LOGINShare
Chapter 8: Secrets in the Shadows
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 9: Temptation and Rescue
Adrian’s POVThe moment I stepped into that room, everything in me went cold. Emily lay crumpled on the floor, drugged and defenseless, her palms were red from banging on the door for so long.And the tears in her eyes."Oh God. That bastard made her cry."Fury boiled in my veins, but I pushed it down. For now, I had one priority: getting her out of here. she didn't look okay and something about the way the sleeve of her dinner dress had fallen off her shoulder was messing my reasoning up.I had taken her shopping and gotten her the best of the best, but knowing that that bastard Nathan had seen her in it, held her in it, made me want to smash his skull.I knelt beside her, my heart twisting at the sight of her glassy eyes and trembling lips. “Emily,are you okay? where did he hit you?” I whispered as I noticed the extra slur in her tone and the way she was breathing like she was gasping for air.Lifting her gently into my arms. Her body felt so fragile against mine, yet the heat of her
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 10: After Last Night, He Is A 10
Emily’s POVI woke to the soft glow of unfamiliar sunlight streaming through the large window, the silken sheets beneath me smooth and cool against my skin. A gentle ache pulsed in my head, the unmistakable remnants of last night’s events. For a moment, I forgot where I was. Blinking against the light, I slowly took in my surroundings—the room, with its sleek, minimalistic design, was nothing like mine. The walls were a cold, soft gray, and the faint scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air.Where am I?And then it hit me—Adrian. The gala. The scene with Nathan. Everything came flooding back in waves, tightening my chest as I pulled myself up. I immediately noticed the soft nightwear clinging to my body, a shiver running through me. I hadn't been wearing this last night.Panic bubbled up. Did we—?I jumped out of bed, my feet sinking into the plush carpet, only to wince at the sudden throb of my hangover. A glass of water and a hangover remedy sat conveniently on the nightstand,
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 11: Uncharted Calls
Emily's POVThe sound of my phone buzzing echoed through the room, jolting me from my thoughts as I made my way upstairs. It was strange. I hadn’t seen it earlier when I’d woken up, and now it sat on the edge of the bedside table, vibrating with an unfamiliar urgency.The ringtone filled the air, “I’m a rockstar, I’m a rockstar, it’s not hype-hype, baby, make you rock-hard,” and I couldn’t help but hum along, swaying my hips slightly to the beat. Lisa from Blackpink, I thought with a small smile. “God, she’s my favorite,” I murmured to myself as I danced to the song for a few more beats, caught up in the moment.Without thinking, I picked up the call mid-chorus, too engrossed in the music to realize what I was doing. The voice on the other end pulled me out of my reverie like a bucket of cold water.“Emily? Oh my God, where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you!” Claire’s panicked voice filled my ear.My heart stopped, the phone slipping from my hand and bouncing off the bed. Th
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 12 - Don't pick the phone
Emily's POV“I’ll be fine,” I reassured her, even though I wasn’t entirely sure I believed it myself. “Just… promise me you’ll keep this between us.” I needed to assure her more, so I told her more about how Camille might be more involved and how it might be dangerous to fly with her pregnancy and the fact that Camille had more international connections that she possibly did."Man! This is too much. Is it now an offence to marry and trust the man you fell in love with?" She wondered ad remembering her emotional sensitivity because of her pregnancy and the fact that her boyfriend was still in the military made me rush to comfort her."He would never do that. He loves you," I reminded and after a moment of silence, I heard her sigh and mutter a "thanks"Claire cursed under her breath, spitting a few choice words about Nathan and Camille, which almost made me laugh. It was nice to know someone was on my side, even if I couldn’t tell her the full truth. She even offered to dig up whatever
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 13 - One person who really cares
Emily’s POVThe phone clicked silent, but my heart continued racing. Claire’s words lingered in my mind, her fierce loyalty a balm to my frayed nerves. I shouldn’t have picked up. Adrian’s stern warning was still ringing in my ears, but what choice did I have? Claire was like a sister to me, and keeping her in the dark felt wrong.It was like I had to make a decision between my saviour and my friend. It’s a difficult decision to make, so the compromise was very much necessary.My chest tightened as I thought of Adrian’s face when he’d find out I’d disobeyed him.Because as much as I tried to ignore it, Adrian Blackwood was becoming something more than just my protector. I shook my head, trying to dispel the thoughts that made my pulse quicken. No, it was just the situation, the proximity, the danger—nothing more. Or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.But he was both infuriating and magnetic so I almost can’t help the confusion.With a sigh,I got off the bed and was about to
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 14 - Adrian's Delimma
Adrian’s POVI ended the call with Emily, rubbing a hand over my face. I should’ve known she’d pick up the phone for her best friend. Emily had always been too trusting, too soft-hearted. It was part of what made her so vulnerable, and it was also why she needed someone like me. I didn’t have the luxury of letting emotions cloud my judgment. This was business—nothing more.But despite myself, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. The sound of her voice over the phone, that hint of worry, tugged at something in me. A part I’d long buried. I shouldn’t care, but I did. Last night, when I’d carried her upstairs, my grip around her had been too tight, too possessive. She’d looked so small, so fragile in my arms, but there was a fire in her too, one that was beginning to stir something inside me.A knock interrupted my thoughts. Vincent strolled in, calm but with an edge to his movements. He tossed a file onto my desk, his expression more serious than usual.“More on Nathan,” he said simply.I
