LOGINShare
Chapter 21
Last Updated:
2025-01-19 22:02:11
Related chapters
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 22
ClaraI push open the hospital room door carefully, trying not to wake my mother if she’s asleep. But instead of finding her resting, I see her sitting upright in bed, a warm smile lighting her tired features. Her frail hands rest on the blanket covering her legs, and the faint beeping of the monitors reminds me of why she’s here in the first place.“Clara, sweetheart,” she greets me with that familiar softness in her voice that always makes my heart ache. “You didn’t have to come this late.”I force a smile, stepping closer and placing the stuffed bear on the small table beside her bed. "I wanted to see you. How are you feeling, Mom? Are the doctors saying you're getting better?"She sighs softly, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm doing okay, sweetheart. The doctors say it's a slow process, but they seem optimistic. Don't worry too much about me."Sitting down beside her, I take her hand, feeling the coolness of her skin beneath my fingertips. She squeezes back gently. “How’s work goi
Last Updated : 2025-01-23Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 23
ClaraI glance out the window, watching the streetlights blur past. My chest tightens with the overwhelming feeling that we're being followed. My fingers grip the seat, my palms slick with sweat. I try to steady my breathing, but every turn we take, every red light Zachary speeds through, the car behind us stays right on our tail. It feels like they’re toying with us, and the fear creeping through me grows stronger with each second.I steal a look at Zachary. His expression is stone-cold, eyes scanning the road with razor-sharp focus. I swallow hard, trying to steady my nerves, but the fear gnaws at me, relentless and consuming.“Who are they?” I ask.“I don’t want to know,” Zachary mutters grimly, foot pressing harder on the accelerator. "But I need to lose them."A dangerous thought slips from my lips before I can stop it. “Does this have something to do with your… illegal business?”He glances at me sharply but doesn’t deny it. “Yes.”Fear twists inside me, but it isn’t just for my
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 24
ClaraIt has been a week since that encounter on the road with Anton Montgomery, but his words still echo in my head. A warning. A threat. I don’t know the full extent of what he meant, but I know one thing for sure—nothing good ever comes when men like him and Zachary cross paths.I sit in the audience, watching Ella walk confidently across the stage. This isn't just any rehearsal. It’s for Fashion Week, the biggest moment of her career so far. My phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It's none other than Zachary.Zachary: Where are both of you right now?I sigh. Lately, Zachary has been texting me about our whereabouts like some overbearing bodyguard. It’s a little creepy, honestly. The man is like a high-class stalker. Though, to be fair, considering that 'trouble' is practically his twin brother, I can’t blame him for being paranoid.Me: We’re in the middle of the Fashion Week rehearsal. I mean, Ella.He sees the message instantly, but it takes him a moment to reply. When he
Last Updated : 2025-01-31Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 25
ClaraThe rehearsal ends, and as expected, Ella’s eyes widen in shock when she spots Zachary waiting for her."Zach? What are you doing here?"I watch from a distance, feeling strangely disconnected from them now. Maybe it’s because of everything I know—things I can't say out loud. Secrets that weigh on me. Before I can step closer, Dylan approaches me with a friendly smile."Hey, Clara. How are you?""I’m good. Thanks for asking, Dylan." I feel shy, though I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the way he smiles, so easy and warm.From the corner of my eye, I notice Zachary’s posture shift. He stops mid-sentence with Ella, his sharp gaze flickering toward us.Dylan grins. "When are you going to have an off-duty?"I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "Off-duty from what exactly?""From being Ella’s shadow, of course," he teases. "You’re always looking out for her. But don’t you ever take a break for yourself?"His words catch me off guard. It’s true—I’ve been so wrapped up in Ella’s world,
Last Updated : 2025-01-31Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 26
ClaraBackstage at Fashion Week is pure chaos. Models dart between clothing racks, makeup artists wield their brushes like weapons, and hairstylists wrestle with last-minute touch-ups. The event director, a sharp-dressed woman with a headset practically glued to her ear, barks orders at everyone within a ten-foot radius. She’s the eye of the storm, holding everything together with sheer force of will—and a never-ending supply of coffee.Ella, of course, is in her element. She lounges in a chair while a stylist sets her hair in perfect waves, chatting animatedly with another model. If she’s nervous, she’s got an award-winning poker face.I, on the other hand, am only half-present. While making sure Ella’s dress isn’t wrinkled and adjusting the straps on her heels, my thoughts keep drifting back to dinner with Zachary two weeks ago.“Fashion Week goes on. Ella’s involvement goes on as well. I’ll just make a few adjustments.”What adjustments? The question has been bugging me ever since.
