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Chapter 27: Shadows and Secrets
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2024-10-29 15:56:24Related chapters
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 28: Unwelcome Visitors
"You are breaking off this affair, Annabella, and that's the end of it."The stern order sliced through the stillness of the foyer and Ginny stiffened, reaching mid-air for a glass in the kitchen.She looked towards the door, and recognized unmistakably, from its sound alone, Harold Prescott, Annabella's father, this time angrier than he has ever been.Annabella's voice rose in response, laced with a thread of defiance. "Father, you can't control my life. I care about Joshua, and I'm not ending things because you don't approve."Harold snorted in disdain."Care about him? Annabella, you barely know the man! And this family… they're nothing but trouble. The Taylors are using you, just as they use everyone."Ginny's heart quickened as she listened. Harold Prescott was a formidable man-a powerhouse businessman who kept his circle small and his standards high.It wasn't the first time she'd heard about his disdain for the Taylors, but this time it sounded different; like he'd come to sett
Last Updated : 2024-10-30A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 29: Forbidden Flames
The tension between them, Ginny and Raymond, was at an unbearable level.Every stolen glance across the dining table, every brush of fingers in passing, was becoming a risk.Lucy and Annabella's constant presence was making every encounter feel like walking a tightrope, and they knew very well that if they desired any sort of peace, it would need to be far from the house and away from prying eyes.So, when night had cast its mantle over the estate, they quietly stole out into the night and moved to a quiet place near the lake, hidden from view by a heavy veil of trees and by the night's silence.It was the place they never had met before; far enough from the house to be safe, yet near enough to return quickly if necessary.When they were really alone, Ginny exhaled a quivering breath, feeling weighed down with all that had taken place. "Raymond, I don't know how much longer I can take this. They're everywhere, watching my every move.”Raymond stepped closer, his arms still wrapping wa
Last Updated : 2024-10-30A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 30: Annabella’s Pursuit
“So, Ginny, where exactly do you keep disappearing to?”Ginny's hand hovered over her cup as her pulse began racing at Annabella's voice, cutting through the silent surroundings of the dining room.It was still early morning, and Ginny had just sat herself down, hoping for a peaceful moment before another tense day in the house.She should have known better.Annabella was there, already drinking her tea and staring sharp-eyed at her with a smirk which turned Ginny's stomach."Disappearing?" Ginny repeated, practically forcing herself to sound neutral as she sat down opposite Annabella. "I didn't realize I needed to report my whereabouts."Annabella laughed, the sound tinged with humor. "Oh, no need for that, Ginny. I just find it… interesting that you're always slipping off. It's as if you're hiding something."She didn’t break her stare, almost as if she were challenging Ginny to slip up.Ginny felt the heat rise to her cheeks, but she shrugged, acting unconcerned. "I like my space.
