LOGINShare
WEB OF SECRETS
Last Updated:
2024-12-03 23:53:46Chapter 2: WEB OF SECRETS
Catherine stood facing the mirror, adjusting the diamond necklace around her neck. Her reflection showed a poised, elegant woman, but her eyes betrayed her. They held a deep sadness, a longing for a life she would never have. She thought of her lover and a subtle smile appeared on her face. They met at a charity gala, and their connection was instant, definition of love at first sight but theirs got deeper as they spoke. But their social differences made their love impossible. Catherine knew her parents would never approve. They already arranged her marriage to Rico, securing their family's names and future. Catherine's feelings or wants are hers and hers alone. As she descended the staircase, Catherine's mother, Victoria, greeted her with a critical gaze. "Catherine, darling, you look stunning. Rico will be thrilled." She giggled upon sighting her daughter. Catherine forced a smile. "Thank you, Mother." Victoria's eyes narrowed. "Remember, Catherine, this marriage is crucial. Don't embarrass us." Catherine nodded her heart heavy, but her smile heavier. She'd never confide in anyone about her lover, it was a topic she dreaded with the whole of her being, as one with no friends and an only child, she was often on her own. Her lover's words echoed in her mind: "We can't be together, Catherine. Your parents will never allow it, but there is something we can do, meet me later at night" Catherine's thoughts drifted back to Rico, oblivious to her secret. He was kind, but she couldn't love him. Not when her heart belonged to another. As she entered the ballroom, Catherine spotted Rico, his eyes scanning the room. Their gazes met, and Catherine's mask slipped for a moment, revealing her sadness. Rico's expression faltered, sensing something was wrong. But Catherine quickly recovered, smiling brightly, as though she was happy to be his bride. "Mr. Blackwood," Catherine said, her voice dripping with artificial sweeteners. Rico's hesitation was brief. "Call me Rico please, you look breathtaking." Catherine's heart ached as he uttered those words. She was trapped in a life she didn't want, forced to marry a man she didn't love. As they exchanged pleasantries, Catherine's thoughts strayed to her lover. Where was he now? Was he thinking of her? Was he already at their spot waiting for her? The weight of her secret threatened to suffocate her. As the night dragged on, Catherine's smile plastered on her face as she played the role of a dutiful fiancée. Rico's attempts at conversation felt forced, and Catherine's responses were laced with artificial sweeteners. As the evening drew to a close, Catherine excused herself, citing fatigue. Rico's concerned expression was genuine, but Catherine knew she had to escape. She slipped out of the mansion, into the cool night air. The gardens were deserted; the only sound was the soft rustling of leaves. Catherine followed the winding path, her heart racing with anticipation. A figure waited in the shadows, his eyes locking onto hers. Her lover... They had chosen this secluded spot for their secret meetings, hidden from prying eyes. "My love," he whispered, pulling her close. Catherine melted into his arms, the tension of the evening disappeared. "I can't do this, my love," Catherine whispered, tears threatening. "Marrying Rico feels like a prison, bondage that I would never recover from" He tightened his grip a bit. "You have to, Catherine, at least for now. But our love doesn't have to end. We can keep seeing each other, in secret, like we always have" Catherine's eyes widened with shock. "Oh No, I don't know..." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I love you enough to wait, Catherine. We'll make this work." He leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "Catherine, remember the house in Lake Como? The family's summer villa that they barely remember exists?" Catherine nodded her heart pounding with fear. As usual his whispered words sent shivers down her spine. "If things go according to plan... we'll have everything we need, the freedom to be together, without fear." Catherine's eyes locked onto his, her mind racing. What did he mean? She thought But his serious expression silenced her questions. Catherine's nod sealed their understanding. His words ignited a spark within her, a determination to see their plan through. As they parted ways, Catherine's mind whirled with calculations. Marrying Rico would secure her family's fortune and influence. But with her lover's plan, she could have both: power and passion. Catherine's smile twisted her thoughts far from innocent. She would do whatever it takes to maintain her happiness and be the precious daughter her parent wants her to be. Catherine retired to her room, her thoughts consumed by her lover's plan. She couldn't wait to put it into action but patience was a key to see this plan through. As she drifted off to sleep, Catherine's dreams were filled with visions of power, wealth, and her lover's touch. The next morning, Catherine received a discreet message from him. "Meet me at the usual place. 