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 15 - The Counterattack
Emily's POV The tension in the air was palpable as I sat in front of my laptop, my hands trembling slightly as I typed out the final lines of the exposé. With Claire’s help, we had gathered enough evidence to publicly ruin Nathan. His illicit dealings, offshore accounts, and connections to shady businessmen—everything was laid out clearly, ready to be unleashed into the world.It wasn’t just about revenge anymore; it was about reclaiming my life.Claire had worked her media connections, ensuring that the article would make waves the moment it was published. The clock on the screen counted down the seconds. My heart pounded louder with each tick. This was it.“Nathan’s going to see this and panic,” Claire’s voice buzzed through the speakerphone. “Are you sure you’re ready?”I took a deep breath, closing my eyes to steady myself. “I’m ready. He deserves everything that’s coming to him.”Claire’s excitement was palpable. “Once this hits the media, it’s over for him. I hope you’re watchin
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 16: The Hacker and Gerald Sauveterre
Adrian’s POVThe office was quiet, the ticking of the clock the only sound that filled the room as I leaned back in my chair. I had booked the entire top floor of my building for this meeting. We couldn’t afford any slip-ups. I wasn’t about to let Camille slip through my fingers again.Vincent sat across from me, his arms crossed, his gaze shifting toward the door every few seconds. “You sure about this guy?” he muttered, his brow furrowed. “Hackers aren’t exactly the most trustworthy lot.”I glanced at him, eyes narrowed. “He’s the best there is. I don’t pay for half measures.”Vincent sighed, his fingers drumming against the arm of his chair. “Still, you’re taking this pretty damn personally, Adrian. It’s not just business anymore, is it?”The question grated at me, striking a nerve I hadn’t even acknowledged until now. I stiffened, shooting Vincent a warning glance. “It’s always business, Vincent. Don’t mistake my actions for something else.”Vincent leaned forward, his voice low.
Latest chapter
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 45: Love vs Loyalty
Emily's POVThe vineyard was enchanting, a private oasis where time seemed to stand still. I couldn’t help but feel at peace as Adrian’s piercing gaze held mine. He had a way of making everything else disappear, and in that moment, I wanted to let him in—fully.We sat on the soft picnic blanket, our wine glasses glinting under the fading sunlight. “So, tell me,” Adrian said, his voice warm and inviting. “What’s your dream, Emily? What do you want out of life?”His question caught me off guard, but the sincerity in his eyes encouraged me to open up. “I want... more than just success,” I began, my fingers tracing the rim of my glass. “I want to create something lasting, something that matters. A business that supports people, helps them grow. And maybe one day…” I hesitated, feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny.“Go on,” he urged gently.“Maybe one day, a family. But only if it’s with someone who sees me as an equal, someone who... values me for me.”His expression softened, and for a
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 48 - Official
Emily's POVI woke up to the soft light of morning filtering through the curtains, warming the edges of the bed. Stretching languidly, I let the events of the last few days wash over me. Adrian—his intensity, his protectiveness, and that maddening charm of his—was all I could think about.But my responsibilities called, tugging me back to reality. The hotel wouldn’t run itself, and I had left so much undone. My team deserved more than me hiding away, no matter how tempting it was to let Adrian keep me cocooned in his world.As I made my way to breakfast, I resolved to convince him I needed to return to work. Easier said than done, I realized when his piercing gaze met mine over the table.“You’re not going back without security,” he said before I could even get the words out. His tone left no room for argument.I tried to keep my voice calm, measured. “Adrian, I’ll be fine. Really. I’ll be careful.”“That’s not enough,” he replied, his voice softening but still firm. “Emily, I can’t t
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 47 - safety
Emily's POVI woke slowly, the warmth of the sheets cocooning me, creating a shield against reality. The faint ache in my body was a bittersweet reminder of everything that had transpired—fear, rescue, and the man who refused to let me face any of it alone. Adrian. His presence lingered in the air, as palpable as the cedar and citrus scent that clung to the bedding.The room around me wasn’t mine. It was too masculine, too pristine, yet somehow inviting in its simplicity. My gaze drifted to the bedside table, where a note sat propped against a steaming cup of tea."You’re safe here. Rest. I’ll be back soon."The sight of it made my chest tighten. He’d thought of everything, even my favorite tea. As I reached for the cup, its warmth seeped into my hands, steadying me. The taste was familiar, soothing, but it did little to calm the storm inside me. How could someone so powerful, so complicated, care this much?The sound of the door opening startled me, and I turned just as Adrian steppe
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire 46