Last Updated : 2024-10-30A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 31: The Secret Affair Escalates
Ginny's hand shook as she clutched the note, her heart racing in her chest.The message echoed in her mind with every passing moment, hissing with a new wave of fear at each echo.She looked left and right the deserted hall, but nothing stirred.Whoever had left this here was gone; she was quite alone in her swirling thoughts.The rest of the night was left in a fog, her mind reeling with the possibilities. Was it Annabella?Lucy?Or, honestly, some other woman who'd caught the flying glances, the stolen minutes she managed to find for Raymond?By morning, her nerves were frayed, and she wanted to see only one person – Raymond, perhaps, to soother her troubled mind.That afternoon, off she set, under the pretext of "taking a walk," out of the house and down to their secret meeting spot by the lake, hoping he would meet her there.It wasn't long before his figure emerged through the trees as Raymond, his eyes reflecting the same worry that had been haunting her all night.Without a wor
Last Updated : 2024-10-31A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 32: The Turning Point
The last note seemed to be the signal that the walls were closing in, and every glance from Annabella thereafter made Ginny get the heebie-jeebies.But by now, it was too hazardous to meet him here in the house, and she needed to outwit whatever scheme they planned.At noon, she eased out into the garden, her eyes scanning all that surrounded her before she took to a walk that sidled behind the hedges.Raymond awaited her, his features quiet but his eyes razor-sharp, bright with an inner intensity, as if preparing for battle."Raymond," she whispered, low. "It's getting worse. I had to talk to you."He nodded, his tone measured. "I know that. Annabella is relentless, and Lucy's pushing along the issue. They've been watching us, waiting for any misstep."Ginny released a sigh, and it weighed heavy on her chest. "Jane told me last night that Annabella's planning something. I don't know what it is, but she's convinced that I'm hiding something, convinced enough she is getting Lucy involv
Last Updated : 2024-10-31A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 33: Secrets on the Verge
Ginny awoke with the uneasy feeling that today would bring more trouble.Her mind replayed Jane's warning from the night before, echoing over and overAs she approached the table for breakfast, she found Annabella already seated, her countenance bright, yet her eyes cold and calculating.Lucy sat beside her, sipping her tea, smiling serenely, as if nothing could ruffle her world.But Ginny could feel their focus on her, like two hunters circling their prey."Good morning, Ginny," Annabella greeted, her tone sweet and light. "I was hoping we'd all be here today. I wanted to talk to you."Ginny forced a polite smile as she sat, her heart pounding. "Oh? About what?""Well, I realized we haven't had much time to spend together lately," Annabella said with a slight shrug. "And with everything that's happened… I thought perhaps we should get to know each other a little better. After all, family should be close, shouldn't they?"Ginny's heart raced but her voice didn't give her away. "Of cou
Last Updated : 2024-10-31A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 34: The Perfect Setup
Ginny's heart was racing as she listened to Raymond outline the plan, all in that steady, low-voiced tone of his.They were alone in the library, away from Lucy's and Annabella's ever-watchful eyes.Every step they'd taken in recent weeks to hide their relationship had led to this: a carefully crafted setup designed to force Annabella out for good.It was an extreme move, but with Annabella constantly circling, prying, and growing dangerously close to their secret, they had little other option."Are you sure this will work?" Ginny asked in a barely audible whisper. She wasn't sure if it was nerves or excitement making her hands shake.Raymond nodded, eyes unyielding. "Annabella has a weakness for drama and the spotlight, and all we need to do is make her come across as untrustworthy. Once Lucy begins to view her that way, she'll be wanting her gone as much as we do.”Ginny swallowed, trying to ignore the pang of guilt.She'd never thought she could do such a thing, and now, after the c
Last Updated : 2024-11-01A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 35: Uneasy Calm
The note that had been slipped under her door last night still had her heart racing.Annabella's threat was embedded in her mind, and it's cast a shadow on each quiet instance in the house.She had thought things would settle down once Annabella was away, but the tension was replaced, just like the stillness before the storm.The days that followed, the house settled into an uneasy silence with Ginny and Raymond cautiously enjoying their reprieve.It was as if Lucy's presence felt heavier now, her eyes sharper, and her manner much more drawn into herself and calculating.She spent ever more time closeted in her study or huddled on hushed phone calls, none of which did anything to ease Ginny's anxiety.Pacing out in the hall one afternoon, Ginny heard Lucy's voice low and intent through the door."Yes, we need to finalize the plan. I want everything in place before he wakes up."Ginny's stomach clenched.Before who wakes up?Immediately, her mind leapt to Joshua, still lying in the hos
