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Chapter 19
Last Updated:
2025-02-13 23:59:42
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Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 20
[Addison]But does he believe me? Have I convinced him of my sincerity?Can he feel how my heart is racing, not out of love for him, but the need to escape?Gently, Michael sets me down on the couch, propping me up against some pillows that he gathers from the nearby cushions. With gentle hands, he repositions my body, laying my leg out straight in an attempt to make me comfortable.Now that he believes I want to be here, his entire mood has shifted, his brittle anger melting away. It almost feels like how things were before Evelyn came back into our lives. Walking to his lounge chair, Michael reaches down, his eyes never leaving mine as he picks up the discarded divorce agreement."We won't be needing this anymore now," he smiles at me with renewed hope as he takes my carefully prepared packet and tears it to shreds. I do my best to smile warmly back at him as I pretend that it is what I want as well even though I'm internally screaming in outrage. If he doesn't love me anymore, why
Last Updated : 2025-02-14Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 21
[Addison]When I looked up at my savior, I couldn’t believe it— it was Hunter! As if I had conjured him from my dreams, Hunter Grant appeared like a vision, too wonderful to be real, his strong arms holding me close to his chest. His touch is gentle and strong as he adjusts his grip being careful to avoid my bruises and swollen ankle as he looks me over from head to foot. Finally I settle in, my cheek against his warm wool suit, his natural, masculine scent blended with soap and a faint cologne calming me as I let myself relax in his arms."I have you now," my rescuer promises, cradling me like something precious. "You're safe with me." And I do feel safe, safer than I have in a very long time. Possibly safer than I've ever felt.Hunter looks over his shoulder to glare at my husband, who sputters curses as he stands on the front porch shaking his fist in anger, sweat rolling down his angry red face. Seeing him there with his blonde hair askew, I find myself wondering where the dashi
Last Updated : 2025-02-16Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 22
[Michael][Earlier...]She's gone. I had been upstairs for less than 20 minutes. If I hadn't come downstairs to grab a glass of water, would I have noticed her missing? How long has she been gone?The door is wide open. Could she have made it off the front porch by herself? No. I can't imagine that...Oh gods, what if someone took her? What if she hadn't been lying about the kidnapping. I know she's wrong about Evelyn, but that doesn't mean someone else isn't trying to hurt them both. My head pounds, my ears having the hallow sound of an impending migrane as I rush outside. There is no sign of a struggle, no sign that anyone else has been here at all."ADDY!" maybe she's just sitting in the garden. "ADDISON!"She isn't on the porch, or the garden swing. She isn't sitting on any of the stumps.How could she just vanish.Running inside, my feet slip on the slick floor as they slide on the tattered shreads of our divorce agreement. She had promised to apologize for her mistakes, to make
Last Updated : 2025-02-17Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 23
[Addison][Two Months Later] When I entered the Grant Family manor, it was with the understanding that it would be temporary. “I just need to call Tracy. She’ll help me get back on my feet. I’ll find my own place and then I’ll be out of your hair.” And while I did call Tracy, and she did come over, her response was to leave me there. “Until you recover. This place is a MUCH nicer place to heal than my one bedroom apartment.” What started out as one day turned into ten, and before I knew it two months have passed. Although technically I never accepted the position as Livy’s nanny and tutor, it sorta just…happened. Every morning, the contract sits on the table with a pen waiting for me to sign. And every morning, I take the contract and recycle it, with no intention of signing it. I don’t know why I hesitate. Maybe because it will give me an official spot in their household and I'm not quite ready for that yet--to feel like I belong to this little family. My heart is still aching wi
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 24
The next morning I woke up bright and early to prepare Livy’s special breakfast. She has no food allergies, but she can be very particular about what she eats. Thankfully she loves yogurt and strawberries almost as much as I do. While running errands together, she helped me pick a bright red basket of fresh berries from the market. She ate half of them on the way home, but the other half we’ll have this morning with yogurt, granola, and honey. A nice, balanced breakfast for her special day. But as I enter the kitchen, not only do I see breakfast is already made and waiting, but there is also a large package waiting next to yet another copy of the work contract. “Stubborn man,” I smirk as I push the contract away and lift the lid of the box. Inside is a fine leather briefcase, the kind that looks almost more like a purse, with a long strap and a flap that locks with a shining brass buckle. On a brass plate, my name, Addison Archer Stone, is engraved. It’s beautiful. “Do you like
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 25
[Addison]“Michael Stone,” folding my arms, I glare at him. The nerve of this man! “Maybe I should be asking you that question. Why are you here? Did you have me followed?”How did he find me at Livy’s new school? I have been so careful to not give him any clue as to where I have been staying, and now he’s here, like a bad penny that keeps turning up. Michael’s fists clench as he takes a step forward. “You! Just admit it, Addy, you’re here to get back in my good graces. But guess what,” he takes Evelyn’s hand more firmly in his. “I’m doing just fine without you. If you are ready to apologize I might reconsider. But you will need to come forward and accept charges on the kidnapping and…”“I was the one kidnapped!” I gasp, outraged. “Why would I take blame in my own kidnapping?” I guess I shouldn't be so surprised that still believes Evelyn’s lie. In his mind, she has become faultless. Hunter takes a step forward. Holding out his hand he presents Michael with his business card. “Please
