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Chapter 6
Last Updated:
2024-08-07 20:29:45
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Shadows Of Deception Chapter 7
ADRIAN (POV)The morning light that seeped in from the curtains made me wake up, rolling from side to side on the bed. I groaned, rubbing a hand across my face, trying to get used to my vision again. My head throbbed slightly and I felt a dull ache behind my eyes, it was a tangible reminder of the previous night's events. But my mind was still quite unstable, struggling to piece together the fragments of memory.I sat up slowly, running a hand through my bushy hair, blinking at the empty space beside me. Joan was no longer here, she was gone. For a moment, I felt disappointed. Maybe she had snuck out early, perhaps out of shyness or fear of the other maids and the prying questions they would all be nursing by now. I am sure she was also scared of getting blamed for taking advantage of her boss’s vulnerable moment.I waved off the thought. She had nothing to fear. I wasn’t that drunk anyways, I knew exactly what I was doing. But why? Furrowing my brow, I let a chain of fresh
Last Updated : 2024-08-18Shadows Of Deception Chapter 8
ADRIAN (POV)The note in my hand felt like a bar of weight, each word etched into my brain as if they were carved in stone.The words were hurried, almost frantic, as if she had written it in a rush, desperate to leave before she was caught.I lowered my head again and scanned the note, hoping I had missed something, some clue that would make everything make sense.“ This place dangerous, same are the people who found me. The people who brought me. I didn't mean for this to happen, Adrian. Please understand, I had no choice. They're always watching. Trust no one. And my real name is not Joan."I blinked looking up again.What did she mean by that? Maxwell, and my chauffeur, Caleb they were the only ones who knew about Joan’s background. Had they been keeping tabs on her all along? And if so, why?The revelation that Joan's about her name being fake what did all that mean? I felt a cold shiver run down my spine as I considered the implications. If her name wasn’t Joan, then who was
Last Updated : 2024-08-18Shadows Of Deception Chapter 9
MAXWELL ( POV)The air was thick with tension, suffocating and uncomfortable. Adrian’s shouting was literally making the room vibrate. I remained standing, my posture steady on the outside, but inside, my thoughts were a whirlwind of questions and fresh calculations.This news of that girl's sudden disappearance wasn’t just a setback; it was a disaster waiting to happen.Joan….no, Ivy had been a risk from the start, her very existence a delicate thread we tried to weave into our plans. I had tried to convince myself that we could control her, keep her close enough to manage, but with this this development it was obvious we had grossly underestimated her. Now, with her gone, the entire foundation of decades of careful strategy was threatened to crumble.As the commotion was still going on.The door creaked open, and Caleb walked in with slumped shoulders, he was looking like a cat drenched by rain water. Our eyes locked immediately he came close enough, and in that fleeting momen
Last Updated : 2024-08-20Shadows Of Deception Chapter 10
MAXWELL (POV)The police station was a complete contrast to the opulence of Adrian’s mansion, where we were standing few minutes ago.Everyone one of us from the maids to the guards to Adrian himself were all present.The cold, fluorescent lights twinkled overhead, casting harsh shadows on the linoleum floor. The air was thick with the scent of stale coffee and disinfectant, mingling with the anxiety that permeated the room.Adrian, Caleb, and I were ushered into a cramped waiting area. The anxiety was vivid; no one spoke as we waited for the officers to call us in.I could feel the eyes of some of the maids and guards on me, the fear in the faces was almost a physical thing, pressing in from all sides. Miss Hawkins, the chief maid, sat across from me, her hands wringing together in her lap. She looked up at me with a little hint of accusation as though she were blaming me for the involvement of the police.The door to the interrogation room creaked open, and a uniformed officer s
Last Updated : 2024-08-20Shadows Of Deception Chapter 11
MAXWELL (POV)As we exited the building, the sharp contrast between the stark, cold interiors and the warm, afternoon sun was jarring.Adrian walked silently beside me, his initial aggresive demeanor replaced by a distant, almost vacant expression. Caleb followed closely behind, his eyes darting around as if he were still trying to piece together a puzzle that didn’t quite fit.The maids and guards, who had been brought in for questioning, stood huddled near the second car. They exchanged nervous glances, their fear palpable. Miss Hawkins, in particular, looked like she was holding herself together by sheer willpower. As I approached, I noticed the small tremors in her hands as she adjusted her coat. I gave her a reassuring nod, though inside, I was battling my own storm of doubts.Adrian stopped beside his car, a sleek black Benz that seemed almost too polished for the so called grim situation. Caleb moved to open the door for him, but Adrian hesitated, his hand lingering on the
Last Updated : 2024-08-22Shadows Of Deception Chapter 12
IVY POV)My heart thumped loudly in my chest as I pressed myself against the cold, damp wall of the alley. The veil I was wearing felt suffocating, its fabric clinging to the skin of my face, but I pulled it tighter, desperate to stay hidden. It was only the second day of my escape, but it already felt like an eternity. My whole body ached from the cold and the tension of being on constant alert. The streets of San Francisco were quite unfamiliar to me, and I had no idea where to go. My life had been so linear before now, from Caleb’s house to Bayview hospital, and from the hospital back to Caleb’s house but now, I was lost in a maze with no clear way out.As I stood there, cryptic thoughts swirled in my mind, refusing to settle. “So his grandfather was Xavier the Second? The very same one from the Twelfth Baptist Church?” I couldn’t wrap my head around it. How was it even possible? My breath hitched as I muttered under my breath, “The Lord is my shepherd” The words felt ho
Last Updated : 2024-08-22Shadows Of Deception Chapter 13
The knocking on the door grew louder and more persistent. I could feel the tension tightening around us. My heart thumped harder as the once-muted murmurs outside grew clearer, sharper and violent The tones belonged to men who clearly meant us harm. My gaze shifted to Mr. Collins, who was standing by the window with wide, fearful eyes, his calm demeanor giving way to an anxious looking different, completely different from the person I saw few minutes ago. He was sweating now, small beads forming on his forehead, a stark contrast to the calm, composed man I saw few minutes ago.Dr. Collins sat beside me, her hands clasped so tightly in her lap that her knuckles was beginning to turn white. I could feel her fear as acutely as my own, a cold, creeping sensation that had settled into the pit of my stomach. We both tried to keep calm, to pretend that maybe just maybe if we stayed quiet, if we didn’t move, the danger outside would pass us by. But the relentless knocking and the gro
Last Updated : 2024-08-23Shadows Of Deception Chapter 14
The distant wail of sirens grew louder, reverberating through the quiet house. I felt a surge of relief as I clung to Dr. Collins, my tears finally beginning to subside. The sound of footsteps approaching from outside filled me with some sense of hope.Minutes later, we heard a bang and Dr Collins immediately rushed to open the lock from within before shouting.“Come on in.”At once, the front door creaked open, and the blur of flashing lights illuminated the room. Uniformed officers marched in, their faces set with a blend of professionalism and concern. They quickly took stock of the situation, their eyes scanning the room before focusing on us.Then One officer, a tall man with a stern expression, stepped forward. “I’m Officer Daniels,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind. “Can you tell us what happened here?”Dr. Collins stood, wiping her tears and trying to compose herself. “We were just about to call for help when we heard the knocking,” she explained. “We were terri
Last Updated : 2024-08-24
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
