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Chapter 31: A New Rival for Clyde
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2024-12-18 19:49:19Related chapters
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 32: Violet's Friend Returns
The West mansion hummed with silent activity, yet Violet sat in her room, thumbing through an old book without really reading it. Her mind had been wandering to the various twists her life had recently taken. When the sound of her phone vibrating broke the silence, she looked at the screen and smiled wryly. It was Olivia, her best friend.Olivia: "Hey, I'm in town again. Mind if I stop by?"Violet: "Of course not. Come over. I could use some company."About an hour later, the ringing of the doorbell sounded through the mansion. Violet greeted Olivia with a warm hug at the door. Olivia's beaming energy was just the contrast needed against the building tension in Violet's life."Don't tell me this place is starting to bore you already," Olivia teased as they walked toward the sitting room."You have no idea," Violet replied with a dry chuckle, gesturing for Olivia to sit.Olivia plopped down on the plush couch, her eyes scanning the luxurious space. "It's still surreal seeing you in a p
Last Updated : 2024-12-18In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 1: Please lie to my father
Violet stepped inside the darkened bar, her heart racing with trepidation and exhaustion. She had just finished a brutal day of being a background actress, barely scraping by enough to pay the rent. Her life wasn't glamorous by any means, at least not yet, but at least she had Tony-or so she thought. For three long years, she'd looked after him through thick and thin, whenever he needed help and nobody else was there to provide it. Now, Tony had invited her here, claiming that he had something very important to tell her. She saw him at a small table; his new suit shone in the low light. He was different-confident, even arrogant. Violet came up to him with a hopeful smile, but it faded away when Tony hardly noticed her. "Hi, Tony," Violet said, sounding ambiguous. "Violet, sit down," he replied coolly without looking at her. She slid into the chair, feeling the weight of something ominous settle in the air between them. "What's going on?" Tony sighed, adjusting his cufflinks like h
Last Updated : 2024-10-18In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 2: Dad Am Back
As Violet peered at her reflection the next morning, she could feel the anxious churn of her stomach. What had she gotten herself into? The surreal conversation with Clyde the day before kept replaying itself in her head. She couldn't shake off that gnawing doubt. This was insane, wasn't it? She was about to lie to a dying man, telling him she was his long-lost daughter. For what? One million dollars a day? She bit at her lip, tying a loose ponytail with shaking hands. With the rent overdue, the electric bill precariously on the verge of a cutoff, and Tony's cruel rejection fresh within her mind, she knew she didn't have a choice. This was her ticket, the break she'd been waiting for all these years. By the time Clyde showed up to collect her, the nervousness was worse. His black sedan was ushered to the front of her dingy apartment complex, shining under the morning sun. She paused for a second, then stepped outside and slid into the passenger seat. "Morning," she muttered, softer
Last Updated : 2024-10-18In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 3: No Turning Back
Violet stood in the hallway of the hospital, still raw from her encounter with Clyde's father, Richard. She had barely managed to process the weight of what she had agreed to when a loud, haughty voice echoed down the corridor, pulling her back to the present. "Well, well, well, isn't this a surprise," the voice was sharp, full of disdain. Violet turned around in time to see two women headed toward them. One was older, in a cut-to-fit suit that screamed money, her chin held high as if she smelled something rancid on the soles of people's shoes. The other one was much younger, almost a carbon copy of the older woman in a designer suit with an icy expression to boot. Clyde straightened up beside her. "Sharon," he said in a low mutter, not concealing his annoyance. "Eva." Violet said nothing. She didn't have any idea who these women were, though by the look on Clyde's face, it wasn't going to be a pleasant meeting. She came to a stop in front of Clyde, where the older woman Sharon g
Last Updated : 2024-10-18In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 4: A Memorized Script
Violet stood by the large window of the West Estate, staring out into lawns so well-manicured they extended far beyond what she would ever have dreamed possible. It still felt surreal being here, living a life of luxury she'd only ever seen in movies. The plush carpet beneath her bare feet was soft, and the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers filled the air. Everything in this place screamed wealth. But to Violet, it wasn't home-it was just another set, another role to play. She turned away from the window as the study door creaked open. Clyde walked in, a large envelope in his hand. His expression was serious, the playful smirk she had seen a few times now replaced with something far more businesslike. He held out the envelope toward her. These are the papers I was telling you about," he said, all business. "I need you to commit them to memory. This is your backstory." Violet reached for the envelope hesitantly, already feeling the weight in what was inside, even before open
Last Updated : 2024-10-18In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 5: Sister At Home
