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Chapter 13: The Birthmark Revelation
Last Updated:
2024-11-17 17:39:03
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In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 14: Boundaries Redefined
Violet sat in Clyde’s office, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her blouse. She still wasn’t entirely sure how she’d ended up in this position. Clyde had called her that morning, and before she could wrap her head around what was happening, he’d casually announced, “You’re my assistant now.”That sounded simple enough, but Violet wasn't naive. She knew this would be anything but an ordinary job with Clyde's stepmother and stepsister lurking around every corner. Things had started well enough: Violet had sorted Clyde's schedule, fielded a few calls, and even managed to impress him with her multitasking. Her moment of bliss was short-lived as his stepmother, Sharon, and stepsister, Eva, burst into the office. "Violet," Sharon said with honey-tinged venom, "why don't you fetch us some coffee? Two sugars for me and cream for Eva."Violet hesitated, looking over to Clyde, who was too busy on his laptop. "Didn't you hear her?" Eva snapped, flipping her hair. "She said coffee." Viol
Last Updated : 2024-11-25In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 15: The Trap
Clyde's stepmother, Sharon, sat pacing up and down in her excessively elaborate living room. The shining red varnish on her nails tapped against the champagne flute with rhythmic precision. Her mind took her through plots and subplots. Across her, on the plush velvet couch, sat her daughter Eva, who regarded her mother with a mixed expression of admiration and impatience.We've tried everything," Eva said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "The DNA test, the birthmark, every angle we've used to discredit Violet has backfired. She's practically untouchable now." "Not untouchable," Sharon corrected tartly, her eyes narrowing. "We've just been going about it the wrong way. If we can't prove she's not Violet West, we'll ruin her another way. We'll take her down along with Clyde.Eva's eyes widened in interest. "What do you mean?"Sharon smiled-cold, calculated. "People already think it's suspicious how fast Clyde and Violet have become such close allies. Whispers have started regardin
Last Updated : 2024-11-25In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 16: The Return of Lily
The grand West mansion sizzled with anticipation when the sleek black car swung into its driveway. Clyde's ex-fiancée, Lily Harrington, got out, perfectly manicured fingers adjusting her designer sunglasses. She looked upon the estate with a calculating smirk; her sharp features gleamed brightly in a fusion of beauty and menace. She had returned to claim what she felt belonged to her, and she wasn't leaving without a fight.Sharon and Eva were already concocting their next move against Violet inside the mansion. When the butler announced Lily's arrival, both women exchanged knowing glances. "Perfect timing," Sharon said with an arching smile. "She's just the ally we need."Eva's eyes shone with mischievous intent. "Lily always managed to get a rise out of Clyde. If anyone can help us drive a wedge between him and Violet, she can." The ReunionLily sashayed into the grand living room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Sharon and Eva rose to greet her, their expressions w
Last Updated : 2024-11-26In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 17: Unwelcome News
That evening, the West family mansion buzzed with increased activity. The dining hall had fresh white lilies on the table and a hint of gold on every decoration. It surely was something more important than just a family dinner. Violet sat quietly at one end of the table, her eyes straying to Clyde, who seemed uneasier by the minute. Across from him sat Lily Harrington, perfectly attired in a glossy black evening gown that matched the sumptuousness of the room. A serene smile covered an assured undertone of entitlement.Sharon and Eva, who sat quite close, exchanged knowing glances. They both seemed a bit too involved in the outcome of the evening. The patriarch Richard West entered last, claiming the space in the center. With his pleased smile, he sat at the head of the table and raised his glass to silence the people.Good evening, everyone," Richard began, his tone appropriately warm yet formal. "Tonight's dinner is more than just a family gathering. I have an important announcement
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As the night wore on, the West mansion was wrapped in silent splendor. Antique paintings, elegant chandeliers, and faint creaks and whispers of evening breeze teased its halls. And Lily Harrington, never one to waste an opportunity, had made herself comfortable in one of the mansion's opulent guest rooms. Of course, she had planned this moment from the instant she'd arrived calculated attempt at solidifying her position as Clyde's fiancée, willing or not.Lily's Bold MoveWrapped in a clinging silk robe, Lily sashayed down the hall towards Clyde's room. Her bare feet made barely any sound on the plush carpet as she recited her lines in her head. She had decided that tonight would be the night to remind Clyde of what he should feel for her—or at least make him rethink his disobedience.She reached his door, hesitated a moment, and slipped inside. Clyde's room was in semi-darkness, with only the warm glow of a bedside lamp illuminating his firm profile as he sat at his desk, poring over
Last Updated : 2024-11-26In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 19: Early Morning Trap
