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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Dernière mise à jour:
2025-02-13 01:07:46
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SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Stanley's POV I sit on the edge of my bed, rubbing my temples as the dull throb of a hangover pounds in my skull. My mind is hazy, but one thing is clear, I spent the night in Flora’s room.I exhale sharply, running a hand through my hair. What the hell was I thinking? How did I even end up there? I try to recall every detail, but the only thing I clearly remember is the warmth of her embrace, the softness of her voice, and the way she looked at me with tears in her eyes.Damn it.I push myself off the bed and head straight to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. I can’t let myself get caught up in emotions. I made a decision, and I need to follow through with it.After quickly freshening up, I grab an aspirin from the medicine cabinet and down it with a glass of water. The bitter taste lingers, but I don’t care. I need to focus.I pick up my phone and dial my secretary’s number. She picks up on the first ring."Mr. Hudson?""Make sure my meeting with the press today pu
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-02-19SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER NINETEEN
Flora's POV I sit on the bed, cradling Aurora in my arms as I gently guide the bottle to her lips. She suckles eagerly, her tiny fingers curling against my chest. Watching her like this, so small and innocent, fills me with both warmth and sadness. No matter what happens, she’s all that matters now.The door creaks open, and before I can turn my head, I feel arms wrap around me from behind. A soft kiss lands on my cheek, then another on Aurora’s tiny chubby one."Look at my two favorite girls," Jessica coos, her voice light and cheerful.I glance at her and arch a brow. "You seem awfully happy today. What’s up?"Jessica grins, but there’s something mischievous in her eyes. "Can’t I just be in a good mood?"I narrow my gaze. "Jessica…"She throws up her hands playfully. "Okay, okay, maybe I do have a reason, but you’ll find out soon enough."I shake my head at her but let it go. If she wants to be cryptic, fine. Right now, my mind is too cluttered to dig into whatever she’s hiding.
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-02-19SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER TWENTY
Flora's POV I fold the last of my clothes into the suitcase, pressing down to make room for everything. It’s funny how a place can feel like home one minute and like a prison the next. I glance around the bedroom, the one I used to share with Stanley, the one where I once imagined building a future together. Now, I’m being kicked out like I was never here.A soft knock on the door makes me pause. I turn and see my mother, Mrs. Grace, standing at the doorway, a warm smile on her face."Mom," I whisper, and before I know it, I’m in her arms, hugging her tightly.She strokes my back. "My baby," she murmurs. "You’ve been through so much."I nod, my throat tight. I don’t trust myself to speak, afraid I’ll break down completely.Mom pulls away and walks over to the crib, where Aurora is sound asleep. She picks her up gently and kisses her chubby little cheeks. "Oh, my sweet grandbaby. You’re getting more beautiful by the day."For a brief moment, I allow myself to smile, watching my mot
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-02-20SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Anonymous POV The dark glow of the cigar’s ember illuminates the room as I take a slow drag, letting the smoke curl around me. The air is thick with the scent of power, deceit, and victory that’s just within reach.A sharp knock echoes against the heavy oak door. Without looking up, I flick my fingers, signaling the guard to enter.He steps in, his face blank as always. “Sir, Senator Jones is on the line.”I exhale a cloud of smoke and take the phone. “Jones,” I greet smoothly.“It’s happening just as we planned,” the senator’s voice crackles through the line. “Stanley’s falling apart. His wife has left, and the rumors are already flying.”A slow smile creeps onto my lips. “And how is he taking it?”“He’s pretending not to care, but my sources tell me he lost it after she left. Trashed her room. He’s spiraling.”I chuckle darkly. “Good. That’s exactly where we need him. Keep me posted, Jones. The real game is just beginning.”“You’ll have your updates,” Jones assures me. “And don’
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-02-20SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Jessica's POV I keep dialing, tapping my fingers against the counter as I wait for them to pick up. The bar is loud, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and music that vibrates through my chest.Finally, the call connects.There’s a shuffle, and then the voice I’ve been waiting for the boss.“What?” His tone is sharp, impatient.I straighten in my seat. “I’ve set the plan in motion.”Silence. Then, his voice drops into something colder. “And you did that without informing me first?”I swallow. “Look, I need you to calm down and listen to what I did.”He doesn’t say anything, which means he’s listening. So, I continue.“I called Stanley. Told him I was drunk and feeling down. He took the bait. He’s on his way here now.” I lower my voice. “And I think he’s already got a thing for me.”There’s a pause before the boss responds. “Make sure everything goes public.” His voice is like ice. “That way, Flora can move on in peace.”I roll my eyes. “Do you like Flora or something?”A lo