Emily’s POVWhen I woke, the first thing I noticed was the faint golden light streaming through the curtains. It painted the room in warm hues, but the warmth didn’t extend to my chest. There was a dull ache there, a reminder that the horrors of last night hadn’t been a nightmare.I sat up slowly, my muscles stiff and aching, and the events of the previous evening washed over me like a cold wave. The hands that had grabbed me. The cruel laughter. The helplessness. My chest tightened, and I clenched my fists against the surge of emotions threatening to drown me.But then I remembered him.Adrian.My gaze flicked to the chair by the window, where he had sat the last time I drifted off, his presence a silent shield against my spiraling thoughts. But now, the chair was empty.He’s gone.The thought was like a knife twisting in my gut. I shouldn’t have expected him to stay. He had done enough, hadn’t he? Stayed through the worst of it, comforted me when I couldn’t even face myself. It wasn
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire 50
Adrian’s POVThe silence in the penthouse was unnerving. My steps echoed faintly as I moved through the dimly lit space, the weight of the night pressing down on me. Emily lay asleep in my bed, her delicate form wrapped tightly in the blankets, as if shielding herself from the world. Her face was calm now, a stark contrast to the fear and pain I’d seen etched into it only hours ago.My hands curled into fists at the memory. Those bastards had dared to lay a hand on her—to hurt her. Rage simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over, but I forced myself to exhale slowly, grounding the storm. I couldn’t afford to lose control now. Not when she needed me steady.I sat down on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb her, though my gaze lingered on the faint bruises marring her skin. Her breathing was soft, even, a rhythm I found myself syncing to as the tension in my body eased ever so slightly.But the guilt? That didn’t fade.I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 44: you matter to me
Adrian’s POVThe rain lashed against the windows of the penthouse, each droplet pounding as if it were trying to pierce through the glass. The storm outside mirrored the tempest inside me—a raging, relentless fury that no amount of whiskey could dull.I stood in the living room, swirling the amber liquid in my glass, but its heat did nothing to thaw the icy anger gripping my chest. Emily was safe now—that fact should have been enough. Yet every time I closed my eyes, I saw her. Bound. Bruised. Terrified.My Emily.The image tore through me, a fresh wound every time it resurfaced. They had dared to touch her, dared to hurt her, and now every fiber of my being demanded retribution.My knuckles throbbed, the raw skin splitting where I had thrown punch after punch. The satisfying crunch of bones under my fists should have brought me some peace. It hadn’t. Not when there were still unanswered questions. Not when I knew the threat wasn’t over.“Adrian.”Her voice was soft, hesitant, yet it
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 42 - The Adoption
**Emily’s POV** The rain poured relentlessly, soaking me to the skin as I thrashed weakly against the ropes binding my wrists. My heart pounded in my chest, and every slap of thunder echoed the terror racing through my veins. I screamed until my throat felt raw, my voice lost in the howling wind. “Shut her up!” one of the men growled, raising his hand again. I braced for the impact, but the sharp sting across my face was no less shocking. I bit my lip to keep from crying. They couldn’t see my tears. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. But I was losing hope. The dark room, the rough voices, the oppressive weight of fear—I didn’t think I’d make it out of here whole. Then I heard him. “EMILY!” Adrian’s voice cut through the rain like a blade. It wasn’t a call—it was a command, filled with frantic desperation and unyielding fury. “Did you hear that?” one of the men hissed, stepping toward the door. Another laughed. “Doesn’t matter. He’ll be dead before he gets to her.”
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 41 - Dead Ex Fiancé's Sister
Emily’s POVThe tires screeched as I sped out of the hotel’s compound, barely daring to glance in the rearview mirror. But, of course, he was there—following me. I could feel my heart pounding, could practically see him in my mind’s eye, gripping the wheel of his car, pursuing me with that infuriating determination of his. My hands clenched tighter, knuckles turning white as I pressed the gas pedal to the floor.I had no plan. I didn’t know where I was going, and it didn’t matter. I just knew that I couldn’t stop. Not for him. Not for anyone. I couldn’t face him, not after seeing Vivian wrapped around him, touching him so familiarly, as if… as if he was hers. My stomach churned at the thought.Ahead, the light turned red. I didn’t slow down. My foot stayed firmly on the pedal, my pulse racing faster than ever. I barely registered the blare of a horn as I sped through the intersection, narrowly avoiding a truck that roared by with a gust of wind so strong it shook my car. I gasped, but
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 40: Emily's Breaking Point
Emily's POVI returned to my office, the door closing with a soft click behind me. The quiet enveloped me, but it did little to calm the storm swirling inside. My fingers brushed the edge of my phone, still in my hand. I glanced at the screen, debating whether I should check the endless stream of emails or just bury myself in work. But the weight of Vivian’s words—her casual declaration that she was engaged to Adrian Blackwood—pressed on me like a weight I couldn’t shake off.I dialed Claire’s number quickly, not bothering to wait for it to ring long before I spoke."Hey, just checking in. You get home safe?" My tone was clipped, colder than I intended, but I couldn't help it. The anger and confusion still simmered beneath the surface, and I didn't want to deal with small talk right now."Yeah, I'm fine," Claire replied, her voice light and unconcerned. "I made it home just fine, don’t worry."I let out a breath, trying to rein in my emotions. I wa
