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Chapter 17
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2024-11-06 22:40:50Related chapters
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 18
Shaking her head, Evelyn forced herself to focus. She needed to find Mia, to check on her friend and ensure that Ethan's harsh words hadn't cut her too deeply. Grabbing her phone, Evelyn quickly fired off a text, her brow furrowed with concern._'Mia, are you okay? I'm so sorry about what happened earlier. Please, let me know you're alright.'_Evelyn paced the room as she waited for a response, her fingers drumming anxiously against her thigh. Mia was her rock, her confidante – she couldn't bear the thought of her best friend being upset, especially because of Evelyn's own tangled circumstances.Finally, her phone chimed, and Evelyn snatched it up, her eyes scanning Mia's reply._'Don't worry, Evie. I'm fine. Just a little shaken, that's all. Are you okay? That man of yours can be quite... intense.'_Evelyn couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "That man of yours," indeed. She quickly typed out a response._'I'm alright, I think. Ethan actually came to apologize, woul
Last Updated : 2024-11-06Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 19
Evelyn's fingers flew across the keyboard, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she scrolled through page after page of search results. Beside her, Mia leaned in, her brow furrowed with equal determination."Okay, so far all I'm finding are the basics – Ethan's company, his reputation as a shrewd businessman, that kind of thing," Evelyn said, her voice tinged with frustration. "Nothing about his personal life."Mia chewed on her lower lip, her gaze darting to the screen. "Hmm, let's try a different approach. What about his name – any mention of that in the news or social media?"Nodding, Evelyn quickly typed Ethan's name into the search bar, her heart pounding as the results began to load. At first, it was more of the same – articles about his professional accomplishments, a few brief mentions in business magazines. But then, something caught her eye."Wait, look at this," she breathed, her fingers tapping the screen. "An engagement announcement from a few years ago – Ethan Maverick
Last Updated : 2024-11-07Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 20
Ethan stared down at the papers scattered across his desk, his mind consumed by the events of the previous night. Try as he might, he couldn't seem to focus on the task at hand, his thoughts constantly drifting back to his dinner with Evelyn.He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. It had been a mistake, he knew that now. Opening up to Evelyn, even just a little, had left him feeling raw and exposed, vulnerabilities he had worked so hard to bury now laid bare.Ethan's gaze drifted to the half-empty bottle of whiskey tucked into the corner of his desk, the amber liquid calling to him like a siren's song. With a grimace, he reached for the glass, the familiar burn as the alcohol slid down his throat doing little to dull the ache that had taken root in his chest.It was all coming back to him now, the memories he had tried so desperately to suppress. The day Sofia had broken his heart, shattering the future they had so carefully built together. The pain o
Last Updated : 2024-11-07Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire CHAPTER 1
"The clock’s ticking, Mrs Martin's. And I'm not sure how much more time Jake has.” Evelyn held her breath as Dr. Patel's words filled his office. The doctor gave her a pitying look as she tried to focus on his moving lips, her mind already calculating the mounting bills that threatened to drown them. Jake had been so sick lately that she'd missed three shifts at the bar already this week. Like the devoted sister she was, she'd done everything possible to keep him comfortable and cared for, working double shifts and overtime until her feet bled in her worn shoes. She had made it her mission to give him the best care possible since their parents' death, picking up every extra job she could find. It was never enough for his condition, but little things like extra night shifts and selling their old possessions would surely help with the medical bills. Only she had frozen in horror when Dr. Patel mentioned the new treatment costs. The numbers stared back at her, very large on the pape
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire CHAPTER 2
Evelyn made a quick sign of the cross while she walked to Mr. Garrett's office. She stopped at his door and ran her palms down her uniform, trying to look presentable before she knocked. "Come in." His voice called from inside. She pushed open the heavy door and peeked inside. Her boss sat behind his huge desk as he flipped through a magazine. He raised his head when she entered, his eyes following her every move. Evelyn cleared her dry throat. "Mr. Garrett? About yesterday's conversation..." "Ah, Evelyn." He tossed the magazine onto his desk and gave her a wide smile. "I've been expecting you. Come in, come in." She couldn't believe how nice he suddenly seemed. Her feet moved forward slowly as she tried to gather courage. "I was wondering..." She licked her dry lips. "If we could talk about the raise again." "Of course." Mr. Garrett pushed himself up from his chair. His smile grew wider as he walked around his desk. "I've been thinking about it. I'm sure we can work something ou
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire CHAPTER 3
The hospital doors flew open as Evelyn bursted through them. The phone call from moments ago kept replaying in her head - Jake's condition had worsened, and the bills were now urgently due. She didn't even wait to catch her breath before rushing into Dr. Patel's office. "How is this possible?" she gasped and gripped the back of a chair for support. "You mentioned last time that his condition was stable for now." Dr. Patel barely looked up from his computer screen. "I told you his condition could worsen at any time. This isn't something we can control." "Please," Evelyn's voice cracked. "Just give me more time. I can find the money, I swear." "Time?" Dr. Patel scoffed as he finally meeting her gaze. "Your brother doesn't have time. Either you produce the funds, or we'll have to consider other options." Evelyn's mind raced. Why was this happening now? She'd just lost her job, and now Jake's life was hanging by a thread. "Can I at least see him?" she pleaded. "No," Dr. Patel said fl