Last Updated : 2025-02-02Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 1
"Oh, Zach… That's the spot…"This is not how I thought my long-awaited job interview would go. Being stuck in this bathroom with my hurt hand and hearing the clear sounds of kissing and a zipper coming undone makes my heart want to burst.How did I even end up in this situation? IJust yesterday, I was overjoyed when I received a call from the prominent company inviting me for an interview. Now all I can think of is how to gracefully leave this embarrassing scenario without causing a scene.I press myself against the bathroom counter, hoping they won’t notice me. But my clumsiness strikes again. My elbow knocks over a perfume bottle, and it clatters loudly.Now, I’m so dead.“Did you hear that?”“What do you mean?”“I heard something. Someone’s here, Zach.”“It’s just us. No one else is on this floor.”“I’m certain of it. Hold on, I’ll check it out.”The sound of heels clicking closer makes me pace back and forth like a headless chicken. Oh God, please save me. I promise I’ll be bette
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 2
“Clara, are you okay?”I look up to see the manager leaning on the counter, his brown eyes studying me. “You’ve been wiping that same spot for ten minutes.”My hands freeze in the middle of a swipe. After that, I go back to the bottles behind the bar and line them up. “Sorry. I’m just distracted.”“So, did you get the job at that fancy hotel?”“I was rejected,” I say with a shrug.He frowns. “Their loss. Anyway, why would you want to work in that hotel? And for someone like Zachary Langston? He’s known for being a heartless jerk. I’ve heard plenty about him, but people still think he’s perfect because he’s rich and powerful. Life’s not fair for common folks like us.”I stiffen. Mr. Cooper is too close, but I can’t bring myself to say anything. He’s always been kind, and I don’t want to read into his actions.My phone vibrates in my pocket, giving me an excuse to step away from the uncomfortable conversation. “Excuse me, Mr. Cooper. I have to get this. It’s from the hospital,” I mumble
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 3
I sit on the edge of the couch, feeling completely out of place. Mr. Grumpy paces the room while his sharp gaze flicks between Ella and the floor. Ella curls up on the opposite couch, hugging her knees tightly. She insisted I stay, so here I am—an unwelcome witness to their family drama, frozen and unsure of what to do or say.“I didn’t mean for it to get out of hand. I just wanted to spend time with my friends and let loose for a bit.”Zachary pinches the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. “And for that, I canceled an important meeting because I was worried sick about you. Do you even realize what you’re doing to yourself and to me?”Ella’s shoulders tense. “You and everyone else in this family are always too busy with work. No one asks how I feel or what I want. You all treat me like a child but expect me to act like an adult. How is that fair?”"Newsflash—life isn’t fair, princess. It’s not supposed to be. We’re trying to protect you, to keep you safe, because you clearly can’t m
Last Updated : 2024-12-10
Latest chapter
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 26
ClaraBackstage at Fashion Week is pure chaos. Models dart between clothing racks, makeup artists wield their brushes like weapons, and hairstylists wrestle with last-minute touch-ups. The event director, a sharp-dressed woman with a headset practically glued to her ear, barks orders at everyone within a ten-foot radius. She’s the eye of the storm, holding everything together with sheer force of will—and a never-ending supply of coffee.Ella, of course, is in her element. She lounges in a chair while a stylist sets her hair in perfect waves, chatting animatedly with another model. If she’s nervous, she’s got an award-winning poker face.I, on the other hand, am only half-present. While making sure Ella’s dress isn’t wrinkled and adjusting the straps on her heels, my thoughts keep drifting back to dinner with Zachary two weeks ago.“Fashion Week goes on. Ella’s involvement goes on as well. I’ll just make a few adjustments.”What adjustments? The question has been bugging me ever since.
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 25
ClaraThe rehearsal ends, and as expected, Ella’s eyes widen in shock when she spots Zachary waiting for her."Zach? What are you doing here?"I watch from a distance, feeling strangely disconnected from them now. Maybe it’s because of everything I know—things I can't say out loud. Secrets that weigh on me. Before I can step closer, Dylan approaches me with a friendly smile."Hey, Clara. How are you?""I’m good. Thanks for asking, Dylan." I feel shy, though I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the way he smiles, so easy and warm.From the corner of my eye, I notice Zachary’s posture shift. He stops mid-sentence with Ella, his sharp gaze flickering toward us.Dylan grins. "When are you going to have an off-duty?"I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "Off-duty from what exactly?""From being Ella’s shadow, of course," he teases. "You’re always looking out for her. But don’t you ever take a break for yourself?"His words catch me off guard. It’s true—I’ve been so wrapped up in Ella’s world,
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 24
ClaraIt has been a week since that encounter on the road with Anton Montgomery, but his words still echo in my head. A warning. A threat. I don’t know the full extent of what he meant, but I know one thing for sure—nothing good ever comes when men like him and Zachary cross paths.I sit in the audience, watching Ella walk confidently across the stage. This isn't just any rehearsal. It’s for Fashion Week, the biggest moment of her career so far. My phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It's none other than Zachary.Zachary: Where are both of you right now?I sigh. Lately, Zachary has been texting me about our whereabouts like some overbearing bodyguard. It’s a little creepy, honestly. The man is like a high-class stalker. Though, to be fair, considering that 'trouble' is practically his twin brother, I can’t blame him for being paranoid.Me: We’re in the middle of the Fashion Week rehearsal. I mean, Ella.He sees the message instantly, but it takes him a moment to reply. When he
