Share

Chapter Twenty One

Author: Benny Robin
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-01 22:18:48

Shattered Illusions

The First Doubt

Claire sat in Adrian’s office, the world outside moving at its usual chaotic pace, but inside, everything felt… off.

The article exposing Adrian’s supposed criminal empire was still circulating, gaining traction in the media, twisting truths and manipulating facts into a dangerous narrative.

Adrian had handled it with his usual cold precision, but Claire knew—Ava and Damon weren’t finished.

And she was right.

Because the next blow came before she even had time to catch her breath.

Her phone buzzed on the desk. A new anonymous message.

She stared at the screen.

"Maybe you should ask Adrian what happened the night before your arrest. You might not like the answer."

Claire’s breath hitched.

A chill ran down her spine.

She read it again.

And again.

Her fingers tightened around the phone.

No.

This was just another trick.

Another mind game.

But still, the words lingered.

The night before her arrest.

The night everything fell apart.

What the hell did Adria
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter Twenty Two

    Bound by FireThe Aftermath of a KissClaire’s lips still tingled from the force of Adrian’s kiss. It hadn’t been soft or sweet—it had been raw, possessive, a declaration.She should have pulled away.Should have told him that she wasn’t ready to trust him again.But instead?She had let him consume her.Now, as the car weaved through the streets of Manhattan, the silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken truths and dangerous promises.Adrian’s hand rested on his knee, fingers flexing slightly as if he was still holding back something more.Finally, Claire exhaled, tilting her head toward him. “That was reckless.”Adrian smirked slightly, his gaze never leaving the road ahead. “You didn’t seem to mind.”Claire rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “That’s not the point.”Adrian finally turned to her, his dark gaze locking onto hers. “Then what is?”She hesitated.Because she didn’t have an answer.All she knew was that everything was happening too fast, too intensely.She had

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03
  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter Twenty Three

    When the Past Comes KnockingA Ticking Time BombClaire sat in the middle of Adrian’s penthouse, her fingers tangling in the fabric of her dress as she tried to process what had just happened.Adrian had known her before her arrest.He had seen her. Wanted her.Before the betrayal. Before the prison bars. Before she had become the woman she was now.The knowledge unsettled her.Because it changed everything.Adrian had made it seem like their alliance was about power and revenge—but if his true motivation had been her all along?Then this wasn’t just a war.It was personal.And that?That was dangerous.A sharp knock at the penthouse door startled her.She turned, expecting Adrian to answer it.But before he could move—the door swung open.And standing there, his expression hard, unreadable, was Liam Carter.Liam’s ConfrontationClaire’s breath hitched.She hadn’t seen Liam in weeks.Not since he had walked out on Ava.Not since he had realized the truth about the woman he had chosen.

    Last Updated : 2025-03-07
  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter Twenty Four

    Searching for the TruthThe City Feels Different NowClaire walked through the streets of Manhattan, her mind clouded with betrayal, confusion, and doubt.She had spent years thinking she knew exactly who had destroyed her life—Ava and Damon.But now?Now, her own father’s words haunted her."Never trust Adrian Blackwood."Her fingers tightened around the letter Liam had given her, the paper now creased from how many times she had gripped it too tightly.Adrian had said he didn’t betray her.But he hadn’t denied knowing more than he let on.And Claire had spent too long in the dark.She needed to find the truth for herself.Even if it shattered her.Adrian's Loss of ControlBack at Blackwood Tower, Adrian stood at the edge of his penthouse, his hands gripping the balcony railing so tightly his knuckles turned white.Claire was gone.She had walked away.And for the first time in his life, he felt something dangerous, uncontainable.He had always been in control.Always ten steps ahead

    Last Updated : 2025-03-07
  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter Twenty Five

    Caught in the CrossfireThe Storm Before the WarClaire sat in the back of a cab, her fingers trembling as she stared at the crumpled letter in her lap.Her father’s words echoed in her mind."Never trust Adrian Blackwood."But Callahan’s revelation was worse.Adrian had been part of it all.Her father’s final play against Damon, the power struggle that had unraveled into chaos.And when the dust had settled?Adrian had walked away untouched.Claire’s chest tightened.Had he known?Had he stood by and let it happen?The thought made her stomach churn.She had to confront him.Had to know the truth.But just as she reached for her phone—The cab jerked to a stop.She frowned, glancing up.They weren’t anywhere near Blackwood Tower.They were on a quiet, empty street.The hairs on the back of her neck rose.She turned to the driver, her voice sharp. “Why did we stop?”The driver didn’t answer.Because before he could—The back door was yanked open.And two men in dark suits dragged her

