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Chapter 30: The Hunt Begins

Penulis: Lisa k. Smith
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-31 17:50:17

"Bernard?" Her voice shook and she hardly identified it as her own.

Emerging from the darkness into the cabin, he replaced his normal serenity with a jaw stiffness. He was aware of what she lacked.

"They've found us," Bernard murmured quietly, almost as if speaking it out loud would make it more real. Showing no signs of panic, he swiftly and methodically collected their belongings.

Belle's breath became shallow and her chest constricted. Are you certain?

Moving his attention to the little pack in his hands, Bernard ignored her. But his voice was strong. They are approaching closer. We have to go right now.

Belle's gaze on the cabin door sent a shiver down her spine. Her thoughts raced: was it Alistair's team or someone else pursuing them? She believed she had purchased enough time. But suddenly, as the sounds of motors got closer, the dread she'd been hiding for so long erupted like a dark tide, rising to consume her whole.

Panic made her pulse race. Could she outpace Alistair'
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  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 31: The Obsession

    Alistair's fingers pounded restlessly against the polished mahogany desk, his gaze darting between the never-ending stack of documents in front of him. He had a firm to manage, deadlines to meet, agreements to close, so he should have been concentrated; all he could think about was Belle. Months had passed since she vanished, months since he last saw her, and the stillness between them had grown intolerable. His gaze wandered to a desk photo of Belle, laughing, glowing. Her laughter's recollection plagued him, eating at him from the inside out. Not now, he realised he couldn't let her leave. Not after all that. Buzzing on his desk, the phone pulled him from his musings. He grabbed it, the harsh click of the receiver reverberating in the normally quiet workplace. "Yes?" he shouted, his voice tense with almost suppressed fury. He desired responses. He wanted them. "Sir," the voice on the other end seemed calm, professional. "We have Belle news." His pulse raced. "Where's she?" His v

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14
  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 32: The Hidden Life

    Belle leaned over her desk in her modest legal office, with the only light coming from a flickering overhead bulb. The room was simple, no indications of luxury, no shining marble floors, just the sort of place you'd expect a single mother to labour away from the high-society life she formerly knew. Her eyes drifted to a picture of her son, Theodore, chuckling at some lost time from their past. Looking at the picture, a slight smile pulled at her lips. Whispering, "How did we get here?" she felt it heavy on her chest. Old paper and ink's scent permeated the air; the city's buzz outside was barely heard. Belle's fingers stopped moving on the documents before her. Alistair, her ex-husband, haunted her. His shadow remained significant even after all these years. Her priority now, though, was Theodore. All she did was for him. The sound of little feet racing along the corridor outside interrupted her thoughts. Just in time to watch Theodore rush into the room, eyes wide with excitement

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14
  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 33: The Clue

    His eyes fixed on the flashing lines of code, Theodore's fingers raced across the tablet screen. Hours of digging further into the tangled web of Kensington Enterprises' network had left him at this. Every one more exciting than the last, his thoughts raced with ideas. A shadow in Theodore's childhood, his father Alistair Kensington was an enigma he had only known via tales and murmurs. At last, he could perhaps find something genuine. Theodore was resolute: just one more file. Digging deeper, his brow furrowed in focus, the tablet screen flickered. His mother's gentle footsteps on the corridor faded into the background. He could not be sidetracked. The screen froze for a second; then a fresh file came up, one he had never seen before. Unlike the others, it was not marked. Rather, it had a peculiar name: "Belle's Disappearance." Theodore felt a cold shudder down his back. Staring at the file, the words floating in front of him like a nightmare he hadn't requested, his heart raced.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14
  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 34: The Hunt Intensifies

