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Chapter 9
Last Updated:
2024-07-25 23:37:46Related chapters
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 10
Scarlett’s POV “You both, get down and move away from the windows now,” Ethan yelled to Maria and me. Immediately I heard the window glass shattering; the air was filled with the acrid smell of smoke, and the deafening sound of gunfire was so loud that it made my ear ring. I screamed till my throat hurt, and the sound of my own voice echoed in my ears. The gunshots weren’t stopping, and bullets kept flying into the house. I got scared and began crying, “Oh God, oh God, this can't be happening, I’m going to die…. Ethan stood up like he was about to leave, but I held onto his hands. “Where are you going?” I ask, my voice shaking. “I have to check what’s going on,” he said. “Are you crazy?!! Stop trying to be a hero and hide; what if you get killed?!” I yelled; the gunshots still hadn’t stopped. Maria was curled up in a corner with her rosary in her hands as she was reciting it. “You don’t tell me what to do.” He yanked his hand away from my hold and crawled up to the liv
Last Updated : 2024-07-25Secrets and Schemes Chapter 11
Ethan’s POV Just as I finished talking to Scarlett, I went upstairs to pack my things, and immediately my phone rang just as I reached the top step. Han, my secretary, flashed on the caller ID. “What is it, Han?” I asked. “Sir, your grandfather has put a hold on the charity event for this month,” he announced. “What!” I yelled, clenching my fist. Seriously, when is he going to stop annoying me? I hung up and hurried downstairs, my footsteps echoing off the walls. “Rufus!” I called out to my driver. “At your service, sir.” “Take me to the family house,” I ordered, sliding into the back seat of the car. The ride took about two hours. Finally, we arrived at my family home, and I burst through the front door. “Welcome, young master,” the butler greeted. “Where's grandfather?” I demanded, my tone urgent. “In his study, young—” The butler didn't even finish, I was already striding past him, heading to grandfather’s study. I flung the door open and saw him sittin
Last Updated : 2024-08-09Secrets and Schemes Chapter 12
Scarlett’s POV Hundreds of reporters had flooded the entrance. They swarmed toward us as soon as they spotted our car, and their microphones thrust forward like weapons, blocking our part. I quickly bent my face down, not wanting to appear on the news. “Mr Donovan, what do you have to say about the recent shooting that occurred at your house?” a reporter asked. “Was it an attack from a rival? “Mr Donovan, is it true that you are secretly dating Luna Ramirez because your wife looks like Shrek? “Wow,” I muttered, shocked at that one as I looked up, covering my face. “Mr Donovan, why was your wedding private? And is it true that your manhood doesn't work either? Another asked and Ethan clenched his fist, glaring at him. “These useless reporters and their love for gossip. Nothing ever gets past them,” Ethan snapped. The camera flashes and shouting questions created a chaotic din, but Ethan's voice cut through the noise. “Drive over them if they refuse to get out of the wa
Last Updated : 2024-08-09Secrets and Schemes Chapter 13
Ethan's POV After yesterday’s event with my grandfather and those pesky reporters, I decided to go to my shooting spot today to clear my head. I stood at the target practice range, my gun raised, and focused on the target ahead. “KRAAK-KAA-BOOM” I shot “KRAAK-KAA-BOOM” I shot The sound of the bullet hitting the target was a satisfying “thwack,” with the smell of gunpowder filling the air after each shot. Just as I was about to take another shot, my phone started ringing, distracting me. I moved towards it and saw my Han’s name on the screen. “You had better have a good reason for distracting me, Han,” I spoke sternly. “Sir, the chairman of News 9 Corp is on his way to you.” “What!” “Why?!” I asked, irritated, but before Han could reply, a familiar voice called from behind. “Ethan” How did this old geezer know where I was? He is the last thing I need to see now. “Chairman Tate,” I called out, scowling, as I turned to add more bullets to my gun. “Why are you here
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Secrets and Schemes Chapter 14
