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86. OLD TIES
Last Updated:
2025-03-14 00:51:55
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From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 87. WHAT TRUTH?
VICTOR When every ounce of rage and lust had burned through me, I stood up from the bed without a word. My breathing was still heavy, my body still thrumming with what I’d just done to Isabella. But it was done. I dragged my clothes back on, buttoning my shirt slowly while Isabella lay there, trembling, wrecked. She was still trying to catch her breath, still caught in the heat of it, thinking there was something more between us. There wasn’t. I fastened my belt and turned to her. “There’s something I need you to do.” She blinked up at me, confused at first, then slowly sat up. Her hair was a mess, her skin marked where I’d held her too tightly. I didn’t care. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice hoarse. I pulled a cigarette from the box on the table, lit it, and took a slow drag before answering. “You want to stay out of prison?” I said, my tone flat. “You do this for me, and I’ll make sure you get the best lawyer money can buy. You’ll walk away clean.” She swallowe
Last Updated : 2025-03-14From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 88. AGAIN
SOPHIA I sat with Caleb, listening to the wedding planner as she ran through the details. Flowers. Decorations. Music. The guest list. She spoke about how grand it was going to be. I nodded along, but inside, I was barely holding back the excitement. This was it. My wedding. For the first time in my life, I was going to walk down the aisle, wearing a white dress, and marry a man who loved me just as much as I loved him. No lies. No secrets. Just… love. When we finished the meeting, Caleb took my hand. His fingers laced through mine as we walked out of the building together. The sun was warm on my face, and I felt light. Until the reporters came. They swarmed us so fast I didn’t have time to react. Cameras flashed in my face. Microphones shoved at my mouth. Voices shouting over each other. “Is it true the child you’re carrying belongs to Mr. Caleb Foster?” “Were you cheating on your husband while you were still married to Mr. Sinclair?” “Did you lie to the court just
Last Updated : 2025-03-17From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 89. ALL I NEED
SOPHIA The last two days had been nothing short of exhausting. Between meetings with Caleb and our lawyer, going over every detail of the case, and preparing myself mentally for court, I could barely think straight. Caleb kept insisting I see the doctor, making sure I and the baby was fine. And as always, he was right. My stress levels were off the charts, but the baby was healthy, and that was all that mattered to me. On top of everything, there were still calls with the wedding planner and messages coming in about the case. The media wasn’t letting go. Some people supported me. Most didn’t. I’d stopped reading the comments. Now, the day had finally come. I walked into the courthouse holding Caleb’s hand. His grip was firm, like he was trying to pour his strength into me. I needed it. Caleb’s mother walked just behind us, quiet but calm. She had offered to be there for support, and I was grateful. As soon as we entered, I saw Victor. He stood across the room, his eyes
Last Updated : 2025-03-17From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 90. I DID NOT LIE
SOPHIA I was still sitting in the witness box, staring at Caleb when the courtroom door opened and Isabella walked in, her chin held high like she was walking into a fashion show instead of a courtroom. I watched her take slow, deliberate steps toward Victor, her hips swaying with false confidence. She slid into the seat beside him, her hand brushing his arm in a way that made my stomach twist. Victor didn’t even glance at her. He was too busy staring at me. My lawyer, Leonard Parks, cleared his throat softly and drew my attention back to him. “Miss Quinn,” he began, urging me to focus, “is it true that you lied to the court about the father of your baby during your last hearing?” I drew in a deep breath and reminded myself of what we’d rehearsed. His words weren’t an accusation. They were a strategy. I straightened my spine, met his gaze, and answered clearly, “No. I did not lie to the court.” Leonard nodded encouragingly. “Could you clarify that for us?” he asked, tilting
Last Updated : 2025-03-20From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 91. CROSS-EXAMINED
SOPHIA Victor's mother tugged at his arm, whispering something urgently, but he shrugged her off like she was nothing more than a nuisance The sharp sound of the gavel echoed in the courtroom, silencing the tension that crackled in the air. The judge’s cold, firm voice followed almost immediately, warning Victor to sit down and keep quiet or risk being held in contempt of court. For a long, thick second, Victor stood there, his body rigid with anger, his jaw clenched tight as though it pained him to obey. Then, slowly, he sank back into his seat, his burning gaze still pinned on me, as if he was daring me to say another word. My lawyer, Leonard Park, turned toward me once again, his voice measured as he asked, “Miss Quinn, do you have anything further you’d like to say to the court?” I shook my head gently and spoke clearly, my voice carrying through the room. “No. That is all.” I had already said everything there was to say. Leonard nodded slowly, then gestured toward
Last Updated : 2025-03-21From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 92. NEXT WITNESS
SOPHIA The moment I stepped down from the witness box and returned to my seat beside Caleb, I could feel the shift in the room's energy, as Victor rose from his seat and moved toward the witness box. His strides were measured, but there was a fury in the way his shoulders were set, a stiffness in his neck, his entire body radiating the anger he made no effort to hide. He climbed into the witness box, his jaw clenched, and his eyes dark with resentment, not just toward me, but toward everyone who dared sit in judgment of him. Victor’s lawyer stood and faced him with a purposeful calm, though there was something rehearsed about it, as though they had already played this conversation out in private and were now only performing it for the benefit of the court. His voice was measured when he spoke. “Mr. Sinclair,” he began, “you have heard Miss Quinn’s testimony. You’ve listened to everything she has said here today. Tell us plainly—did you send her a text message that day, inviting
