LOGINShare
Chapter 11: Business Tensions
Last Updated:
2025-02-02 12:06:51
Related chapters
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 11: Business Tensions
Chapter 11: Business TensionsMarcus's fingers drummed against his mahogany desk as Stanley Chen, head of legal, droned on about shareholder concerns. I watched from the corner office's leather couch, pretending to review quarterly reports while stealing glances at the man who'd turned my world upside down."The board is... uncomfortable," Stanley said carefully, "with recent rumors about your personal life."Marcus's jaw tightened – the only indication that the words had landed. "The board's comfort isn't my priority.""Perhaps it should be." Stanley adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses. "Victoria's been making calls."Of course she had. My hand instinctively moved to my still-flat stomach. Two months of morning sickness and stolen moments had led to this – my ex-future-mother-in-law weaponizing gossip against her own husband."If that's all?" Marcus's voice carried that dangerous edge I'd first heard at the bar, before I knew who he was. Before everything.Stanley hesitated. "There's ta
Last Updated : 2025-02-05His Forbidden Truth Chapter 12: Hidden Connections
Chapter 12: Hidden ConnectionsThe morning sickness hit just as James walked into my office."Are you okay?" His voice carried that familiar concern that used to make my heart flutter. Now it just made my stomach churn harder."Fine," I managed, gripping my desk. "Just... haven't eaten."He frowned, moving closer. Too close. "You've lost weight."*If only*, I thought, knowing the subtle changes in my body were heading in the opposite direction. But James's scrutiny meant something worse – he was watching. Noticing."I'm fine," I repeated, stronger this time. "Did you need something?"He perched on the edge of my desk – a casual gesture that felt like a violation of territory that was no longer his. "Can't I check on my friend?"Friend. The word hung between us like smoke. Two months ago, I'd caught him with my best friend in our bed. Now he wanted to play concerned ex?"I'm busy, James." I gestured to the pile of contracts Marcus had asked me to review. "Some of us actually work."His
Last Updated : 2025-02-13His Forbidden Truth Chapter 13: The Truth of it All
James's phone screen felt like a ticking bomb between us. Marcus's hand tightened on mine as the footage played on loop – his tender touches, my vulnerable moment, all our careful secrets exposed in harsh fluorescent light."Interesting morning routine," James said, his voice deadly quiet. "Tell me, Father, do you hold all your employees' hair back when they're sick?""Get out." Marcus's voice held that dangerous edge I'd first fallen for in the bar. But James didn't move."Or what? You'll fire me? Disinherit me?" He laughed, bitter and sharp. "Go ahead. Give the board another reason to question your judgment."My stomach lurched again, but this time it wasn't morning sickness. It was fear. Pure, cold fear watching everything we'd built start to crumble."What do you want?" I managed to ask.James's eyes snapped to mine, and for a moment I saw the man I'd almost married – hurt, betrayed, but also calculating. Always calculating."The truth would be nice.""The truth?" Marcus stepped f
Last Updated : 2025-02-18His Forbidden Truth Chapter 14: Ultimatums
Chapter 14: UltimatumsVictoria Henderson's smile promised destruction as she glided into my office, manila envelope tapping against her manicured nails. The same nails that had once patted my cheek at holiday parties, calling me "the daughter she never had." The irony wasn't lost on me."Am I interrupting?" Her voice dripped with false concern. "You both look... flushed."Marcus's hand remained at the small of my back, his heat burning through my thin blouse. Not protective – possessive. The distinction mattered, especially now."Mother." His voice carried that dangerous calm I'd first been drawn to at the bar. "This is a surprise.""Is it?" She perched on the edge of my visitor's chair, crossing her legs with practiced elegance. "I thought perhaps you were expecting me. After James's visit."My blood ran cold. Of course they were coordinating. The Henderson family specialty – meticulous destruction wrapped in designer clothing."What do you want?" I asked, surprising myself with my
Last Updated : 2025-02-27His Forbidden Truth Chapter 15: Victoria's Game