Scarlett's POV “Mom!” I exclaimed after opening the door. I never expected mom to come here, she has never visited me since I got married. “What is wrong with you, Scarlett?! Why haven't you been picking up my calls?” She yelled, her temples pulsating. “I wasn't with my phone, Mother, and why are you here?” I said, frowning. She pushed me out of the doorway, heading to sit on the chair. What is she doing here? “Why didn't you tell me you were shot at?” She demanded. “I had to hear it from the news. Do you think I’d be able to live if something had happened to you?” Startled by her words, I bore into her eyes, searching for a hint of insincerity, but she showed no emotions. “I am fine, mom,” I finally said. “It was just a close call.” “Close call, you say? Anyway, thank goodness you’re fine. So have you done it with him yet?” She asked hastily. Dumbfounded, I asked, “Done what?” “Why are you asking me stupid questions like you didn't hear me the first time? H
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Secrets and Schemes Chapter 15
Ethan’s POV I got to the car and slid into the back seat, my head thudding against the back cushion as I let out a contented groan. “Where are we heading to Sir?” Rufus asked. “Take me home,” I replied. The ride home was quiet, but as soon as Rufus approached the gate, a frown etched on my face as Grandfather's words replayed in my head. We finally drove in, and I came out of the car, trudging towards the building, exhausted from the day’s event. I tried my best to let out a smile, even though Scarlett had annoyed me yesterday. As I got in, I was greeted by the maid. “Welcome sir.” I nodded my head and walked upstairs. I went into my bedroom, and the frown etched on my face again. Why do I still smell the scent of that receptionist? Did I bring it back home? As I walked forward a little, my eyes landed on a primrose. Immediately after I saw the primrose flower, I froze. A fragment of the memories I fought hard to forget suddenly gushed out, piercing my heart. “Ah
Last Updated : 2024-08-19Secrets and Schemes Chapter 16
Scarlett’s POV I tried to make sense of the sudden outburst, having never seen Ethan's anger escalate to such intensity before. Does he hate flowers, or does he hate my gut that much? I tried to call his number a couple of times, but it wasn't reachable. Where has he gone in the middle of the night like that? I know I shouldn't be caring about him right now, but Ethan is a sickling. What if something happens to him out there? I decided to go to the living room to wait for him until he was back. I fretted that he would do something stupid to himself. Some hours later, I started feeling sleepy, struggling to keep my eyes open. I was dozing off when a call from an unknown number came in. Who is calling me on a video call at this hour? I hesitated to pick but finally did. “Hey Scarlett, I just called to tell you not to worry about Ethan, he's fine,” Luna said, shouting at the top of her voice. I was about to speak when she moved a little, and I saw a woman straddling Ethan
Last Updated : 2024-08-29Secrets and Schemes Chapter 17
Scarlett’s POV A video of Sophie was sent to me with a warning text not to look for the shooter if I wanted her alive. I sprinted to the car, my heart racing with every step. I kept calling Vera, but there was no response, so I texted her to meet up, and immediately I wheeled away to Grandma’s place. I stumbled into the house, my eyes scanning the room frantically until they landed on her playing with her toys by the corner. With a sob of relief, I called out to her in a trembling voice, my arms outstretched. “Sophie” And then, like a ray of sunshine, her face lit up with recognition. “Mommy! She squealed, dropping her toys as she sprang toward my open arms. I quickly closed the distance between us and scooped her up, holding her tight in my arms as I struggled to catch my breath. Tears of fear and relief mingled on my face as I whispered softly, “I’m here, baby; mommy’s here.” “Mom, I’ve missed you,” she said, wrapping her little arms around my neck. Sensing my distre
Last Updated : 2024-08-30
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A few minutes later she came back with a bunch of stuff: a cold compress, bottled water, and analgesics. When Scarlett initially found out about Ethan’s sickle cell, she did research on how to care for him, and right now seemed like the perfect time to put that knowledge to use. She kept the items on the table and moved toward him with concern etched on her face. “Ethan, I’m back with your medication and some cold compresses for your fever,” she spoke softly. Ethan’s eyes flickered open again, surprised to still see her. He had thought Scarlett left when he asked her to. “What are you doing here again?” he croaked, his voice cracking under the weight of his agony. “Just…go, I’m fine.” “No, you’re not, and I'm not going anywhere,” she replied calmly, her eyes locked onto Ethan’s, filled with compassion and concern. “I won’t leave you like this, Ethan. I’ll always be right here by your side.” Ethan's pain-filled gaze met hers, and for a moment they just stared at each other.