Last Updated : 2025-03-21From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 93. WHERE OUR STORY BEGAN
SOPHIA Caleb’s fingers brushed over the back of my hand in a brief, silent reassurance, his touch grounding me in a moment when my heart felt too fragile to hold still. He gave me a quiet look, one that said everything without speaking a word, before rising from his seat and walking to the witness stand with an ease that could have fooled anyone into thinking he wasn’t carrying the weight of everything that was about to be said. His steps were purposeful, and as he approached the witness box, there was a stillness in the room, as if everyone, even Victor, even Isabella, was holding their breath. Leonard Park’s voice broke the silence, calm and sure as he spoke. “Mr. Foster,” he began, “are you aware that you are the biological father of Miss Sophia Quinn’s unborn child?” Caleb nodded without hesitation. “Yes,” he answered, his voice unwavering. Leonard gave a nod of acknowledgment. “And could you explain to this court how that came to be? Specifically, what happened on th
Last Updated : 2025-03-23From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 94. OVER
SOPHIA The tension inside the courtroom was heavy enough to press against my chest as I watched Victor rise abruptly from his seat. His voice cut through the silence, raw and frantic. “That’s a lie! It’s a lie!” he shouted, his face twisted with fury. His outburst echoed off the courtroom walls, drawing sharp glances from every corner of the room. But before he could say another word, the gavel struck hard against the bench, and the judge’s stern voice sliced clean through the chaos. “Mr. Sinclair,” the judge warned coldly, “this is the last time. Sit down or I will hold you in contempt of court.” Victor glared at the judge with defiance burning in his eyes, but after a long moment, he lowered himself back into his seat, his shoulders rigid, his hands clenched into fists against the table. I could still see the tremor in them from where I sat. Leonard Park, as calm as ever, turned back to Caleb with a quiet nod. “Mr. Foster, you may step down.” Caleb gave a small bow of his
Last Updated : 2025-03-23
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From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms EPILOGUE
MONTHS LATER The early morning sun filtered through the cream-colored curtains of Sophia and Caleb’s bedroom, casting a soft golden glow over the room. It was quiet, peaceful—too peaceful for what was about to happen. Sophia stirred in bed, her brows furrowed slightly as a sharp wave of discomfort ran through her lower back. She shifted, thinking it was just the usual pregnancy ache she’d been dealing with for weeks now. But then, a second wave came... stronger, more distinct, and she gasped, her hand flying to her belly. “Caleb…” she whispered, a mixture of nervousness and urgency in her voice. He stirred beside her, his eyes opening in slow confusion. “Soph? You okay?” “I think…” she breathed, pausing as another contraction hit, this one more intense than the last. “I think the baby’s coming.” That was all Caleb needed to hear. He jumped out of bed in a flash, suddenly wide awake, his mind scrambling to recall everything they had planned. He rushed to grab the hospital
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 20. VOWS, LOVE, AND NEW BEGINNINGS
The day finally came for Ezekiel and Irene's wedding.. The venue was a grand, open-air estate draped in soft white fabrics and adorned with cascading flowers in shades of blush, ivory, and gold. A warm breeze carried the scent of fresh roses through the air, while violins played gently in the background. The crowd was large, filled with dignitaries, friends, family, and loved ones who had gathered to celebrate the long-awaited union. Irene looked breathtaking in a flowing, pearl-white gown that hugged her frame perfectly, her veil trailing behind her like a waterfall of lace. Ezekiel stood at the altar, his face a mixture of nervousness and joy, dressed in an impeccably tailored tuxedo. Alina sat in the second row beside Zander, her fingers laced through his as they both watched the ceremony unfold. She wore a pale pink dress that shimmered softly in the light, her hair pinned in soft curls. A few people from Zander’s family had shown up too....his mother, glowing with pride, and
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 19. FINALLY ACCEPTED
After Zander and Alina left Ezekiel, Irene went back home with him, and for the first time in days, she felt true relief. Finally, the storm had calmed. Ezekiel had taken the first step, and even though it wasn’t a full embrace, it was a beginning. That was all she had ever wanted. Later that day, after they returned home, Alina and Zander were greeted by a surprise—Zander’s grandfather was waiting for them in the grand living room. He sat on his usual armchair, a newspaper resting on the table beside him and a cup of untouched tea growing cold. What surprised Alina most was the soft expression on the old man’s face. “Alina,” he called gently, waving her over. “Come sit.” She glanced at Zander, who gave her a reassuring nod. Alina walked over, heart steady but expectant. Zander’s grandfather had barely spoken a kind word to her since she’d entered the mansion. But ever since the incident with Anna—the exposed plot, the video, the fall down the stairs—his demeanor had changed. Hi
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 18. SHATTERED BONDS
Zander’s grandfather was seething when he was away from Alina and Zander. His cane trembled in his grip as his voice echoed through the room. “How dare she?” he thundered. “How could Anna try to harm Zander’s mother like that? In our home!” The anger in his voice silenced the whispers around him. Everyone, still stunned from the video Alina had shown, stood quietly as the weight of Anna’s betrayal settled over them. Zander’s mother turned toward Alina, her eyes glossy with emotion. She reached out and pulled her into a hug, her voice soft but full of gratitude. “You saved me,” she whispered. “I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if Anna had succeeded. Thank you, Alina.” Before Alina could respond, Zander stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind, drawing her into his chest. “You saved my mom,” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head.After a while, Zander's grandfather called for Alina and Zander's mother to see him.
