Tangled in the web of lust
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WHO ARE THEY?
Who are we? Like you even need to ask. We’re the four richer-than sin legendary brothers causing debauchery at the prestigious Dellas Texas, Arlington.
Some call us Implusive.
Some call us Superficial Charms.
Some call us Rich and over-privileged.
Others call us Manipulators
But everyone calls us the Arlington Kings.
Kings of the biggest dealers in the City.
★
Williams Thane King.
The Heartless one.
First son of Willam King, Ruler of the business world, Leader and heir to the King's Empire. The CEO of the company, and Melanie Canolly's worst nightmare.
She never thought her life would be ruthlessly dragged away from her. Being the lastest hot-shot-famous super model, Melanie had her life figured out. Just at twenty she's through with college and her career is in full swing.
But what happens when a sudden marriage license is being placed on her head, still under her father's name, Melanie is forced to either save her father's legacy or be cut off from the family's tie completely.
She's traped. She doesn't have a choice. She has to do it.
But then again. Thane King could easily forfeit the arrangement and get on with his life. Like any kind, heartfelt human would.
But Thane is anything but kind and his sights are set on a certain sunshine.
Would this move destroy the perfectly, crafted world of Melanie or would this be the beginning of a new experience for her?
Let's find out.
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Chapter 1~2
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★ARLINGTON, FORD MODELS★
(A leading modelling agency with offices in Dellas Texas, Arlington, Los Angeles and Chicago)
★
The main studio area, with a large open space and variety of backdrops, including paper rolls, fabric and painted walls. The center of the shooting spot is being displayed with a beautiful model who's posing in different styles.
"I need more emotions, Mel.. give me the fire" the director. Mr Shaun, muttered under his breath as the flashes of camera blinds the entire space.
Lucy, the Assistant media manager sighs besides Mr Shaun as Melanie poses, her beauty radiating off in waves as the lights continues to flash. Despite the heavy lighting, Melanie's composure doesn't falter, she smiles brightly and makes another move.
"That's it. Give me passion." He muttered and Melanie, drops into a super move, twirling around and when she looks over her shoulders, the lighting comes in flashes, capturing the hot moment and Shaun clapped his hands together.
"We've got it!" He yelled, holding up his hands and all the lighting stops, the organizers running in and helping Melanie step out of the center spot, in her ridiculous huge dress which highlights her petite firm, she's smiling brightly. Moving out and walking towards the director of Vogue's fashion magazine. Mr Shaun.
"Oh, thank God" Melanie breaths out, holding up the dress as her assistant manager quickly grabbed the hem from behind. "These heels are killing me, and don't get me started on this dress"
"Ms Melanie, this is Vogue's lastest project. You know, we could have really used some insights on your upcoming clothing line.... Still in the dark about it?" He asked and she pursed her lips. Different bodies walking around and fixing everything up.
Melanie looks at the dress she's putting on and raised an eyebrow. It's nice. The designs and details are accurate. Not to mention how it hugs her body like a glove but there's still something missing.
"Heard you went behind my back to appoint my father for the offer." She asked and his eyes widened slightly.
"Your Dad deals in lifestyle modelling, Melanie. I'm talking fashion modelling here. And with your amazing clothing brand we could make millions from a partnership, don't you think?" He muttered and Melanie drops her eyes, regarding him with one of her signature looks.
"My face is getting heavier with this makeup on. Until we met again next week." She muttered, brushing past him and heading for the Hair and Makeup station. Her assistant holding onto the dress from behind as she hurries to keep up with Melanie's pace. Even in heels, she walks really fast.
"So, is that a yes!?" Mr Shaun yelled out and Melanie looks over her shoulders with a sheepish smile that definitely didn't reach her eyes.
"I will think about it" she muttered. Crossing over and entering the station, immediately her smile drops as she flops onto the chair and stretched out her legs.
"You were awesome out there Ms Melanie. Vogue will definitely be hitting the market target this week with you as their super model" Lucy cooed, dropping low on her knees and helping Melanie out of her heels.
"I only accepted this offer because Mr Shaun is in line with IMG Models and I'm working on a clothing line with them. If Shaun should even have a glimpse of my next project, I'm pretty sure he's going to steal it. He's only working with me to get closer and heaven's sake knows that's not happening" Melanie muttered as Lucy pulled off both heels and she faced the dressing mirror.
"He's been trying to get inside information for months now. Your last clothing line blew up and surpassed his by ninety-five percent. He's definitely not happy about that" Lucy cooed, grabbing the wipe as she gently wipes the makeup off Melanie's face.
