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Chapter 51: A Knock on the Past
Last Updated:
2025-01-02 03:53:39
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In 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 : 2025-01-02In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 54: The warehouse
Clyde exited Violet’s apartment with a heavy heart, his mind racing with thoughts of Olivia andthe danger surrounding her kidnapping. He pulled out his phone and quickly dialed his driver.“Get the car ready. I’ll be down in five minutes,” Clyde instructed, his voice firm andno-nonsense.“Understood, sir,” the driver replied before ending the call.Clyde paused for a moment on the curb and looked down the peaceful street. It was hoursbeyond midnight; city lights laid long, disjointed shadows in streaks across the pavement. Hehitched at his coat and strode toward the parked car, unconscious of covert eyes that watchedevery movement.From the darkness of an alley a couple of blocks down, two shadowy men in black attireexchanged glances. A large, muscular figure had a scar running down his left cheek. He spokeinto his small earpiece."He's on the move.""Follow him. Stick to him like glue," a cold voice replied over the line.They disappeared into a black car that had been parked
Last Updated : 2025-01-06In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 55: The trap
Clyde stepped into the dimly lit warehouse, his footsteps echoing against the cold concrete floor.The space was immense and eerily quiet, with scattered crates and metal beams casting longshadows under the faint glow of flickering overhead lights. His sharp eyes darted around,searching for any sign of Olivia."Olivia!" Clyde's voice rang out firm but cautious.No response.He moved more inward, his hand instinctively brushed against the concealed weapon tucked athis side. There was something unreal about the silence. Clyde's instincts were screaming at himto turn back, but the thought of Olivia being held here kept him moving forward.He saw a chair near the middle of the warehouse with leather straps dangling from thearmrests. It was empty, but his heart shivered at the sight.He went low to his knees to peer at the ground. Scuff marks and a smudge of what appeared todried blood sealed his suspicion that someone had been here recently."Darn it," he whispered to himself.Sudde
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She fetched a light jacket and slid into her sneakers, not making any sound. Violet eased up tothe apartment's back door, her heart suddenly loud in such a rhythm she was sure that would bewhat gave her away.She slowly opened the door, wincing as the soft groan of the hinges seemed to scream throughthe hallway. Stepping out into the hall, she moved toward the fire escape. Every step was agamble, every sound magnified in her ears.The men's voices were muffled now as they moved through the front of the building."She has to be in there. Let's move in soon," one of them said.Violet's breath caught. She quickened her pace, slipping out through the fire escape and into thenarrow alley behind the building.The cool night air hit her face as she crouched low, scanning the area. The men hadn't spottedher yet, but she couldn't let her guard down. She moved quickly, keeping to the shadows untilshe was several blocks away.Finally, she saw a small park with a bench secluded away and pu
Last Updated : 2025-01-06In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 57: The Escape Attempt
Leo grinned, shoving the phone back into his pocket as he hung up. He turned to Clyde, anexpression of mock pity on his face. "Don't go anywhere, Clyde. Though, I suppose you don'thave much of a choice."Clyde glared at him, his jaw clenched tightly. "You won't win, Leo. Whatever game you'replaying, it'll come crashing down."Leo chuckled, straightening his suit jacket. "Oh, Clyde. You still don't get it, do you? I'm notplaying a game. I've already won. You and your father just haven't realized it yet."With that, Leo strode toward the warehouse door, pausing only to address one of the burly menguarding the room. "Make sure our guest doesn't leave prematurely. I'll be back shortly."The guard nodded, cold and emotionless.Leo disappeared into the night, his footsteps still echoing.The wheels in Clyde's head spun wildly. He had to be out of here before Leo did whatever it wasthat he and this other man were planning. His hands wriggled and yanked against the ropes,chafing raw re
Last Updated : 2025-01-06In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 58: They escape
Finally, he was halfway out of the window when there was a yell from the far corner of thewarehouse."He's escaping!"Panic raced through his veins. Clyde scrambled, heart pounding, to his feet as footstepsthundered in his direction. He kicked his legs to propel himself through the narrow opening, thejagged edges of the frame scraping his arms and back.He hit the alley hard, his knees buckling under him. He ignored the pain and struggled to hisfeet, running toward the shadows. The shouting of men and the crash of the warehouse doorbeing thrown open spurred him on.Clyde didn't stop running until he reached the far end of the alley, dodging behind a dumpster tocatch his breath. His lungs were burning, and his body was shaking from the exertion and thefear.The warehouse was mayhem. Men cascaded through every nook, heavy boots thudding againstthe cold concrete floor. Flashlights sliced through the shadows, illuminating crates, machinery,and each little nook and cranny where Cl
Last Updated : 2025-01-06In The Smoke-Filled Room Chapter 59: The Romance
Leo Levine straightened his cufflinks as his shiny black car pulled up in front of an upscale hotel.The glow of the house's golden front reflected on its polished surface; the doorman steppedforward, opening the door. Out stepped Leo, confident and powerful enough to make all headsturn around.He looked at his watch, satisfied with the time. Sharon had insisted on coming here to avoidbeing seen and overheard. The hotel was discreet, a known haven for clandestine dealings.Leo strode confidently into the lobby, his sharp gaze scanning the area. The receptionist greetedhim politely, but he waved her off as his eyes focused on the purpose of his visit."Room 1408," Leo had muttered under his breath, remembering the number Sharon had textedto him earlier. He ignored the elevator attendant and punched the button for the 14th floorhimself.The ride up was quiet, with only the low hum of the elevator. Leo's mind methodically wentthrough their next moves. Sharon was proving a useful a
Last Updated : 2025-01-06
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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
