LOGINShare
A Dance with Shadows
Last Updated:
2025-01-20 07:13:40
Related chapters
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Beneath the Surface
Chapter 46: Beneath the SurfaceThe cold night air brushed against Melissa’s skin as she stepped outside the bustling gala for a moment of relieve. Her close encounter with Alexis had left her shaken, but there was no room for error. Her disguise as Allison Roman was still intact, yet the walls around her felt as if they were closing in.She positioned herself near a fountain on the far edge of the garden, the cascading water masking the distant sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. Her mind worked furiously, replaying every word and glance exchanged inside. Evelyn’s presence loomed like a shadow over her mission, and Alex Montgomery, for all his reputation, appeared just as caught in the storm as anyone else.Melissa pulled out her compact earpiece and whispered, "Vale, are you there?"A faint crackle answered before his voice emerged, steady and low. "I’m here. What happened?""Too much attention," she admitted, glancing back toward the glowing windows of the ballroom. "Alexis Ha
Last Updated : 2025-01-21THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Unraveling the Threads
Chapter 47: Unraveling the ThreadsThe air in the faintly lit office remained still as Melissa pressed herself further into the shadows, her heart hammering continuously, rhythmically in her chest. Alexis Hawthorne's voice echoed through the room, sharp, unforgiving and menacing."I’ll find you," Alexis murmured, her tone dangerously smooth, each step bringing her closer to Melissa’s hiding spot.Melissa’s fingers tightened around the handle of the knife hidden in her gown, every fiber of her being screaming for her to act. But she couldn’t afford a confrontation, not here, not now. The file in her bag was too important to risk losing and anything could risk her take death being exposed.Alexis paused, her sharp gaze sweeping the room, her lips curving into a predatory smile. "You’re clever, I’ll give you that. But cleverness only gets you so far, I begin where your cleverness ends."Melissa steadied her breathing, counting the seconds as Alexis took another step forward. She needed a
Last Updated : 2025-01-22THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Into the Fire
Chapter 48: Into the FireMelissa’s breath was shallow, her back pressed against the cold, textured wall of the service hallway. Her ears strained to pick up every sound over the echo of her pounding heart. The gala was still alive with music and chatter, but the danger closing in on her was deafening in its own silence.The stolen file in her bag felt like a ticking bomb, one she had to get out before the Hawthornes discovered its absence. But escaping unnoticed was proving impossible. Evelyn’s security team had spread across the venue, locking down exits. And Alexis Hawthorne’s voice, sharp and brimming with menace, still rang in her ears: “I’ll find you.”Melissa adjusted her earpiece, her fingers trembling slightly. “Vale, I need an out. Now.”“Working on it,” Vale replied, his tone clipped. “They’ve locked down all the main doors. You’ll have to use the service tunnels beneath the building. I’m uploading the schematics to your watch now, just because I don't want to say I told yo
Last Updated : 2025-01-23THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows In The Maze
Chapter 49: Shadows in the MazeMelissa froze. Alex Montgomery’s voice carried a calm, dangerous edge that sent a chill down her spine. He stepped forward, his gun steady, eyes dark with a mixture of recognition and menace.“Drop the bag,” Alex ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Melissa’s mind raced. Her pulse thundered in her ears, but her expression remained neutral. She slowly lowered the bag, her hand lingering just enough to buy herself a fraction of a second.“You’ve been very busy, haven’t you?” Alex continued, his smirk widening. “Stealing from Evelyn, sneaking around like a ghost. Tell me, Melissa...” he emphasized her name, confirming he had pieced it all together, “how long did you think you could keep this act up?”Melissa tilted her head, her voice steady despite the terror clawing at her chest. “Long enough to bring you all down.” she repliedAlex chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. “You always had a flair for dramatics. But this isn’t your stage anymore. It
Last Updated : 2025-01-25THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. A Game For Betrayers.
