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Chapter 20
Last Updated:
2025-02-14 08:49:54
VictoryAnne ViceDo you think she'll make it out of there? Or has she jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire? If you are enjoying this story so far, consider leaving it a gem or two in appreciation. Thank you for reading my story :)
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Heart 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 : 2025-02-23Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 28
[Addison] Five interviews. That’s how many times I’ve been rejected without being seen. My first interview was called off without an explanation, canceling it only minutes before I entered the building. The second interview I had arranged was canceled the night before. Today's interview, scheduled at 9 am, is with the law firm, Maverick and Sons. While not on the top of my list, is still a fine company. The pay isn’t as good, and the benefits are moderate, but it’s a foot in the door and that’s really all I can ask for as I start over. “We’re sorry, Mrs. Stone, but we’ll need to reschedule your interview to next week, our interviewer has had some home complications and…” The receptionist at the other end of the call rattled on. I’m not feeling very compelled to listen. I know what I need to know from the apologetic tone of her voice. I’m being sent away, again, before anyone has had a chance to meet me. Frustrated, I reschedule and then hang up. It’s hopeless. I’ll have to l
Last Updated : 2025-02-28
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Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 80
[Hunter]In a suit and tie, my tattoos are invisible, allowing me to be the person the investors expect me to be while I run the day to day workings of a fortune 100 company. As far as the upstanding part of NYC business is aware, Hazardous and Hunter Grant are not the same person. I work hard to keep my two lives separate. Just like DeBrassy does with his identity, Mr. D., we both know who the other man is, but in the boardroom, we pretend not to be criminals, and in spaces like these, we are done pretending. Here, we get to be the beasts we truly are.In some ways, this criminal underworld is more real than reality. It's more visceral, sensual, and alive. Nothing is off limits. Everything is possible. For some, it can be paradise. For others, Hell. And as far as I'm concerned, it's the furthest place I ever want Addy or Livy to be. I never want them to know this side of me, to see the gutters I need to swim in to preserve their safe world.Because tonight I dance with the devil to
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 79
[Hunter]Addison shines like a gem tonight, an elegant professional speaking with other like-minded people passionate about the same type of work. She was born to this. She might not realize it yet, but this is where she was always meant to be. She's standing next to the professor, laughing at something another legal guru from one of the finest firms in NYC said, meeting his verbal jabs with equal skill. Seeing her like this makes my heart feel lighter. After everything she's been through to get to this point, she deserves to be the bright star of this evening. I wish I could spend it with her. But I need to take care of business--dark dealings with the type of sinister low-lifes I plan to keep her from ever encountering. I would never want this filth to tarnish her shine. Silently signaling my lieutenant, I pretend to take a work call and excuse myself, leaving Addison in Charley's careful care. "I might not be back," I apologize. "This is a big deal, we can...""We can check in la
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 78
[Michael]The grim armed woman takes a step forward, blocking me from Addison's view."It's time for you to go, Mr. Stone," she repeats. "Now." Standing my ground, I refuse to move. She won't shoot me, not in front of all these people, all these lawyers. She'd be thrown behind bars. "Grant Group has a restraining order placed against you, Mr. Stone, and if you do not leave the premises immediately, I am authorized to use force if necessary." The woman tilts her head, watching, waiting for an excuse to follow through on her promise. Hundreds of eyes are watching us, hearing everything as we spill our family secrets on the floor of this grand ballroom, our words flying to smash into one another.Addison is angrier than I've ever seen her, an avenging angel, glaring at me with eyes of burning steel. Next to her is a tall, dark-skinned woman who, unlike the rest of those gathered, wears a no-nonsense suit, her hand hovering over a gun.She means business. And her business, from her sta
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 77
[Addison]“Oh, it looks like I’m late,” my ex-husband laughs, his hands in his pockets as he surveys the scene. “And with so many of my friends here, too. Hi Steve,” Michael waves to a man standing by the bar. "How's Cheryl?" Swaggering into the room, my ex parts the crowd until he's standing only a few feet away. Looking above my head, he sees the sign saying "Happy Divorce Day," and he smirks, his eyes flashing with sarcastic mirth. "Really, Addy? Just come home already. This game is getting old." Reaching forward, Michael holds out his hand to take mine. Taking a step back, I glare as I look around the room. Hunter is gone, Carter is now missing, and Charley is doing her best to make it to my side without causing an even bigger scene. I'm alone. "Michael, this isn't a game," I try to keep my voice low, even though this has already drawn the attention of most of the people in the room. "And I have a restraining order. You shouldn't be here right now. Why are you here?"Michael