Soft morning sun rays managed to drill their way into the West mansion, casting golden hues on its intricately carved hallways and rooms. In the kitchen, Violet was leaning against the counter, peeling an orange. She loved such rare moments of tranquility before the storm of activity that was sure to erupt soon.As she popped a slice into her mouth, Sharon entered, her steps deliberate, her smile overly pleasant. Violet looked up, slightly surprised."Good morning, Violet," Sharon greeted, her tone unusually sweet."Good morning, Mrs. West," Violet returned with a polite greeting, sensing something was off.Sharon walked over to the counter, picking up a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. "Here, have some juice. It's good to start the day with something refreshing."Violet demurred but took the glass, considering it a friendly gesture. After a few sips, Violet was sure Sharon kept looking at her.Sharon clapped her hands together, simulating urgency. "Oh, by the way, Violet, one
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The early afternoon sun poured through the tall windows of the West mansion as Violet stood in her room, sorting through her things. She had spent the morning mulling over Richard's words, his offer still fresh in her mind had told her she could go back to her acting career if being Clyde's assistant was too much for her. While she was grateful for it, it seemed a confirmation of some sort that her time in this house was almost over.It was with a dress folded into her suitcase that the tapping on the door came."Come on in," Violet called.The door creaked open, and there he was, framed in the doorway and making the gloomy room bright. "Violet! I miss you!""Olivia!" Violet exclaimed, hurrying to embrace her friend.Memories StirringThe two women hugged tight, and Olivia stepped back, her gaze wandering to the large room. She wrinkled her brow slightly. "It's weird, but I feel like I've been here before."Violet cocked an eyebrow. "Really? Perhaps you have been to a party here befor
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The dining room of the West family buzzed with conversation, where Violet had sat quietly with her hands folded in her lap. He had just sprung on her that her future husband's family would visit later in the evening, and it had made Violet agree. But with a knot deep down, her mind kept up with better reasoning that it was her necessary step to enter their family.Across the table, Clyde sat rigidly, his jaw clenched as his gaze remained fixed on Violet. Every word she had spoken earlier about accepting the marriage arrangements echoed in his mind, fueling a wave of anger and pain he could barely suppress.“I’ll do it,” Violet had said earlier, her voice steady but devoid of enthusiasm. “If this is best for the family, I’ll accept the marriage arrangements.”Richard beamed, seemingly pleased. "Excellent, Violet. This will strengthen the West name and see that you are well taken care of."Clyde had barely been able to contain himself at the time. The thought of Violet marrying another
Last Updated : 2024-12-05
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In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 79: Violet Real Father
Richard West and Clyde, along with the investigator Harris, meticulously crafted their plan toensure Sharon and Leo Levine could no longer pose a threat to their family or company. Withthe information they had gathered, including accounts of Sharon’s embezzlement and Leo’s rolein orchestrating illicit activities, they were ready to make their move.Harris had tracked Sharon and Leo to a remote hideout, where they were finalizing plans tosabotage both West Media and Clyde’s personal life. The duo was growing reckless, andSharon’s desperation was evident. She was constantly looking over her shoulder, her paranoiagrowing. Leo, however, seemed calm and composed, as if he thrived on the chaos.“We need to strike when they least expect it,” Clyde said as he stood beside his father in theestate’s study.Richard nodded. “And this time, we’ll make sure they can’t slither out of the charges. They’vecaused enough damage.With the help of local law enforcement and Harris’s team, Richard a
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 78: West Media Company Resonate
“His name is Victor Laine,” Harris revealed. “He’s a known criminal with ties to organized crime.He’s the one funding Sharon’s operations. I’ve gathered that Sharon and Eva have beenworking with him to secure their position and take control of your assets.”Richard slammed his fist on the table. “I knew Sharon was manipulative, but this… this istreason.”Clyde’s jaw tightened. “And Eva? What’s her role in all of this?”Harris sighed. “Eva has been Sharon’s right-hand woman. She’s been feeding Sharoninformation about your business dealings and orchestrating schemes to weaken your position.The kidnapping of Olivia was their latest plan—they wanted to leverage her to gain control overyou, Clyde.”Clyde’s hands balled into fists. “They’ll pay for this.”Harris wasn’t finished. He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “There’s one more thing. Sharonand Leo are planning something big. They’ve been gathering resources and making moves. Ibelieve they’re preparing to strike again, and th
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 77: Dad Return
The days that followed Clyde’s declaration were peaceful at first. He reinforced the securityaround his estate, deploying bodyguards to patrol every corner of the West Estate. Theirpresence was a stark reminder of the danger still lurking in the shadows, but it gave everyoneinside a sense of safety. Violet stayed close to Olivia, who was recovering slowly but surely,while Clyde made frequent calls to check on their father’s arrangements to return home.One late afternoon, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the sound of a car pulling up to theestate caught their attention. Clyde rushed outside, his heart racing with excitement. The sleekblack car came to a stop, and Richard, Clyde’s father, stepped out.“Dad!” Clyde called out, running to embrace him.Richard smiled, though his face still bore traces of the ordeal he’d endured. “Clyde, my boy,” hesaid, his voice gruff with emotion. “It’s good to be home.”Inside, the reunion was heartwarming. Richard was introduced to Violet a
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 76: The true sister found