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 17. THE FALL OF A SCHEME
The scent of disinfectant filled the private hospital room where Anna lay on the bed, her head bandaged, her arm in a sling. Seated beside her was Daniel’s mother, her lips twisted in frustration as she leaned closer to Anna. "This is not how it was supposed to go," she hissed under her breath. “Your foolish stunt only made things worse. And that stupid son of mine—Daniel let Zander record his confession. Now, not only does Zander have the upper hand, but we’re both walking on thin ice.” Anna groaned and sat up slightly, wincing at the pain in her ribs. “Stop blaming me. Grandfather would never turn on me. I’m the one he loves most. I’m the only one who’s always been by his side.” “Love or not,” Daniel’s mother said with narrowed eyes, “you’re lying here, and that woman....Alina...is still walking around like a queen.” Anna’s expression twisted with pain and jealousy. “What hurts the most is that Zander hasn’t even visited me. Not once. I did everything for him. All I wanted w
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 16. A HOUSE DIVIDED
When Zander and Alina returned home, Zander didn’t let her walk. He cradled her gently in his arms and was carrying her toward their bedroom when a sharp voice interrupted their peaceful moment. “Zander, put her down and explain yourself right now!” Standing in the hallway was Daniel’s mother, her face twisted with fury. Beside her stood their grandfather, stone-faced and silent, while Daniel trailed behind them, his face swollen and wrapped in white gauze from the bruises Zander had given him the night before. Zander stopped, but he didn’t set Alina down. He kept his arms firmly around her as his gaze met Daniel’s mother’s accusing eyes. “This is unacceptable!” she spat. “How dare you beat up my son for your characterless wife? What sort of example are you trying to set in this family?” Their grandfather stepped forward, his cane tapping the tiled floor. “We demand an explanation, Zander,” he said in a deep, gruff voice. “You’ve become reckless...beating family, creating sc
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 15. TERMS OF PEACE
Despite her doubts and the warning that her brother would never approve, Alina gave a quiet nod and agreed. There was a strange sense of calm in her decision now. “Honestly,” she said softly, “being married to you feels a lot better than going back and letting my brother choose someone else for me again.” Zander didn’t say anything immediately, but the softness in his eyes said everything. A few seconds later, Alina added, “Still, I want to see him. Ezekiel knows the truth about Matt now, and I think I owe it to both of us to try one more time to talk to him.” Zander reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “That’s not a problem,” he said, his tone gentle. “I’ll take you to see him. I just hope he keeps his hands to himself this time. If he ever lays a finger on you again…” Alina smiled faintly and touched his chest. “He won’t. Not now.” Zander nodded, then leaned back slightly and glanced at her. “Can I make a suggestion?” “Sure.” “I was thinking,” he
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 14. THE GIFT OF LETTING GO
The sound of running water had faded, and a hush fell over the room as Zander stepped out of the bathroom. Steam followed him, curling like mist around the sharp angles of his body. He wore nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, his dark hair damp and clinging to his forehead. The tension that had gripped him earlier had dissolved beneath the warm shower, leaving him quieter, calmer—but no less conflicted. Alina, seated on the edge of the bed, looked up as he entered. Her gaze locked on him, her lips parting slightly in surprise at the sight of him. There was a long pause, a silence that crackled between them, filled with all the things neither had said. Zander reached for the towel around his neck, rubbing it through his hair, and then paused. His eyes met hers, and he spoke in a voice that was low but steady. “I never doubted you,” he said. Alina blinked, unsure of what he meant. “Earlier, when I asked if what that idiot said was true,” he continued, his tone soften
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 13. WHO DO YOU BELIEVE?
Once they entered their bedroom, Alina didn’t waste a second. She pushed Zander gently onto the bed and climbed onto his lap, cupping his face as she captured his lips in a deep, lingering kiss. Her actions were bold, deliberate, and had one very specific goal. Just as their kiss deepened and Zander’s arms found their way around her waist, the door creaked open behind them. Anna stood in the doorway, frozen, eyes wide with horror. A second later, her face crumpled, and she turned and ran away, sobbing. Alina pulled back slowly and rolled off Zander, a sly smile curving her lips as she lay beside him. Zander looked at her, slightly breathless. “What was that smile for?” Alina sat up and brushed her fingers through her hair, still smirking. “Well, she came to my face and warned me earlier tonight. I just thought I’d return the favor... in a way she won’t forget.” Zander blinked at her. “So this was for Anna?” “Partly,” she replied calmly. “Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. B
