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Chapter 7
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-03 17:43:01
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THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 8
MAX POV“Max,” Jacob said, his deep voice cutting through the tense air like a blade.I forced a smile and straightened my tie, trying to steady the panic bubbling inside of me. “Mr. Jacob,” I greeted, nodding politely.Jacob’s piercing eyes didn’t stay on me for long. They darted to Dennis, who stood by the desk in his all-black outfit, trying and failing to look inconspicuous. I saw Jacob’s gaze sweep over Dennis from head to toe, taking in every detail.My heart sank. Jacob was scrutinizing him. Hard.Dennis, of course, didn’t flinch. He stood there with his cap pulled low, hands casually tucked into his pockets, as if he didn’t have a care in the world.Jacob turned his attention back to me, and I could feel his unspoken question hanging in the air.“And who might this be?” Jacob asked, raising an eyebrow as his eyes flickered toward Dennis again.Before I could formulate an excuse, Dennis moved with lightning speed. He took two quick steps toward Jacob, extending his hand with an
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-04THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 9
MAX POVAfter several attempts, the attendant brought out a black and white suit, its lines crisp and immaculate. “This one might be what you’re looking for, sir,” he suggested, handing it to me.I slipped it on, stepping in front of the mirror. The fit was perfect. The black jacket contrasted sharply with the white shirt, and the sleek black tie completed the look.“This is it,” I said, nodding.The attendant smiled. “Excellent choice, sir. You’ll make quite the impression.”As I paid for the suit and left the store, my thoughts drifted back to the Johnson family. Kenneth Johnson’s daughter, once thought to be dead, was about to reappear in front of the world. The paparazzi would undoubtedly have their cameras ready, broadcasting every moment live.Who was this mysterious daughter? How had she stayed hidden for so long? And why now, of all times, was she being introduced to the world? The questions piled up in my mind, refusing to give me peace. My thoughts then shifted to Richard G
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-04THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 10
MAX POVThe crowd's applause thundered around me, but I could only stand frozen, staring at her.She was stunning. Her beauty was captivating but intimidating, wrapped in an air of untouchable grace. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her gown was like liquid gold under the light.I couldn’t stop looking at her. Something about her drew me in, a magnetism that defied explanation but I knew it wasn't love… It was power, fame and wealth that made me want to be close to her.Come to think of it, who doesn't want to be rich? My breath caught as her eyes scanned the crowd and landed on me.Our gazes collided. In that moment, everything else faded away. It was as though the entire ballroom ceased to exist, leaving only the two of us.Her eyes were piercing with that of hate and regret as she saw me, filled with a quiet confidence…no, a proudness…that made my chest tighten. She wasn't who I thought she was anymore… she wasn't that weak Tamara that begs for love a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-05THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 11
MAX'S POVHidden behind the slightly ajar restroom door, I stood motionless, my breath held as I listened to the conversation unfolding just a few feet away. Tamara’s voice, soft but laced with a bitterness I recognized, carried through the air."I only said yes to this engagement because of him," she said, her tone wavering. “Because of the way my ex-husband treated me. I just… I couldn’t let myself stay stuck in the past anymore, Richard.”Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. She wasn’t marrying Richard out of love. She was doing this to spite me, to punish me for my mistakes. For a brief moment, I felt a little of hope ... .if she cared enough to punish me, maybe she still cared at all.“Tamara,” Richard replied after a pause, his voice heavy with sadness. “You don’t need to explain. I already knew… I could feel it. You don’t love me.”“Richard, I’m sorry,” Tamara said, almost whispering. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I… I thought I could learn to love you.”I couldn’t see his face
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-05THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 12
MAX POVI ran a hand through my hair, muttering under my breath. “Those little pests just ruined everything. Everything! And that stupid servant…ugh!”My phone was useless now, and I didn’t have the patience or means to fix it tonight. My plans were crumbling, and I felt powerless to stop it.As I turned to head back into the ballroom, a movement on the balcony caught my eye. My steps faltered, and I squinted to get a better look.There they were. Jacob and Kenneth Johnson, standing together, deep in conversation. Their faces were tense, their gestures sharp and deliberate. Something about their body language set off alarm bells in my mind.“What are they talking about?” I muttered, creeping closer to get a better view.That’s when I saw it.A small red dot, barely noticeable at first, dancing on Kenneth’s chest. My heart stopped as realization dawned.A laser.My eyes darted upward, following the source of the light. There, on the rooftop across the courtyard, was a figure. They were