Chapter 15: Victoria's GameThe exclusive restaurant Victoria had chosen hummed with power. Every table hosted someone who mattered in our city's hierarchy - politicians dining with donors, celebrities with publicists, business titans with ambitious protégés. The perfect setting for her ambush."Sophia, darling. You look..." Victoria's eyes performed a calculated sweep of my appearance as I approached her corner table, "...tired."I smoothed my dress, suddenly conscious of how I'd selected it to accommodate my still-hidden pregnancy rather than for style. "Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Henderson. Though I admit I was surprised to receive it.""Victoria, please." Her smile never reached her eyes. "We're practically family, aren't we?"The waiter materialized with practiced invisibility, pouring water and reciting specials. Victoria ordered without consulting the menu – evidently a regular. When he recommended wine pairings, I declined with a simple "just water," noting how Victori
Last Updated : 2025-02-28His Forbidden Truth Chapter 16: Corporate Whispers
Chapter 16: Corporate WhispersThe Henderson Industries boardroom felt like a courtroom as I slipped into Marcus's side entrance, careful to avoid the main hallway where executives might spot me. The tension suffocated the space - thick enough to slice with the letter opener on Marcus's immaculate desk.I shouldn't be here. That thought pounded in my head with each heartbeat. But after Victoria's "lunch" yesterday, I needed to see for myself what Marcus was facing.Through the one-way glass, I watched him command the room despite the hostility radiating from several board members. His voice carried that authoritative timbre that still made my stomach flip, even now, even here."The quarterly projections exceed our targets by twelve percent," he stated, gesturing to the presentation. "Our Asian markets have stabilized following the initial disruption."Richard Westover, the silver-haired CFO who'd always reminded me of a particularly smug vulture, cleared his throat. "And yet employee
Last Updated : 2025-02-28His Forbidden Truth Chapter 17: Unexpected Ally
Chapter 17: Unexpected AllyI never thought I'd see Rachel Winters on my doorstep again."You look like hell," were the first words out of her mouth. Same Rachel—designer jeans, cashmere sweater, and the brutal honesty that had once made her my closest friend before she became the woman I caught naked with my fiancé."What are you doing here?" My hand instinctively rested on my stomach, a protective gesture I hadn't realized had become habit.Her eyes dropped to the movement, widening slightly. "So it's true.""If you're here to gloat—""I'm not." She pushed past me into the apartment, the familiar scent of her perfume bringing back unwanted memories. "Trust me, this is the last place I want to be."I shut the door, watching as she scanned my living room with those appraising eyes that had always made me feel just slightly inadequate. "Then why are you here?""Because James is a lying piece of shit, and you deserve to know why." She dropped onto my couch, crossing her legs with casual
Last Updated : 2025-02-28His Forbidden Truth Chapter 18: Hidden Truths
Chapter 18: Hidden Truths"You've got to be kidding me." Emma's voice echoed through the phone as I packed an overnight bag, Marcus moving around my apartment with restless energy, checking windows and pulling blinds."I wish I was," I replied, tucking the envelope with Rachel's evidence into my bag. "The board meeting's tomorrow. We're running out of time.""Then you really need to see what I found." The excitement in my sister's voice was unmistakable. "Remember those archived files from Henderson's early days? The ones Victoria claimed were 'just historical record-keeping'?"I caught Marcus's eye, putting the phone on speaker. "What about them?""I've been digging through them all night. There's a reason Victoria keeps them locked away, and it's not corporate history." Papers rustled on Emma's end. "Marcus, your father had his own scandal. 1982."Marcus froze, his expression shifting to something I couldn't read. "That's impossible. My father was devoted to my mother.""Maybe. But
Last Updated : 2025-02-28
Latest chapter
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 21: Public Exposure