5 pm." Catherine's heart skipped a beat, their plan was unfolding gradually, it would take time but this was a good start, the earlier they begin, the faster their dream becomes a reality. Rico paced around the office, frustration written boldly on his face. Justin, seated behind the desk, watched with concern. "What's eating at you, Rico?" Justin asked. Rico halted, running a hand through his hair. "It's Sophia. I love her Justin. But my parents... they'll never approve." Justin's expression softened. "You know I'm here for you, buddy." Rico's voice dropped to a whisper. "There's more to it, Justin. There is something that complicates everything." Justin's eyes narrowed. "What is it, Rico?" Rico's lips parted, the words trembling on the tip of his tongue. Sophia's pregnancy, But he restrained himself, unsure if he could trust even Justin. "I'll do right by Sophia," Rico said finally, his jaw clenched. "But I'll marry Catherine. Try to make it work." Justin's gaze turned thoughtful. "You're a good man, Rico. You'll figure it out." Rico's smile was wry. "I wish it were that simple." As they returned to work, Justin's expression seemed to hold a hidden understanding, but Rico didn't notice. I should go do a few things Rico said as he walked out of the office, Justin lost a bit in thought. Suddenly, the office door swung open. "Justin Taylor," a smooth voice spoke. Justin's head snapped up, his eyes locking onto a stunning woman. Melissa Reynolds, his ex-fiancée. All the thoughts in his head vanished. Melissa's gaze pierced Justin's, her smile dripping with malice. "We need to talk, Justin, about Rico and Sophia." Justin's world tilted. How does she Melissa always know? Why are you so involved with other people’s business Melissa, get a life and stay in it, Justin said. Melissa smiled "you're quite the talker Justin; I'll stay on this one but know I'm unto you Justin, for so many other thing, but you should look out for your friend. Unto me for what Melissa?, you've always been a psychotic little bitch hiding under being a professional journalist, get the hell out of my office before I call the security. Justin said Melissa's laughed “all right big boy, you should watch out for your friend though, some people do not mean well for him” she said “And some people means you included I presume, get out Melissa” he said "Anyway back to you, you have no idea what's coming, Justin, none, you broke my heart, I don’t do forgiveness” she said and walked out of the office. Justin heaved a sigh of relief as she left his office, “Psychotic little bitch” he muttered
Related chapters
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. IS THIS THE END?
Chapter 3: IS THIS THE ENDRico and Sophia sat side by side in a quiet park, the seriousness of their situation obvious."Sophia, I'm sorry," Rico said, his voice cracking. "I never meant to hurt you."Sophia's eyes filled with tears as Rico continued."My family's expectations, the business... it's all suffocating me. I'm trapped in this arranged marriage with Catherine."“You should have thought of it before leading me on and making all those promises” Sophia's face contorted in pain."What about our child?" she whispered.Rico's hands trembled. "I'll take care of everything. I'll set up a secret account, a trust fund. Our child will want for nothing."Sophia's voice barely rose above a whisper. "But what about you? Why can't you be with us?"Rico's eyes filled with regret. "Being with me would put our child in danger. My family would never accept... I'm sorry, Sophia. I love you, but I have to think of our child's safety."Sophia's tears spilled over."You must move on, get your li
Last Updated : 2024-12-03THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Unmasking the Mask
Chapter 4: Unmasking the MaskThe room was cold and had this dampness, the faint smell of mold mingling with the sharp chill of fear. Melissa’s head thumped as she regained consciousness, her wrists and ankles were bound tightly to the chair. She blinked continuously until her eyes got acquitted with the dim light, trying to stabilize herself. The last thing she remembered was the van, the hand over her mouth, and the realization that she’d been fooled.Her breathing doubled. The ropes became tighter as she struggled to free herself. Panic began to set in, “think before you act Melissa” she said to herself. She couldn’t afford to lose her mind now.The sound of footsteps became louder down the corridor. Melissa stiffened as the door opened, revealing a tall, masked figure. He came towards her, his posture radiating menace.“You’ve made a career out of digging where you don’t belong,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.Melissa kept her expression steady, masking her fear with contemp
Last Updated : 2024-12-03THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. STAY DEAD
