Bianca Elise Villareal has made a career out of exposing powerful men. At twenty-five, she's a fearless journalist and political researcher who refuses to stop digging-even when the truth gets dangerous. Especially when it comes to her father's suspicious death. Under the anonymous name Vesper, Bianca secretly exposes corrupt politicians one scandal at a time. Her next target should have been easy. Maximillian Gabriel Sarmiento. A powerful politician with a spotless reputation, a clean family name, and not a single scandal Bianca can uncover. The more she investigates him, the more frustrated she becomes. Because Gabriel is hiding something. And unfortunately, Bianca can't decide what's more dangerous-his secrets or the attraction she feels whenever he's near. One political event. One reckless night. One mistake that becomes impossible to stop repeating. But Bianca doesn't know Gabriel has been protecting her for years. And Gabriel doesn't know the woman in his arms is Vesper-the very journalist digging into the political world he's sworn to protect. Then he discovers the truth. She is Valencio Villareal's daughter. The daughter of the man he failed to save. The woman he was never supposed to want. And the journalist who may uncover everything. Gabriel should walk away. Instead, he pulls her closer. Because Bianca is the one woman he cannot have. And the one secret he refuses to give up. She wasn't just his secret. She was his favorite. ©marcandre2026

Gov. Damian Lorenzo Cortez x Mateo Miguel Navarro