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CH.13
Last Updated:
2025-04-25 20:40:50
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HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.14
ELISEI stop at the entrance of the Westfield Hotel's grand ballroom, taking a moment to absorb the scene.The space has been transformed for tonight. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across marble floors, white orchids and gold accents adorning every table.Glittering decorations and elegant lighting create an atmosphere of opulence that's meant to impress. To others, it looks magnificent. To me, it feels like an elaborate stage set for the performance to come.I arrive late to avoid meeting with my father alone."Champagne, Ms. Blackwood?" A waiter appears beside me, holding a tray of flutes."Thank you." I pick one up, keeping my hands steady despite my racing mind. Tiny bubbles float to the top, catching the light like little trapped stars.My smile feels like a mask glued to my face. Every second in this room requires a performance worthy of an Oscar.Hours earlier, I sent a text to Kieran Westfield's private number that cost me some amount and a promise of future considerat
Last Updated : 2025-04-25HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.15
ELISEI time my move with precision, watching the server with the tray of Dom Pérignon Rosé Gold Methuselah 1996 make his way through the room.Alexander mentioned earlier that each 4 liter bottle costs about 49,000. An extravagance meant to impress the guests.The crystal flutes catch the light from the chandeliers, creating tiny prisms across the polished marble floor.The young server follows his predictable path between the east entrance and the area where the most influential guests have gathered, his white-gloved hands steady despite the fortune he carries.Three, two, one...I step directly into his path, positioning myself so when we collide, the champagne will splash exactly where I need it to.The server's eyes widen in alarm when he realizes what's about to happen, but momentum carries us both forward.I can see the exact moment he recognizes me and the horror that crosses his face at the inevitable collision."Oh!" I gasp as the golden liquid cascades across my gown.The co
Last Updated : 2025-04-26HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.16
ELISEI slip inside Kieran's suite and close the door quietly behind me.The entryway is dark, illuminated only by the ambient city light filtering through distant windows.The air is cooler here and carries a faint scent of cedar and something else. I pause, listening for any sound that might indicate Kieran is already here, but the suite remains silent save for the barely perceptible hum of advanced electronics and the distant muffled sounds of the city eighty floors below.I remove my heels and hold them in one hand to eliminate any sound as I move deeper into the suite.The marble floor is cold against my bare feet, a sensation that heightens my awareness of every detail around me.Following the floor plan in my memory, I turn to the first room on my right which is Kieran's office whenever he stays at the hotel.I place my hand on the door handle, taking a deep breath to steady myself before turning it and stepping inside.The space is exactly as my intelligence suggested: masculi
Last Updated : 2025-04-27HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.17
ELISEKiran’s height and presence are suddenly overwhelming in the confined space.The scent of him registers… an underlying notes of something distinctly masculine. His face remains impassive, but the intensity of his gaze is almost tangible like a physical weight pressing down on me."I have information about Alexander's plans," I choke out, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the sudden dryness and contraction in my throat. "Plans that involve both of us."Kieran doesn't respond.His silence is more unnerving than any question or accusation would be. The coldness in his eyes makes it clear he's measuring every word, every gesture, cataloging them for future reference."He intends to use my technology and patents after our marriage.” The words are coming faster now as they push against the wall of his silence. "Once he has what he needs, he plans to have me declared mentally unstable. My father is helping him. They've already prepared the documentation, selected the facility wh
Last Updated : 2025-04-29HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.1
ELISE"Hurry," Natasha urges in a low voice. "You will soon be called to give your anniversary speech and she'll come looking for us soon."I freeze outside my office door, my hand hovering above the handle. Natasha 's voice stops me from entering."Almost done," Alexander mutters. "That's the last of the safety reports. What about the offshore accounts?"My husband. And my stepsister. In my office. Discussing... what exactly?"Already taken care of. Father signed the transfer papers this morning. The Singapore branch is fully independent now, no CASSOVILE oversight."I hear movement, then Alexander's voice again. "You're brilliant, you know that? Elise never suspected a thing."My name in his mouth feels like a betrayal already. I pull out my phone and start recording."Poor Elise," Natasha 's tone is mocking. "Always so worried about doing the right thing. She never understood that the right thing is whatever makes the most money."My chest tightens as Alexander responds. "Her obses
Last Updated : 2025-04-11HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.2