    Alistair entered the softly lighted hotel lobby, his gaze searching every face he passed. He had no need to be careful. He was accustomed to being in charge, to watching the universe bend to his want. But today, something was unique. The air felt heavy with expectation, like the quiet before a storm. His fingertips grazed the edges of his coat while his keen eyes scanned the room. Lost in their own worlds, the individuals surrounding him appeared unaware of the tempest he was about to unleash. Alistair, though, was more knowledgeable. Everyone had a goal, and so did he. His boots tapped on the ground as he purposefully, methodically moved past the registration desk. His thoughts were sharp, running over every element of the data he had collected thus far. A woman in a crimson dress, too much perfume, eyes too wide entered the room; his gaze darted to the door. But she wasn't what he wanted. His phone buzzed in his pocket; he picked it up without pausing. "Alistair," came the voice

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14
  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 35: The Confrontation

    Belle's heart skipped a beat as the knock boomed through the quiet house. Her breath froze in her throat and her body tightened. The day had already been weighty with unsaid dread; but, this... this felt different. Her hand floated over the door doorknob as she paused. At this hour, who could it be? She had hoped, fervently prayed, that they were safe. Deep down, though, she knew better. She made herself open the door with a soft sigh. There, on her porch, was a face she hadn't seen in years. A face from her history. A man she once knew as a friend, his loyalty constantly linked to Alistair. Impeccably dressed as usual, the lawyer stood there with a cool smile and sharp gaze. Belle's stomach turned. The last time she had seen him, he was part of Alistair's world, a world she had battled so hard to leave. But there he was, standing in front of her as though time had never gone. "Belle," he remarked, his voice frigid, remote. Though she stayed motionless, hesitant to allow him over

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14
  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 36: Alistair's Unexpected Arrival

    "What are you doing here?" she inquired, her voice quivering despite her efforts to remain calm. Her knuckles were white and her fingers clutched the desk edge as though it could keep her stable. Alistair's lips curled into a deliberate, predatory grin. Belle, I'm come to see my son. I came for him. Her heart raced. "You have no right," she replied, the words sounding strange in her throat. "Not after all you have done." With every passing second, the space between them shrank and the air between them appeared to grow denser. Alistair entered the room, his hawk-like gaze sweeping the workplace. He never let his eyes off hers; a sinister pleasure sparkled in his eyes. "I have every right," he responded quietly, almost threateningly. "I always do." Though she would not give up, Belle's palm shook on the desk. "Not any more," she responded, this time more forcefully. The instant you turned your back on us, you lost your opportunity. Still staring at Belle, Alistair moved deeper int

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-18
  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 37: The Tension Builds

    The phone rang twice before Bernard answered, his voice harsh with desperation. Belle? Are you all right? "I don't know," she said, trembling. Alistair is present. He's returned. I, She broke off, sensing the tears about to flow. Steadying herself, she took a long breath. Bernard, I can no longer run. Not like this, I can't guard him. Bernard said fast, "Don't panic." Where are you? "I'm in the office," she said, her gaze flitting to the window. The outer world seemed far away, strange to her now. I believed I had time. I assumed he wouldn't locate us. The other end of the line hesitated. Then Bernard spoke again, low and somber. You don't get it, Belle. Alistair will not rest. Theodore will be pursued by him. He's going to try to get him. Her belly fell. The words struck her more than she had anticipated. Theodore Her child. He was all she had left, everything that counted. The idea of losing him, of Alistair snatching him from her, was enough to make her knees go weak. Her voi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-18
  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 38: Bernard’s Warning

    "Belle," Bernard's voice sounded low and frantic. Worried, he entered the room. We have to talk. Belle remained still. She already understood his remarks. The moment Alistair's name crossed her mind again, she had sensed it approaching. Though she had been attempting to ignore it, Bernard's gaze informed her it was genuine. It was going on. Bernard went on, "Alistair's fixation is not something that disappears. He will not rest till he has his desire. Her heart hammering in her chest, Belle rose slowly. Her fingers clutched the edge of her desk firmly as she gazed out the window. I had known that for some time. Running is not something I can do always. Bernard moved closer and his eyes softened. You cannot keep him away. He will not stop, Belle. You have to get ready. He's coming; when he arrives, it will be worse than before. She tried to hold back the tears by swallowing hard. To create a life outside of Alistair's reach, she had worked really hard to safeguard Theodore. Every