    Last Updated : 2025-03-07
  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter Twenty Six

    When the King FallsThe Aftermath of Fire and FuryThe warehouse was silent.The gunshot still echoed in Claire’s ears, even though the smoke was already dissipating into the stale air.Adrian had come for her.And he hadn’t come as a businessman.Not as a billionaire.Not as the controlled, calculated man she had spent months fighting beside.No.Adrian Blackwood had come as a storm.His gun was still aimed at Ava, his finger steady on the trigger.Ava had gone pale, her usual smirk long gone.For the first time, she looked afraid.Claire should have felt triumphant.She had wanted this for so long.To see Ava powerless.But now, as she sat there, her wrists raw from the ropes, she felt something else entirely.Unease.Because this wasn’t just a game anymore.It wasn’t about revenge.It was about who Adrian was willing to become for her.And that?That scared her more than Ava ever could.Ava’s Final GambleAva licked her lips, trying to mask the panic in her eyes.“You’re not going

    Last Updated : 2025-03-07
  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter Twenty Seven

    Running from the DevilA Flight in the NightClaire didn’t stop walking until she was far from Blackwood Tower.Her pulse still roared in her ears, her chest tight with adrenaline.Adrian’s words echoed in her mind."Don’t run from me, Claire. Because if you do… I’ll chase you."And she knew—he meant it.Because Adrian Blackwood didn’t make idle threats.She had seen it firsthand.The way he had almost pulled the trigger on Ava.The way he had burned everything in his path to get to her.And the worst part?She had let him.Claire sucked in a breath, pulling her coat tighter around herself as she stepped into the street.She needed space.Needed to breathe.Because right now?Right now, she wasn’t sure if Adrian was her savior or her downfall.And if she didn’t figure it out soon—she might not get a choice.Adrian's ObsessionAdrian stood in his penthouse, staring at the door she had walked out of.His fingers tightened into fists.She had run.And now?Now, he was going to find her.

    Last Updated : 2025-03-09
  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter Twenty Eight

    No Way OutA War on Two FrontsThe moment Adrian stepped into the room, the air shifted.Claire’s spine stiffened, her heart slamming against her ribs as his dark, unreadable gaze locked onto her.“You’re not going anywhere,” he repeated, his voice calm, but edged with warning.Liam tensed beside her, his fists clenching.Claire inhaled sharply, forcing herself to stay steady.She had spent years learning how to stand her ground.She wasn’t about to start folding now.Her voice was low, firm. “Move, Adrian.”He didn’t.Didn’t blink. Didn’t shift. Didn’t even pretend to consider her words.Instead, he exhaled slowly, tilting his head.And that was always a bad sign.Because when Adrian tilted his head like that—Someone always lost.Liam took a step forward, his shoulders squared. “Let her go, Blackwood.”Adrian’s gaze flickered to him, cold, dismissive. “This isn’t your concern.”Liam’s jaw ticked. “It is now.”Adrian smirked, his voice dropping. “You think you can take her from me?”

    Last Updated : 2025-03-09
  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter Twenty Nine

    The Illusion of FreedomWalking Away Doesn’t Mean She’s FreeClaire walked out of the warehouse, her hands shaking, her mind spinning with everything she had just learned.Adrian had been involved.Not just connected.Not just watching from the sidelines.He had been a part of it.And the worst part?He hadn’t told her.He had let her trust him. Let her fall into this war, thinking they were on the same side.But now?Now, she didn’t know what was real anymore.She felt sick.Like the ground beneath her was crumbling.And the only thing she could do was keep walking.Because if she stopped?She might not be able to move again.Adrian Watches Her GoAdrian didn’t move as he watched Claire walk away.Didn’t call after her. Didn’t stop her.Not yet.Because right now?She wouldn’t believe anything he said.Ava had planned this moment perfectly.Had known exactly where to hit, exactly how to make Claire doubt him.And she had succeeded.For now.Daniel Vaughn stood a few feet away, arms c

