MasukShare
Murder
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-04-16 14:37:06
Bab terkait
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Tough
It didn’t take long.By the time the afternoon sun started dipping into early evening, Chief Rawley arrived with two patrol vans, three officers in dark blue uniforms, and a notepad already filled with scribbled questions.Talon stood at the front door, waiting. Zorro lingered behind him, arms folded, his expression tight. Halo stayed inside the living room, seated, hands clasped together, her gaze flicking between the door and the hallway.Chief Rawley stepped forward. “Mr. Ashwood.”Talon nodded. “Thank you for coming.”The officers moved around the perimeter, entering the kitchen and back corridors. The staff were already lined up in the service hallway, murmuring nervously among themselves. The butler stood straight and sharp.The cook who’d peeked out earlier was pale, avoiding everyone’s gaze.“Your report said murder,” Rawley said under his breath as he stepped aside with Talon. “We’ll need the doctor's findings in full before making this official.”“Doctor Greg is ready to coo
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-20A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Choosing different
At the center of the Remington's living room sat Talon Ashwood, calm, composed and utterly in control. Across him sat Scarlet Remington, pen poised above the contract, while she read it with excitement in her eyes. Her glamorous ruby red dress clung to her like a second skin, her nails manicured to match. Her parents, the Remington's, Mr Alfred and his wife Dolores sat beside her with wide smiles. Their eyes, proud and eager.This was it, the deal that would tie the Remington's to the Ashwood's. Both their families and stocks.Two lawyers sat on each side representing the families and overseeing the documents. Talon tugged on his straight black tie impatiently. This contract was a mere formality, this marriage, a necessity. His father had made that much clear, if he scored himself a wife before the stroke of midnight, then he would get the one thing he needed.Scarlet twirled the pen gracefully between her fingers, a smirk on her face as her signature on the paper began to dry. "I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Inked
It was news to Talon that the Remington family, although wealthy and of high standards, had recently dipped themselves in a pothole full of muddy water. In summary, an uncalculated investment had plunged them into jeopardy.Their funds were at the lowest it had ever been in decades and that was why Talon's marital offer was welcomed with open arms by the Remington's.Mr Alfred's hands slightly shook, if Talon had already found out about it then it meant that little by little the news could leak and it wouldn't take long before a blazing headline carrying the near bankruptcy of the Remington family would be splashed all over news channels. He needed to salvage the situation."Scarlet....," he said turning to his golden child "I think you should let your sister sign""Dad!" Scarlet shouted, her fists..balled.Mrs Dolores shook her head and moved towards her daughter's side, holding Scarlet's arm in order to calm her down."Mr Ashwood, you are making a mistake choosing my other daughter"
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride A daughter, for a deal
"No hard feelings anywhere, this is purely business. A daughter from you to me and in exchange, an investment from me to you. You should even be grateful, because her signature on these papers mean that you get to keep your funds, our ties, and your family name"He handed the documents to the lawyer he came with while the Remington's lawyer just stood there, in front of him sat the paper that had previously been signed by Scarlet, utterly meaningless.Scarlet took another step forward, her composure finally cracking. “Halo,” she snapped. “You don’t even know what you’re getting yourself into. You aren't fit for him”“I know enough,” Halo replied, her voice softer but firm. “And I know that he didn’t want you.”Scarlet recoiled as though she had been slapped.Dolores opened her mouth to speak, but Talon was already turning away, pulling Halo along with him as if dismissing the entire conversation. His movements were smooth, decisive, leaving no room for argument.“The car,” he said sim
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Bound in law
"We will now proceed."A young clerk stepped forward, holding a thin stack of papers. She adjusted her glasses before speaking. "The marriage will be legally recognized once both parties consent, sign, and declare their vows in the presence of the judge and appointed witnesses." She paused, then glanced between them. "Do you wish to recite personal vows or proceed with the standard declaration?"Talon opened his mouth to speak but paused, giving Halo the opportunity to. He slightly tapped her back signaling for her to say something."I......uh, standard, yes i'd prefer standard"Talon nodded in agreement. He wasn't big on the whole kissing at the altar or court thingy anyways. The clerk barely reacted to her response before continuing. "In accordance with the law, do both parties understand that this union is legally binding and requires a formal dissolution should either party choose to part ways?""Yes," Talon answered.Halo hesitated, then whispered in agreement, "Yes."Mr. Vikram
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride A fortress to call home
The engine's hum pulled Halo from her thoughts. The lawyer came out of the driver's seat and held the door open for both of them. Talon ushered her in before moving inside himself, placing the envelope beside him."Do you know where we are headed?" He asked the quiet girl. Sitting at the far end of the seat, away from him. That wouldn't do, his goal was to make her warm up to him. Talon had an important task to allocate to Halo and that constituted part of the reason why he chose her instead of Scarlet."I do not know" she responded stiffly, curled into one corner. Her legs resting on the car seats instead of the floor. The pleasant scent of his perfume wafting in the air."Minutes ago you didn't mind my hand on your back, now you act like one touch or even looking at me will turn you to stone"She raised her head up, still avoiding eye contact with him. What could she possibly do if she pushed at consummating the marriage. She hadn't even considered that beforehand."There's somethi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride A target to avoid