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-18

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  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 45: The Dark Family Secret

    Theodore's eyes adapted to the dim light; he saw files that appeared to draw him closer, boxes coated in cobwebs, and shelves brimming with old volumes. Walking toward the far corner of the room, he found a wooden cabinet half-hidden beneath piles of papers. Theodore cautiously unlocked the cabinet as his fingers glided across its surface. Though their contents were far from usual, inside were dozens of file folders, each carefully labeled. Pulling one off the shelf, its label worn but readable: Kensington Family History, his heart raced. Though the final folder at the bottom drew his attention, the files were packed with information, birth records, bank paperwork, old photographs. His fingers quivering with expectation, he opened it carefully. There, in a tattered paper, was his father's birth record. The tidy writing covered the fundamentals: date, place, surname. Theodore hesitated, though, at the way the paper crinkled and felt more weighty than the rest. He looked down at the

  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 44: Lucy's Manipulation

    "Your mother loves you very much, Theodore," Lucy replied, her voice soft. But she doesn't always know what's best for you. She's... you know, emotional. Occasionally, her choices are focused on emotions rather than what is best for your future. Theodore looked up from his play to see his grandmother. Though he didn't quite get them, he felt their words sink into his chest. His mother had always been nice and protective; how could anything she did be incorrect? Lucy's tone became more personal as she leaned forward a bit. Haven't you heard your father talk about all the great things he can give you? The journeys, the knowledge, the life he has guaranteed you. Still, your mother prevents you from experiencing any of it. Theodore, why? Doesn't that make you question whether she actually knows what is best? Theodore stared at the goodies before him, his head spinning with uncertainty. He had never considered his mother in such a manner. Lucy’s comments put something fresh, something a

  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 43: Belle’s Attempt to Escape

    Belle stood in front of the mirror, her reflection looking back at her with a mix of surprise and determination. Alistair's courtroom fight had finished in his favor, and she felt as though the walls were closing in on her. The man meant to safeguard her and their children was suddenly the one actually endangering their family disintegration. Every day spent with him served as a reminder that he controlled everything: her, Theodore, and all else. But not any more. She had decided. Belle walked across the room, ignoring the papers strewn over the desk. Running through the processes in her head, her heart raced and her thoughts raced. She could not remain here. Not in this home, not with him. The idea of Theodore maturing under Alistair's control made one cringe. The orders, the control, the cruel comments she could already hear. Her gaze remained fixed on the little suitcase by the bed. She had packed it before, just in case, but now it was more than just a precaution. It was all th

  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 42: Theodore’s Curiosity

    "Should I open it?" he whispered to himself, nearly as if seeking permission. Staring back at him from the tablet's screen, his reflection showed eyes wide with the burden of his own choices. He tapped the first file without allowing himself another opportunity to reconsider. A screen for passwords showed up. Theodore looked over his shoulder and leaned back in his chair to make sure no one was around. He had to be cautious as he had no idea what sort of havoc he was about to cause. Typing in a few possibilities, names, dates, the keys on the screen felt alien under his touch. Then, on a hunch, he attempted his mother's birthday. The file opened and the screen flickered. Cold, clinical, a thorough study of the Kensington family's financial activities, a list of assets and holdings, the paper's contents were One aspect, however, drew his notice: his own birth. The day. The frigid, distant tongue. "Theodore Kensington," the paper started, "born under dubious conditions. Unfortunate