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 13
MAX POVTime slowed down, and everything around me blurred into the background.Then, without thinking, I shouted at the top of my lungs."NOOO!"My voice boomed through the night, cutting through the heated argument between the brothers. Kenneth and Jacob turned sharply toward me, their faces a mix of confusion and alarm.The sniper had already made their move by pulling the trigger and when he got his shot, he quickly packed up his things and flew away in order not to be caught , his aim was direct to Mr kenneth as he reacted to the sudden noise and bullet.For a moment, everything hung in suspense…the brothers staring at me, the sniper hesitating, and my chest heaving from the adrenaline coursing through me.What have I done?The scream I let out reverberated through the still air, and Kenneth's head snapped around to look at me. He frowned, clearly confused and annoyed, but before he could say a word, a loud crack pierced the night.The sniper had fired.I watched in slow motion a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 14
RICHARD’S POVThe hospital’s lights were shining so brightly as I rushed inside, Kenneth groaning softly in my arms. My heart was pounding. Everything about the night felt surreal…like a bad dream I couldn’t wake up from. Nurses spotted us from across the room and rushed toward me with a stretcher.“Over here!” one of them shouted, motioning for me to place him down.I carefully laid Kenneth on the stretcher, my hands trembling. “He’s been shot,” I said quickly, my voice hoarse. “Please, do something. Save him.”The nurses nodded without hesitation, immediately wheeling Kenneth down the hall toward the operating room. I followed closely behind, but they stopped me at the double doors.“You can’t go any further,” a nurse informed me firmly. “We’ll take it from here.”I froze in place, watching helplessly as they disappeared into the operating room. Through the small glass window, I could see them transferring Kenneth to a surgical table. The doctors and nurses surrounded him, already
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-08THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 15
RICHARD POVAs we stepped inside, the quiet hum of the machines greeted us. Kenneth was lying on the hospital bed, an oxygen mask covering his face. His chest rose and fell weakly, but the fact that he was breathing at all was a miracle.Mrs. Johnson immediately covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a sob. Tamara followed suit, tears streaming down her face as she tried to compose herself.“It’s okay, Mama,” Tamara whispered, holding her mother’s arm. But even as she spoke, her voice cracked, betraying her own emotions.I stood by the door, giving them their moment. Seeing Kenneth like this…hooked up to machines, his life hanging by a thread…felt surreal. This was a man I respected, a man I hoped would soon become family.The weight of everything…the attack, the betrayal, the fear…pressed heavily on my chest. I needed air. Quietly, I slipped out of the room.The hallway felt endless as I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. As the line connected, I couldn’t shake the feeling t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-08
Bab terbaru
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 136
RICHARD'S POV.How long could I live with someone who saw me as nothing more than an inconvenience? I loved her, but it was clear she didn’t love me. She never would.We reached the grand staircase, the intricate designs carved into the mahogany railings shining shadows on the marble floor.I glanced down at the sitting room below, my eyes landing on the shattered remains of the chandelier.Glass was scattered everywhere, the once-beautiful fixture now reduced to a pile of debris. The guests were gone, the celebration ruined.I clenched my jaw, the image of Tammie’s lifeless body beneath the chandelier flashing through my mind.If I hadn’t moved when I did... I shook my head, forcing the thought away. She was safe. That was all that mattered.“Claire!” I called, my voice echoing through the mansion. A moment later, one of the maids appeared, her eyes wide with concern.“Yes, sir?”“Clean up the mess in the sitting room,” I ordered, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.“Make
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 135
RICHARD POV.I should have been paying attention. I should have trusted my instincts the first time I heard that sound. It was faint at first, just a subtle creak that blended into the noise of the celebration.But something about it nagged at me, even as I tried to focus on the conversation with my client.“Richard, are you still there?” Philip’s voice crackled through the phone.“I was saying that if we don’t secure the contract by next week, we could lose the deal to our competitors. I need your confirmation on the revised proposal.”I turned slightly, scanning the room, but nothing seemed out of place. The guests were laughing, glasses clinking as they toasted to our happiness.Tammie stood near the cake, her laughter soft and melodic as she dipped a finger into the icing and tasted it.Her eyes sparkled under the glow of the chandelier, her beauty captivating even in the simplest moments.“I hear you, Philip,” I replied, forcing my attention back to the call.“I’ve looked at the