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire CHAPTER 4
Evelyn climbed the stairs to her apartment, feeling completely drained. Another rejection - her fifth one this week. They'd barely glanced at her resume before showing her the door. Each day left her feeling like she was running out of options. While digging for her keys, her apartment door suddenly opened. She looked up to find Mia Chen standing there, her long black hair falling over her shoulders. Even though Mia was the daughter of Vitalis Pharmaceutical's CEO, she never acted like it mattered. She loved Evelyn like a sister and couldn't care less about their different backgrounds. "Oh honey," Mia sighed, seeing her friend's sad face. She pulled her into a hug. "No luck today either?" Evelyn hugged her best friend back tightly. They'd been friends for seven years, ever since college. They were an unlikely pair - the struggling orphan and the rich heiress. But their friendship was stronger than any of that. "They took one look at my resume and pretty much pushed me out," Evely
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire CHAPTER 5
"What? Twenty million dollars and Jake's treatment? What are you waiting for?" Mia's eyes widened as she paced around Evelyn's small living room, her designer heels clicking against the floor.Evelyn sat slumped on the couch, her head in her hands. She had just finished recounting the events of the previous day, and the weight of Ethan Maverick's offer hung heavy in the air. She looked up at her friend, exhaustion written across her face. "I'll never marry someone who thinks the world revolves around him. The man's ego is bigger than his bank account."Mia stopped pacing and turned to face Evelyn, her hands on her hips. "But it's fake, Evie. A contract. It's not like you have to actually fall in love with the guy."Evelyn stood up, her voice rising with frustration. "It's not about love, Mia. It's about dignity. I won't sell myself cheap, not even for twenty million.""Cheap?" Mia scoffed, picking up a framed photo of Jake from the coffee table. "Twenty million is hardly cheap. And wh
Last Updated : 2024-10-11
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Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 20
Ethan stared down at the papers scattered across his desk, his mind consumed by the events of the previous night. Try as he might, he couldn't seem to focus on the task at hand, his thoughts constantly drifting back to his dinner with Evelyn.He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. It had been a mistake, he knew that now. Opening up to Evelyn, even just a little, had left him feeling raw and exposed, vulnerabilities he had worked so hard to bury now laid bare.Ethan's gaze drifted to the half-empty bottle of whiskey tucked into the corner of his desk, the amber liquid calling to him like a siren's song. With a grimace, he reached for the glass, the familiar burn as the alcohol slid down his throat doing little to dull the ache that had taken root in his chest.It was all coming back to him now, the memories he had tried so desperately to suppress. The day Sofia had broken his heart, shattering the future they had so carefully built together. The pain o
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 19
Evelyn's fingers flew across the keyboard, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she scrolled through page after page of search results. Beside her, Mia leaned in, her brow furrowed with equal determination."Okay, so far all I'm finding are the basics – Ethan's company, his reputation as a shrewd businessman, that kind of thing," Evelyn said, her voice tinged with frustration. "Nothing about his personal life."Mia chewed on her lower lip, her gaze darting to the screen. "Hmm, let's try a different approach. What about his name – any mention of that in the news or social media?"Nodding, Evelyn quickly typed Ethan's name into the search bar, her heart pounding as the results began to load. At first, it was more of the same – articles about his professional accomplishments, a few brief mentions in business magazines. But then, something caught her eye."Wait, look at this," she breathed, her fingers tapping the screen. "An engagement announcement from a few years ago – Ethan Maverick
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 18
Shaking her head, Evelyn forced herself to focus. She needed to find Mia, to check on her friend and ensure that Ethan's harsh words hadn't cut her too deeply. Grabbing her phone, Evelyn quickly fired off a text, her brow furrowed with concern._'Mia, are you okay? I'm so sorry about what happened earlier. Please, let me know you're alright.'_Evelyn paced the room as she waited for a response, her fingers drumming anxiously against her thigh. Mia was her rock, her confidante – she couldn't bear the thought of her best friend being upset, especially because of Evelyn's own tangled circumstances.Finally, her phone chimed, and Evelyn snatched it up, her eyes scanning Mia's reply._'Don't worry, Evie. I'm fine. Just a little shaken, that's all. Are you okay? That man of yours can be quite... intense.'_Evelyn couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "That man of yours," indeed. She quickly typed out a response._'I'm alright, I think. Ethan actually came to apologize, woul
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 17
