Chapter: Chapter 34: Family Pressure MountsThe tension in the Franklin penthouse was suffocating. The aftermath of the trap at the warehouse lingered like a dark cloud over everyone. Emma had managed to get me out of Daniel’s clutches, but the guilt and betrayal in her eyes haunted me. I had no idea if her intentions were genuine or part of some larger scheme, but for now, she had bought me time. Williams paced by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his jaw tight, fists clenched. “They’ve escalated. This isn’t just family politics anymore—this is war.” “They’re not going to stop,” Alex said, his tone grim. “Daniel wants complete control, and Sophia thrives on chaos. And then there’s Margaret…” At the mention of Margaret Harrington, my chest tightened. The matriarch’s reach was everywhere, her power a constant shadow over my every move. “They think they can pressure me into submission,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt. “But they’re wrong. I’m not backing down.” Williams stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto mine. “Freda
Last Updated: 2025-01-22
Chapter: Chapter 33: The Betrayal Within The atmosphere in the room felt stifling. The documents and maps laid out on the table, detailing the rescue strategy for James, appeared to be a delicate hope amid the impending storm approaching us. Every detail was important, but I still couldn't help but feel that something—or someone—was slipping away unnoticed. Williams’ voice cut through my thoughts. “We’ll split into teams. Grace, you handle surveillance. Alex and I will cover the docks. Freda, you stay here—” “No,” I interrupted, my voice firmer than I expected. “I’m coming with you. This involves all of us.” He gave me a hard look but didn’t argue. He knew better than to waste time on a debate. Before anyone could react, the door burst open, and Emma emerged, her complexion white and her hands shaking. "I need to speak with you," she stated, her voice trembling, her gaze fixed on me. “Not now,” Williams said sharply. “We’re in the middle of something critical.” “It’s about James,” Emma said, her voice rising. “And D
Last Updated: 2025-01-22
Chapter: Chapter 32: A New WeaponThe tension in the room was palpable as I sat across from Grace, the soft hum of the city outside a stark contrast to the storm raging inside my mind. She had just delivered the bombshell: Daniel Harrington, Margaret’s estranged son, had returned. “Why haven’t I heard of him before?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. Grace leaned forward, her tone measured. “Because Margaret erased him. He was exiled from the family years ago. Some say it was because of his temper; others say he got involved in things that could ruin the Harrington name. Whatever the reason, he’s back now, and he’s not happy about you.” I frowned, trying to process this new information. “And you’re telling me this because...?” “Because Daniel isn’t like Marcel,” Grace said, her gaze steady. “He’s dangerous in ways you can’t imagine. He doesn’t play games. He destroys it.” Later that night, I ended up at an upscale cocktail bar, taking a cue from Grace. The bar was softly illuminated, its luxury subt
Last Updated: 2025-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 31: Shifting The Scale“Don’t move,” the masked figure barked, their gun trained on me. The room fell into a suffocating silence. Evelyn let out a choked gasp, clutching Charles’s arm, while Charles froze, his expression a mix of shock and calculation. My mind raced. The weight of everything—Marcel’s threats, my adoptive parents’ betrayal, and now this—pressed down on me like a vice. Yet, amidst the chaos, a strange calm settled over me. “What do you want?” I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. The intruder’s gaze flicked toward me, their eyes cold behind the mask. “You. You’ve become a complication, Freda. Someone very powerful wants you out of the picture.” My heart pounded, but I forced a smirk. “Is that so? And what’s the plan? Eliminate me here, in front of witnesses? That’s sloppy work for someone hired by the Harringtons.” The figure faltered, just for a second, and I knew I’d hit a nerve. Charles stepped forward, his voice sharp. “If you touch h
Last Updated: 2025-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 30: The Final Straw It felt oppressive to be in the sterile, cold living room of my adoptive family's home. I sat rigidly on the velvet couch, feeling as though the walls, lined with sterile portraits and antique furniture, were closing in on me. Charles, my adoptive father, was standing across from me, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees and his piercing eyes staring right through me. Evelyn, my adoptive mother, was standing next to him, wearing her usual mask of fake worry."Freda," said Charles, calmly but with a hint of menace, "this is not a request. It is a duty to the family.My knuckles were white as I held onto the couch's edge. "I’m not doing it."Evelyn sighed, as if I were a whiny kid who wouldn't do her chores. "You don't realise how serious this situation is, darling. The Harringtons have the ability to either ensure or ruin our future. You have a special chance to guarantee our family's position among them."Your family," I snapped back. "Not mine."Evelyn flinched, but Ch
Last Updated: 2025-01-20
Chapter: Chapter 29: The DisintegrationThe tense atmosphere in the room was oppressive. Williams was standing by the window, staring at the city skyline with his hands balled into fists at his sides. His words could never have been as unsettling as his silence. I positioned myself close to the door, my arms encircling me as though they would protect me from the impending storm between us."How long?" Finally, his low, piercing voice broke the silence.I scowled. "How long what?"His dark eyes blazed with rage as he turned. "You've been a Harrington for how long? For what duration have you been deceiving me?”The charge was a slap in the face. I moved forward, defending myself with a raised voice. "I had no idea! Do you believe I desired this? Do you think I was interested in discovering that my whole existence was a lie?”He paced like a predator circling its prey and said, "Convenient," with a bitter tone. "You didn't consider bringing up the hints we've been finding? The pictures, the letters? Or did you wish that I woul
Last Updated: 2025-01-20
LOGIN