Chapter 5: STAY DEADThe Blackwood estate was a world of its own isolated from the rest of the city by gates that could rival a fortress. Inside, the vast mansion was lit with chandeliers and lavish decorations, a symbol of wealth and power. But beneath the surface, tension brewed.Rico Blackwood sat at the head of a long dining table, his posture stiff, as his two younger sisters chattered across from him. The younger of the two, Maya, was a striking image of rebellion. She was impulsive, always questioning the rules, and her outbursts kept everyone on their toes. Lydia, the eldest, was quieter, more contemplative. Her eyes often lingered on her brother, watching him closely, sensing the turmoil brewing inside him.“You’re so quiet today, Rico,” Maya teased, her voice carrying the energy of a teenager who refused to be ignored. “I thought you’d be celebrating the engagement, not sulking.”Rico forced a smile. “I am just tired, Maya.”“You’re always tired,” Lydia added, her voice soft
Last Updated : 2024-12-03THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. The Masked Face of Power
Chapter 6: The Masked Face of PowerLight shone through the window of Alex Montgomery's study casting a shadow of his figure on the leather-bound books and antique artifacts that filled his room. Alex sat at his desk, tapping his fingers on his desk; he stared at the man trembling before him, his face filled with disgust as he took a puff of his smoke."You disappointed me, Edward," Alex said, his voice calm but his countenance was far from calm. "I thought you understood the cost of failure."Edward swallowed hard, his hands shaking as he tried to respond. "I—I didn’t expect that Melissa would piece things together very quickly, she had help sir, I am working on it sir. She has more resource and help than we thought."Alex leaned back in his chair, he chuckled slightly before regaining his facial expression and gaze at Edward. "And yet, she’s still just one journalist Edward! Just one! She is a thorn, yes, but nothing more. You’ve been given every tool, you required, everything at yo
Last Updated : 2024-12-10THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Beneath the Mask
Chapter 7: Beneath the MaskThe Blackwood charity gala was a definition of perfection, elegance and class at its peak. It was held in the grand ballroom of the Blackwood estate, its vaulted ceilings were decorated with glittering chandeliers and gold embellishments. The soft sound of classical music played by a live orchestra filled the room as guests dressed in their finest fabrics danced, sipping champagne and exchanging pleasantries. Beneath the façade of glamour, hidden agendas and underground deals were going on.Standing at the center of it all was Alex Montgomery, his imposing figure once again cutting through the crowd. His tailored black tuxedo and polished shoes were understated compared to the level of aura of dominance he exudes. Alex wasn’t just a family ally he was the wolf that prowled the Blackwood estate, his sharp gaze ever watchful. There was nothing about the night he hadn’t anticipated, no angle he hadn’t calculated. To him, every conversation was a potential tran
Last Updated : 2024-12-11THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows and Sparks
Chapter 8: Shadows and SparksThe explosion shattered the peaceful elegance of the Blackwood charity gala. The once lively ballroom was now an echo of screams and the sound of shattering glass, flames raging outside, casting creepy shadows that were seen through the grand windows.Guests ran helter skater, their elegant appearance crumbling into panic as smoke began to find its way into the room. Rico shielded Lydia and Myra instinctively, pulling them closer as they huddled behind a column.“What just happened?” Myra gasped, her bold confidence gone and in its stead was fear.Lydia’s gaze drifted across the room, sharp and calculating. “It must have been an attack but why here and why now?”Rico, still processing the chaos, his eyes scanned the room. “I need to check something,” he said, his voice steady despite the rush of emotions swelling inside of him.Before his sisters could protest, he broke away, pushing through the crowd toward the source of the explosion.The night was on f
Last Updated : 2024-12-12THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows Within Shadows
Chapter 9: Shadows Within ShadowsMelissa blinked her eyes against the harsh white light of the hospital room, her body weighed down by exhaustion and chronic pain. A fresh, yet lifeless scent of antiseptic hung in the air, accompanied with the faint beeping of the monitors by her bedside. She reached for the glass of water on the side table, wincing in pain as her body protested. Her mind, however, was a jumble of thoughts.The explosion, the shattered car. The images she’d so carefully gathered, all gone.A sharp knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She froze, because she wasn’t expecting anyone, her heart raced as a tall figure stepped into the room. He was dressed in a sleek black suit, his face partially obscured by a wide hat. The man moved with an air of precision, closing the door behind him quietly.“Ms. Reynolds,” he said his voice low and calm. “My name is Mr. Vale and we need to talk.”Melissa narrowed her eyes. “If you’re here to finish the job, you’ll have to try
Last Updated : 2024-12-13THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Ruthless Measures