"And yet, here I am working on his lastest project. How ironic, am I right?" Melanie chuckled lightly and Lucy smile.
"I couldn't agree more." Lucy muttered, and by the time she's done. Melanie walks into the changing room, flipping into her normal outfit. Melanie's clothing brand line, her first project from three years ago that gave her the fame in the fashion world.
Melanie Martinez Canolly.
Height: 5'8".
Weight: proportional to height, with a healthy body mass index (BMI)
Age: 20.
Dark blonde hair, rich brown eyes, a nice figure and legs to go for days. She's pretty much your typical rich, successful, independent woman with a name for herself.
Stepping out, Lucy is already standing at the outrance with Melanie's bag in hand and her tablet on the other. A professional look on her face. Lucy is Melanie's most trusted employee and she's very dedicated to her job.
"Mr Bills of the Elite Model Management has been trying to reach out to you for days now. Should I book an appointment?" Lucy asked as Melanie steps out and she immediately follows, the clicking of their heels echoing as they brushed past different people.
"If he's talking about me working for him when he's yet to fulfill our original agreement then he's delusional. I don't do half businesses, Lucy. You know that" Melanie voiced out and Lucy nods from behind.
"So.... I guess you should have your father involved?" Lucy asked and Melanie sighs.
"Don't.... I'm not in the mood and if he calls again. Tell him I took Ford's offer. He can meet up when he's ready to talk business" Melanie muttered, stepping out and immediately her ride pulled up.
"Will do. Boss" Lucy bowed a little. Opening the back seat as Melanie steps in.
"And, Lucy?" Melanie called out immediately she enters and shut the door.
"Yes, Ms Melanie?" Lucy asked, her eyes wide with respect.
"Tell Mr Shaun that I'm done thinking" she trails off and Lucy leaned forward in anticipation.
"And?" Lucy asked and Melanie clicked her tongue.
"It's a big fucking NO" she muttered with finality.
★
★THE KING'S ENTERPRISES★
(Dellas Texas, Arlington)
★
These men aren't mafia lords.
These men aren't gangsters.
These men aren't thieves or tyrants.
These men aren't killers.
But when old money speaks?, people listen.
When legends steps into the place?. It goes quiet.
When rulers of the business world coughs?. Everyone apologizes.
Aristocratic blood runs deep in their veins instead of blood.
The King's wealth and fame comes from a long line of ruthless business tycoons. For several generations before them. Old money has ruled the family. You can’t escape the King surname in the US — unless you live in a cave and even then, their name might follow you there. They dominate The Daily Mail and every mail.
For so many years the King's name has been shoved down everyone's throat for being the rulers, The kings, the prodigy brothers, the future heirs of the Kings Enterprises that owns half the country and controls the other half through politicians.
And that's why everyone tries not to cross their paths.
Thane King. Age: 30, The eldest son, CEO of the Kings Enterprises. The senior ruler of the family business, the ruthless business tycoon who took over his Mother's name with pride. He's the most feared because one third of the business world depends on him. He controls lives. He buys them. Exploit them. He's his mother's son.
Axel King. Age: 28. The deviant one. He's the second son and next in line when it comes to power and just like his elder brother, he's as ruthless as they come. He's not just feared but also talked about in hush tone. No one dares him. He's in charge of the Entertainment industries under the king's division.
Knox King. Age: 26. He's the third son and the most cockiest one amongst the brothers. He wears his ruthlessness like a sleeve shirt, his smile is his weapon and his frown is his defendant. He's in charge of the Technologies under the king's division.
And lastly....
Maverick King. Age 24. The fashion slayer. He's the youngest and the most perverted one amongst the brothers. He's the ladies man, the extravaganza and the most stubborn of his brothers. He smiles a lot but when he comes to his family. You better back off. He's in charge of the Hotels/Real estate under the king's division.
These men are not to be played with.
A large, well-lit room with high ceilings, creating a sense of openness and freedom, highlighting sleek, contemporary designs with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on functionality.
Comfortable, ergonomic chairs, with adjustable height and tilt, ensuring attendees can sit for a extended periods without any discomfort. And a modular table system, allowing for various configurations to suit different meeting styles and sizes.
A large, high-definition screen for presentations, video conferencing and multimedia displays.
This conference room is designed to impress, with it's sleek, modern aesthetic, cutting-edge technology, and luxurious finishes, it's the perfect space for high level meetings, presentations and brainstorming sessions.
But the atmosphere in the room is so tensed that you could almost taste it in the air.