Chapter 50: A Game For Betrayers.The flames from the explosion where high in the distance as Melissa disappeared into the city’s alleys. Alex Montgomery stood by the wreckage of his SUV, his chest heaving with fury. Smoke and sirens filled the night air, but all he could see was red, he was angry.“Find her!” he barked at the men around him, his voice sharp and venomous. “I want every alley, every corner of this city searched! She doesn’t leave here alive!”The men scattered without question, their footsteps echoing into the night. Alex stood motionless for a moment, his mind racing. Melissa Reynolds, alive and more dangerous than ever. This revelation threatened to unravel everything he had worked for, and there was only one person he could turn to now.Without wasting another second, Alex climbed into one of the remaining SUVs and barked at the driver to take him to Evelyn.***Evelyn’s EmpireEvelyn Hawthorne’s mansion was an architectural masterpiece, a symbol of her iron grip ov
Last Updated : 2025-01-26THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. The Blood Oath
Chapter 51: The Blood OathThe rain came down in cold sheets, washing the blood from the streets but doing nothing to cleanse the night of the terrible atrocities. In the shadows of the city, Evelyn Hawthorne’s empire filled with quiet fury, the balance of power wobbling as every move was countered by unseen hands.Melissa Reynolds didn’t have time to revel in her escape. She didn’t have time for fear, either. Every breath she took burned with the weight of what she carried, the proof. Proof that Evelyn and her Hawthorne empire weren’t invincible. But the cost of that knowledge was deeper than just a few papers.Deep in an abandoned subway station, Melissa adjusted the strap of her bag and kept her ears attuned to every sound. She could feel Vale’s tension even through the comm link.“Are you listening to me, Melissa?” his voice snapped, pulling her focus back.“I’m listening,” she said, crouching low behind a rusted waste bin. Her eyes scanned the tracks, the echoes of the city abov
Last Updated : 2025-01-27THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. A Mother’s Farewell
Chapter 52: A Mother’s FarewellThe dim light of the evening filtered through the curtains of Grace’s new small apartment. She sat at the worn wooden table, staring at a photograph of Sophia and Zira. Her hands trembled as she traced their faces with her fingers, tears falling onto the glossy surface. The weight of the decision to leave Zira at the orphanage crushed her, but she knew it was the only way to protect her granddaughter.Grace sighed, her voice barely a whisper. “Sophia, if only you could see what I’ve done. I hope one day you’ll understand.”The sound of a creaking floorboard snapped her out of her thoughts. She froze, her heart racing. The apartment was supposed to be empty. Her hand instinctively reached for the knife she had kept under the table for protection.“Who’s there?” she called out, her voice trembling but firm.Silence.Her mind raced. Could they have found her? She had tried to stay off the radar, changing her routines and avoiding contact with anyone who mi
Last Updated : 2025-01-28THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Lost and Not Found
Chapter 53: Lost and Not FoundSophia sat on the edge of the motel bed, scrolling mindlessly through her phone. Her hands trembled slightly as she searched for any news about Grace. It had been days, and she hadn’t heard from her mother. That wasn’t like her. Grace always found a way to check in, even if it was just a short message.Her stomach twisted with unease. She typed "Grace Silverton" into the search bar, praying for something, anything, to ease her fears.The first headline made her breath hitch.LOCAL WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN APARTMENT. SUSPECTED FOUL PLAY.Sophia's vision blurred as she clicked on the article."Grace Silverton, 58, was found dead in her apartment late last night. Authorities suspect foul play, though details remain unclear. Sources indicate that Holloway had no known enemies, and investigators are working to determine the cause of the attack."The phone slipped from her hands and hit the floor with a dull thud. Her breath came in short gasps, her chest tightenin
Last Updated : 2025-01-30
Latest chapter
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. One Good, Two Bad.