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 23
ClaraI glance out the window, watching the streetlights blur past. My chest tightens with the overwhelming feeling that we're being followed. My fingers grip the seat, my palms slick with sweat. I try to steady my breathing, but every turn we take, every red light Zachary speeds through, the car behind us stays right on our tail. It feels like they’re toying with us, and the fear creeping through me grows stronger with each second.I steal a look at Zachary. His expression is stone-cold, eyes scanning the road with razor-sharp focus. I swallow hard, trying to steady my nerves, but the fear gnaws at me, relentless and consuming.“Who are they?” I ask.“I don’t want to know,” Zachary mutters grimly, foot pressing harder on the accelerator. "But I need to lose them."A dangerous thought slips from my lips before I can stop it. “Does this have something to do with your… illegal business?”He glances at me sharply but doesn’t deny it. “Yes.”Fear twists inside me, but it isn’t just for my
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 22
ClaraI push open the hospital room door carefully, trying not to wake my mother if she’s asleep. But instead of finding her resting, I see her sitting upright in bed, a warm smile lighting her tired features. Her frail hands rest on the blanket covering her legs, and the faint beeping of the monitors reminds me of why she’s here in the first place.“Clara, sweetheart,” she greets me with that familiar softness in her voice that always makes my heart ache. “You didn’t have to come this late.”I force a smile, stepping closer and placing the stuffed bear on the small table beside her bed. "I wanted to see you. How are you feeling, Mom? Are the doctors saying you're getting better?"She sighs softly, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm doing okay, sweetheart. The doctors say it's a slow process, but they seem optimistic. Don't worry too much about me."Sitting down beside her, I take her hand, feeling the coolness of her skin beneath my fingertips. She squeezes back gently. “How’s work goi
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 21
ClaraWhy is he even here? Zachary Langston walks with me, wasting his time at an amusement park. He should be at some high-profile meeting or entertaining a woman like Catarina, the Orange County princess with her perfect blonde waves and designer heels. Yet here he is, steps away from a booth selling corn dogs. The irony of it makes my lips twitch, though I quickly stifle the almost-smile.“You’re quiet,” he says suddenly. It isn’t a question. More like an observation that pins me in place.“I don’t want to disturb your brooding,” I reply, attempting a light tone. Humor is my armor, though it rarely seems to work on him.To my surprise, the corner of his mouth twitches. Barely perceptible, but it is there. “Brooding?” he echoes, arching a brow.“Well, you’re not exactly radiating amusement,” I say, gesturing vaguely at his stern expression. “I think this place is supposed to be fun.”He glances around, as if noticing the flashing lights and laughter for the first time. “Fun isn’t ex
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 20
ClaraThe crisp evening air brushes against my skin as we step out of the rehearsal venue. Ella is by my side, her phone in hand as usual, but this time she seems distracted, her brows furrowing as she looks up and down the street. “Where’s Zachary?” she mutters.I shift nervously, tugging the strap of my bag higher on my shoulder. My anxiety, which had only slightly abated during our brief conversation inside, comes roaring back. What am I thinking, agreeing to go with Dylan? My job is to stay with Ella, not…venture off with someone I barely know. If Zachary shows up and sees me, what will he think?The idea of Zachary’s disapproval churns in my stomach. He always has this quiet, commanding presence that makes me hyperaware of my every move. The last thing I want is for him to think I’m abandoning my responsibilities. But then again, Ella is the one who nudged me toward Dylan, isn’t she? I agreed because of her…didn’t I?“Here it is.” Dylan’s smooth voice breaks through my thoughts.
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 19
ClaraThe dressing room buzzed with laughter and chatter, but I stayed in my corner, folding Ella’s clothes and tidying up her things. The vanity in front of me was a mess—makeup, brushes, and hairpins everywhere. Ella, as usual, was the center of attention, chatting animatedly with her co-models on the other side of the room. Her laughter was bright and infectious, but I stayed focused on the task at hand.Being around her and the other models these past few weeks had given me a glimpse into their world. It wasn’t all glamour and runway lights; there was a precision to everything they did—the way they walked, the way they posed, even the way they turned their heads. I’d watched them practice enough times to almost feel like I understood it.I straightened up, glancing at the mirror. What if I tried it? Just once, to see if I could pull it off. For a second, I imagined myself walking a runway, the lights glaring, an audience watching my every step. My stomach churned at the thought, a
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 18
ZacharyThe hallway feels colder than I remember, the kind of chill that creeps into your bones and refuses to leave. This was never just a corridor leading to a room—it’s a bridge to the ghosts of my past, a reminder of who I am and the man who shaped me.When I open the door to the private cottage, the air feels heavy, weighed down by scotch fumes and shadows of unspoken truths. My father, George Langston, sits in his throne-like chair, as though the years haven’t dulled his arrogance. His eyes meet mine, sharp and assessing, the same eyes that once looked at me like I was his prized creation.“Is there something important we need to talk about?” My voice is cold, my hands steady despite the roiling storm within me.George leans back, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Can’t a father catch up with his son? I may be a bad man, but I still miss you.”The words make my skin crawl. The last time I heard him say anything remotely fatherly was when I was a boy, and even t