Last Updated : 2024-11-01
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A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 85: A Desperate Gamble
The room was suffocating, filled with the sharp tang of fear and the heavy sound of panting breaths. Ginny’s heart pounded as Lucy’s men spread out, eyes sharp and muscles tensed.Annabella leaned against the cool stone wall, holding the book of accounts as if it was her ticket to life. Joshua, on the other side, has his jaw clenched, fists too tightly bunched at his sides."You actually thought that you could outsmart me?" Lucy's voice sliced through. There was an undercurrent in her voice: humor laced with rage. She did another step and, by that light, her eyes sparkled menace. "You have underestimated me once too often."Standing her ground and her eyes fixed on Lucy, Ginny said, "We aren't afraid of you anymore, Lucy. The truth's out, and it is only a matter of time before the board sees it.Lucy's lips curled into a smile, but it was anything but friendly. "The boa"rd? Oh, darling, you don't think I'm worried about the board, do you?"She turned to one of her men, nodding sharply
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 84: The Hidden Vault
The early morning air was sharp and cool as Ginny stood on the balcony of her room, staring out at the sprawling estate below.It was the calm before the storm, that silence that always heralds the expectation of an up-and-coming battle.Two days had gone by since they had met with the investigator, and their plan had begun its motion. Her testimony to the embezzlement of Lucy into papers, with the damning link to Victor Kane, had all been set in place.She had learned to make the most of moments like this; when the quiet seemed to cradle her in its fragile, uncertain peace. She knew it wouldn't last. The board meeting loomed ahead, and with it, Lucy's inevitable counterattack."Morning." Annabella's voice snapped her from her thoughts. She stepped onto the balcony, joining Ginny with a determined expression."Morning," Ginny said, offering her a small smile. "Are you ready?"Annabella glanced over at her, the light in her eyes unwavering. "As I'll ever be. We've come this far, and no
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 83: The Investigator’s Betrayal
“You’re playing with fire, Ginny,” Joshua warned, his voice low as he leaned against the doorframe of her room.She sat at her desk, staring at the documents strewn all over the front of it. Margaret's testimony and the board's decision to sideline Lucy had been a monumental win, but it was a hollow victory. The air in the mansion still felt charged, like Lucy's fury had soaked into its walls.“She’s lost control of the board,” Ginny said, her tone resolute. “She knows she’s slipping, and that makes her more dangerous. But we’re not backing down now.”Joshua shook his head, his expression grim. “You don’t get it. Lucy’s not the type to slink away into obscurity. She’s the kind who burns everything to the ground if she can’t have it.”“Then we’ll douse her fire before she starts it,” Ginny replied sharply.Before Joshua could argue, a knock on the door interrupted them. Annabella stepped in, her face pale but determined.“We have a problem,” she said, holding up her phone.Ginny’s sto
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 82: The Boardroom Battle
“You can’t let her win, Ginny,” Annabella said sharply, leaning closer. “This is our moment. If we falter even for a second, she’ll dismantle everything we’ve worked for.”Ginny's fingers shook slightly as she flipped through the stack of documents before her, seated in the back of the car, parked a short distance from the boardroom where the meeting was about to take place. Joshua sat beside her, his expression unreadable as he stared out the window."I know," Ginny said finally, her voice low. "But this isn't just about facts and evidence, Annabella. It's about perception. Lucy's a master at twisting the narrative to suit her. Even with everything we have, she'll find a way to cast doubt if we're not careful."Joshua turned to her, his voice surprisingly steely. "That's why you need to stay calm. Let her think she's in control, and then hit her where it hurts."Anabella smirked. "That's what I've been saying all along."She exhaled slowly, and the nerves were forced to settle in. Th
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 81: Annabella’s Risky Play
