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Chapter 24
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2024-08-30 20:03:50Related chapters
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 25
Adrian’s POV) I sat on a cold metal chair, leaning back, my muscles taut with tension.The first police man that was here earlier had gone.The room was dimly lit, its walls painted in a color that once might have been white but had now faded to a sickly, pale yellow.Every part of this place felt designed to break a man’s spirit, strip you of your will.The door swung open, and first person to enter first was Austin. I felt an element of relief when I saw him.His expression was tight, concern written in the lines of his face. He was followed by a tall man with sharp eyes, dressed in a tailored suit that seemed too refined for a place like this. His presence filled the room with a quiet authority, his movements measured and deliberate. The policeman who had led them in hovered by the door, watching with a mixture of suspicion and irritation.The newcomer glanced briefly at the officer, then back at me. "I need a moment with my client…. In private," he said, his voice calm but c
Last Updated : 2024-08-31Shadows Of Deception Chapter 26
(IVY’S POV)It had been three days now since I moved in with the kids. I stood in the middle of my bedroom, pulling a light blue blouse from the closet, I slid it over my head, smoothing it against my skin before grabbing a black skirt and slipping it on. The mirror showed me someone determined, but today, my reflection felt strange, even to me. My hair tumbled down in loose waves around my shoulders. I tucked a few rebellious strands behind my ear, but they fell right back into place, as stubborn as I was.The room was a mess. Boxes were piled in the corners, some half-open, spilling clothes and books onto the floor. I could hear Ethan and Lily in their room, their laughter echoing through the thin walls as they got ready for their first day at the new school. Not really a first day, just an interview, a short test to gauge where they stood. The principal had explained everything over the phone a few weeks ago. I closed my eyes for a moment, my fingers pausing over a stack
Last Updated : 2024-09-01Shadows Of Deception Chapter 27
IVY’S POV)The room was still. Ethan's question about Caleb lingered in the air like smoke. I opened my mouth to answer, but the words didn’t come. My mind raced, searching for a plausible response something that would make sense, something that wouldn't raise more questions.“Caleb…” I began, my voice catching. “He's just a… a name from a dream, I think.” I forced a light laugh, hoping it sounded convincing, but I could feel their eyes on me, Ethan's eye especially. The twins exchanged yet another puzzled look.Ethan was perceptive. Too perceptive.“A dream?” he asked, tilting his head slightly. His bright blues eyes were steady, curious.“Yes,” I said a bit too quickly. “Or maybe… a memory. But nothing important.” My voice wavered, and I could tell I’d only deepened their suspicions.Ethan didn't press further, but I could see the quiet resolve in his eyes. He nodded slowly, as if accepting my explanation for now, but I knew he was already making plans for something…that
Last Updated : 2024-09-01Shadows Of Deception Chapter 28
(THIRD POV) Ethan and Lily sat on the edge of their beds, the silence between them thick and heavy, like a fog that refused to lift. The emotion on their mother’s face few minutes ago, still hovered in their minds. And the name “Caleb” hung in the air like a ghost neither of them could chase away.Ethan’s eyes darted around their shared room, taking in the familiar sight of their light weight furniture. The wooden dresser with a chipped corner, the faded pink wallpaper, a collage of childhood drawings pinned messily beside their small window. A small bookshelf sat in the corner, overflowing with books they had read and reread, stories of pirates, wizards, and distant lands. But today, none of these familiar things brought comfort. Lily was the first to break the silence. She swung her small legs back and forth, her tender hands gripping the edge of the mattress, her curly brow furrowed. “Did you see her face when you asked about Caleb?” she whispered, her voice low, almost a
Last Updated : 2024-09-02Shadows Of Deception Chapter 29
(THIRD POV)“Who is he, Mummy?” Ethan’s face was earnest, his brows knitted with curiosity.Their mother’s breath almost stopped. Her eyes darted around the yard, scanning the faces of the other parents, the teachers, anyone who might be listening.She squatted quickly, her voice a trembling whisper. “Hey Hush, both of you. We need to get home. I’ll explain everything there, okay?” “But Is he still alive?” Lily added, her voice softer, her wide eyes staring up at her mother with a mix of confusion and concern.Ivy gasped, her heart now thumping so loudly she could hear it in her ears. She looked around again, as if searching for an escape, then she leaned closer to them. “Please, not here,” she pleaded. “We’ll talk when we get home. I promise.”“Are you sure, Mummy?” Ethan’s voice was small but insistent, his bright blue eyes never leaving hers.“Yes, I said I will tell you,” she replied, her voice firmer, her jaw clenched as she took Lily into her arms and gripped Ethan's ha
Last Updated : 2024-09-02Shadows Of Deception Chapter 30
(IVY POV)I sat in the back seat, gripping my handbag like it was some sort of lifeline, my fingers digging into the soft leather. I kept checking my watch, feeling every second stretch out like hours. I tried to steady my breathing, but it came out in shallow, bursts.I inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself, but my mind kept drifting back to my twins. “God, I hoped they were safe.” I had locked the doors, checked the windows twice, but was that enough? Maybe I should have just brought them with me, but then again, where I was going… I shook my head, no way, that wasn’t an option. Not with their constant questions, their bright eyes full of curiosity. Especially not now. I glanced at my watch again. Time seemed to crawl.I tried to push the memory away, but it crept back in. Just a few minutes ago, they had been so insistent, asking about their father, out of the blue, right after coming back from school. For a stupid second, I thought about changing their school altogether,
