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Chapter OneHundredSixtyFive

Author: Tory June
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-13 19:31:13

Jace sat at his desk in his office, drumming his fingers repeatedly on the shiny wood surface.

His mind replayed the events of the previous few days, causing restlessness and exhaustion.

He looked at the clock, which was always ticking away, reminding him of the time he had lost. A nice diversion was provided by the knock on the door.

"Please come in," he said, anticipating a regular interruption or a staff person. His breath froze in his throat when Avalynn entered.

He stood up and whispered, "Avalynn," feeling a wave of relief and astonishment pass over him. "It surprised me that you were here."

A glimpse of doubt flickered in Avalynn's eyes as they locked. "I had to make the trip. We must have a conversation.

Jace stepped around the desk to get closer to her. With a low, wounded voice, he admitted, "I thought I lost you." "I didn't think you would want to be around me after everything that happened."

With a melancholic little smile on her lips, Avalynn shook her head. It's been
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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredSixtySix

    With regret and fear racing through her mind, Marvy sat in her cell back at the police station. She kept playing back to herself the moment of her arrest, feeling the crushing weight of her mistakes every time.She was startled out of her reverie by the sound of the cell door opening. A guard entered, his face expressionless. He led her out of the cell and down a lengthy hallway to a small, drab room, saying, "You have a visitor."Sarah was waiting for her, a mix of worry and resolve on her face. A glimmer of hope shot through Marvy's heart. With the harsh, unforgiving metal table between them, she took a seat across from Sarah.Sarah said, "Marvy, we need to talk about what happened," in a kind but forceful manner. Although I'm here to support you, I must have your whole honesty.With tears in her eyes, Marvy nodded. "Sarah, I apologize. I had no intention of any of this occurring. I simply... All I desired was a better life.Sarah stretched across the table, resting her palm ov

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredSixtySeven

    Leaning back in his chair, Jace stared at Liam from across the small table in the exclusive dining area of a high-end restaurant."So why did you help me?"With a sly smile, Liam took a sip of his whiskey and answered."Well, that's direct to the point. Jace, I've always appreciated that about you."Jace's gaze grew strained. "Cut the nonsense, Liam. We’ve been at each other’s throats for years. Then all of a sudden you assist me in exposing Marvy. Why not?Liam put down his drink, his face growing serious. "I had my justifications. To be clear, though, this wasn't simply about supporting you. It was all about giving justice to the rightful recipient.Jace said nothing, waiting for Liam to carry on. The tension between them was evident, but there was also an undercurrent of curiosity and reluctant respect.Liam said, "Marvy tried to manipulate me too." She believed she could take advantage of our antagonism and play us off against one another. However, she misjudged me. To be honest,

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredSixtyEigjt

    "Just like that? Marvy gets a ten-year prison sentence, that bitch Avalynn gets to walk free, right?" Amelia looked at Elena and asked in a displeased tone. During her final trip to the station prior to the trial day, her sister Marvy had inadvertently managed to slip a small piece of paper into her pocket. A brief message with the words "Contact her, she'd know what to do" was scribbled beneath Elena's contact information. After she and her mother returned from the trial and after their run-in with Avalynn, she had gotten in touch with Elena right away. She was so eager to exact her retribution. Knowing that godforsaken gold digger would think she's won makes her angry every minute. Amelia's bitterness had been festering for years, and it was not just the trial's verdict that made her angry. Even though Amelia and Avalynn shared their late father's dark, glossy hair and piercing blue eyes, they were and have always been very different from one another. Avalynn was their father's

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHudredSixtyNine

    From the late afternoon sun streaming through the blinds, Liam's office had a golden glow coating the papers scattered over his desk. Leaning back in his leather chair and running a hand through his hair, he sought to arrange the files before him.The phone buzzed just when he thought he was making progress. Liam took it up.He said, "Hello, Grace," in a polite and businesslike tone."You have a guest, Mr. Arstor. Grace, his secretary, said, "Mr. Kevin is here to see you."Liam put the telephone back on its cradle and said into the phone, "Kevin?, please send him in." He looked about his office, arranging the documents on his desk and shoving aside the coffee cup that had been cooling off over the course of the previous hour.A short while later, a tall, strong man wearing a sharp suit entered the office, as soon as he noticed Liam, a smile appeared on his face."Liam Arstor, you old fox!" Kevin let out a loud, enthusiastic exclamation. "It's been a while."With a small laugh, Liam

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHudredSeventy

    Sensing a change in tone, Kevin straightened in his chair and leaned forward, his expression hardening as he stared at Caleb.After clearing his throat, Caleb went on. "Well, as you are aware, Amelia has been under my observation for a while now. She's up to something unusual"Liam clutched the chair's armrests, his knuckles going white. "Recently?"With a nod, Caleb pulled out a thin folder from his pocket. "Yes. She has made contact with a new person."The room's atmosphere appeared to become silent, as though time had stopped to process the significance of Caleb's following remarks.Liam's gaze was fixed on the thin folder held by Caleb, while Kevin sat there, waiting for Caleb to say something more, almost daring to breathe.With his speech deliberate and low, Caleb appeared to detect the tension in the room as he opened open the folder.Amelia met with someone a few hours ago. A female. I succeeded in listening in on their talk. It took Caleb a bit to clear his throat, as the te

