Blurb:
A Grumpy Billionaire Hacker next door, A Sassy PI out for justice – what could go wrong?
I’m Brooklyn’s most tenacious PI.
My newest case—and maybe love—is living next door.
The rumors about Ethan swirl through our small town like wildfire.
He's a billionaire recluse, and I can't resist the mystery.
After a stormy night and a suspicious crash from his mansion, my curiosity gets the best of me.
Sneaking in, I find chaos and a man desperate for help.
We form a grudging alliance, each wary of the other's motives.
As we work together, our initial distrust turns into something deeper and undeniably romantic.
He needs my help, and I can't ignore the danger—especially when the stakes are higher than either of us imagined.
If we can't expose the real villains, we both risk losing everything, including the unexpected and growing love between us.
Story Summary:
Rain lashed against the window panes, the wind howling like a banshee outside. Clara, a petite whirlwind herself, slammed a manila folder on her kitchen counter. Inside, grainy photos showed a sprawling mansion, a stark contrast to her cozy Brooklyn apartment. "Ugh, Ethan Thorne," she muttered, "billionaire recluse or mastermind criminal?"
Ethan Thorne, the infamous hacker who vanished after a major financial scandal, had just bought the house next door. Now, whispers of hidden accounts and suspicious activity plagued the quiet neighborhood. Clara, a fiercely independent PI with a nose for trouble, couldn't resist a good mystery, especially one with a billionaire neighbor.
As days turned into weeks, Clara's investigation stalled. The mansion was a fortress, Ethan a recluse behind its walls. Then, one stormy night, the power flickered, plunging the neighborhood into darkness. Clara heard a crash from next door. Curiosity overriding caution, she snuck into the Thorne mansion.
Inside, chaos reigned. Papers scattered across the floor, a laptop screen glowed ominously. But before Clara could take a closer look, a figure emerged from the shadows. Tall, dark, and undeniably handsome, it was Ethan. He wasn't what she expected – not a cunning criminal, but a man with worry etched on his face.
The initial shock gave way to suspicion. "What are you doing here?" Clara demanded. Ethan, his voice laced with urgency, explained. Hackers had targeted him, trying to steal something far more valuable than money - a groundbreaking encryption program he created. Now, they were after him, and Clara, caught in the crossfire, was in danger.
The mansion's silence was shattered as the unmistakable shriek of sirens pierced the night. Someone had called the police. Clara glanced at Ethan, a question hanging in the air. Were these the bad guys they were waiting for? Or was the truth far more complex, with the stakes much higher than either of them could have imagined?
Characters:
Ethan: Tall and handsome with a rugged edge, has dark hair and piercing eyes that hint at his intelligence and troubled past. He is a complex person who is a recluse, guarded and initially mistrustful of others due to his past betrayals. He is highly intelligent, particularly with technology, and carries a burden of guilt and worry related to his inventions and the people after him. Despite his aloof demeanor, he has a deep sense of responsibility and a protective instinct, especially toward Clara, as they grow closer.
Clara: She is petite, energetic, and has sharp, observant eyes and an athletic build, reflecting her active lifestyle as a private investigator. Her hair is usually tied back. She is practical yet stylish, with a no-nonsense attitude mirrored in her wardrobe of functional but fashionable clothes. She is fiercely independent and resourceful, thrives on solving mysteries and is driven by a strong sense of justice. She is curious, persistent, and has a keen intuition that often leads her to the truth. Despite her tough exterior, she has a compassionate side, particularly towards those unjustly wronged. Her background as a private investigator has equipped her with a wide range of skills, from surveillance and interrogation to technology and self-defense.
Tropes:
- Small Town Romance
- Grumpy / Sunshine
- Next Door Neighbor
- Opposites Attract
- Billionaire
- Smart / Sassy