Chapter 10: Ruthless Measures The Blackwood estate tensed, more tensed than usual, every corner alive there was whispers of betrayal and fear. Lydia’s recent disappearance had left a shock to the Blackwood, one that no excuse could fully explain. Rico knew better than to believe the lies Alex had fed the family, but he had no confirmation to his suspicion and fear kept his questions locked in his heart. Down the hall, Catherine stood in her bedroom, her hand trembling as she gripped the edge of the dresser, Elisa, her lookalike cousin, seated on the couch behind her, the tension between them visible. “I can’t believe you dragged me into this mess,” Elisa said, her voice sharp. “You volunteered,” Catherine snapped, turning to face her. “I didn’t force you to come here and pose as me.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “I agreed because you said it would be temporary. But now Alex is watching me like a hawk, and your little secret is about to get us both killed.” The words hit Catherine
Last Updated : 2024-12-14
Latest chapter
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. The Game Shifts
Chapter 65: The Game ShiftsRico’s CounterattackThe Blackwood estate was silent in the early morning, but inside Rico’s office, the tension was thick. Raymond sat across from his father, his fingers tapping against the polished wood desk as he waited. The scandal surrounding Rico’s Dubai deal had exploded overnight, and the investors were already asking questions.“I knew Adrian would try something,” Raymond muttered. “But I didn’t expect him to come after you Dad.”Rico leaned back, eyes unreadable. “This isn’t just Adrian, this is Evelyn, his just a child, he wouldn't dare"Raymond frowned. “You’re sure?”Rico smirked. “Adrian might be smart, but he’s a child like you. This attack? It’s too calculated. Evelyn knows exactly where to hit.” He tossed a folder onto the desk. “You want so bad to be involved in adult dealings here you are we need to respond, and fast.”Raymond picked it up, flipping through the details of Rico’s plan. He exhaled slowly. “This is risky dad.”Rico’s expres
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. A Dangerous Game
Chapter 64: A Dangerous GameRaymond’s Next StepThe night air was cool, but Raymond barely noticed it as he pulled up to the location Camila had sent him. It was an upscale lounge, discreet enough to keep conversations private but exclusive enough that anyone inside knew they were dealing with power.Camila was already seated in a booth at the far end, sipping on a glass of wine. She looked completely at ease, but Raymond knew better. Camila was always calculating, always one step ahead.“You took your time,” she said, not bothering to look up as he slid into the seat across from her.Raymond leaned back, arms crossed. “I wasn’t sure if this was a setup.”She smirked. “If I wanted you destroyed, I wouldn’t be so obvious about it.”Raymond exhaled sharply. “Then what do you want?”Camila tapped her nails against the glass. “You’re in a mess, and I have a way out for you.”He narrowed his eyes. “And what would that be?”She leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering. “You’re not the o
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. A Battle has began
Chapter 63: A Battle has began.Raymond In TroubleThe Blackwood name had weight, until it didn’t, Raymond was the reason why the Blackwood name began to sink gradually.Raymond had spent the night in a holding cell, the cold metal bench beneath him doing nothing to soothe his rage. The moment the police raided the party, he knew he had been set up, but it didn’t matter. The flashing cameras, the whispers, the humiliation, all of it had happened so fast. And now, the headlines were everywhere."Blackwood Heir Busted in Drug Scandal!""Raymond Blackwood: Reckless or Ruined?"The door to the holding cell creaked open, and in walked his father, Rico Blackwood. He wasn’t angry. No, Rico was worse than that. He was disappointed.Raymond stood immediately, trying to salvage some dignity. “Dad, I” he started before he was interruptedRico raised a hand, silencing him. “Don’t.” His voice was like steel, cold and final. He turned to the officer behind him. “Release him.” he said with a voice o
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. The Seeds of War
Chapter 62: The Seeds of WarThe Weight of ConsequencesRaymond Blackwood had never known restraint. His entire life had been a series of privileges, expensive cars, exclusive clubs, and unlimited access to wealth. But now, standing outside St. Augustine’s Academy, waiting for a driver that would never come, he realized just how much had changed overnight.His bank cards were useless. His friends, once so eager to be around him, had suddenly become ghosts. Even Rosalie, usually his partner in crime, seemed distant.“Let’s just go home,” she muttered, adjusting the sunglasses on her face to hide the bruise Adrian Hawthorne had left.Raymond clenched his fists. “I’m not going anywhere without a plan.”His pride wouldn’t allow him to simply accept Rico’s punishment.As if on cue, a sleek black car pulled up beside them. The window rolled down, revealing a girl around their age. Her dark brown eyes gleamed with amusement, her black hair styled in effortless waves.“Raymond Blackwood,” she
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