Last Updated : 2025-02-23Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 26
[Addison] I can hear my blood rushing through my ears as I race to place myself in between the two children. I am barely able to shield Livy’s body with my own before Jayson lands a hard kick in my side, about where Livy’s head would have been. “Control your son!” A harsh voice barks behind me. It is only when his firm hands reach down to help me stand that I realize it is Hunter, coming to my rescue again. “Hunter, it’s okay. He can’t hurt me,” I remind him as he picks Livy off the ground. She buries her head in his chest, her body shaking. I expected Michael and Evelyn to be right behind me, but apparently, they were less concerned about the situation than I was, because rather than do their part to mediate the situation, Michael was pointing his finger in this direction while speaking to Ms. McKenna. I don’t know what he is saying to her, but by the look of horror on her face, I can only imagine it is more lies. “You are a bad mother!” Jayson screams as he continues to kick m
Last Updated : 2025-02-23Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 27
[Michael]What a disaster.Addy is acting so strangely. First, she left me for another guy, and now she's standing up to me, talking back, defending some little girl she doesn't even know. She doesn't even look like herself anymore. I hate her new haircut, and who is she kidding with those shoes? Red leather pumps and a cream-colored suit to drop someone off at school? When did she become so stylish?And shameless, flaunting her lover like a trophy husband. Seeing how he protected her makes my skin crawl. He says he's her employer, but I don't buy that for a minute. I looked into him. Mr. Hunter Grant is a notorious playboy. He has a string of broken hearts, girls who dream of being the lady of the manor.How the hell did Addy get involved with him? She hardly ever goes out. Did they run into each other at a charity auction? During a case? It's a fucking mystery.What does he even see in her? She's only conventionally pretty and average in bed. He must have a reason for wanting her, bu
Last Updated : 2025-02-23
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Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 44
[Hunter]She’s so lovely in the gentle light of the living room as she enjoys the meal I made for her. I’ve never cooked for anyone other than Livy and Janie in the past. None of the women I’ve dated have ever been this intimate with me.They were never family. And even though Addison and I are not a couple, she’s closer to being family than I have felt in a very long time. I wonder if this is what it would feel like to have a partner, someone to share my life and my burdens with. If only I could share all of them with her, tell Addison about everything. I could use a sympathetic ear. But if Addison were to know the true nature of my work, of my mission, not just my job for the government, but my own private revenge, it could make all of my careful work fall and shatter around us. No, it’s better that it remains this way. I can’t let anyone get too close. It’ll only lead to more pain.Besides, who knows, she may still be a spy. This could all be a very carefully crafted act, a hon
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 43
[Addison]Hunter took us home. Seeing how shaken I was, he took the initiative, having the maids draw a bath while he made us all beef stroganoff and decanted a bottle of red wine. By the time I was clean and dry, Livy had already eaten, her messy plate sitting on the counter while Hunter stood in the kitchen washing dishes. “Don’t you have people to do that for you,” I made my best attempt at a joke, only for it to sound flat in the large empty room. “Taking care of others helps me settle my mind,” his deep voice rumbles as he looks up from the dishes and my gaze connects with his. His deep blue eyes, almost black in this light, crease with worry even as he makes his best effort to smile. “It’s been a very long day.”Pausing at his task, he rinses the soap from his hands and then sets about making me a plate of food. I offer to do that myself, but he shoos me from the kitchen, insisting I take a seat at the table. The lighting is dim, a glass of red wine resting next to a cup of
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 42
[Addison] I’m too tired in both body and spirit to deal with all of this nonsense. Now that Michael and Evelyn have arrived back home, Evelyn is screaming, Michael is demanding to know the truth, and I…well I just want to go home. Because this house isn’t my home anymore. While the Grant estate isn’t my home either, it is at least a safe place to rest. I’m making my own home now, one piece at a time. Evelyn’s hands are on her hips, her eyes burning with self-righteous fury as if I had somehow wronged her. Before I had realized the truth about how little Michael cares about me, I might have wasted my time and energy trying to explain myself. But what’s the point of any of that? He’s going to believe what he wants. Besides, I’m done trying with him. I just want him to let go. “Do you want to get the police involved,” I sigh wearily looking back at the car where Livy is thankfully resting under the watchful eye of one of the guards. “Because then I’d have to be honest about everyt
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 41