"The revenue service doubled up in the past month, giving extra opportunities for exporting and I really think we should work in that aspect since Mr Maverick just acquired a huge estate under the East side of Arlington" Dennis. The financial advisor of the Kings Enterprises muttered under his breath as the four brothers are seated before him.
"But that doesn't apply to this month's capital revenue service, Dennis. You said we were up by eighty percent last month, yeah?. But now you are presenting a draft where good ten percent of the profit are missing, are we doubling up or are we losing money?" Axel asked. His calm demeanor in huge contrast to his internal turmoil.
"Um, there was a slight itch during the second of this week's...."
"But you didn't write that down in the report minute you sent to me right at the beginning of this second week, Dennis. And I'm shocked to even figure out that you have in fact, been hiding certain reports from the company" Knox chimed in. His razor sharp eyes slicing through Dennis as he shifted uncomfortably on his seat.
"I haven't been hiding anything, Mr Knox. As a matter of fact, I have this year's full financial report specifically handed to Mr Thane himself. He personally signed it" Dennis voiced out and all eyes landed on Thane who has been quite the whole time.
Minutes ticked by as everyone waited for him to speak up but rather his eyes are solely focused on Dennis, the hard rigid flex of his jaw ticked as he slowly braced his elbows on the table, placing his chin on top of his closed fist and regarding Dennis with a small smile that's barely noticeable.
"He's right. He did report the financial status and I signed" Thane's deep voice echos round and Dennis swallowed hard. "But what I want to know is.....how come was I given the same report but with different calculations on the very next day?" He asked and Dennis eyes widened.
Maverick smriked as he leaned back on his seat. A sadistic glint in his eyes as he watched the show in front of him. Axel adjust the glass firming his eyes as he cocked his head sideways. And Knox is peering through Dennis soul.
"I don't understand"
"What's not to understand, Dennis?. Your report showed that we were up by more than a hundred percent last year and with each month's review, a total sum of ten percent is being deducted. Which has been going on for a year as well. Which means a whole hundred percent was being removed from the initial two hundred percent as per our estimate." Thane mused with a smirk. "You've been stealing from us. Dennis"
The air thickened with fear.
"I would never, Mr Thane. This job is my life and I'm solely dedicated to you all" Dennis muttered and Knox pulled out his lastest smart invention, a see-through tablet with mad technology and after a full swipe. A sheet of different transcripts and transactions are fitted on display.
"Care to explain this?" Knox asked and Dennis swallowed. His forehead creased with sweat as he readjusted his tie that's threatening to choke him to death.
"I... I don't know what you mean..." Dennis trails off as Maverick stood up, rounding up his seat and coming behind Dennis. He leaned forward, placing both hands on his shoulder as a devilish grin pulled up at his sinful lips.
"Dennis.... Don't make this more difficult than it should be" Maverick whispered as Dennis started shaking in his seat. "Right there on the screen is a whole year's transaction that's been made from our company's account to a secret account. With great detailing. You've been exploiting our revenues and splitting the profits..... you've been stealing"
"Sir..... I can explain" Dennis stuttered, trying to get on his feet but the hands holding onto his shoulders pulled him down roughly. Maverick lets out a little laugh as he leaned down again. His breath fanning Dennis ears and sending shock waves into his system.
"You can start by telling us who that secret account belongs to" Maverick muttered.
"And the reasons you decided to steal despite the great amount of salary you receive monthly." Axel pointed out, his eyes boring holes into Dennis's.
"And why you thought it was a good idea to steal in the first place" Knox mumbles lowly, resting his arms on the table as Dennis squirms like a squirrel.
"I.... I don't... I'm really sorry" Dennis trails off and Thane braced himself. Pulling backwards and resting his weight on the seat.
"You are running out of time, Dennis and trust me, my time is very precious so make good use of it" Thane voiced out and Axel smriked.
The loud exhale of Dennis breathing has the brothers frowning. The air is thick with tension and palpated with fear. Dennis held his chest, his heart slamming against his ribcage with so much force that he lets out a groan.
"I'm gonna have so much fun with this guy" Maverick muttered. Grabbing Dennis shoulders and lifting him up. Dennis went limp with fear instantly and Knox chuckled.
"Take him to the convention room, I'm pretty sure he would speak up after a few minutes with the guys" Knox muttered and Maverick chuckled lightly with glee.
"You got that right. Meeting's over, let's get this shît settled" Maverick voiced out, dragging Dennis out of the conference room and Dennis suddenly regained his sanity.