    Last Updated : 2025-03-09

Latest chapter

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 122

    The Devil’s PriceThe night air was thick, suffocating, even in its cool embrace.After months of prison walls—gray, suffocating, endless—freedom should have felt like a breath of fresh air.It didn’t.Instead, it felt dangerous.Like a battlefield waiting for its first casualty.And standing at the edge of that battlefield, watching her like a shadow, was Adrian Blackwood.His imposing frame was stiff with restraint, his sharp suit unwrinkled despite the chaos he had caused to get her here. His expression was unreadable as he reached for the car door, swinging it open with a quiet finality."Get in," he ordered.Claire hesitated.Not because she feared him—she never had.But because she knew a truth that most people learned too late:Adrian Blackwood never did anything for free.If he had ripped her from that prison cell?It was because he wanted something in return.She lifted her chin, locking eyes with him for just a second longer than was wise. Then, without a word, she slid into

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 121

    A Battle for FreedomClaire sat on the edge of the stiff infirmary cot, pressing a rag against her wounded side. The fabric was already damp with blood, the dull sting a reminder of just how close Evelyn Shaw’s blade had come.The cut wasn’t deep.But it was enough to remind her—She was running out of time.Evelyn had delivered her first warning.Next time, Claire wouldn’t be lucky.She gritted her teeth as the prison nurse—a middle-aged woman with tired eyes and a guarded expression—wrapped a bandage around her side. The woman’s hands were steady, but the way her gaze flicked around the room made it clear: She knew something Claire didn’t."This is just the start, you know," the nurse muttered under her breath.Claire’s sharp eyes snapped to hers."What do you mean?" she asked, voice low.The nurse hesitated, glancing at the open doorway before leaning in slightly."They’re testing you," she whispered. "Seeing how much fight you have before they finish the job."A cold chill ran dow

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 120

    A Reckoning BeginsClaire wasn’t naïve.She knew that prison didn’t just break people—it swallowed them whole.She had seen it in the hollowed-out faces of inmates who had lost the will to fight. In the whispered threats that carried through the dimly lit corridors. In the way power was not granted but seized.And she refused to be swallowed.For days now, Evelyn Shaw had been watching her.Studying her.Like a predator tracking its prey, waiting for the right moment to strike.But Claire wasn’t going to wait.She was going to act first.Because if there was one thing she had learned from Adrian Blackwood, it was this—Power wasn’t given. It was taken.And in this hellhole?Survival meant being the one to strike first.Adrian’s Ruthless CounterattackAdrian Blackwood stood in his office, his gaze locked on the sprawling cityscape before him.The skyline glittered beneath the night sky, a kingdom of glass and steel—his kingdom.But his mind wasn’t on the view.It was on war.Ava. David

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 119

    The First StrikeThe storm was coming.Claire could feel it in her bones.Prison was already a battlefield—each interaction a game of power, every glance a silent challenge. But the moment Evelyn Shaw stepped into their shared cell, Claire knew the war had just reached a whole new level.Because Evelyn wasn’t just any inmate.She was a hired weapon.A mercenary wrapped in the disguise of a convicted criminal. And Claire had no doubt that someone—whether it was Ava, Liam, or David Carter—had sent her.Evelyn smirked as she tossed her thin mattress onto the cot across from Claire’s.The air between them grew charged, heavy with unspoken threats."Don’t look so nervous, sweetheart," Evelyn murmured, amusement lacing her voice. "I don’t bite… unless I have to."Claire didn’t react.She wouldn’t give this woman the satisfaction.She had learned long ago that fear was a weapon—and she refused to hand Evelyn a blade.Instead, she lifted her chin slightly, keeping her expression impassive, co