ELISEThe ride from The Pinnacle to the penthouse is dead silent, except for Natasha's nails tapping away on her phone screen.I stare out the window, watching Rosienne's lights blur together as tears well up in my eyes."Can you stop that?" I mutter, nodding at her fingers.She doesn't even look up. "Stop what?""The tapping. It's driving me crazy."Natasha rolls her eyes but stops, then goes back to scrolling silently.The security team finally let me go back to what used to be my home with Alexander, though they've got some guy stationed in the lobby—"for my protection," they keep saying.Yeah, right."I'll have her stuff sent over to our place," Natasha tells dad, talking about me like I'm not even here. "She shouldn't be alone tonight, but Alexander has to deal with the board meeting... you know, because of everything."Everything. That's their code word for my public "meltdown"—what they're calling my attempt to expose their lies.When the elevator doors open, I step into what
Last Updated : 2025-04-11HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.3
ELISESilence hangs in the study.My father stands before me expressionlessly.He moves toward his desk, fingers hovering over something beneath the mahogany surface."I've only ever tried to keep you safe, Elise," he mutters.His gaze fixes on a point beyond my shoulder, unwilling to meet my eyes. "Even from yourself."A cold sensation creeps up my spine, settling between my shoulder blades. The hair on my arms rises despite the warmth of the room."What do you mean?" My voice comes out smaller than intended, betraying the fear building inside me."It means I've decided." His finger presses down with a quiet click.The heavy oak door swings open almost immediately.Two men enter. They are company security, their dark suits immaculate and their expressions professionally blank. I recognize Mathew, the head of security and his deputy whose name escapes me. Their presence transforms the study from sanctuary to trap in an instant."Dad?" I step backward instinctively, bumping against a l
Last Updated : 2025-04-11HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.4
ELISEI wake up in pieces.Sound comes first. Then feeling rough sheets scratching against my skin.Finally, my eyes crack open to blinding white ceiling tiles glowing under buzzing fluorescent lights."She's waking up," someone says nearby. "Vitals look good."I try to lift my hand to my pounding head, but something stops me. Looking down, I see padded restraints binding my wrists to the bed.My heart starts racing."Where—" My voice breaks, dry as sandpaper. "Where am I?"A woman steps up to the bed. She wears light green scrubs and holds a clipboard to her chest. Her blonde hair is pulled back so tight it looks painful, and her smile never reaches her cold eyes."Good morning, Mrs. Westfield. I'm Nurse Wagner. You're at Pinewood Wellness Center," she says, glancing at her notes. "You arrived about fourteen hours ago."I pull against the restraints, feeling them dig into my skin. "Why am I tied down?" I hate how weak I sound."Standard procedure for new patients who got aggressive d
Last Updated : 2025-04-11
Latest chapter
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.17
ELISEKiran’s height and presence are suddenly overwhelming in the confined space.The scent of him registers… an underlying notes of something distinctly masculine. His face remains impassive, but the intensity of his gaze is almost tangible like a physical weight pressing down on me."I have information about Alexander's plans," I choke out, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the sudden dryness and contraction in my throat. "Plans that involve both of us."Kieran doesn't respond.His silence is more unnerving than any question or accusation would be. The coldness in his eyes makes it clear he's measuring every word, every gesture, cataloging them for future reference."He intends to use my technology and patents after our marriage.” The words are coming faster now as they push against the wall of his silence. "Once he has what he needs, he plans to have me declared mentally unstable. My father is helping him. They've already prepared the documentation, selected the facility wh
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.16
ELISEI slip inside Kieran's suite and close the door quietly behind me.The entryway is dark, illuminated only by the ambient city light filtering through distant windows.The air is cooler here and carries a faint scent of cedar and something else. I pause, listening for any sound that might indicate Kieran is already here, but the suite remains silent save for the barely perceptible hum of advanced electronics and the distant muffled sounds of the city eighty floors below.I remove my heels and hold them in one hand to eliminate any sound as I move deeper into the suite.The marble floor is cold against my bare feet, a sensation that heightens my awareness of every detail around me.Following the floor plan in my memory, I turn to the first room on my right which is Kieran's office whenever he stays at the hotel.I place my hand on the door handle, taking a deep breath to steady myself before turning it and stepping inside.The space is exactly as my intelligence suggested: masculi
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.15
ELISEI time my move with precision, watching the server with the tray of Dom Pérignon Rosé Gold Methuselah 1996 make his way through the room.Alexander mentioned earlier that each 4 liter bottle costs about 49,000. An extravagance meant to impress the guests.The crystal flutes catch the light from the chandeliers, creating tiny prisms across the polished marble floor.The young server follows his predictable path between the east entrance and the area where the most influential guests have gathered, his white-gloved hands steady despite the fortune he carries.Three, two, one...I step directly into his path, positioning myself so when we collide, the champagne will splash exactly where I need it to.The server's eyes widen in alarm when he realizes what's about to happen, but momentum carries us both forward.I can see the exact moment he recognizes me and the horror that crosses his face at the inevitable collision."Oh!" I gasp as the golden liquid cascades across my gown.The co
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.14