Chapter 61: One Good, Two Bad.Rachel sat at the farthest corner of the school library, her fingers flipping through the pages of a thick textbook. The familiar scent of old paper and ink filled the air, a quiet comfort in the otherwise chaotic world of high school.She didn’t mind being alone.It was easier this way.People at St. Augustine’s Academy, one of the city’s most elite private schools weren’t cruel to her, but they weren’t friendly either. She was neither rich enough to be admired nor outgoing enough to be noticed. The other students barely acknowledged her presence, as if she were part of the furniture.Rachel had stopped trying to fit in years ago.“Class, before we begin, I want to acknowledge something,” Mr. Grayson, their economics teacher, said as he entered. He was one of the few teachers who actually noticed her.He turned to face the class. “We had a round of mock exams last week, and the highest scorer as usual where a number of kids but someone had given a large
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. New Beginning, Old Shadows
Chapter 60: New Beginning, Old ShadowsFifteen years had passed, and the world had moved on. The city still played with power, its undercurrents of corruption as strong as ever. The names that ruled it, Blackwood and the Hawthorne had not faded, only grown more ruthless.And among them, hidden in plain sight, was a girl who had no idea she was part of that world.Rachel Smith.Or, as she had once been called Zira.She didn’t remember the name. She didn’t remember much of anything from the life she’d left behind.But some things, even forgotten, never truly disappeared.***The Smith's Household: Two Sisters, Two RealitiesThe Smith's were a good family. At least, that’s what everyone believed.And in some ways, it was true. They weren’t cruel. They didn’t raise their voices, didn’t hit, didn’t mistreat her.But love?That was different.Rachel sat at the dinner table, the warm glow of the chandelier above them casting soft light over the polished mahogany. The smell of roasted chicken
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Before A New Era.
Chapter 59: Before A New Era.The world had shifted, but the game? The game was still the same, power, secrets, and survival. Only this time, the rules were different.Some won. Some lost. And some? They simply waited for their next move, it took years but it never ended.***Evelyn’s Unfinished BusinessEvelyn Hawthorne sat in her dim lit office, her fingers tapping against the polished wood of her desk. The city skyline stretched beyond the floor to ceiling windows, a reminder of everything she had built… and everything she had yet to destroy.Dominic, her right hand, stood by the door, watching her closely. “We have a problem,” he said.She exhaled slowly, swirling the whiskey in her glass. “I don’t like problems, Dominic.”“This one won’t go away.” he saidEvelyn arched a brow. “Alison Roman?”“She disappeared.” he answered Silence."Isn't that suppose to be Alexis and Alex job?" She fired back, staring at him.Evelyn didn’t react right away, but the weight in the room changed. D
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows and Reckonings
Chapter 58: Shadows and ReckoningsThe night was thick with tension. Evelyn Hawthorne sat in her car, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence. Across the street, the remnants of the burned warehouse still smoldered, sending wisps of smoke curling into the dark sky. Her men were scattered, stationed at vantage points, waiting for movement.And then it came.A black SUV, tinted windows, slow and cautious, pulled up near the alleyway. Someone had come to investigate the aftermath of her destruction. Evelyn smiled coldly.“Finally,” she murmured.Dominic, her enforcer, leaned forward. “Want us to move in?” he askedEvelyn held up a hand. “No. Not yet. Let them think they’re safe, I also want to see who it is.”She watched as a figure stepped out of the SUV, their figure obstructed by shadows. They stood still for a moment, surveying the damage, then pulled out a phone. Whoever they were, they were making a call.Evelyn’s fingers drummed against her armrest. “Find out who they’re ca
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Resilience and Confessions.
