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Chapter 36
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2024-09-06 04:05:04Related chapters
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 37
(THIRD POV)Lily continued to stare at Ethan, Whose face had started to shift slowly, his features relaxing into a small, almost secretive smile.It was the look of someone who had just formed a brilliant plan. He nodded slightly, more to himself than to Lily, his eyes gleaming.“That would be pretty easy,” he said, his voice low but confident. "We just need to wait for dinner, when Mum will break the news. We have to make sure she doesn’t have a counter plan. We execute at the moment she’s left with no options."Lily arched an eyebrow, doubt etched across her young face. “Does your plan factor in the fact that we have school tomorrow?” She asked, her expression turning thoughtful. “You know she could just ask James to pick us up.”Ethan hopped down from the bed with a grin, his feet landing lightly on the floor. He straightened his shoulders, pretending to adjust an invisible tie at his neck, then he walked with an exaggerated swagger to the door."Aren't you going to say som
Last Updated : 2024-09-07Shadows Of Deception Chapter 38
(Maxwell’s POV)I paced back and forth, my shoes soundless against the floor of my study room. My desk was a battlefield, covered in papers and documents, an endless sea of white with black inked words. I shoved a stack of papers aside with more force than necessary, my jaw tightening in mild frustration.I was supposed to be content with the progress I was making.Afterall, the meeting with the board members had gone as planned, a gone number of their approval secured.But there was something… something that gnawed at the edges of my concentration like a dull ache. Adrian’s release on bail last week… it shouldn’t have happened. And it wouldn’t have, if not for that lawyer of his Gabriel, the so-called Greyhound. I let out a slow, controlled breath, trying to push away the irritation curling in my gut. The timing of Gabriel's appearance was too convenient, too calculated. I reached for the familiar thick file, my fingers brushing over the edge of the paper before picking it up.
Last Updated : 2024-09-07Shadows Of Deception Chapter 39
(THIRD POV )Vanessa stood in the middle of the simple bedroom of the flat Maxwell had rented for her just a week ago. It was nothing like the luxurious home Maxwell owned or the grand mansion where she'd lived with Adrian for the past four years. The curtains were thin and let in too much light; the bed was a simple, creaky frame with a sagging mattress. She pulled her blouse over her shoulders, her hands moving slowly.Her face was dull, her eyes staring blankly ahead, lost in some distant thought.She finished dressing and sat on the edge of the bed. Her gaze swept over the room, taking in its every detail the peeling wallpaper, the worn-out rug, the tiny wardrobe that barely held her clothes. Everything about this place felt temporary, transitory, a far cry from the opulence she had become accustomed to. She looked down at her phone, the message from Maxwell glaring back at her: “Hey…Come over”Her hand tightened around the device as she hugged herself.Her thoughts had st
Last Updated : 2024-09-08Shadows Of Deception Chapter 40
(IVY POV ) I turned the key in the lock, feeling the cool metal bite against my palm. Lily was a fragile weight in my arms, her head resting against my shoulder. She was too quiet, and every few seconds I glanced down at her, trying to catch any sign of discomfort or pain. “Just a little longer, sweetheart,” I murmured to her as I jiggled the gate to make sure it was securely fastened. Ethan stood beside me, his small hand slipping into mine, his face a mixture of worry and curiosity, glancing up at me with those questioning blue eyes of his.With a sigh, I squeezed his hand gently. “Come on, buddy,” I said, adjusting Lily’s position in my arms and guiding him toward the car. The taxi driver watched us with mild interest, his head poking out of the window, eyes calm but alert. He had one of those faces that gave nothing away not a hint of a smile, just a sort of steady patience."Do you know Maplewood Junction?" I asked when we were close enough, feeling the tightness in my
Last Updated : 2024-09-09Shadows Of Deception Chapter 41
(IVY POV)Dr. Collins stared at me, her face a mask of bewilderment, and her eyes searching mine for something anything that made sense of my words. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice wavering as she tried to make sense of what I was saying. "I'm at a loss here. How do I help? I dont …I don't even know him, thought it was Caleb" I felt the tightness in my chest intensify. My gaze shifted once more to the table where my twins sat. I had to protect them from the weight of this truth. At least for now. After then I t turned back to Dr. Collins, I folded my arms, pulling them tightly against my chest as if to keep myself from shattering. "It’s not Caleb," I whispered, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. It would be the first time I will be talking about this in years.My words hung in the air, heavy and uncertain. Dr. Collins leaned in closer, her eyes boring into mine, urging me to continue.Finally my lips parted. "You still remember how I used to be back at
Last Updated : 2024-09-10Shadows Of Deception Chapter 42
(IVY POV)Dr. Collins’s car rolled to a stop just outside a quaint little shop. The sun was beginning to dip,I stepped out, and looked over to see Ethan and Lily in the backseat, pressing their noses against the glass. Lily was looking some much healthier now so much more energetic. Their eyes sparkled with that innocent excitement only children seemed capable of. “We’ll be right back, kids!”. I called to them, giving a little wave.Ethan nodded, his face scrunched up in mock impatience, while Lily grinned and wiggled her fingers back at me. The car door closed with a soft thud, and I walked alongside Dr. Collins toward the small shop. A bell jingled as we pushed the door open, the scent of freshly baked bread and cinnamon swirling around us. We grabbed a couple of snacks, some colorful juice boxes, and a small bag of pretzels. Dr. Collins reached for a pack of chocolate chip cookies, glancing over at me with a smile. "A little treat never hurt anyone," she said with a wink.
Last Updated : 2024-09-10Shadows Of Deception Chapter 43
Third POVIvy blinked, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief as she stared at Dr. Collins. Her arms folded defensively across her chest, she took a step closer, voice taut. “You? How do you mean?”She glanced back over her shoulder at her children, who were still playing in the car a short distance away.Their laughter a stark contrast to the tension settling between the two women.Dr. Collins gave a small smile, her arms folding in a mirroring stance. She moved a little closer, nodding in reassurance. "Yes I’ll go to him," she suggested gently, "I want you to watch and observe from a distance. We need to be cautious... We don’t know if he’s genuinely trying to help you or just handing you over to those men." Her tone held a subtle edge of concern, the words carefully measured. “We can’t afford to think like amateurs,Like I said they think like gamers ."Ivy inhaled sharply, her chest rising as her arms tightened around her torso.She still wasn't convinced, her eyes d
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Shadows Of Deception Chapter 44
(IVY POV)I sat on my seat , my fingers tapping anxiously on my knee, trying to mask the tension building inside me. I could see Ethan and Lily exchanging curious glances from the corner of my eye. They were bound to ask questions sooner or later. And I had hoped it would be later."Mum, why are we here?" Ethan finally broke the silence, his voice innocent and probing.I tried to smile, keeping my tone light. "Nothing really just some catch ups with another friend"Lily leaned forward, her big eyes narrowed with curiosity. "What other friend, Mummy? And why this place?"I checked my watch for the hundredth time, forcing a chuckle. "Another old friend, honey. We're just… helping out." I kept my eyes fixed on the building across the street, where Dr. Collins was supposed to be.The small talk continued. I answered their questions about the building, trying to distract them with playful answers. But my eyes kept darting back to the entrance, my heart thumping in my chest. I was
Last Updated : 2024-09-12
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