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 26
“I’m really sorry, I’ll get a rag to clean your shoes,” she offered as she tried to hurriedly get a wet rag. “What is going on here?” Cassidy’s voice rang out across the room. As soon as the man began to explain, Scarlett's heart sank. Would she be getting fired? “Not again,” she lamented, the thought tightening her chest. Forcing a calm demeanor, Scarlett returned to the man and handed him the rag. “Clean it,” Cassidy ordered, her voice cold as ice. Scarlett’s gaze flicked to Ursula, but she looked away. “Don’t make me repeat myself!” She threatened, and Scarlett scurried to wipe the coffee off his shoes. “I’m sorry for her unforgivable behavior. Please have the muffins on the house,” Cassidy offered them with a warm smile, but they declined and left. Feeling exasperated, she glared at Scarlett with a look of disdain. “If I lose another customer because of you, get ready to be fired!” she spat and walked away. As Scarlett was cleaning up the mess she made, she realize
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 25
Luna’s boobs were fully out. Vera had stepped on her dress without Luna knowing; just as she moved forward, it ripped off. “Aaaahhhh!” Luna screamed, her eyes widening in horror. She stood rooted to the ground, unable to move. The room fell silent as her scream had brought the attention of the other guests. All eyes were now on her exposed bosom as a mixture of gasps and whispers filled the air. As soon as Scarlett saw the corners of Vera’s mouth quirk, she knew immediately. Ethan walked in there at the sound of the scream and saw Luna. Immediately, he removed his suit coat to cover her, but Scarlett noticed him coming and swerved her gaze to Vera, who understood the signal. Vera swiftly covered Luna with a shawl she took from a guest, while Scarlett walked up to Ethan, cupped his face, and kissed him, gazing into Luna’s eyes. Ethan was flustered. As his senses returned, he yearned to push Scarlett away, but due to his charade, he couldn't. “Scarlett,” he called under grit
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 24
Luna strode to the bar close to Scarlett with her two friends, giggling. They ordered cocktails and club soda. As they sat down, one of the girl’s gaze drifted toward Scarlett, and she scoffed. “I didn't know they now allowed just anyone into elite parties.” “Who is that?” Another asked with raised brows. “Didn’t you see the low-budget tramp that walked in with Ethan?” She gestured toward Scarlett, knowing Scarlett could hear them. And the others erupted into laughter. “Did she think being dressed up like a plastic doll or wearing an expensive necklace changes anything? She still stinks of poverty. How pathetic.” Vera, who was behind the bar counter, clenched her teeth as she listened to them while preparing their drinks. As Ethan kept taking Scarlett around to meet people, her stomach twisted with anxiety, her smile masking the unease she felt, especially by the murmurs and gossip as they walked. She had just wanted to have a nice meal and spend some alone time with h
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 23
A few hours after Scarlett got home, a gentle knock came on the door. She went to open it, and Maria came in. “Sir asked that this be brought to you,” Maria said, dropping two boxes on the table with a Cartier and Oscar de la Renta logo and walking away. Scarlett arched a brow as she approached the boxes. She finally opened it and gaped at the sight of the beauty before her. She lifted the emerald diamond jewelries and black draped off-shoulder silk gown out of the box and stood in front of the mirror, wondering if she was going to the Met Gala as she smiled. Scarlett admired the gifts, but the gifter bothered her. Ethan already thinks she married him just for money; won’t accepting it prove him right? But then again, if wearing them meant they could go on a date and live happily, then it wouldn't hurt to break her promise just this once, right? She got ready in due time, grabbed her clutch, and headed out. As she descended the staircase, she expected to meet Ethan but