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 76
[Michael][Earlier that evening]I can't wait to get the heck out of this office. Jayson's at my mother's for the weekend. I couldn't bear to be around my son after receiving the note from my attorney telling me that not only was my evidence rejected, but that my wife, MY WIFE, has been granted her divorce appeal without making any of the concessions I requested.Not only that, but her nosy old law professor, Dr. McCannon, filed a restraining order against me on her behalf. I was shocked to learn that tough old lizard is still alive. He's got to be what, like 102?Evelyn is out tonight, something about needing to see Mr. D, so I'm here, trying to see if there isn't some way I can contest the divorce. I mean, it can't be over, can it? Not really. Addy wouldn't leave me. She promised she'd stay with me forever. Until death do us part. "Sir," my new secretary, Cindy, saunters in. Mr. D sent her over, said my last one was "offensive." She places a whiskey sour next to my mousepad, and I
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 75
[Addison]The sharply-dressed young man holding me in his arms has a swoonworthy smile warm enough to melt hearts. Pretty like a model, his features are an exotic blend of cultures with full, soft lips, high, sharp cheekbones, and wide, cola-colored eyes that sparkle with amusement as he glances at me through a curtain of straight auburn brown hair. “It’s a good thing I was here to catch you,” he grins slyly, although his voice is bright with concern. “Are you okay, Miss…?"“Ms. Archer,” I hold out my hand to shake. “Addison Archer,” I nod in the direction of the congratulations sign. “The new divorcee.” “Ah,” his grin brightens. "Perfect, you're just the person I was sent to look for." Helping me stand, he takes my hand and bows over it in a very formal gesture of respect. "On behalf of my law firm, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Adam. Adam Wright. I work for CCRP Law Group, and we heard you have potential." He pulls a card from the inner pocket
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 74
[Addison]Mr. Carter introduced me to his fiancée, Kate, and we hit it off immediately. She’s classy, smart, and has a knack for noticing the small things that others miss and pointing them out to me with no small amount of hilarity. “So you see how she’s walking with a slight hesitation on her left leg,” my new friend points out a beautiful red head with hair with bright blue eyes, and a tight white gown. “Her date, Mr. Danvers, has a thing for dancers. Likes his girls…flexible,” she smirks. Realising her implications, I gasp. “But he’s at least 80!” “Well, love knows no age.” The edge of her lip twists upward as a demure eyebrow lifts just slightly. “Look again, see how broad the shoulders are on his suit? When he was a young man, he was a star polo player and rugby champion. It was 50 years ago, but I bet he still keeps fit.”Blushing, I struggle to NOT think about what she is suggesting as she leads me towards the entrance, where I am surprised to see another friendly face. “Tr
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 73
[Hunter]“HUNTER NO!!!!!!!”Addison is screaming, her voice gut-wrenching, as with eyes open but not conscious, she grabs my chest. Holding her close to my heart, I soothe her, saying her name and rubbing her back as I kiss her hair, rocking back and forth.“Addison! Addy! It’s okay.” She is so terrified, so lost and unaware of what is real and what isn’t. It is a trauma response, one I’ve seen in survivors before. Whatever happened to her as a child must have been worse than she has told me. Something so bad she can't even let herself remember it fully. I know that feeling. I have them too.“Please, Addy, come back to me," I beg, forcing my voice to stay strong even though a part of me wants to hide in a corner with her. "I've got you. You're safe." It takes several minutes for her eyes to focus and her face to show signs of recognition. “Hunter, you’re not dead?”“Shh,” I move one of her strands of hair behind her ear. Her elegant updo is a bit mussed now, making her look even more
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashed Chapter 72
[Addison]Standing at the top of the stairs, I feel like a princess waiting to enter the ballroom and meet her handsome prince. My hands are shaking as I grip the railing. What if he doesn’t like the dress?What if he does? Taking a deep breath, I make my slow descent, my silver pumps clicking delicately on the marble floors.The dress Charley helped pick out is a periwinkle blue made of a beautiful sequined fabric that casts rainbows as I move. The bodice is a fitted corset with a neckline so low, I have to be taped into it to stay in place, and it flairs out over my hips into a full circle skirt that reaches down to my knees. The whole dress is covered in hand-beading, giving it a nice weight and an expensive feel. Charley wouldn’t let me see the price tag. Not after how I reacted when I saw the additional cost of the jewelry. Instead of a traditional string of pearls or a sensible scarf, I’m wearing a body cage in the shape of a cape, dripping jewels from my neck in every direct