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredSeventyOne

    Jace paced around his office, looking from time to time at the wall clock. As usual, he had been working late to tie up loose ends and complete the last few tasks on his constantly expanding to-do list.His mind raced through the events of the day, but it kept coming back to Liam's unannounced truce. Although the tension between them had always been a sore spot for him, he had to admit that the prospect of working together was, to put it mildly, interesting.However, Jace's thoughts were cut short as his phone rang.Jace said, "Hey, Ava," his voice instantly getting brighter at the sound of her voice. I'm delighted to hear from you. I see you're having dinner soon. Fantastic. I'll be present, prepared, and eager."Avalynn gave a little giggle. "Jace, try not to become too excited. You know, I'm not exactly known for being on time. However, I'll try not to be too late. See you shortly!""Catch ya," smiled Jace in response. There was a tiny smile on his lips as he hung up.In preparat

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredSeventyTwo

    Avalynn drove through the city, her thoughts tingling with excitement. She couldn't wait to see Jace. After everything that happened in the preceding weeks, the dinner date was precisely what she needed to cool off. Work had been tough, and personal affairs even more so, Jace had been her support through it all. Her thoughts strayed to how he may react to her surprise visit to his office. She glanced at her phone, eager to text him but then realized it was dead. She grumbled under her breath, remembering she neglected to charge it before leaving the house. What if Jace tried to call her? The city lights blurred past her as she drove, lost in concentration. She didn’t notice the dark SUV trailing behind her. Her mind was too distracted with thoughts about Jace and their planned meal. She grinned to herself, thinking about his smile when he'd see her enter into his office.Suddenly, the SUV sped up and overtook her. It veered sharply and came to a stop immediately in front of her a

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredSeventyThree

    With icy and hateful gaze, Elena emerged from the shadows. She turned to face Jace, and the room fell silent."Elena?" Disbelief was evident in Jace's voice. "You’re behind this?"Avalynn's shocked eyes expanded. Although she was aware of Elena's jealousy as Jace's former secretary, the extent of her hostility remained unknown to her.Elena grinned, her eyes darting from Liam to Jace. "Are you shocked to see me, Jace? I had Liam in mind. He's always had a knack for upsetting my plans. But both of you, together here? That was a surprising turn of events.As Jace tried to comprehend the betrayal, his thoughts raced. Elena, why? What possible benefit may this have for you?Elena became gloomy-eyed. "Did you never get it, or what? Jace, I gave you everything. My devotion, my time, my heart. And you wed Avalynn for a contract rather than out of love. You treated me like I didn't exist!Jace realized how much she had been affected and felt a twinge of sorrow. It was never about you, Elena.

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFiftyOne

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFifty

    Avalynn stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection with breathless eyes. Her body fit the ivory gown, which seemed a second skin with brilliant veil cascading down her back and delicate lace flowing down her arms. Grateful for the pearls' coolness, she ran her fingers over the beaded bodice.Lisa was behind her, adjusting the finishing touches, tucking the dress's train and setting the veil.With a note of wonder in her voice, she said, "Ava, you look amazing."Avalynn shifted slightly and looked into Lisa's mirror. With tears still welling up in her eyes, she said, "I can't believe this is happening. I never thought this would happen."With a kind grin, Lisa squeezed Avalynn's shoulders. "You are deserving of everything." You will make the most stunning bride when you tie the knot with the love of your life."Avalynn inhaled deeply and then looked at her mirror again.The girl who was gazing back at her appeared to be a dream - graceful, dazzling, and brimming with joy

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortyNine

    With the sun rays coming in through the transparent curtains and lightning the room in a warm, golden glow, Avalynn stirred in her deep sleep.The blankets hugged her body tightly, leaving the remains of last night's excitement still visible on her skin.Jace stirred at her touch, his eyes slowly opening. When he saw her, a slow, lazy smile spread across his face, and he tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer. “Morning, beautiful,” he whispered, his voice husky with sleep.His features, softened by the dawn light, were relaxed in sleep, a far cry from his usually controlled and powerful look.Her heart became big with love and happiness as she reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair off his face. Peace, love, and the man who had become her whole world were all she had ever wanted.At her touch, Jace moved and slowly opened his eyes. A slow, lazy smile crossed his lips as he spotted her, and he tightened his grip, drawing her in. He whispered, "Morning, beautiful," his vo

