’ve met guys like you before, and trust me, you’re not special,”Mia shot Arthur a look that could cut glass.“Hurry up! If you get lost, don’t come crying to me!”Without waiting for him to respond, she marched off into the thick woods.Arthur rolled his eyes. This girl was way too full of herself.But he wasn’t about to argue with her. He had better things to do.Plus, it was easier to follow her than get lost in this dense forest.They trekked through the underbrush, tall grass brushing against their legs, branches rustling as they passed.The air was thick with moisture and the earth beneath their feet was soft, like the whole forest was alive.After what felt like forever, they finally broke throug