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-02-21SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Flora's POV I tuck Aurora into her crib, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. She stirs slightly but doesn’t wake, her tiny breaths steady and soft. I linger for a moment, watching her sleep, feeling the weight of everything pressing against my chest.Just as I step away, my mother walks into the room, a gentle yet concerned expression on her face.“How’s my granddaughter?” she asks softly, sitting on the edge of my bed.“She’s fine,” I say, forcing a small smile. “Just put her to sleep again after her bath.”She nods before her eyes settle on me. “I wanted to talk to you about the divorce… The lawyer called. The court date is set.”I take a slow breath, bracing myself. “I’ve already signed the papers. Now, I just have to wait.”My mother reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s almost over, Flora. Soon, you can finally move on.”I nod, but before I can respond, she grabs the remote and turns on the television.And just like that—my heart stops.HEADLINE: STANLE
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-02-22SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Stanley's POV I stare at Jessica, my mind racing with everything that just happened. My jaw tightens, and I take a deep breath before speaking.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” My voice is low, and controlled, but laced with anger. “You just exposed everything to Flora. You ruined everything.”Jessica crosses her arms, completely unfazed. “Relax, Stanley,” she says with a smirk. “It was bound to happen sooner or later. Flora was going to find out. At least now, she heard it from me.”I run a frustrated hand through my hair. “That’s not your call to make!”She rolls her eyes. “Oh, please. Be thankful I did it. We both know you wouldn’t have told her the truth yourself. If I hadn’t said anything, you would’ve kept leading her on, pretending there was still a chance.” She steps closer, tilting her head. “I just made it easier for you.”I shake my head. “Easier? You made everything worse! And for what? There’s nothing going on between us, Jessica. So why the hell did you li
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-02-23SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Jessica’s POV I step out of the car with a smirk, my eyes scanning the grand mansion before me. Finally. This life this wealth, this luxury—is mine now. No longer Flora’s. She had her turn, and now it’s my time to shine. I adjust my sunglasses, flipping my hair over my shoulder as I make my way to the front door. Just as I’m about to step inside, a security guard blocks my path, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. "Ma’am, I didn’t receive any information regarding your visit. You’ll need to wait here while I confirm with Mr. Davis." I roll my eyes. Of course, Flora’s little lapdogs would still be here, acting all high and mighty. But I’m not just a visitor—I belong here now. Before I can respond, another set of guards begin unloading my boxes and bags from the trunk, placing them near the entrance. I smile to myself. The sight of my belongings being moved into Stanley’s home is proof that I’ve won. Just then, Stanley’s car pulls into the driveway. The moment he steps
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-02-23
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SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY
Flora’s POV I’m almost done packing up for the day when I hear footsteps approaching my office. The air shifts slightly, alerting me to an unwelcome presence before I even look up.The agent stands at the door, arms folded, eyes sharp and observant. She tilts her head, studying me with a smirk that makes my skin crawl.“Are you okay?” she asks, her voice deceptively casual, but I can hear the undertone of something else. Something unreadable.I force a smile, straightening my posture. “I’m perfectly fine.” My voice is even, controlled. But my hands clench slightly around the papers on my desk, betraying the nerves I refuse to show.The agent steps further inside, her smirk widening. “Good,” she says, pausing for effect. “Because you never know what might happen next if you fail in this job.”I stiffen, my patience thinning. I’ve had enough of cryptic warnings and veiled threats.I meet her gaze directly, my tone unwavering. “Don’t threaten me. I’ll do what I want, and no one will
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY NINE
Jessica’s POV Chloe glares at me, her hands clenching into fists, but she doesn’t move. She knows better. I watch as she slowly lowers herself back onto the chair, her shoulders stiff with barely restrained fury. Across from her, Stanley’s mother sits frozen, her lips pressed together in a thin, disapproving line. And then there’s Stanley—silent, unmoving. Exactly how I want him.I let my gaze drift over them before I lean back, crossing my legs as I smirk. "That’s better," I say, my voice smooth, controlled. "Since we’re all here, let’s talk about some changes. If you want to continue enjoying the benefits of this family, you’ll have to start pulling your weight."Chloe scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please. You know nothing about family, so don’t start acting like you’re in charge here."Her mother nods in agreement. "Exactly. You have no right to speak on family matters, Jessica."I tilt my head, feigning amusement. "Oh, but I do. I know what family means. I know what loyalty
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY EIGHT
Stanley’s POV The cold space beside me is the first thing I notice when I wake up. Jessica is gone. A deep breath leaves my chest, and for a brief moment, I savor the peace that her absence brings. But that relief is short-lived. If Jessica isn’t in bed, then she’s somewhere else in this house, plotting something.I run a hand down my face, pushing off the last remnants of sleep before heading to the bathroom. A splash of cold water does nothing to shake the unease settling in my stomach. I brush my teeth quickly and throw on a shirt before making my way downstairs, bracing myself for whatever chaos awaits.As I step into the dining room, I find Chloe and my mother already seated. They’re not eating. Instead, they’re both looking at me with smug, almost expectant expressions. It’s unsettling.“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.“Everything,” my mother replies without missing a beat. “Everything is wrong.”I exhale slowly, already tired of this conversation before it even begins. “A
