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Chapter 55
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2025-03-18 20:30:41
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Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 56
ZANEPRIVATE CLUB, BASEMENT — 8 AMSeated comfortably in my leather chair, I watched in boredom as my men dragged in three unconscious old men, roughly strapping them to the metal chairs across from me with thick ropes.Once the task was done, they retreated to the side, leaving only the trio in my line of sight.Studying their shut eyes, cold amusement flashed in my eyes as I thought of what I had in store for them.Turning my head to the side, I addressed the man standing beside me—Luca. “When will they wake up?”Glancing at his wristwatch, he replied confidently, “Within the next fifteen seconds.”I nodded, resting my chin on my hand as my thoughts drafted. Alongside Mason, Luca was my most capable and trusted man. He had been stationed in Meteor City to handle business for both Blaze Corporation and Amethyst, but with Mason leaving for The Sanctuary tomorrow, Luca had to return. Brandon, who would be taking over Mason's duties, will serve only as the CEO's assistant—but not i
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-18Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 57
ZANE After leaving the basement, I drove straight to Valeria’s university without stopping. But it was too late—she and her friends had already escaped. I should have felt relieved, yet unease lingered in my heart. I needed to see her with my own eyes to be sure she was truly safe—I didn't dare underestimate the lengths irrational fans, traffic-driven paparazzi, and relentless reporters would go just to get her on camera."Analyzing their possible hideouts, I immediately ruled out Treasure Media—reporters would be swarming the place. The Harrison Mansion was another option, but the chances were slim, but just to be sure, I called Arlo. As expected, she wasn’t home.Fortunately, her social circle was simple, so I had my men look into all properties under her name, as well as those belonging to Chris and Andy. This search yielded results—seven locations. Two properties under each of their names, and one jointly owned by all three.Checking them all myself would be impractical and time
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 58
VALERIAWhy is Zane here?I wondered, feeling as though I were sitting on pins and needles between him and Chris on the sofa.Thinking back to a few minutes earlier—when he pulled me toward him and asked if I was okay in that unbearably soft, affectionate voice—my heart started racing all over again.It had taken considerable willpower to pull away from him in that moment. If I had stayed even a second longer, I was afraid I might have melted into his embrace.Clearly, I was still not immune to his voice.Arriving at this conclusion, my heart twisted in a mix of bitterness and frustration.I had warned myself not to have any illusions and to stick to being his contracted wife. But who knew that all it would take was one smile from him for my defenses to nearly crumble?I am truly hopeless.Lowering my gaze in self-disappointment, I failed to notice the pleading look Andy sent my way.It wasn’t until he cleared his throat that I finally looked up.The atmosphere is freezing. Do somethi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 59
ANDYToday was truly an ‘exciting’ day. So exciting that I never want to experience it again.First, I was caught in a real-life car chase. Then, I witnessed the live-action version of a shura field, something my Japanese PUBG friends often mentioned in our chats.And now...As if that wasn’t enough, Valeria’s contract husband had just dropped a revelation that sounded nothing short of a bombshell.What?The Hales' first-choice marriage candidate for Val was James Leone? Chris’ father?They had planned to make the son’s best friend his stepmother?It was so ridiculous that my first instinct was to deny it outright.I glanced at Val, whose face was frozen in disbelief, then at Chris, who had lunged forward, grabbing Zane by the collar. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who thought this was insane.“To absolve yourself, you would even lie about something like this? Have you no shame?” Chris gritted out, fury burning in his eyes.My gaze shifted to Zane's face. His expression remained unre
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-23Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 60
VALERIAThe drive back to Harrison's mansion was silent. Upon arriving, I headed straight for the study, with Zane following close behind.Once seated, I wasted no time. “Is what you said true? About Chris’…”I swallowed hard, suppressing the nausea threatening to rise. I didn’t finish my sentence—I couldn’t—but I knew he would understand what I meant.Zane’s gaze remained steady. “I said it back there, Valeria, and I’ll say it again—I never lie.”I wasn’t doubting him. In fact, I believed him, if not I wouldn't have reacted that way. But I still felt the need to hear it again.Now that I had, there was nothing left but a deep, visceral revulsion toward that family. As a matter of fact, I wanted nothing more to do with them.Before, even after demanding the severance letter, I still held onto some attachment. After all, they were my direct blood relatives—people I had spent most of my life with. Cutting them off completely wasn’t easy as it sounded. But now? Just the thought that th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-24Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 61