"Sirs... Please!. I can explain!. Sir!!" Dennis yelled but the crackling of Maverick's chuckle drowned his voice as the glass door beeped open and they slide out with a thrashing Dennis.
"You do know he's working for someone who isn't us right?" Axel asked, his question directed at Thane who simply stared ahead.
"And I have a feeling that someone he's working for he's awfully close to us. Maybe under the Entertainment division" Knox muttered and Axel glared at him.
"Hell no, I don't fùcking have traitors under my section so back the fúck up with the accusations, dude" Axel glared and Knox smiled to himself.
Thane leaned forward again. This time his eyes are focused on Knox's see-through tablet. The clear detailing of Dennis exploitations.
"I don't think the main traitor is under the king's division. But rather a very close business partner. Someone who we least expect" Thane muttered and Axel's eyes flutter with curiosity.
"We need to figure out who the traitor is before Nonna does" Axel shudder at the mention of their mother and Thane chuckled lightly.
They're scared to death of that woman.
Nonna King. Heir of the Kings legacy. She's the source of the family's wealth and in direct bloodline of the old money.
She is THE KING. There's no legacy without her.
She's the overseer of the King's Enterprises. The queen to her son's thrones.
"I will get him. It's just a matter of time" Thane muttered and Knox leaned forward as well.
"How do you know he's a him?" Knox asked and Thane smriked.
"You will see" Thane muttered and Axel shared a look with Knox who simply shrugged.
★
★MELANIE'S PENTHOUSE★
Floor-to-celling windows providing an abundance of natural light and stunning views.
Melanie is seated at the balcony with Lucy standing beside her. A refreshed look on her face as Lucy fills her in on her next schedule for the next day.
Being a super model with a $20 million net worth, Melanie's life comes with all the baggies. The global brand ambassadorships, high-end fashion campaigns, major business ventures, not to mention her clothing brand.
She's super busy, and only gets five hours sleep in a day which she's definitely used to. Her life is a coordinated pattern that she's basically being living through.
"You have a meeting with new Beginners models who recently just signed under your name by 8:am. An appointment IMG Models by 10:am. And your lunch with Wilhelmina models has been rescheduled....."
"Wait... Hold on." Malenie raise an eyebrow quizzically. "Rescheduled?"
"Yes, Ms Melanie. Your Dad requested to have lunch with you tomorrow noon" Lucy muttered under her breath. Despite in their casual outfits. Her professional image doesn't drop.
"Cancel it. Get me that lunch meeting with Wilhelmina models. I need to speak with their agency. Hopefully they would be open to a collaboration with my new clothing line. I need to get the big guns punning on me Lucy. Not my Dad trying to ruin my afternoon." Melanie blasted. Her hair splaying out on the porch-seat as she looks over the beautiful view from above.
"I'm so sorry, Ms Melanie but I can't cancel it" Lucy muttered and Malenie shots her a glare from her sitting position.
"You can't or you won't?" Melanie asked and Lucy swallowed. Her evening gown suddenly feeling heavy on her body.
"I can't. He made sure I pass the message unto you with immediate effect. You've been ignoring his mails for months now and I think it's best to go see him" Lucy muttered and Malenie chuckled.
"You think I should go see him?" Melanie asked. "And then what?. He could nag about just how incompetent I am by ghosting his brand and creating one of my own?. Lucy. Cancel that fùcking meeting" Melanie ordered and Lucy gulped down audibly.
"Ms Melanie.... I already sent a message to Wilhelmina models and rescheduled the lunch meeting for the following day after tomorrow." Lucy muttered and Melanie jerks in her seat with wide eyes.
"Are you kidding me?" Melanie asked and Lucy stepped backwards a little.
"I wasn't sure of what to do so I just...."
"Ruined my life!" Melanie snapped and Lucy flinched. "You just ruined my life, Lucy and now I have to face that man!" Melanie sighs heavily. Leaning back on her seat.
"Ms Melanie...." Lucy started but the beeping of Melanie's phone made her snap her lips shut as she hands Melanie's phone to her.
Melanie grabbed her phone. Her irritation still evident on her face as she opened the text and her eyebrows raised.
Father: Lunch meeting at the usual time and don't you dare cancel. I have something very important to discuss with you.
Aside from nagging.... Then sure, she'll believe that.
"Henceforth, make sure you talk to me before rescheduling my activities, Lucy. You are just lucky I'm in a good mood this evening or else it would have been bye-bye to your job" Melanie muttered under her breath.
Lucy gulped down hard.
★