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY SEVEN
Flora's POV I push open the door to our house, the familiar scent doing nothing to calm my racing heart. My mother steps inside first, still holding Aurora close to her chest as if afraid someone might snatch her away again.The second she sets foot inside, she whirls around to face me.“Flora,” she says, her voice sharp with worry. “Why were we taken? Who did this?”I open my mouth but close it again. How do I even begin to explain?She places Aurora gently on the couch before taking a step toward me. “Flora, answer me.”I shake my head, forcing myself to look away. “It’s over now, Mom. Just… let it go.”Her frown deepens. “Let it go?” she repeats, disbelief lacing her voice. “Flora, I know something is wrong. I saw the fear in your eyes when you found us. I heard the desperation in your voice when you held Aurora. Don’t lie to me.”I swallow the lump forming in my throat. My mother has always been able to read me too well.“I can’t talk about this,” I whisper, my hands clench
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY SIX
Flora’s POVMy phone vibrates in my hand, and for a moment, I hesitate. I’m afraid of what I might see. With shaky fingers, I unlock the screen and open the message.A cold wave of fear crashes over me.It’s a picture.My mother and Aurora. Tied up. Their eyes wide with terror. A dark room surrounds them, shadows creeping along the walls.I gasp, a strangled sound escaping my throat. My heart pounds so loudly I can barely hear myself think. My breathing becomes shallow as I stare at the image, my mind scrambling for a way out of this nightmare.Then another message appears."Your move. No police. No games. You should’ve come to the party. Actions have consequences."My fingers tighten around the phone. I have to do something. I can’t lose them. I can’t let them suffer because of me.There’s only one person I know who has the power to help me.Senator Jones.I rush out of the offic
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY FIVE
Flora’s POV The morning air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth from last night’s rain. I’m feeding Aurora in the kitchen, watching her chubby fingers clutch at her bottle, when my mother’s voice calls out from outside. “Flora!” There’s an edge to her tone, something unsettled. I glance toward the door, then back at Aurora, who’s peacefully drinking. “What is it, Mom?” She steps inside, wiping her hands on her apron. “The guards… they’re gone.” I blink, confusion settling in. “Gone?” She nods, glancing around as if expecting someone to appear. “Not a single one in sight. They were there last night, but now… nothing.” I let out a slow breath, forcing a reassuring smile. “Maybe they were reassigned. I’ll handle it, Mom. Don’t worry.” Her face is tight with concern, but she doesn’t push further. I hand her Aurora and head upstairs to get dressed, determin
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY FOUR
Jessica’s POVThe night feels suffocating. The chandeliers cast their golden glow over the grand hall, laughter and chatter filling the air, but I hear none of it. I see none of it. The people around me are dressed in opulence, their masked faces barely hiding the judgment in their eyes.I force a smile as I sip my champagne, but I can still feel their whispers slicing through me like knives. She’s not Flora. She doesn’t belong here. Stanley made a mistake.No matter how much I tell myself it doesn’t matter, that they’ll all come around eventually, it still stings. They don’t know me. They don’t know what I’m capable of.I glance around the room, searching for Stanley. I need him by my side. If they see us together, maybe they’ll take me seriously. But he’s nowhere in sight.A flicker of movement by the balcony catches my attention. My heart skips a beat. Stanley is standing outside, leaning against the railing, his back turned to the party, his entire posture tense. Something
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY THREE
Jessica’s POVThe night I have been waiting for is finally here, and I couldn't be more excited. I stand in front of the mirror, admiring my reflection as I slip into a deep red gown that hugs my curves perfectly. The silky fabric cascades down to the floor, pooling slightly at my feet. Power. Elegance. Class. That’s exactly what I want to exude tonight.I apply my makeup carefully, making sure every stroke is flawless. My lips are painted a bold crimson, and my hair is styled in sleek waves that fall over my shoulders. Once I’m satisfied, I pick up a delicate diamond necklace, turning to where Stanley is sitting, his eyes distant as usual.“Put this on me,” I say, holding the necklace out to him.He glances up at me, hesitation flickering in his eyes. I don’t give him a choice—I step closer, draping the necklace over my neck. “Come on, Stanley,” I murmur sweetly. “It’ll make me feel special.”With a resigned sigh, he takes the clasp and fastens it around my neck. His fingers graze
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY TWO
Stanley’s POV The sound of Jessica’s voice is a constant buzz in the background. She’s talking—again—about her upcoming fashion show, how the biggest names in the industry are lining up to work with her, how she’s becoming the face of luxury fashion. I sit across from her in the private dining area, my fork lazily pushing around the food on my plate. I nod occasionally, pretending to be engaged, but the truth is, I’m not listening. I stopped listening to Jessica a long time ago. She’s always talking about herself, about her success, about how lucky I am to have her by my side. I don’t remember ever asking for any of it. I take a sip of my drink, shifting my attention to the invitation card in my hand. The gold-trimmed edges catch the dim lighting, and I read the details again. A mask party. Senator Jones' birthday. A night of networking and political positioning. Jessica’s voice suddenly cuts off, and I feel her eyes on me. "What’s that?" she asks, tilting her head in curio