Evelyn's brow furrowed as she paced the length of her lavish bedroom, the opulent surroundings doing little to ease the turmoil swirling within. Her mind was consumed by the turbulent encounter with Ethan, the man she had reluctantly agreed to marry – a man who seemed to view every woman as a liability or inferior. "What could have possibly happened to make him so jaded, so distrustful of the world?" Evelyn muttered, pausing by the window to gaze out at the meticulously manicured grounds of the Maverick estate. Ethan's icy dismissal of her best friend, Mia, still stung. "Does he really think the world revolves around him?"Crossing the room, Evelyn flopped down onto the plush bed, burying her face in the soft, downy comforter. The familiar scent of lavender did little to calm her frayed nerves. Mia had been her rock, her constant companion through the darkest moments of Evelyn's life. How dare Ethan write her off as a liability, simply because of her family's wealth and influence?Si
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 16
"Ah, I see we have a visitor," Ethan drawled, his gaze sweeping over Mia with a hint of disdain. "And who might you be?"Evelyn cleared her throat, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "Ethan, this is Mia. My best friend."Mia sprang to her feet, a bright smile on her face as she extended her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Maverick. I've heard a lot about you."Ethan's lips curled into a faint sneer, and he made no move to accept her handshake. "I'm afraid I can't say the same." His cold, grey eyes shifted to Evelyn. "And what, is the meaning of this unexpected visit?"Evelyn felt a twinge of annoyance at his brusque tone, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Mia's just here to see me, Ethan. We're friends, and she wanted to check in." She glanced at Mia, silently pleading with her to play along.Mia, ever the perceptive one, seemed to sense the unspoken tension between the two. Her smile faltered slightly, and she slowly lowered her hand, tucking it
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 15
Evelyn was restlessly wandering through the lavish mansion, unable to settle. As she mindlessly trailed her fingers along an intricate vase, a sudden knock at the door made her jump. She knew exactly who it was before even looking. Quickly, she hurried to the entrance and swung it open, revealing her best friend Mia standing there with the biggest smile."Evie!" Mia squealed, immediately pulling Evelyn into a tight hug. Evelyn hugged her back just as fiercely, all the tension leaving her body. It felt so good to see a familiar face in this strange new world."I've missed you so much!" Evelyn said, ushering Mia inside. The heiress looked around the foyer, her eyes wide with wonder."Wow, this place is incredible!" Mia gasped, spinning around slowly. "I knew Ethan Maverick was loaded, but this is next level." She reached out to touch an ornate vase, then glanced at Evelyn with a sheepish grin. "I'm not going to break anything, I promise."Evelyn chuckled. "It's not like this is new to
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 14
Chapter 14Ethan couldn't help but stare as Evelyn stood before him in the kitchen, her delicate features flushed with surprise. He had only meant to check on her after seeing the maid rush away, but now he found himself captivated by the sight of her. The soft glow of the kitchen lights illuminated her porcelain skin, casting gentle shadows that highlighted the elegant curves of her face. Her eyes, wide and expressive, were a mesmerizing shade of green that seemed to draw him in. And her lips - full and slightly parted - beckoned to him, tempting him to lean in and-Ethan caught himself, pushing those dangerous thoughts aside. This woman was his wife, yes, but only in name. She was a means to an end, a necessary arrangement to appease his family and protect his position. He couldn't afford to be distracted by her beauty or let himself be drawn in by her doe-eyed innocence.Forcing himself to take a step back, Ethan released his grip on Evelyn's waist. "You should be more careful," h
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 13
The grand dining room of the Maverick mansion felt cavernous and intimidating in the soft glow of the evening. Evelyn stared down at the elaborate place setting in front of her, the china and silverware glinting under the chandelier's light. She barely recognized the woman staring back at her from the highly polished flatware - this poised, elegant figure was a far cry from the bartender she had been just yesterday.The silence between her and Ethan was deafening as they ate, the only sounds the occasional clink of a fork against a plate or the subtle rustle of napkins. Evelyn kept her eyes downcast, unsure of what to say to this man she had so hastily agreed to marry. Just this morning, they had stood before family, friends, and reporters, pledging their lives to one another. Yet here they were, strangers sharing a meal in uncomfortable silence.Finally, Ethan cleared his throat. "How is the food?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.Evelyn glanced up, meeting his cool gaze. "It's
Contract Marriage With The Cold Hearted Billionaire Chapter 12
The moment they reached the ground floor, Evelyn mumbled something about needing air and slipped away before Ethan could protest. Her heels clicked against the marble as she rushed through the lobby, ignoring David's calls behind her. She needed to see Jake - needed to know that all of this wasn't for nothing.Twenty minutes later, she stood outside Jake's hospital room, her hand trembling on the doorknob. The pristine hallways of St. Mary's private wing were a far cry from the crowded corridors she'd known before. Through the window, she could see Jake lying in bed, his attention fixed on the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.Her heart stopped when she realized what he was watching."...the surprise engagement of Maverick Foundation heir Ethan Maverick to Evelyn Martin..." the reporter's voice drifted through the door.Jake's face was streaked with tears, his hands clenched in the expensive sheets that had replaced the threadbare hospital linens he'd had before. Evelyn pushed the d