  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 41: The Custody Battle

    "Belle Blackwell," the bailiff shouted. In the sterile quiet, her name reverberated. Her breathing was shallow and fast as she stepped toward the witness stand, straightening her back. Every step seemed to be a fight. Her eyes found Alistair's as she sank into the seat. As his lawyer sifted through paperwork, his lips curled into a little smirk. The only thing that stopped her from stumbling was the idea of her son and his innocent eyes. For him, she had to remain resilient. The seductive voice previously known, Alistair's attorney stood up. We are here today, ladies and gentlemen of the court, to talk about little Theodore Blackwell's custody. The one who can offer the most stable, safe atmosphere holds a child's destiny in their hands. Belle Blackwell, we all know, Alistair's side rippled with a whisper of appreciation. His eyes stayed on hers as he reclined back. Belle swallowed, the metal flavor in her mouth. He was so certain of himself. He had overplanned this. The voice of

  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 40: The Price of Defiance

    Belle, you should have come to me voluntarily, Alistair said, his voice ringing in her head, cool and collected. You will now pay the cost. Her eyes flew open. Like a burden in her chest, Alistair's words stuck to her. His constant desire to control her life had never changed; now, with Theodore's future in jeopardy, she was compelled to face the precise thing she had been fleeing. A chill crept up her back. Theodore was not something she could lose. She would not. The door behind her creaked open; she spun around, half-expecting to find Alistair waiting there to finally take her down. It was just the office's stillness, though. The room was also filled with the soft hum of the air conditioning, too calm, too quiet. Alistair's warning hung in the air, suffocing her. She had to act quickly. Every second mattered. But one thing she was certain of: she wasn't going to make it simple for him. This time, she would not give in. She would battle. Buzzing on the desk, Belle's phone brok

  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 39: Kidnapped

    Belle's pulse hammered as she dashed to the window, her gaze scanning the street underneath. Though the street seemed deserted, the sun was lowering, throwing deep shadows over the sidewalk. No indication of Alistair. No indication of any suspicious person. Her breath caught and for a time she believed she could hear her pulse in her ears. Trying to see over the vacant street, she pressed her palm against the chilly glass and pushed closer to the window. It was too silent. Too still. The fear that had been hiding in the back of her mind finally sank into the pit of her stomach. He has been observing us all along. Alistair had always known where they sat. She had been so thorough and careful, yet it was never enough. The idea of him constantly a step ahead, lurking close by, made her skin crawl. Feeling the walls of her tiny office closing in on her, she moved back from the window. How long had he been following them? How long had he been this near? Turning, she attempted to gather

  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 38: Bernard’s Warning

    "Belle," Bernard's voice sounded low and frantic. Worried, he entered the room. We have to talk. Belle remained still. She already understood his remarks. The moment Alistair's name crossed her mind again, she had sensed it approaching. Though she had been attempting to ignore it, Bernard's gaze informed her it was genuine. It was going on. Bernard went on, "Alistair's fixation is not something that disappears. He will not rest till he has his desire. Her heart hammering in her chest, Belle rose slowly. Her fingers clutched the edge of her desk firmly as she gazed out the window. I had known that for some time. Running is not something I can do always. Bernard moved closer and his eyes softened. You cannot keep him away. He will not stop, Belle. You have to get ready. He's coming; when he arrives, it will be worse than before. She tried to hold back the tears by swallowing hard. To create a life outside of Alistair's reach, she had worked really hard to safeguard Theodore. Every

  • Claiming the billionaire ceo genius baby   Chapter 37: The Tension Builds

    The phone rang twice before Bernard answered, his voice harsh with desperation. Belle? Are you all right? "I don't know," she said, trembling. Alistair is present. He's returned. I, She broke off, sensing the tears about to flow. Steadying herself, she took a long breath. Bernard, I can no longer run. Not like this, I can't guard him. Bernard said fast, "Don't panic." Where are you? "I'm in the office," she said, her gaze flitting to the window. The outer world seemed far away, strange to her now. I believed I had time. I assumed he wouldn't locate us. The other end of the line hesitated. Then Bernard spoke again, low and somber. You don't get it, Belle. Alistair will not rest. Theodore will be pursued by him. He's going to try to get him. Her belly fell. The words struck her more than she had anticipated. Theodore Her child. He was all she had left, everything that counted. The idea of losing him, of Alistair snatching him from her, was enough to make her knees go weak. Her voi

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