[Addison]Livy walks around me, holding out her hand to the strange man greeting him like an old friend. The man bends down and greets her, apologizing for his tardiness.“Sorry, Young Miss,” the man bows over her little hand. “Mr. Grant sent us to assist just in case you needed help, but it looks like we were a little too late.” He frowns, looking at my son, who is still lying flat on the road. He is moaning and making a fuss, so I can tell he’s not too badly injured, despite the blood which seems to be everywhere. “Who are you?” I demand as I remain kneeled next to Jayson. “And how did you know we’d need help?” “My name is Mr. Carpenter, and I am the Head of Security at Grant Group,” he helps me stand, his warm calloused hand keeping me steady. “As for why we are here, Mr. Grant has all of his employees and members of his household tracked for emergencies such as this one.” He nods towards Livy. “He’d never put his most precious people at risk.” I take another look at my son and
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 40
[Addison]Finally unclenching my fist, I fiddle with the lock of the handcuff, using the key that I had fought so hard to claim from my willful, naughty son. Livy's in trouble. I can hear her screaming. His attack, which must have felt like it came out of nowhere, probably put her into one of her rages. Her autism makes it hard for her to transition from one task to the next, and any interruption can lead to at least a snappy reply or a grump or two.And that's with a warning. I doubt Jayson said, "Hey Livy, I'm going to hit you with a bat!" Not only that, but Livy was also reading about one of her favorite things. I can't even imagine the level of anger and upset she must be feeling right now, the emotional pain in addition to the physical pain of being battered by a larger kid. Somebody taught Jayson how to fight. Not just kid playground stuff, but real dirty adult fighting. Even with Livy's strength and intensity during one of her attacks, she doesn't stand a chance against my ve
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 39
[Addison] I’m so sorry Jayson. I failed you as a parent. “You don’t need Mr. Jersey, or Mr. D, or any of them,” I hold out my hand, the one that isn’t cuffed to the bed, and plead with my little boy. I remember how sweet he was, just one year old, when Michael brought him home. How can such a sweet, innocent child turn into someone who would give his own mother to criminals. And I am his mother in every way. I may not have carried him in my body, but I have carried him in my heart for these last five years. I shouldn’t have ever left him behind. “Come on JayJay,” I call out, “I’m sorry your dad left you here alone. How about this, I can take you to my new place. It’s big enough, we can get you a room of your own. And your dad can pick you up there when he’s back from his trip. “NO!” he shouts, angered at the idea of us leaving here. “This is our home! You are going to stay right here with me.” He reaches into his shirt and pulls out a very tiny key on a small chain. Jayson d
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 38
[Jayson]I knew it was important to keep Mama Evelyn's secret, even before I knew I should call her "Mama." That came later when she returned."Remember to keep my secret," Evelyn kissed my cheek giving me a special fairy stamp as I left the classroom. It shimmered in the light like real magic. I wanted to see her again. I wanted to take her home with me. But I had to say goodbye.When I got home, I tried to keep her secret, but I was excited about my day so I Told my mom we had a special substitute. "Her name was Ev..." I stopped myself, but then my mom kept asking questions. Annoying questions. "Who? Do I know her? Did she give you that stamp? What did she look like"The questions came so fast that I know I said too much. She didn't learn her real name, but the damage was already done. The next day, Miss Daphne was back and I knew why. I did it. It was all my fault. I told my mom too much and I was certain that was why my special friend was lost. That night, at dinner was so ma
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 37
[Jayson] Mr. D is my friend. I know he is because Mama Evelyn said I could trust him. He has an office in the shiniest building I’ve ever seen. Everything shines from the rooftop to the doors and the edges of the windows. Even Mr. D. shines with his perfect smile. All of his friends are tough, like superheroes. They fight against injustice and have shiny guns and all of them have secret identities and secret names that they made me swear never to tell. They also know how to chop someone in half with their bare hands, just like Sensei Kai from Big Battle Monster Force. One year for Halloween, Mr. D even dressed as Sensi Kai and showed me how a "real man" takes care of business. "Someday, Ace, you'll be a fighter like me," Mr. D told me. "You might not know this, but you're special. Extra special. I don't teach just anyone." Maybe, I'm meant to learn from him, just like the Monster Force learns from Mr. D. I once asked if I'd have my Monster Force and he grinned. "Of course, Ace.
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 36
[Addison] Who is this child and what has he done with my sweet little angel? I thought I knew Jayson, that I understood him. I raised him for the last five years, from the time Michael found him in that dumpster at the age of one. But my little boy would never do something like this, something so malicious and calculating. “Jayson,” tugging at the cuff, I test it to see if it will let me go, like many toy cuffs will. But they don’t. I’m stuck tight. “Let Mama go, Jayson. This isn’t funny.” My son ignores me, pulling his tablet down from where I stored it, and opening it up. Pressing a button with Evelyn’s smiling face labeled “Mama,” he waits patiently for her to pick up the phone. She doesn’t reply, but I watch as he leaves her a video message. “Look Mama,” not Mama Evelyn, “I trapped her for you, just like you wanted. Let Daddy know, okay.” He flips the camera around to show them that I’m securely attached to the headboard of his bed. “Michael Stone, when I get free I’m