She gingerly sat down on the white sofa closest to her, a few inches from the foot of the bed. She still couldn't push down the pangs of sharing a room, a bed with another person…...a man. She felt the weight of the box on her lap, her eyes looked forward and she bit the side of her lip, curiosity morphing into her features. She wanted to ask what it was but the fronted look Talon gave her showed that he wanted her to open the box herself. Which she did. Her fingers made quick work of the box’s lid as he pulled it off, staring at pile's of neatly stacked files inside the box. Files containing information on Zorro Ashwood. Why did he give her this, and why did this seem important?. Talon saw the confusion on her face and he sat in front of her, crossing his long legs. Dismissing the butler. "Why are you giving your brother's files to me?" Talon paused before leaning towards her, the space between their noses just a little. Halo instinctively leaned backwards, maintaining distance
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-11A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Take me with
Talon's lips curved up into a brief smile for a moment, watching as she fumbled for words. The box remained tight against her chest, as if she could use it as a shield between them."You like making me uncomfortable, don’t you?" she muttered.He tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Not at all. I simply like watching you squirm".Halo huffed. "Well, congratulations. If you keep this up you might see a lot of that"Talon chuckled but said nothing more. Instead, he walked toward the minibar at the far side of the bedroom, pouring himself a glass of something brown...... tequila?."Do you drink, I could pour you a glass?" He asked her although he could already assume her response."No, I drank the thing called beer once and it tasted foreign on my taste buds".He said nothing, another smile playing on his lips as he leaned against the wall, watching her. "You just got married to me, won't you at least celebrate?""There's not much to celebrate" she responded without tearing her eyes fro
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12
Bab terbaru
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Tough
It didn’t take long.By the time the afternoon sun started dipping into early evening, Chief Rawley arrived with two patrol vans, three officers in dark blue uniforms, and a notepad already filled with scribbled questions.Talon stood at the front door, waiting. Zorro lingered behind him, arms folded, his expression tight. Halo stayed inside the living room, seated, hands clasped together, her gaze flicking between the door and the hallway.Chief Rawley stepped forward. “Mr. Ashwood.”Talon nodded. “Thank you for coming.”The officers moved around the perimeter, entering the kitchen and back corridors. The staff were already lined up in the service hallway, murmuring nervously among themselves. The butler stood straight and sharp.The cook who’d peeked out earlier was pale, avoiding everyone’s gaze.“Your report said murder,” Rawley said under his breath as he stepped aside with Talon. “We’ll need the doctor's findings in full before making this official.”“Doctor Greg is ready to coo
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Murder
Talon sat on the bench just outside the manor, staring blankly into the trees with his arms crossed.The doctor had come with the ambulance an hour ago. They took his father's body, wrapped it, covered it respectfully, and carried it out of the house. Zorro had watched them leave, his face tear-streaked. Halo stood quietly, a few feet away from Talon, watching him, but not coming too close.She wanted to at least offer comfort to him.But he didn’t want comfort.He didn't want to hear her soothing voice,He didn’t want pity or soft words.,He wanted silence.The doctor lingered behind. Talon had just opened his mouth to ask about the official report, stroke, heart failure, anything that could be written off as a natural death. But Dr. Gregg had hesitated, then gestured for Talon to follow him away from the others."I need to speak to you. Alone," the doctor said.Talon stepped onto the balcony with the doctor following behind him."What is it?"Dr. Gregg looked over his shoulder, the
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride A brawl
Zorro stood in the center of the room, his face a mask of controlled fury. He paced back and forth, shocked and annoyed."There is no way Esil would hand over the shares to you just like that, she is my wife, how would she hand over the shares to you."Muttering under his breath, He lifted his phone and tried dialing Esil's number. The phone rang once, then twice, but the call went unanswered. The message on his screen read 'Number busy.' Frustration mounting, he switched apps and attempted to text Esil directly. His texts would not deliver. Even his social media messages bounced back to him: it seemed Esil had blocked him."She blocked me? She blocked me?!" he repeated in disbelief, his voice rising in anger.Determined to get an answer, he called Esil's sister. The call went straight to voicemail. He then tried reaching Esil's uncle, and again there was no answer.Not willing to give up, he called Esil's mother, but still, nothing. He paced furiously, kicking the leg of the dining
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Getting the shares
The boy sat between them in the backseat, his fingers still sticky with sugar from the cookies he'd devoured at the orphanage. Talon didn’t say much during the drive. Halo glanced at him now and then, noting how he kept checking the rearview mirror, not out of caution, but to glance at the kid.They pulled into a wide stone driveway. A house stood ahead, elegant yet warm, vines curling up one side and flowerbeds neatly trimmed along the porch. There was an old bronze wind chime at the entrance, swaging softly in the wind. The scent of something sweet baking could be smelt from an open window.Halo stepped out first, scanning the peaceful surroundings. Talon opened the door for the boy, who stepped out hesitantly, holding onto the edge of Talon's jacket.The door creaked open before they could knock. An elderly man with a thick grey mustache and sleep in his eyes stepped out, blinking at the sunlight. He straightened when he saw Talon."Ashwood. You're a sight.""Eli. Sorry to drop i
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Shares or scandal?