Last Updated : 2024-09-02Shadows Of Deception Chapter 31
(IVY POV) I found myself facing a man in uniform. He was tall, with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp, observant eyes that seemed to pierce right through me. His stance was rigid, a picture of authority, as he scrutinized me with a gaze that felt almost too intense.“Who are you?” he asked, his voice deep, edged with suspicion.For a moment, alarm gripped me. My heart pounded in my chest, and I could feel a bead of sweat forming at my temple. I swallowed hard, trying to place his face. But no, I didn’t recognize him, neither was I sure he also knew me.My initial panic slowly dissolved into curiosity as I took in his uniform and the badge on his chest. I squared my shoulders, trying to project confidence. "I’m sorry, who did you say you were?"He didn’t immediately answer. Instead, he crossed his arms over his chest, taking a step closer. "I'm the head of the security team for this estate," he replied, his tone calm but firm. "But I should be the one asking questions here."H
Last Updated : 2024-09-03Shadows Of Deception Chapter 32
(IVY POV)My hands trembled as I gripped the cold iron bars of the gate.I fumbled with the latch. My breath came in short, gasps, every exhale a silent prayer"Ethan! Lily!" I called out, my voice thin and reedyThere was no answer. I tried again, louder this time, but only the echoes of my own desperation answered back. There was no response.The latch jammed under my jittery touch. "Please... please..." I muttered, my heart racing, fumbling with it again.Finally, the rusty latch gave way with a metallic screech, and I shoved the gate open with a grunt my pulse thundering in my ears.“Oh my God” I whispered.I pushed through, calling their names again. "Ethan! Lily!" My feet stumbled on the uneven path toward the main door that led to the sitting room. I reached for the handle, my tightly turning and flinging the door open. The silence inside was deafening, it pressed against my chest like a weight. I paused, straining to hear any sound, any sign of my little babies.My hear
Last Updated : 2024-09-04
Latest chapter
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 100
Ivy's POV It wasn't long after a delightful dinner in our new home. Lily and Ethan were thrilled to finally be in their father's house. The maids made sure to direct everyone, including Dr. Collins and her husband, just as Adrian had instructed. I had no idea Adrian had such a talent for decorating and arranging a home. The last time I was here, I came as a maid, but now I was the lady of the house.So much had changed around the house, and I was genuinely happy that we were living as a joyful family. I went to check on Dr. Collins and her husband to ensure they were comfortable. "Ivy, thank you so much for making us feel at home. Adrian, your house truly feels like an estate," she said with a smile.I mentioned that we needed to start preparing for the wedding since it was approaching quickly. "That's true, Ivy," she replied. I knew Adrian had told me not to worry about the arrangements because he had hired people to handle everything, but as the host of the occasion, I still felt r
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 99
Adrian's POV After winning the court case in my favor, I started to envision a new life with Ivy. It's time to make her my wife officially—there's no reason to delay. She has choose the date for our wedding, and I'm determined to make it a beautiful and glamorous occasion for her and our children.I need to secure my father's company and properties now that Barrister Maxwell and Caleb have been arrested and are facing their consequences.I felt immense joy knowing that Ivy and the kids are finally living with me, but I want to take them to my mansion, where they truly belong and can be well taken care of. I also need to find Mrs. Hawkins, my chief maid, to reward her for maintaining her integrity and not compromising herself for money.I will hire new maids to serve my queen, Ivy, and our children. I want her to have no worries; she deserves to be treated like the queen she is.With all these thoughts and plans in mind, I hurried to the shower to get ready before heading to my grandf
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 98
Ivy's POVThe court session concluded, and everyone was dismissed as the case came to an end. Adrian and I emerged victorious. Barrister Maxwell, along with Caleb and Vanessa, was taken away after the judge found them guilty on all counts. The judge then announced their sentences.I rushed to hug Adrian tightly, fully aware that nothing could ever come between us. Dr. Collins and her husband were pleased for us, relieved that their sacrifices had not been in vain. I felt no sympathy for those who had wronged us; they deserved to face the consequences for the deaths of my parents and siblings."Ivy, where are the kids?" Adrian asked. "The officers went to Barrister Maxwell's house to bring them back," I replied. We remained in the courthouse area, celebrating our victory as more people came to congratulate us.I was still pondering what had happened and who had sent the messages to the thugs holding me captive, prompting them to flee. My thoughts were interrupted when a police van arri
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 97