Chapter 21: Public ExposureI woke to the sharp tap of Emma's nails against her phone screen, the sound punctuating the steady beep of hospital monitors. Early morning light filtered through half-drawn blinds, painting stripes across the sterile white sheets."How bad is it?" I asked, my voice still rough with sleep.Emma's head snapped up, relief washing over her tired face. "You're awake." She hesitated, glancing back at her phone. "It's... not great.""Show me."She sighed, passing over her phone. The headline hit me like a physical blow:**HENDERSON SCANDAL: CEO'S AFFAIR WITH SON'S FIANCÉE PRODUCES LOVE CHILD**Below it, that damned photo of Marcus carrying me into the hospital, my limp body cradled against his chest, his face raw with an emotion too intimate for public consumption. The article beneath was worse, filled with "anonymous sources close to the family" detailing our affair, speculating about paternity, questioning Marcus's judgment."Henderson stock?" I asked, already
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 20: Medical Crisis
Chapter 20: Medical CrisisThe headlights swept closer, illuminating the lake house in harsh, accusatory light."Back door," Marcus ordered, already pulling me from the bed. "Now."I grabbed my phone and purse while Marcus snatched up the gun, both of us moving with the desperate urgency of prey. My heart hammered against my ribs as we slipped through the darkened kitchen and out the rear entrance, the cold night air hitting my skin like a slap."The boathouse," Marcus whispered, guiding me down a rocky path I could barely see. Behind us, car doors slammed, voices carrying across the property.Rain plastered my hair to my face as we ran, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps. Marcus's hand gripped mine like an anchor, keeping me steady as we navigated the slippery terrain."Almost there," he murmured, just as my foot caught on a root.I stumbled, pain shooting through my ankle as I fought to stay upright. Marcus caught me before I fell, his arm encircling my waist."I'm fine," I i
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 19: Family ties
Chapter 19: Family TiesMy heart plummeted as I stared at the photo of Emma's ransacked office. "We need to go. Now." Marcus's voice was taut with controlled panic as he grabbed my overnight bag."I need to call Emma," I said, fingers already dialing her number. Each unanswered ring sent my anxiety spiraling higher."Straight to voicemail," I whispered after the third attempt. "Marcus, if Victoria's hurt her—""She wouldn't dare." His jaw clenched as he took my phone, texting Emma with swift, deliberate movements. "Victoria's cruel, but she's calculating. This is intimidation, not violence."I wasn't convinced. "We need to check her apartment.""First, we get you somewhere safe." His hand pressed protectively against the small of my back, guiding me toward the door. "Then I'll find Emma.""I'm coming with you," I insisted, digging my heels in.Marcus turned to face me, his expression softening despite the tension radiating from his body. "Sophia." My name on his lips still sent shive
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 18: Hidden Truths
Chapter 18: Hidden Truths"You've got to be kidding me." Emma's voice echoed through the phone as I packed an overnight bag, Marcus moving around my apartment with restless energy, checking windows and pulling blinds."I wish I was," I replied, tucking the envelope with Rachel's evidence into my bag. "The board meeting's tomorrow. We're running out of time.""Then you really need to see what I found." The excitement in my sister's voice was unmistakable. "Remember those archived files from Henderson's early days? The ones Victoria claimed were 'just historical record-keeping'?"I caught Marcus's eye, putting the phone on speaker. "What about them?""I've been digging through them all night. There's a reason Victoria keeps them locked away, and it's not corporate history." Papers rustled on Emma's end. "Marcus, your father had his own scandal. 1982."Marcus froze, his expression shifting to something I couldn't read. "That's impossible. My father was devoted to my mother.""Maybe. But
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 17: Unexpected Ally
Chapter 17: Unexpected AllyI never thought I'd see Rachel Winters on my doorstep again."You look like hell," were the first words out of her mouth. Same Rachel—designer jeans, cashmere sweater, and the brutal honesty that had once made her my closest friend before she became the woman I caught naked with my fiancé."What are you doing here?" My hand instinctively rested on my stomach, a protective gesture I hadn't realized had become habit.Her eyes dropped to the movement, widening slightly. "So it's true.""If you're here to gloat—""I'm not." She pushed past me into the apartment, the familiar scent of her perfume bringing back unwanted memories. "Trust me, this is the last place I want to be."I shut the door, watching as she scanned my living room with those appraising eyes that had always made me feel just slightly inadequate. "Then why are you here?""Because James is a lying piece of shit, and you deserve to know why." She dropped onto my couch, crossing her legs with casual