Chapter 57: Resilience and Confessions.The night air smelled of smoke and destruction. The fire raged, licking at the sky as the old warehouse collapsed in on itself. Evelyn Hawthorne stood a safe distance away, her face illuminated by the flickering flames, eyes cold and calculating.Her men moved like shadows around her, efficient, ruthless. This was just the beginning. Whoever had taken over Alex Montgomery’s empire had hidden well, but Evelyn wasn’t one to play guessing games. She’d draw them out the old-fashioned way, by making them bleed, This wasn't a fight for her children as she had instructed them to watch and learn how it is done.One of her men, a tall enforcer named Dominic, stepped closer. “The fire will take care of any evidence. We hit three of their locations tonight. Their operation is falling apart Ma.” he aaidEvelyn took a slow breath, the scent of burning metal sharp in the air. “Good,” she murmured then smiled, “Now we wait.” she replied.If the new leader was
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. The Edge of Truth
Chapter 56: The Edge of TruthEvelyn’s Hunt for the RebelThe air inside the warehouse was thick with the smell of gasoline and old blood. The dim light from the overhead bulb cast long shadows on the concrete floor, where a man knelt, hands tied behind his back, his breathing coming in short gasps.Evelyn Hawthorne sat across from him, one leg crossed over the other, a glass of whiskey in her hand as she took her time mixing the amber liquid, her expression unreadable."You know why you’re here," she said finally. Her voice was soft, almost gentle, but the weight behind it made the man flinch."I ... I don’t know anything," he stammered, shaking his head. Blood trickled from a cut on his cheek, his eye already swelling shut.Evelyn sighed. "That’s disappointing." She tilted her head, watching him like a cat watching a wounded mouse. "You worked for Alex Montgomery. You took his orders, followed his commands and now, someone else is giving those orders in his name, All I want to know
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows and Silence
Chapter 55: Shadows and SilenceSophia Pressures ValeThe pain hadn’t faded. Every movement sent a sharp sting through Sophia’s shoulder, but she gritted her teeth and ignored it. She had survived worse.She sat up on the couch, her body stiff from days of rest. The safe house was dim, the faint scent of antiseptic hanging in the air. She had been stitched up, cleaned, and kept breathing.But none of that mattered.Across from her, Vale sat with his legs stretched out, his phone in hand. He was too calm. Too comfortable."You look good for someone who almost died," Vale remarked without looking up.Sophia scowled. "And you look too relaxed for someone who still hasn’t found what I need." She saidVale smirked, finally setting his phone down. "You’re welcome, by the way. I did save your life." He retorted.Sophia ignored the remark. "Tell me what you found please?." She beggedVale stretched his arms over his head, yawning. "You’re not even going to let me enjoy this moment?" He giggle
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. A Past That Won’t Stay Buried
Chapter 54: A Past That Won’t Stay BuriedSophia Wakes UpThe first thing Sophia felt was pain, sharp, deep, and unforgiving pain. It dragged her up from the heavy darkness, pulling her toward consciousness like a weight pressing against her chest. She let out a slow, shaky breath, feeling her body protest at the slightest movement.Then she heard footsteps.Her eyes fluttered open, and the dim glow of a bedside lamp made her squint her eyes. She wasn’t in the motel anymore. The air smelled sterile, the walls bare. A safe house? A hospital?She shifted, and pain flared through her shoulder, making her suck in a sharp breath."You're awake." He said That voice. She knew it. Calm, unreadable.Sophia turned her head slowly. Vale was standing near the window, arms crossed, his face half hidden in the shadows."You’re lucky I was keeping an eye on you," he said, walking toward her. "Otherwise, you'd be dead."Sophia swallowed, her throat dry. "Where… am I?" She asked."Somewhere safe," Va
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Lost and Not Found
Chapter 53: Lost and Not FoundSophia sat on the edge of the motel bed, scrolling mindlessly through her phone. Her hands trembled slightly as she searched for any news about Grace. It had been days, and she hadn’t heard from her mother. That wasn’t like her. Grace always found a way to check in, even if it was just a short message.Her stomach twisted with unease. She typed "Grace Silverton" into the search bar, praying for something, anything, to ease her fears.The first headline made her breath hitch.LOCAL WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN APARTMENT. SUSPECTED FOUL PLAY.Sophia's vision blurred as she clicked on the article."Grace Silverton, 58, was found dead in her apartment late last night. Authorities suspect foul play, though details remain unclear. Sources indicate that Holloway had no known enemies, and investigators are working to determine the cause of the attack."The phone slipped from her hands and hit the floor with a dull thud. Her breath came in short gasps, her chest tightenin