Maxwell's POV We all took our seats in the courtroom, waiting for the judges and my lawyer to arrive. I had confidence in my lawyer; I knew he wouldn't let me down since I had paid him well. Adrian had been instructed to bring forth all his witnesses, which he did.I was taken aback to see Mrs. Hawkins, the head maid, among them. "How is she a witness for Adrian?" I asked Caleb, who was sitting beside me. "I have no idea, boss," he replied. "But she wasn't there when you paid all the maids and Vanessa to testify against Adrian," I whispered. "You're right, Caleb."So she went behind my back to conspire with Adrian, her employer, to testify against me. I resolved to deal with her after this. As each of Adrian's witnesses was called to give their testimony, it became clear that only Dr. Collins had any evidence to support the allegations against me. The judge asked if I had sent thugs to her house to threaten her and even shoot her husband. I denied everything, even though I knew deep
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 96
Adrian's POV I turned and realized it was already morning—the day of the court case. I felt a surge of joy and excitement as I awaited the officers to call me so we could head to the courthouse. My thoughts drifted to Ivy and the kids, and I hoped Ivy would be there to testify against the old Barrister Maxwell and Caleb. Her testimony was crucial for my chances of winning the case.Before long, an officer arrived to escort me to the courthouse, which was only a short distance from the police station. I was taken to a waiting area where I would be called when it was my turn to testify against Barrister Maxwell and Caleb. While I was there, my lawyer, Gabriel, entered and introduced himself as my legal representative.Dr. Collins and her husband arrived shortly after. I spotted them from a distance, as I wasn’t allowed to approach them. I was happy to see them, but my joy felt incomplete without Ivy's presence. As I continued to ponder Ivy's absence, Austin and the chief maid, Mrs. Haw
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 95
IVY'S POV I was held in custody at the old Barrister Maxwell's instruction. I wasn't given any food or water, but somehow, I managed to endure for days without it. I have no idea where the strength and resilience to survive in such conditions came from.The thugs were incredibly harsh with me, even denying me the privacy to relieve myself. But that wasn't my main concern. I wasn't meant to be here for this long. I've been in this custody for three days now."Hey, woman, you want to implicate us, right?" one of the guards said before leaving the room where I was being held. I overheard the leader telling his men that they had received a message from the Barrister to let me go because the police were coming after them.What could be the reason for this sudden change of plans? I wondered. Perhaps the court case was turning against Barrister Maxwell and Caleb, and they wanted to avoid being implicated. That seemed likely; otherwise, what could explain this abrupt shift?"Can you at least
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 94
Maxwell's POV I took the kids away from Ivy to put my plans into action, especially since Adrian is going to court tomorrow and Ivy is already in my custody. I’m curious to see how she will testify against me.The driver skillfully navigated the busy streets as we made our way to the house, ignoring the chatter and screams of the kids I had taken from Ivy.“Hey, little ones, we’re home now. Feel free to think of this as your new home,” I told them. They didn’t respond or show any signs of acceptance; instead, they just stared at me. “Let’s go. We can’t stay here.”“Listen, the sooner you start seeing this place as your new home, the better it will be for you, because soon I will be your new parent.”“You can never be our parent, you evil man! After everything you did to Uncle Adrian and our mom, there’s no way you’ll ever be our parent!”“Let me show you to your new room,” I said to the kids, but they refused to go inside, so I had to insist.Lily and I were in the room that the old
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 93
Adrian's POVI was in excruciating pain for days because I had been hitting my hands against the wall. My heart felt heavy with pain and betrayal as I found myself in this situation. I couldn't help but think about the suffering Ivy and the kids must be enduring at the hands of that cruel Barrister. I wished for an end to all of this.Lost in my thoughts, one of the officers approached me and said that a man and a woman were there to see me. I wondered who they could be. The only relative I had known since my parents and siblings died in a plane crash was my grandfather.Summoning the courage to follow the officer, I was shocked to find Dr. Collins and her husband waiting for me in the visitor's center. I was relieved to see that Mr. Collins was doing well and could get around with crutches.At least I had people who could testify against the old Barrister Maxwell and Caleb in court tomorrow.When Dr. Collins saw me, she began to cry. I realized she hadn't seen me since I was imprison
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 92
Dr Collins POV Collins and I grew increasingly concerned as Ivy's number remained unreachable over the days. I decided to call lawyer Gabriel to get an update on Adrian's case. He assured me that the case was just around the corner, with only two days left. I expressed my gratitude for his efforts to expedite Adrian's court proceedings.I shared everything I had discussed with lawyer Gabriel with Collins, emphasizing that the court date is just two days away. I told him that we should consider going home since the court case is imminent. We still haven't heard from Ivy, and the police have not provided any updates on locating her and the children.We cannot allow the old barrister Maxwell to gain the upper hand in Adrian's case. I suggested we ask the hospital to discharge him tomorrow since it's getting late today. Collins agreed that it was a good idea.Additionally, we need to check in with lawyer Gabriel to see if he has managed to contact the chief maid, Mrs. Hawkins, to serve a