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHudredFortyEight

    The dim light of the bedside lamp cast a soft glow over the room, creating a cozy atmosphere that enveloped Jace and Avalynn as they lay side by side on the large bed. The events of the past weeks had been intense, but now, everything seemed to have settled into place. The room, decorated in muted tones of gray and blue, felt like a sanctuary from the outside world.. a place where they could finally breathe and enjoy the calm after the storm.Avalynn laid her head on Jace's chest and made gentle circles over his skin while she listened to his heartbeat.They had a comfortable stillness that was laced with the warmth of unsaid understanding and shared experiences. Thinking about how far they'd come and how a one-night encounter had brought them to this point, she grinned to herself."Remember the night we first met?" Avalynn has a hushed, almost dreamy voice.With a chuckle, Jace ran a hand through her hair. "How could I overlook that? You were the most stunning woman in the club, an

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortySeven

    Two weeks had passed since the whirlwind of revelations that had shaken the foundation of Avalynn’s world. But now, the dust had settled, and with it, a newfound clarity and peace had emerged. Avalynn had come to terms with her heritage, her place in the Malvis family, and most importantly, with Jace. The man she loved, who had been her anchor in the storm, was no longer just the man she thought she knew; he was so much more.The Malvis house was a hive of joy tonight. The huge hall gleamed with wealth and grace, decorated with crystal chandeliers and high ceilings. The walls, which were covered with pictures of the Malvis ancestors, appeared to witness to the importance of the evening.. the official recognition of Avalynn as a real Malvis and the celebration of the family's victory over the Rinders, longtime enemies.Guests started to pour into the hall as the evening sun started to set, soaking the estate in a warm, golden glow. With the quiet hum of string instruments playing

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortySix

    With a deep breath, Jace's grandfather looked at him and Avalynn who were seated across from him. There was a tight, stifling silence as the weight of the information he was about to impart seemed to drain the room's very oxygen. As Jace's jaw tightened and his eyes locked on the elderly guy, Avalynn shifted in her seat, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest.The grandfather said, "Jace, Avalynn," in a tone that was serene but full of a gravity that made Avalynn's skin crawl. "The results of the DNA test are in."The words, thick with anticipation and terror, hung in the air like a fog. Avalynn braced herself for what was about to happen, her fists clenched in her lap and her claws digging into her hands. Jace leaned forward a little, his eyebrows furrowing in a startled yet nervous way.The grandfather stated, "The test proves that Avalynn is in fact my late son's biological daughter."A painful gasp from Avalynn's lips as her breath caught in her throat. The words echoed in her

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortyFive

    Apart from the soft buzz of the equipment deciding their fate in a moment, the room was quiet. Avalynn sat on the brink of her seat her fists clenched in her lap and her knuckles white from the pressure. Jace walked back and forth, his body stiff from all the questions flying about in his thoughts.As they awaited the start of the DNA test, a distinct sense of apprehension filled the air.Grandfather Jace was standing close to the door, his face expressionless. Unwilling to allow the doubt to linger any longer, he had insisted on the test being conducted right away. Avalynn was so preoccupied with the idea that her whole life had been a lie that she had hardly noticed the trip to the private clinic. The idea of having Jace as her brother and becoming a Malvis by blood was too much for her to fathom. However, they were now facing the moment of truth.A nurse arrived with the required supplies in the room. "Miss Avalynn and Mr. Malvis Senior will need to provide samples," she stated

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortyFour

    Avalynn gazed at the picture, her eyesight going blurry. Her mother’s image, frozen in time, looked back at her with a familiar smile that now felt hauntingly distant. She swayed on her feet as the room appeared to tilt and a sensation of vertigo overcame her. Her palm trembled as she attempted to settle herself, her fingertips grazing the edge of the desk, a sign of her mounting panic.In an instant, Jace was by her side, his arm encircling her waist and supporting her before she could pass out. He pleaded, "Ava, breathe," in a worried-sounding voice. Though his hold was tight, the panic that overcame them both was reflected in the shaking in his voice.From behind the desk, his grandfather observed them with a normally calm expression that broke into a look of uncertainty that Avalynn had never seen before. The man who had always been a tower of strength appeared lost, as though the world was collapsing around him."I'm not sure I get it. How is this even feasible?" Avalynn's li

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortyThree

    As the tension in the room increased, Jace's eyes darted between Avalynn and his grandfather, making it obvious that he was confused.“You didn’t mention she would be here,” Jace finally said, his voice tight, barely concealing his frustration. His brow furrowed in a way that made Avalynn’s heart ache. His grandfather remained seated, his hands folded calmly on his desk. “You’re right, Jace. I didn’t. But I didn’t think I could sit back and watch you continue like this. You’ve been shutting yourself away, wallowing in self-pity and loneliness. You need someone by your side.. someone you trust. And there’s no better woman for you than Avalynn.”A beat skipped by Avalynn's heart. She had rarely seen Jace's face of vulnerability, and it completely shocked her. With words stuck in his throat, he remained motionless, and the ensuing stillness was replete with unspoken realities.With black eyes filled with emotions he couldn't seem to control, Jace turned to face her. His regret-filled

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