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 16: Corporate Whispers
Chapter 16: Corporate WhispersThe Henderson Industries boardroom felt like a courtroom as I slipped into Marcus's side entrance, careful to avoid the main hallway where executives might spot me. The tension suffocated the space - thick enough to slice with the letter opener on Marcus's immaculate desk.I shouldn't be here. That thought pounded in my head with each heartbeat. But after Victoria's "lunch" yesterday, I needed to see for myself what Marcus was facing.Through the one-way glass, I watched him command the room despite the hostility radiating from several board members. His voice carried that authoritative timbre that still made my stomach flip, even now, even here."The quarterly projections exceed our targets by twelve percent," he stated, gesturing to the presentation. "Our Asian markets have stabilized following the initial disruption."Richard Westover, the silver-haired CFO who'd always reminded me of a particularly smug vulture, cleared his throat. "And yet employee
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 15: Victoria's Game
Chapter 15: Victoria's GameThe exclusive restaurant Victoria had chosen hummed with power. Every table hosted someone who mattered in our city's hierarchy - politicians dining with donors, celebrities with publicists, business titans with ambitious protégés. The perfect setting for her ambush."Sophia, darling. You look..." Victoria's eyes performed a calculated sweep of my appearance as I approached her corner table, "...tired."I smoothed my dress, suddenly conscious of how I'd selected it to accommodate my still-hidden pregnancy rather than for style. "Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Henderson. Though I admit I was surprised to receive it.""Victoria, please." Her smile never reached her eyes. "We're practically family, aren't we?"The waiter materialized with practiced invisibility, pouring water and reciting specials. Victoria ordered without consulting the menu – evidently a regular. When he recommended wine pairings, I declined with a simple "just water," noting how Victori
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 14: Ultimatums
Chapter 14: UltimatumsVictoria Henderson's smile promised destruction as she glided into my office, manila envelope tapping against her manicured nails. The same nails that had once patted my cheek at holiday parties, calling me "the daughter she never had." The irony wasn't lost on me."Am I interrupting?" Her voice dripped with false concern. "You both look... flushed."Marcus's hand remained at the small of my back, his heat burning through my thin blouse. Not protective – possessive. The distinction mattered, especially now."Mother." His voice carried that dangerous calm I'd first been drawn to at the bar. "This is a surprise.""Is it?" She perched on the edge of my visitor's chair, crossing her legs with practiced elegance. "I thought perhaps you were expecting me. After James's visit."My blood ran cold. Of course they were coordinating. The Henderson family specialty – meticulous destruction wrapped in designer clothing."What do you want?" I asked, surprising myself with my
His Forbidden Truth Chapter 13: The Truth of it All
James's phone screen felt like a ticking bomb between us. Marcus's hand tightened on mine as the footage played on loop – his tender touches, my vulnerable moment, all our careful secrets exposed in harsh fluorescent light."Interesting morning routine," James said, his voice deadly quiet. "Tell me, Father, do you hold all your employees' hair back when they're sick?""Get out." Marcus's voice held that dangerous edge I'd first fallen for in the bar. But James didn't move."Or what? You'll fire me? Disinherit me?" He laughed, bitter and sharp. "Go ahead. Give the board another reason to question your judgment."My stomach lurched again, but this time it wasn't morning sickness. It was fear. Pure, cold fear watching everything we'd built start to crumble."What do you want?" I managed to ask.James's eyes snapped to mine, and for a moment I saw the man I'd almost married – hurt, betrayed, but also calculating. Always calculating."The truth would be nice.""The truth?" Marcus stepped f