“You’re going to get yourself killed,” Ginny hissed, gripping Annabella’s arm tightly. “This isn’t just some game of cat and mouse, Annabella. This is Lucy. She’ll tear you apart if you make the wrong move.”Annabella wrenched her arm free, her face sharp and defiant. "Then it's a good thing I don't plan on making a wrong move."Joshua, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, let out a long sigh. "Ginny's right. This is reckless, even for you. Confronting Lucy directly? You might as well hand her a loaded gun.Annabella rolled her eyes, placing her hands on her hips. “We can’t keep waiting for the perfect moment. We’ve got the evidence, Margaret’s testimony is locked in, and Lucy’s scrambling to keep control. This is the time to press her, not sit around hoping she doesn’t retaliate first.”Ginny leaned in, lowering her voice. "And just how do you plan on doing that? Walk in and just accuse her? She'll twist everything you say and bury you before you know what's hit you."A sl
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 80: A Secret Letter
The mansion buzzed with tension. Staff whispered in corners, their eyes darting nervously as they went about their duties.The front-page article had thrown the household into disarray, and Lucy's fury reverberated down every corridor.Ginny sat in her room with Annabella and Joshua, the stolen files and copies of the article spread out before them like battle plans."She's going to retaliate," Annabella said, her voice tight with urgency. "That article was a nuclear strike, and Lucy isn't the type to surrender quietly.Ginny nodded, her fingers tracing the edge of a document. "We've drawn her out of the shadows. Now we need to be ready for whatever she throws at us."Joshua, who had been uncharacteristically silent, spoke up. "I found something," he said, his voice low. "Last night, after Lucy called her allies, I checked the study. She left a folder open on her desk."Ginny's eyes narrowed. "What kind of folder?”Joshua wavered, glancing between them. "It was correspondence; letters
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 79: Lucy Strikes Back
The next morning dawned overcast, as though the world itself mirrored the tension within the mansion.Ginny woke early, her mind still swirling with the revelations from the night before.They sat in the locked drawer of her desk, a comfort and a threat all at once. She hadn't slept too well; the enormity of what they were about to do weighed heavily upon her.Annabella came into her room at precisely seven, with a mug of steaming coffee in her hand and a glint in her eye. "We need a plan," she said without beating around the bush. "Lucy's not going to stay idle for long. She'll know something's off soon."Ginny nodded, taking the coffee gratefully. "We take the evidence to the board before she has a chance to spin her lies. We have the will, the financial records, everything. But we really have to tread carefully. If she gets even a hint of this...""She'll go nuclear," Annabella finished grimly. "Which means we need to move fast.As though called out by the saying of her name, Lucy'
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 78: The Will’s Missing Clause
The estate’s library smelled of aged leather and polished wood, a comforting yet foreboding scent that Ginny could no longer separate from her mounting anxiety.She sat at one of the long tables, surrounded by stacks of old legal documents, their edges frayed from years of handling.Annabella sat across from her, flipping through another bound volume, her brow furrowed in concentration."I still don't understand how she managed to rewrite his will," Annabella muttered, slamming her book shut in frustration. "There has to be something in here we can use."Ginny said nothing at first. She had been stuck on a page in the old draft of Raymond's will when suddenly her heart was racing wildly as one sentence leaped out at her."Annabella," she said quietly but urgently. "Look at this."Annabella leaned forward. Her eyes scanned the passage that Ginny pointed to. "What am I looking at?"It's a clause," Ginny said, her voice shaking with excitement. "It prevents the estate from unilateral con
A Blissful Night with My Step-Father Chapter 77: Raymond’s Fractured Memories
The impending board meeting loomed like a thunderstorm on the horizon, its threat palpable. Ginny found herself in a restless daze, oscillating between hope and dread.She had hardly slept, her nights plagued by the specter of defeat. But something far more insidious gnawed at her gut-the flickers of recognition she glimpsed in Raymond's eyes.He was remembering, piecemeal and painfully, and the implications hung over her like a physical weight.This morning was no different. Outside her window, the sky was a mass of grey, diffused sunlight struggling to break its way through heavy clouds. At her desk, she sat flipping through Annabella's notes, though her mind struggled to focus. A soft knock on the door startled her out of her reverie."Come in," she called, her voice hoarse from disuse.The door creaked open, and Raymond stepped inside. His presence filled the room, his tall frame and broad shoulders exuding a quiet strength that still managed to unnerve her.“Ginny,” he said, his