ZANEWhen I closed my first deal.When I put a bullet into someone’s heart for the first time.I hadn’t felt nervous. But as I squatted in front of Valeria, about to say the words I’d held back for so long, my voice trembled with nerves.I could only hope that she didn't notice.Looking up at her, I took a deep, steadying breath and said solemnly, “I love you.”Not like—love.Because ‘like’ felt like a weak, flimsy word compared to what I felt for her.My vision blurred slightly as my thoughts driftedActually, even I pinpoint when it started, but somewhere along the way, she had become irreplaceable. Maybe it was at Atlas Resort.Maybe it was in the Hale’s living room.Or maybe it started with a glance, a touch, or that kiss we shared.It didn’t matter anymore. All I knew was that I wanted her by my side—forever.I refocused, anticipation bubbling in my heart as I studied her expression.How would she answer? I wondered, only for my heart to plummet in the next moment.She looked…
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-25Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapters 62
VALERIA After our moment in the study, Zane insisted I take a nap, claiming I’d had a rough day and needed to recharge. In return, I made him lie down with me. The dark circles under his eyes hadn't escaped my notice—he looked utterly exhausted. Clearly, he had been so busy that he'd forgotten to rest. That would explain why he hadn't made it home yesterday. .... By the time I woke up, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, filling the room with a warm glow. As my eyes fluttered open, Zane’s face was the first thing I saw, just inches away from mine—his sharp features were peaceful and his breathing steady as he slept. For a moment, I just stared. Then, it all came rushing back. He had confessed to me. He said he loved me. A sweet smile crept onto my lips as I propped myself up on one arm, gazing down at him. Without thinking, my fingers reached out, tracing his features—the curve of his brow, the straight slope of his nose, his thin lips. I had just barely brushed his lips
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 63
CHRIS"No."I refused the moment Val told me about the so-called solution Zane had proposed.We were in my office at Treasure Media, seated across from each other—them on the small sofa, me in an armchairTurning to Zane beside her, I gave him a cold stare. "Have you considered the consequences of going public? You know better than anyone how much it would affect her, don’t you?"I didn’t spell it out, but I knew he understood exactly what I meant.Sure, revealing that he—Zane, the young and powerful CEO of Blaze Corporation—was Val’s husband could work PR wonders.But!That was only if he wasn’t also the leader of AMETHYST, a fearsome force active in the underworld.Exposing Val’s connection to him would only make her a target.“I already told her about it,” Zane said, glancing at Val before looking back at me.I frowned, not understanding what he meant.“Told her about what?”“About AMETHYST.”Shocked, my gaze snapped to Val, seeking confirmation.She nodded slightly, “Yes. He told
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
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Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 66
VALERIAA YEAR LATERI reclined on a lounge chair by the swimming pool, my body and mind completely at ease.I was on vacation with Zane in another country—an escape he had tricked me into.After graduation, I had taken over Treasure Media, and the relentless workload barely left me time to breathe. Yet, as much as I hated to admit it, he had been right. I needed this.Time really flew by.I gazed up at the clear blue sky, the events of last year playing through my mind. My lips curled slightly as I recalled Vanessa’s spectacular downfall.She had gone live, sobbing and claiming I had stolen her music to gain fame. She even accused me of staying mysterious out of fear—fear that she would expose me. And the netizens, ever eager for drama, took her side.After all, between a music major at one of the country’s top conservatories and a business administration major, the former seemed like the more credible artist.So, I let the rumors spread. Let her think she had won. Let the scandal f
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 65
“Long time no see, dear twin sister.”A woman appeared on the screen.She looked almost identical to my mother, but younger.With a calm, almost amused expression, she adjusted the camera.I glanced at my mother. Her lips trembled, her face ashen as she stared at her twin in horror.I frowned.What the hell had they done to her?My curiosity returned full force, clawing at me. I needed answers.So, I ignored mom's almost desperate pleas for me to stop watching and continued.Then I learned the ugly truth.Charlotte and Catherine Sinclair were twin sisters, born into a family that used their daughters as bargaining chips to secure ties with wealthy and powerful families.But unlike most twins, they weren't close.Charlotte—Ria's mother—was withdrawn and stubborn. On the other hand, Catherine—my mother—was sociable and a sweet talker. Naturally, the parents and relatives favored the latter.While Catherine was pampered and adored, Charlotte was treated as nothing more than a tool—mistr
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 64
DAMIANMONTGOMERY HOLDINGS — CEO’S OFFICE.Reading the report Vivian brought me, I fell into stunned silence.“Ria’s mom is my mom’s twin sister?”I looked up at her, nearly laughing at the absurdity.“My mom has a twin sister? How come I, her own son, have no idea?”I asked as I threw the report another glance.“Only madam knows the answer to that question. But I’m sure she has her reasons,” Vivian answered respectfully.“Of course I know she has her reasons!” I snapped, agitation rising within me. “But it makes no sense that I never heard even a whisper about it until now. They’re identical twins, for goodness sake!”I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts in a mess, “Because she never spoke of her family, I and my siblings naturally assumed she was an orphan. And now, out of nowhere, I find out that not only does she has a twin—my aunt—but also a cousin who looks almost exactly like her and Eve?”I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.“Tell me, Vivian, if we hadn’t f
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 63
