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Chapter 45: Celebrating the Chaos
Last Updated:
2024-12-24 04:13:30
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In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 46 The Distraction Game
Sharon smoothened out her blazer as she strode into the boardroom. Her sharp heels tappedwith every step on the tile floor. Beside her, Eva toted a pile of documents. Her face reflectedcomposure. Both of these women were prepared for the implementation of the next stage oftheir scheme-to continue keeping Clyde busy with things so that Richard's health worsened.Clyde, sitting at the head of the long table, glanced up as the two entered. For a brief second,his incisive gaze rested on Sharon before returning to the report in front of him. "What's thismeeting about?" he asked, curt.Sharon smiled sweetly, masking her true intentions. “We need to address some urgent mattersregarding the company's financial projections. There have been discrepancies in the recentquarterly reports that demand immediate attention.”Clyde frowned, flipping through the documents she handed him. “Discrepancies? I reviewedthese last week, and everything was in order.”Things have changed," Eva chimed in
Last Updated : 2024-12-24In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 47: In search of Olivia
Days passed after the kidnapping of Olivia in whirls of confusion and tension. An investigationfronted by the local authorities and supported by Clyde had not yielded any useful lead yet. Thedisappearance of Olivia had sent shockwaves to all who knew her, especially Clyde, whocouldn't get that vision out of his mind - her being forced into that black car.Clyde paced his office, his jaw clenched and his mind racing. Every avenue he pursued seemedto hit a dead end. He had hired private investigators, questioned anyone who might have seensomething, and even offered a substantial reward for information. But the kidnappers hadplanned the operation meticulously, leaving no trail behind.Detective Hargrove, lead investigator on the case, stood over Clyde, shuffling his notes. "Mr.West, I know this is frustrating, but these things take time. We monitored the surveillance footagefrom the area, but the car they used had fake plates. Like they vanished into thin air.Clyde slammed his f
Last Updated : 2024-12-24In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 48: A Brewing Confrontation
The soft beeping of monitors serenaded the hospital room as Clyde sat beside his father,Richard. The older man, while still frail, had gained some color in his skin due to the vigorouscare Clyde had provided courtesy of the private nurse he had hired. Sharon smiled weakly asshe pushed her way into the room and clutched a nosegay of flowers before her as if it wouldward off her reasons for coming."Richard," Sharon cooed, putting the bouquet down on the table, "I've brought you these tobrighten up the room."Clyde bristled. He'd watched her manipulations for days, and now he was convinced: Sharonwasn't here out of concern."Sharon," Clyde said icily, "we have to talk. Outside."The Heated ExchangeSharon followed Clyde out into the hospital hallway, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. Sheplastered on her usual facade of feigned concern, but she couldn't hide the nervous flicker in hereyes."What's this about, Clyde?" she asked, folding her arms.Clyde's jaw tightened. "
Last Updated : 2024-12-24In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 49: A New Identity
Warm morning sunlight spilled through the dusty windows of the small, nondescript office ontothe figure of Violet. She sat there, her heart racing, clutching tightly onto the pen in her tremblinghand. It had not been easy to decide to change her last name, but it was necessary.Disappearing from Clyde's life and from the small bit of life they tried building together with littlethey had, anyway-was the only hope for saving herself and the secret she carries.She stared down at the form in front of her, the blank space glaring back at her like some sort ofchallenge. Her old name was no longer safe; it tied her to too many memories and too many risks.She had thought long and hard about this, about leaving behind the person she used to be andbecoming someone new.With a deep breath, Violet wrote her new last name: Everett.It sounded foreign, yet so oddly freeing. Violet Everett. A name free from her past, free fromClyde was free from the storm of emotions that had ravaged her lif
Last Updated : 2024-12-24In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 50 A New Lease on Life
Thick tension filled the air as Clyde paced the sterile corridor of the hospital; the sharp echoesof his footsteps reverberated from the cold wall. Hours had passed since the surgery, and eachminute felt like an eternity. His father, Richard, was in the hands of the best surgeons money couldbuy, but he was also the cornerstone in Clyde's life and the West Media empire. Still, the feargnawed at Clyde's resolve.The operating room's double wooden doors finally opened, and Dr. Harris emerged, yanking hissurgical mask off his face. His face was calm and reassuring. Clyde sprang upright at once, his heartbooming against his rib cage."Dr. Harris," Clyde said, stepping into his office. "How'd it go?Dr. Harris gave a slight smile. "The surgery went well. We were able to resolve thecomplications, and your father is stable. However, he'll need time to recover, and the next fewweeks will be critical."Relief swept over Clyde's body, and he let out a deep breath. "Thank you," he said wi
Last Updated : 2024-12-24In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 51: A Knock on the Past
The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains of Violet's modest apartment, casting warm,golden rays across the room. She sat on the couch, a steaming mug of tea in her hands, lost inthought. For months, she had carefully hidden herself, changing her last name and leavingbehind the chaotic life that once had tethered her to Clyde. She thought she'd left it all behind.A sudden, sharp knock on the door broke her reverie. The suddenness of it made Violet's heartjump. She seldom had visitors in this quiet town, and no one from her past knew where shewas. Setting her mug down, she walked hesitantly toward the door, her pulse quickening witheach step.She froze as peering through the peephole showed her Clyde standing on the other side,commanding in presence. His chiseled jaw was determined, while his piercing eyesseemed to scan through the door as if they could see right through it.She slowly opened the door, and her breath caught in her throat."Clyde," she whispered, her voic
Last Updated : 2025-01-02In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 52: The Cooking
Determined to make her a breakfast she’d remember, Clyde rolled up his sleeves and got towork.Clyde was cracking eggs into a bowl when he heard the soft padding of footsteps behind him.Before he could turn around, he felt slender arms wrap around his waist.“You’re up early,” Violet murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. She pressed her cheekagainst his back, inhaling his scent.I wanted to surprise you," Clyde said, his voice warm, setting the bowl down and swiveling toface her, his hands coming to rest lightly on her hips. "But I guess the surprise is ruined now."She cocked her head, lips curling into a sleepy smile. "Not ruined. Just… interrupted.Clyde chuckled, leaning down to brush a kiss against her forehead. "Well, since you're alreadyhere, how about you keep me company?"Violet stepped back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Only if you let me help.""You? Help?" he teased, raising an eyebrow. "Do you even know how to cook?"She playfully swatted his chest. "I'm
Last Updated : 2025-01-02In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 53: An Evening of Intensity and Love
The evening air felt thick with the promise of security and closeness. Clyde and Violet sat closetogether on the couch, talking softly about the earlier scare. A dimmed lamp cast soft light ontheir faces; however, nothing could dim the spark that seemed to build up from the momentthese two had been reunited.Violet leaned into Clyde, her head against his shoulder, his arm around her protectively. Thetouch of his warm skin, the soft sound of his breathing, and the lingering memory of him dashingto save her combined with an upsurge of emotion she couldn't pretend didn't exist.Her fingers made soft circles on his chest. "You're always there for me," she said, her murmurlow. "How did I ever deserve someone like you?"Clyde leaned her chin up, and his dark eyes locked to hers. "You don't have to deserve it," hewhispered. "You just have to let me love you.The tension in the room shifted and became electric. Violet's lips parted as Clyde's thumb strokedher cheek. She felt her heart
Last Updated : 2025-01-02
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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