Violet's heart raced as she stepped into the sleek, marble lobby of her father's company, West Media. Today was her first day officially at the company, and though Clyde had prepared her, she couldn't rid herself of the butterflies clawing at her insides. She had woken hours earlier, had practiced her lines from the carefully written backstory by Clyde, and had run over her role in her mind over and over until it felt real. She was the long-lost daughter of Richard West, Clyde's sister, and soon everyone would know.She took a deep breath and moved toward the elevators, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Clyde's instructions replayed as she rode up, floor by floor, toward the upper offices. "Stay calm. Be confident. You're a West now," he'd said with that slight smirk that was becoming familiar. But before she could get her bearings, the elevator doors opened and she found herself standing face-to-face with one of the people she had hoped never to see again.It was Tony, h
Last Updated : 2024-11-15In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 6: A Scheme Unfolds
The day following her tumultuous first experience in West Media with Tony, Violet got to the office early, anxious for a second chance. Clyde had reassured her that she belonged here, but a little voice inside her remained apprehensive. She hadn't missed the poison in Tony's eyes when Clyde had presented her as his sister, nor had she forgotten the ignominy of his trying to bodily throw her out. Little did she know her troubles with Tony were just beginning.She had just reached her new office and was heading toward it when she passed by Clyde's assistant, who greeted her with a smile. "Good morning, Ms. West.She returned the greeting and swung open the door to her office, settling in. The room was eloquent, as Clyde had it put together for her; she'd barely gotten her bag down when the phone on her desk began ringing.It was Clyde."Violet," he said, all business. "I need to see you in my office, please. We do have some things we need to attend to."Violet's heart fluttered slightly
Last Updated : 2024-11-15In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 7: Unveiling the Lies
The air was dead in the hospital room as Violet sat beside her father, adjusting his pillows and brushing imaginary creases from his blanket. Clyde sat nearby with his laptop open but found his gaze drifting to her time and again. He was taken by her commitment, her endless patience, and the warmth she brought to that cold, sterilized room.Violet, dear," he murmured, extending a frail hand toward hers. "You don't have to do all this. The nurses can do it for me."She slipped her hand over his, smiling. "Father, I want to do this for you. I haven't been around to take care of you for so long. Please, let me make up for it, in any way I can.".Just as her father was about to say something, the door creaked open, and into the room trooped Sharon and Eva, their faces smug with satisfaction, yet at the same time thinly veiled with irritation. They were both carrying a stack of papers, which Sharon clutched tightly as if it were a treasure. The tension in the room became immediately palpab
Last Updated : 2024-11-15
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In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 32: Violet's Friend Returns
The West mansion hummed with silent activity, yet Violet sat in her room, thumbing through an old book without really reading it. Her mind had been wandering to the various twists her life had recently taken. When the sound of her phone vibrating broke the silence, she looked at the screen and smiled wryly. It was Olivia, her best friend.Olivia: "Hey, I'm in town again. Mind if I stop by?"Violet: "Of course not. Come over. I could use some company."About an hour later, the ringing of the doorbell sounded through the mansion. Violet greeted Olivia with a warm hug at the door. Olivia's beaming energy was just the contrast needed against the building tension in Violet's life."Don't tell me this place is starting to bore you already," Olivia teased as they walked toward the sitting room."You have no idea," Violet replied with a dry chuckle, gesturing for Olivia to sit.Olivia plopped down on the plush couch, her eyes scanning the luxurious space. "It's still surreal seeing you in a p
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 31: A New Rival for Clyde
Heels echoed on the marble floor of the big building of West Corporation. Violet, in a tight black dress that Clyde handpicked for her, literally strutted down the hallway, clutching a folder that contained all the details concerning the next meeting. The façade of professionalism came about so easily for her now, but beneath that was the secret she and Clyde shared secret binding them close yet so dangerously. She was not his sister, Violet West, but an actress hired to play the part of Violet in an Elaborate Charade.As Violet entered Clyde’s office, she noticed him standing by the large glass window, gazing out at the city skyline. “You’re tense,” she said softly, setting the folder on his desk.He turned, his eyes locking on hers. “We’ve got trouble,” he said, his voice low and grave.“Trouble?” she asked, her stomach tightening.A man named Adrian Blackwood has just acquired a significant stake in one of our subsidiary companies," Clyde said, his tone clipped. "He's a tycoon from
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 30: Tony's Obsession Intensifies
The air in Tony's office was thick with tension as he paced back and forth, clutching a glass of whiskey. He couldn't stomach it anymore-the sight of Violet living her dream, thriving in a life he believed should have included him. It wasn't fair. Tony swirled the amber liquid in his glass, his jaw tightening with resolve. If she had thought she could leave him in the dust and forget that life, she was sorely mistaken. He would pull her back into his world, no matter the cost.He reached for his phone and dialed a number. "Mr. Gaines, I need your services."A deep voice on the other end responded, "Private or public matter?"Private. Discreet. I want everything there is to know about Violet- her past, her secrets, her connections. Leave no stone unturned." Tony's voice was cold, calculated."Consider it done," the investigator said, his voice thick with the confidence of a man who had ruined lives. Unveiling SecretsIn a matter of days, Gaines came back with his findings. A thick fil
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 29: Tony bad intentions