Talon picked up his phone and dialed Esil while the boy sat quietly beside him. The orphanage caretaker accepted his card without a word and hurried off to bring the boy snacks and a big meal. The little one was clearly a foodie. His eyes lit up when he saw the plate of treats, and he eagerly dug in. Halo watched him from where she stood, feeling an unexpected fondness well up inside her. She had never been close to children, but there was something about his innocent enthusiasm that captivated her.The boy looked up at Talon and Halo as he munched on his food and said in a soft, cheerful tone, "I never expected this much, thank you." "You're most welcome." Halo responded in a quiet tone.Talon, noticing her softened expression, sat beside her. He engaged the boy in small talk, asking about his favorite food and making silly faces that drew genuine laughter from the child.Halo listened as the boy answered in a clear, high voice, his excitement infectious. She didn't expect him to
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Trump card
Talon narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked.Halo frowned. "What if your father gave it to Esil so you’d have a chance to take it before she hands it over?"Talon's jaw tightened. The idea had not crossed his mind before. At first he assumed his father was being theatrical, stirring unnecessary tension, but Halo had a point. If Zorro was meant to have the shares, there was no reason to go through Esil at all unless my father wanted an alternative.He muttered, "Esil is loyal to Zorro. She won't keep the shares from him."Halo shrugged. "Maybe not. But this gives you a window. She has them now, not him."Talon glanced down at the empty plate in his hand. His father was a cunning man who never made a move without reason. If this was a test, it meant he had not completely written Talon off yet. That sliver of uncertainty was all he needed to act.His eyes darkened with determination. "Then I need to get to Esil before Zorro does."The question remainedHow?A memory flashed in
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride An open window
Halo stood before the heavy oak doors, inhaling deeply before knocking twice. The pause that followed was brief, but it felt like an eternity before a muffled voice granted her entry.She pushed the door open, stepping inside with measured caution. The room was dimly lit, the warm glow of a bedside lamp casting shadows across the walls. Mr. Sullivan lay against a mountain of pillows, his figure reduced to frailness.But he wasn’t alone.Zorro stood near the window, arms crossed, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His presence was a stark contrast to the old man in bed, alive, bright, and daunting, unlike Mr Sullivan's sick figure.Halo stiffened, but she did not let it show. She closed the door behind her and took a few steps closer. "Mr. Sullivan," she greeted, her voice calm despite the tension pressing against her ribs.His tired eyes flickered to her, assessing, calculating. "Halo Remington."A silence settled between them, only disturbed by the soft clink of ice against glass as Zor
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Difficult Mr Sullivan
Halo swallowed hard, pulse hammering against her throat. Zorro.She didn't move, didn't dare. The grip on her wrist was light yet unyielding, like a snake curling around its prey, not squeezing but reminding her it could. Her breath hitched when he leaned in, his lips just a whisper away from her ear."Eavesdropping? How very disappointing," he mused, his voice barely above a murmur, yet it sent an uncomfortable chill into the air. "And here I was, thinking you were above such things."Halo forced herself to breathe, though it felt unnatural with the weight of his presence pressing against her. "I wasn't eavesdropping."Zorro hummed, a soft chuckle laced with amusement. "Of course not. You just happened to be standing here, pressing your ear against the door. A coincidence, I am sure."Halo clenched her jaw, hating how easily he unraveled her composure. Like Talon did ."Let go of me.""Hmm." Zorro’s grip lingered for a moment longer before he finally released her, but he didn't step
A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride Impatient
The ride had been neither calm nor pleasant. The driver was under a lot of pressure because Talon had ordered him to get there as fast as he could, and he still had to maintain the speed limit.Calming down Talon didn't work at all, in fact he snapped at her the first time she tried to tell him to calm down.Surprising for someone who held his cool at the breakfast table, despite being disturbed."Halo, you'll be seeing Zorro sooner than I anticipated""But....B-But you said that Zorro wasn't around when your father had the heart attack""He is around now. So you'll have to deal with my dad, while being cautious of him. Do you understand?"This was too much. Meeting with Mr Sullivan Ashwood and then with Zorro Ashwood, something about Zorro made her anxious. Especially one of the files where it was written that he was jailed twice for attempted murder. Yeesh."I understand. But....you'll be there right?, constantly with me?"Talon scoffed, his foot tapping impatiently."Are you a chil