ELISEI stop at the entrance of the Westfield Hotel's grand ballroom, taking a moment to absorb the scene.The space has been transformed for tonight. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across marble floors, white orchids and gold accents adorning every table.Glittering decorations and elegant lighting create an atmosphere of opulence that's meant to impress. To others, it looks magnificent. To me, it feels like an elaborate stage set for the performance to come.I arrive late to avoid meeting with my father alone."Champagne, Ms. Blackwood?" A waiter appears beside me, holding a tray of flutes."Thank you." I pick one up, keeping my hands steady despite my racing mind. Tiny bubbles float to the top, catching the light like little trapped stars.My smile feels like a mask glued to my face. Every second in this room requires a performance worthy of an Oscar.Hours earlier, I sent a text to Kieran Westfield's private number that cost me some amount and a promise of future considerat
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.13
ELISEThe makeup brush moves gently over my cheek, adding a little glow to my skin. The sun is slowly setting outside the large windows of my penthouse, covering the city in golden light.I will stand beside Alexander at our pre-wedding gala in less than an hour, smiling for cameras and accepting congratulations from Rosienne's wealthiest people."You have such lovely cheekbones," the makeup artist remarks, tilting my chin to catch the light. "I'm just making them stand out a little more."I give her a small smile, though my mind is busy sorting out tonight's guest list, of who will be useful, who is a threat, and who I still need to figure out.It feels strange. I am preparing for battle while getting ready for a party."Let's make your eyes stand out more," the makeup artist suggests. "It'll match that stunning red dress."That dress. My small act of defiance.Alexander won't like it. He has picked out a blue gown for me. He expects me to wear it. The thought of his controlled frust
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.12
ELISEElla watches me closely. "It definitely makes a statement," she notes. "What message are you trying to send?"I run my fingers over the smooth fabric, considering how much to reveal.Ella has always been loyal until Natasha forced her out. Still I have to be careful."I'm done making choices to please others," I state, meeting her eyes."I see." Her face remains neutral, but something flickers in her gaze. "Does this new mindset go beyond just your wardrobe?"I turn to the window, looking out at the towering city skyline. The sun reflects off the glass buildings, including Blackwood Tower, the place I have poured so much of my life into."Ella, In all the time you’ve worked with me, have I ever asked for your opinion on my father's business?"Her usual calm wavers for a second with eyes widening slightly. "No. You've always kept things professional, never mixing my job with… anything else.""That was a mistake." I turn to face her fully. "I was so busy proving myself in a man's w
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.11
ELISEAlone at last, I stand before the full-length mirror in my bridal suite. The woman staring back at me is both familiar and foreign. In my previous life, this reflection represented my dreams of love and partnership. Now, it symbolizes nothing but my naiveté and blindness."You look perfect," my stylist had gushed in that other timeline, the one where I walked blindly into destruction.I meet my own eyes in the mirror and whisper, "Perfect for revenge," so softly no one could possibly hear.For a moment, I imagine the pristine white fabric of my wedding dress stained with the blood of those who betrayed me, of Alexander, Natasha, my father. The vivid image should disturb me, instead, it brings a cold satisfaction.I turn away from the mirror and move to my desk, pulling out my tablet. The screen lights up with a background photo of Alexander and me, smiling during our engagement party.I swipe it away with disgust.Opening a new document, I title it "Wedding Notes" for anyone who
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.10
EliseDarkness surrounds me.Then light explodes into my vision, harsh and blinding.My eyes burn from the sudden assault. My lungs feel like they're on fire, desperate for oxygen.I gasp wildly, gulping down air like I've been underwater for hours. Each heartbeat pounds through my chest - heavy, insistent and undeniable.I'm alive.But that's impossible!My trembling fingers fly to my throat, searching frantically for a pulse. There it is - strong and steady beneath my skin.I breathe hard, trying to make sense of my surroundings.Golden sunlight pours through half-drawn curtains, painting warm stripes across the comforter covering my legs.This isn't some hospital room. It's my bedroom. My apartment."What the hell?" My voice comes out raspy and broken, like I haven't used it in days.The sound of it sends shivers down my spine.I press my fingertips to my lips, feeling the warmth of my breath against them. This feels too real to be a dream.I push myself up to sitting, surprised by
HEIRESS OF RUIN CH.9
ELISENight has fallen by the time I finally move from the chair.My family left hours ago, yet I stayed frozen in place. The room feels colder now. Shadows stretch across the walls, creeping closer.I drag myself to the tiny bathroom and splash water on my face.The cold barely touches the numbness inside me. When I look up, my reflection stares back. pale skin, hollow eyes… a stranger.Once, I stood in boardrooms, made deals worth millions. Now, six months in this place has drained me, dulled everything sharp inside me."Forever." The word slips from my lips. Heavy. Final. "They're keeping me here forever."A knock at the door startles me. It's not Nurse Wagner’s usual sharp tap. This one's softer. Hesitant.I dry my face with a thin towel, then step back into the room. "Come in."The door opens, revealing Natasha. She stands alone, no longer in her crisp pantsuit. Now, she wears a simple black dress with her hair loose around her shoulders.A tray rests in her hand, holding a small