The evening air was cool as Violet strolled down the quiet street, lost in thought. Her visit with Olivia earlier had lifted her spirits, but everything else weighed heavily upon her. She decided to take a longer route home, enjoying the solitude and the rare peace it brought her.Unbeknownst to her, there were shadows lurking nearby. Three men, in dark clothes, waited in the alley just ahead. They exchanged glances, their smirks an outward expression of their malicious intentions."Tony said to make it quick," one of them grumbled, adjusting his grip on a length of metal rod.An AmbushShe turned the corner, and the men stepped out, blocking her path. She froze. Her heart pounded as the lead man sneered.Well, look who's all dressed up and fancy," he sneered; the venom in his voice was unmistakable. "Tony sends his regards."Violet's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of her ex-boyfriend. "Tony? What does he want?" she asked, attempting to keep her voice from shaking despite the
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 28: A Claim Too Far
Violet stared at the woman, her body tense, her breathing shallow. The night was colder now, the air heavy with uncertainty. The woman stepped closer, her features clearer under the dim glow of the streetlamp. Her eyes were sharp, and her face was etched with a life hard-lived.I'm your mother, Violet," the woman said quietly, a sad edge to her tone. "I've been looking for you for years."Violet stepped backward, her instincts warning her not to believe too quickly. "My mother?" she repeated, doubt lacing her voice. "That's impossible. My mother. she." Her words trailed off, memories of her childhood pain flashing before her eyes.The woman's face softened, as if she knew Violet was unsure. "I know this is a lot to believe, but it's true. Your father, he never wanted you to know about me. He took you from me when you were just a baby."Violet's chest tightened. "And now you expect me to believe you? After all these years, you just show up and claim to be my mother? Why now?The woman'
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 27: Whispers of Betrayal
The grand lounge of a high-end hotel was the place where Sharon and Eva had decided to hold their secret meeting. The air was thick with the smell of leather and aged bourbon, and the low hum of conversation lent an air of secrecy to the surroundings. Around a polished table, a group of the company's prominent shareholders sat, each looking curious yet wary.Sharon, in a navy blue suit that commanded respect and oozed authority, stood at the head, with a serene yet scheming smile on her face. Eva sat beside her, composed and sanguine, but inside her heart bubbled with excitement."Thank you all for coming," Sharon began, her voice warm yet calculated. "We're here today because we're concerned about the future of West Enterprises.A silver-haired man at the table, Mr. Langston, leaned forward. "Concerned? What do you mean, Sharon? Richard and Clyde have been running things quite smoothly."Sharon gave a soft, almost pitying smile. "That's the perception, yes. But the truth is far more
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 26: A Day Out with Jacob
The morning sun burst through the curtains of Violet's room in ribbons of gold, cast upon the walls. Violet stood at the window, sipping her tea, when a knock on the door jolted her out of her reverie. Placing the cup down, she walked over and opened the door to find Jacob standing in the doorway, his usual charming smile illuminating his face."Good morning, Violet," he said, a playful lilt in his voice. "I hope I'm not disturbing you.""Jacob?" she said, surprised. "What brings you here so early?""I figured you could use a break," he replied. "How about some shopping? My treat."Violet hesitated. It had been a while since she'd gone anywhere for herself. Still, Jacob's enthusiasm was contagious, and before she knew it, she was nodding."Alright," she said with a small smile. "Give me a few minutes to get ready."Jacob drove them to the city in his sleek car, the atmosphere light and easy. He hummed along to the radio as Violet gazed out the window, the scenery shifting from quiet s
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 25: A Visit to the Past
The night was still, with the moon reflecting its silvery light upon the West mansion. Violet stood at her room door, her heart pounding against her chest. The air seemed thick with secrets, and her restless mind had been hounded by memories of her childhood. She had to go back-to that very town where she grew up and everything started.She pulled a thin cardigan over her shoulders, grabbed her small purse, and crept out of her room. Her footsteps were light against the polished floors as she tiptoed past the other rooms, careful not to wake anyone. Her breathing was shallow, her nerves taut like a string ready to snap.Unbeknownst to Violet, a pair of sharp eyes had followed her every movement. Eva had grown ever suspicious with the secrecy of her friend and thus had kept tabs on her. She watched as Violet slipped out the side door and disappeared into the cool night.Eva smirked. "What are you up to, little miss perfect?" she whispered low. She took her coat and quietly followed, he
In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 24: Too Intimate for Siblings
Two weeks had passed since Sharon's accident, and the West household had adjusted to an uncomfortable routine. Sharon was still trying to regain her memory, which irritated Eva. Every day, Eva sat by her mother, guiding her, eager to put together the pieces of Sharon's memories.The air was thick in Sharon's room as Eva sat beside her bed, holding a glass of water. "Mom, think harder," she said. "You said you were going to show Dad something important before your accident. Try to remember what it was.Sharon furrowed her brows, her fingers clutching the bedsheet tightly. "I don't know, Eva," she said, her voice laced with frustration. "It's all a blur. I remember walking… the pool… and then nothing."Eva sighed and stood, pacing the room. "Mom, you have to try harder. This isn't just about us anymore. Violet and Clyde… they're taking over everything. We need to stop them."Later that evening, as Sharon lay alone in her room, fragments of her past began to resurface, like pieces of a b