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 22
Author’s POV “You’re going to become toothless by the time you get back home,” Vera quipped as she struggled to take the ice and vodka away from Scarlett, but Scarlett aggressively chewed on the ice. She was too furious to think straight. “Sorry, Vee, for stealing you away from your work hours. But can you imagine what those people did?!” She bellowed indignantly. “Who the hell is chairman Tate?!” She yelled, but Vera closed her mouth before she could draw any more attention to them. “Vee,” Scarlett called out with tears welling up her eyes. “They said they were impressed by my work. How could they give me the job and fire me in less than three hours, without me even committing a crime?” She started wailing, tears coursing down her cheeks as she rested her head on Vera’s shoulders. “Scarlett, I understand you, but at this point, you need to go home first and rest. When you’re sober, then we can discuss, okay?” “No,” she protested as she raised her head from Vera’s shoulders
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 21
Scarlett’s POVAfter settling down for a while to carry out the task of the day, I saw Bella walking to my desk with the two guys from earlier, and she said the MD wanted to see us. We got there and introduced ourselves. He asked for the university we attended and our area of discipline, and we told him, but immediately he slammed his fist on the desk. My brow furrowed in bewilderment, as confusion etched on my face. I couldn’t understand what was going on. He turned to Bella and said, “What were you thinking, hiring people from a school I’ve never heard of?! Do you know how incompetent that makes us look?! Why do young people find it hard to listen?” He snapped, his voice raucous. “Sir, for the man who studied Human Resources, we kept him in the HR department, and the one with mass communication is with the IT team, and they are both from prestigious universities.”“And the lady?” He glared at her.“For the lady, she has a lot of experience and was hired impromptu as we were in di
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 20
Scarlett walked to the window, staring into the somber sky when her grandma called. They spoke about the text she had sent earlier concerning Oliver when suddenly another call came in. She took permission from her grandma and ended the call. “Hi, Scarlett, this is Bella, from News 9 Corps. I’m so sorry to call at this hour, but we’re in a bit of a dilemma. Our current writer just suddenly quit, abandoning the initial agreement to wait until a new writer comes, and we need someone to start ASAP. You impressed us today, and we think you’d be a great fit. Would you be available to join us tomorrow?” Tomorrow?! Scarlett exclaimed inwardly. Her eyes widened as she thought about the company’s urgency. Isn’t this too fast? But then, when she thought of how she needed the money to care for her daughter, Sophie, she snapped out of her thoughts and said, “Hi, Bella, yes please; I'll be available tomorrow.” “Good, we will discuss the details, including the salary and benefits, when you c
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 19
Author’s POV “Scarlett, good luck with your interview, and remember to kill it!” Vera’s voice said over the phone before ending their call. Scarlett got ready for her interview and drove down to the address that was sent. She stood in front of a tall building with a sign that read “News 9 Corp.” “Good morning,” She greeted the front desk lady. “I’m here for the job interview.” “Good morning. Please, were you invited?” “Yes, I was,” she smiled at her politely. “Okay, one second, ma’am, let me inform my bosses that I’m sending someone upstairs,” the lady said as she picked up the telephone and placed a call. “You can go up now, third floor, first office to your right,” she directed, and Scarlett thanked her. When Scarlett got there, she was surprised to see the large number of people waiting to be interviewed and wondered if she would get the job, but she tapped her cheeks and decided to be optimistic. She sat down, and after a few hours, she was called in. Scarlett