As Clyde opened the door cautiously, his eyes narrowed as he saw Eva, his half-sister, standingat the doorway, hurriedly adjusting her coat. Her lips curved into a sly smile as she saw him.“Oh, you guys are finally back,” Eva said mockingly, her eyes darting between Clyde, Violet, andOlivia, who was leaning against Violet for support. “What a surprise.”Violet’s heart raced as she stared at Eva. The tension between them was palpable. Beforeanyone could say anything further, a sleek black car parked just outside honked impatiently. Thedriver, a man with piercing eyes, rolled down his window slightly, his gaze locking onto Clydeand the others.From inside the car, the man’s attention shifted to Violet. His brows furrowed slightly, hisexpression hardening as if her face struck a chord of recognition. He didn’t say anything butkept his sharp gaze fixed on her, his demeanor unreadable.Eva’s mocking smile deepened as she noticed the man’s reaction. “Sweetheart, I’m on my way,”she
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 75: The hospital escape
“Yes, ma’am,” the voice replied, the fear evident.Sharon ended the call, her fingers trembling with a mix of anger and panic. She paced herlavish office, her heels clicking against the marble floor, plotting her next move. This wasn’t justabout silencing Olivia; it was about maintaining control, about keeping secrets buried deep.Back at the hospital, Clyde and Violet stayed close to Olivia, unaware of the storm brewing.They whispered softly to each other, sharing moments of vulnerability and connection, as if theintensity of the night had stripped away their defenses. The flickering emotions between themwere undeniable, but their focus remained on Olivia’s recovery.Meanwhile, Sharon’s men moved with precision. Dressed as hospital staff, they blendedseamlessly into the bustling environment, their eyes scanning for any sign of Olivia’s room. Theplan was simple: extract Olivia before she could reveal anything that might threaten Sharon’scarefully constructed façade.The hospit
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 74: RUNNING FOR SAFETY
“Clyde, we need to lose them,” Violet urged, her voice strained. “Olivia doesn’t have much time.”“I’m trying,” Clyde replied, his jaw tight. He took another sharp turn, the tires screeching againstthe asphalt. They were nearing the outskirts of the city, where the streets became less crowded.“There’s a hospital not far from here. We’ll get her there.”The SUV behind them gained speed, closing the distance. Clyde's eyes darted to the rearviewmirror, calculating his next move. He spotted a narrow alleyway up ahead, barely wide enoughfor their car but not for the SUV.“Hold on!” Clyde shouted, veering into the alley. The car barely squeezed through, scraping thesides of the buildings, but they made it. The SUV, too large to follow, skidded to a halt at theentrance, unable to continue.“We did it,” Violet whispered in disbelief, her eyes wide with relief. But there was no time tocelebrate.Clyde accelerated, the hospital coming into view. He sped into the emergency entrance,scree
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 73: THE GUN SHOTS
The figure blocking their path stepped into the faint light from a flickering street lamp. It was oneof the men from the SUV, his expression cold and calculating. Before Violet could react, morefootsteps echoed around them, signaling that they were surrounded.“Looks like the game’s up,” the man sneered, advancing towards them. “You should’ve stayedhidden, Olivia.”Clyde pushed Violet and Olivia behind him, his stance protective. “We’re not going anywherewith you,” he said, his voice firm and unyielding.The man chuckled darkly, signaling to his comrades. “You don’t have a choice.”Suddenly, they lunged. Clyde fought back fiercely, his fists landing solid hits, but they wereoutnumbered. Violet, driven by fear and desperation, grabbed a discarded pipe from the ground,swinging it at one of the attackers. The sound of metal hitting flesh echoed in the alley, but themen were relentless.In the chaos, Olivia tried to make a break for the car parked just a few yards away. She coulds
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 72: THE WORRIES
“No, Clyde. I need to find her. I can’t wait.” Violet’s voice trembled, but there was steel in herresolve.“Violet, listen to me. They’ll be looking for her, and if they find you first—”“They won’t,” she cut him off. “I’ll be careful. I promise. Just hurry.”She hung up before he could argue further. There was no turning back now. With reneweddetermination, Violet pressed forward, unaware that the night held more surprises and dangersthan she could have ever anticipated.Violet paced the narrow alley, her breath visible in the cold night air. She kept glancing at herphone, willing it to ring again. Clyde had promised to be there soon, but every second felt like aneternity. The shadows around her seemed to move, shifting with the wind, and her imaginationconjured threats that may or may not have been real.Her heart leaped when headlights turned into the alley, the familiar hum of Clyde’s car a reliefshe hadn’t expected. The car stopped, and Clyde jumped out, his eyes scanning
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 71: FINALLY ESCAPED
Olivia sat silently in the dark corner of the dimly lit basement, her heart pounding in her chest.The first attempt to escape had been a near disaster, but she had learned from her mistakes.Now, she had to be more careful, more calculated. She scanned the room, taking in everydetail, searching for any opportunity that would lead her to freedom.Her captors had grown more complacent, believing she was too frightened to try escapingagain. It was this complacency Olivia intended to exploit. She noticed the guard outside herdoor dozing off, the keychain hanging loosely from his belt. With slow, measured breaths, Oliviainched closer to the door, careful not to make a sound.She slipped her fingers through the gap under the door, using a hairpin she had hidden in hersleeve to maneuver the keys from the guard’s belt. It was a delicate dance, each movecalculated, every sound magnified in her ears. When the keys finally dropped into her hand, sheheld her breath, waiting for any sign t