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 118

    A Storm UnleashedClaire sat frozen, her heartbeat thundering in her ears.David Carter’s gaze didn’t waver, his message clear.She had stolen something from their family.And now, they were coming for her.For Adrian.For everything.Detective Hale leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching her reaction like a hunter observing its prey."You see, Claire," he said smoothly, his voice a measured blend of amusement and menace, "this isn’t just about the past anymore. You’re caught in the middle of something far bigger than you realize."Claire forced herself to breathe, to remain calm.She couldn’t let them see her fear.Because in a war like this?Fear was weakness.And weakness got you killed.She shifted her gaze toward the one-way mirror, knowing there were more eyes watching her. How deep did this conspiracy go? Who else had Ava and David Carter roped into their vendetta?The door to the interrogation room creaked open, and another officer stepped inside. He whispered someth

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 117

    Shadows of the PastSecrets Never Stay BuriedClaire’s heart stopped.The interrogation room was cold, sterile—designed to make people crack.Detective Marshall Hale leaned forward, his sharp gaze cutting through her like a blade."What do you know about my father’s disappearance?"Claire forced herself to breathe, to push down the rising panic.Her fingers curled into fists beneath the steel table.Richard Hale.She knew that name.Everyone did.A powerful businessman. Ruthless. Corrupt.And—gone.Vanished without a trace years ago, leaving behind whispers of foul play but no proof.And now his son sat across from her, looking at her like she held all the answers.But she didn’t.She barely knew anything about Adrian’s past—at least, not the parts he didn’t want her to know.Her voice came out steady. Calm. Controlled."Why are you asking me this?"Hale’s jaw ticked."You’re Adrian Blackwood’s wife. His closest ally. The person he trusts most."She almost laughed.Trust?Adrian Black

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 116

    A Queen in ChainsThe cold of the prison seeped into Claire’s bones.She sat on the stiff metal bench, staring at the gray walls, her wrists still sore from the cuffs. She had promised herself she’d never be here again.Yet here she was.Accused of fraud. Embezzlement. Corporate espionage.Crimes she did not commit.But none of that mattered. The world believed what it wanted to believe.And Ava had made sure to paint Claire as the perfect villain.The guard’s footsteps echoed down the hall, stopping in front of her cell."You have a visitor," the officer said gruffly.Claire lifted her head, heart racing.For a brief, desperate second, she thought it was Adrian.But when the door opened, and Ava Donovan stepped in, Claire’s stomach turned to steel.The Poisoned SmileAva was dressed to kill.In a sleek designer dress, not a hair out of place, she looked like a woman at the peak of her victory.And she was smirking."Well, well," she purred, stepping closer. "Look where we are."Clair

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 115

    The ArrestThe pounding on the penthouse door shattered the silence.Claire sat up in bed, her breath coming fast. For a split second, she thought she was dreaming.Then she heard it—loud, forceful, undeniable."Open up! This is the police!"Her blood turned to ice.Adrian was already up, throwing on a shirt, his movements sharp, controlled—but Claire could see the flicker of something lethal in his eyes.The pounding grew louder."Adrian," she whispered, her pulse hammering. "What’s happening?"But deep down, she already knew.Ava had made her next move.And this time, she was coming for Claire.Dragged into the FireThe front door burst open.A wave of officers flooded into the penthouse, weapons drawn, their presence suffocating.Claire’s breath caught in her throat.Adrian didn’t flinch. He stood like a king in his castle—untouched, unshaken—but his eyes burned with quiet fury.The lead officer stepped forward. "Adrian Blackwood?" he asked, voice clipped.Adrian’s lips curled in a

  • His Runaway Bride’s Revenge   Chapter 114

    The Fall of a KingFor the first time in his life, Adrian Blackwood was powerless.He stood in his office, staring at the stock market graphs that painted a picture of destruction. Red lines, plummeting numbers, flashing warnings—signs of a kingdom crumbling beneath his feet.His empire was collapsing.And outside, the world watched, hungry for his downfall.The headlines were relentless:BLACKWOOD EMPIRE UNDER GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATIONRICHARD HALE’S DISAPPEARANCE—NEW EVIDENCE POINTS TO ADRIAN BLACKWOODIS THIS THE END FOR THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE?Adrian had fought against powerful men before. He had crushed rivals, outmaneuvered politicians, and turned enemies into ghosts.But this wasn’t a corporate takeover.This wasn’t about business.This was a death sentence.And Ava Donovan had been the one to deliver it.He had underestimated her. He had believed she would break, that she would fold under the weight of his retaliation.Instead, she had burned his empire to the ground.Adrian’

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status