CHRIS"No."I refused the moment Val told me about the so-called solution Zane had proposed.We were in my office at Treasure Media, seated across from each other—them on the small sofa, me in an armchairTurning to Zane beside her, I gave him a cold stare. "Have you considered the consequences of going public? You know better than anyone how much it would affect her, don’t you?"I didn’t spell it out, but I knew he understood exactly what I meant.Sure, revealing that he—Zane, the young and powerful CEO of Blaze Corporation—was Val’s husband could work PR wonders.But!That was only if he wasn’t also the leader of AMETHYST, a fearsome force active in the underworld.Exposing Val’s connection to him would only make her a target.“I already told her about it,” Zane said, glancing at Val before looking back at me.I frowned, not understanding what he meant.“Told her about what?”“About AMETHYST.”Shocked, my gaze snapped to Val, seeking confirmation.She nodded slightly, “Yes. He told
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapters 62
VALERIA After our moment in the study, Zane insisted I take a nap, claiming I’d had a rough day and needed to recharge. In return, I made him lie down with me. The dark circles under his eyes hadn't escaped my notice—he looked utterly exhausted. Clearly, he had been so busy that he'd forgotten to rest. That would explain why he hadn't made it home yesterday. .... By the time I woke up, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, filling the room with a warm glow. As my eyes fluttered open, Zane’s face was the first thing I saw, just inches away from mine—his sharp features were peaceful and his breathing steady as he slept. For a moment, I just stared. Then, it all came rushing back. He had confessed to me. He said he loved me. A sweet smile crept onto my lips as I propped myself up on one arm, gazing down at him. Without thinking, my fingers reached out, tracing his features—the curve of his brow, the straight slope of his nose, his thin lips. I had just barely brushed his lips
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 61
ZANEWhen I closed my first deal.When I put a bullet into someone’s heart for the first time.I hadn’t felt nervous. But as I squatted in front of Valeria, about to say the words I’d held back for so long, my voice trembled with nerves.I could only hope that she didn't notice.Looking up at her, I took a deep, steadying breath and said solemnly, “I love you.”Not like—love.Because ‘like’ felt like a weak, flimsy word compared to what I felt for her.My vision blurred slightly as my thoughts driftedActually, even I pinpoint when it started, but somewhere along the way, she had become irreplaceable. Maybe it was at Atlas Resort.Maybe it was in the Hale’s living room.Or maybe it started with a glance, a touch, or that kiss we shared.It didn’t matter anymore. All I knew was that I wanted her by my side—forever.I refocused, anticipation bubbling in my heart as I studied her expression.How would she answer? I wondered, only for my heart to plummet in the next moment.She looked…
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 60
VALERIAThe drive back to Harrison's mansion was silent. Upon arriving, I headed straight for the study, with Zane following close behind.Once seated, I wasted no time. “Is what you said true? About Chris’…”I swallowed hard, suppressing the nausea threatening to rise. I didn’t finish my sentence—I couldn’t—but I knew he would understand what I meant.Zane’s gaze remained steady. “I said it back there, Valeria, and I’ll say it again—I never lie.”I wasn’t doubting him. In fact, I believed him, if not I wouldn't have reacted that way. But I still felt the need to hear it again.Now that I had, there was nothing left but a deep, visceral revulsion toward that family. As a matter of fact, I wanted nothing more to do with them.Before, even after demanding the severance letter, I still held onto some attachment. After all, they were my direct blood relatives—people I had spent most of my life with. Cutting them off completely wasn’t easy as it sounded. But now? Just the thought that th
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 59
ANDYToday was truly an ‘exciting’ day. So exciting that I never want to experience it again.First, I was caught in a real-life car chase. Then, I witnessed the live-action version of a shura field, something my Japanese PUBG friends often mentioned in our chats.And now...As if that wasn’t enough, Valeria’s contract husband had just dropped a revelation that sounded nothing short of a bombshell.What?The Hales' first-choice marriage candidate for Val was James Leone? Chris’ father?They had planned to make the son’s best friend his stepmother?It was so ridiculous that my first instinct was to deny it outright.I glanced at Val, whose face was frozen in disbelief, then at Chris, who had lunged forward, grabbing Zane by the collar. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who thought this was insane.“To absolve yourself, you would even lie about something like this? Have you no shame?” Chris gritted out, fury burning in his eyes.My gaze shifted to Zane's face. His expression remained unre
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 58
VALERIAWhy is Zane here?I wondered, feeling as though I were sitting on pins and needles between him and Chris on the sofa.Thinking back to a few minutes earlier—when he pulled me toward him and asked if I was okay in that unbearably soft, affectionate voice—my heart started racing all over again.It had taken considerable willpower to pull away from him in that moment. If I had stayed even a second longer, I was afraid I might have melted into his embrace.Clearly, I was still not immune to his voice.Arriving at this conclusion, my heart twisted in a mix of bitterness and frustration.I had warned myself not to have any illusions and to stick to being his contracted wife. But who knew that all it would take was one smile from him for my defenses to nearly crumble?I am truly hopeless.Lowering my gaze in self-disappointment, I failed to notice the pleading look Andy sent my way.It wasn’t until he cleared his throat that I finally looked up.The atmosphere is freezing. Do somethi