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 134
MAX'S POV.Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t say anything about it. Instead, she turned to face me, her arms still crossed.“Thinking about what? And why were you shouting earlier? I could hear you from my room.”I scoffed, running a hand through my hair as the anger from earlier bubbled up again.“I was shouting because everything is falling apart. All my plans... everything I worked for... ruined.” My fists clenched at my sides as I fought to keep my composure.“Tammie is married to Richard now. I was supposed to be the one she married. I was supposed to be the Johnsons' son-in-law, not him.”My mother’s expression softened, but only for a moment before her eyes turned cold.“And why are you here sulking instead of fixing it?” Her voice was laced with impatience.“Do you realize what’s at stake here, Max? The Johnsons' wealth... the power... everything we’ve been planning for. You can’t just give up because of one setback.”I looked at her, my jaw tightening.“I didn
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 133
MAX'S POV.“You’re so desperate to get Richard back, aren’t you? That’s why you started all this in the first place. And now look at you. Look at us. You failed, Nadia. You let him slip through your fingers, and now, he’s with her.”I could almost picture her on the other end, probably pacing, probably seething. But I didn’t care.“And you know what? Since you let them get married, since you let them have their perfect little moment…” I took a slow, deep breath, letting my next words sink in.“Tammie will regret it.”There was silence on the line.Then, I continued. “And since you and I are engaged, our wedding is coming up too.”A sharp gasp rang through the speaker.I smiled.Of course, she hated that.She didn’t want to marry me.She never did.She only used me to make Richard jealous, hoping he’d come crawling back to her. But her little plan backfired.Because now, Richard wasn’t just with Tammie…he was married to her.And Nadia? She was stuck with me.“Max, you can’t be serious,
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 132
ALISHA'S POV.I moved carefully, my steps slow and deliberate as I slipped out of my room and into the dimly lit hallway.My heartbeat was steady, controlled…unlike earlier when Nadia’s screams had rattled me.Now, standing here in the shadows, I felt something else entirely. A twisted sort of excitement.I stayed close to the railing of the upstairs landing, my fingers resting lightly on the polished wood as I leaned forward.From my vantage point, I could see everything happening below. The front door swung open, and the newlyweds stepped inside.Richard wasn't the first to enter as he opened the door for her, his tall frame commanding as ever.He carried himself with that same effortless confidence, the kind that had always made people gravitate toward him.He wasn’t just good-looking…he had a presence. And standing beside him, Tammie looked… well, sickening.She was holding onto his arm, her eyes scanning the lavish interior of the house as if she were still in disbelief that she
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 131
NADIA'S POV."But nothing!" I cut her off sharply. "You should have called me before I even had to find out from someone else!""I was scared!" Alisha admitted. "I knew you’d be mad! I knew you’d…""Damn right I’m mad!" I shouted."You think you can just mess up and hide like a coward? You think I’d just let this slide?"Alisha whimpered on the other end. "Nadia… I’m sorry.""Sorry doesn’t fix this, Alisha!" I snapped. "Sorry, don't bring me Tammie! Sorry doesn’t erase the fact that I put my trust in you, and you let me down!""I didn’t mean to…""I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU MEANT!" My hands clenched into fists. My nails dug into my palm so hard I could feel the sting."All that matters is what you did! And what you did was NOTHING!""I’ll fix it," she said suddenly, her voice shaking. "I promise, I’ll fix it. Just give me another chance."I let out a slow, mocking chuckle. "Another chance? Do you think this is a game, Alisha? Do you think I’m just handing out second chances?""Nadia, pleas
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 130
RICHARD POV.The moment the room lit up, we both froze.Right in the center of the sitting room was a beautifully decorated cake, sitting atop a glass table.The soft light of the chandelier above made the entire area shimmer, casting a golden hue over the space. Roses were scattered across the floor, their petals forming delicate patterns leading toward the cake.It was breathtaking.It was romantic.And it was a complete waste.I glanced at Tammie. Her expression was unreadable as she stared at the cake, her hands now resting at her sides.This was my mother’s doing.She must have arranged all this, thinking we would return home as a happy couple, ready to share another sweet moment together.How wrong she was.I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face as I whispered to myself.'' Welcome to married life, Richard.''Tammie stood there, her expression blank as she stared at the cake and the scattered rose petals on the floor.The soft shining light of the chandelier bathed the room in go
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 129
RICHARD POV.The car ride was quiet.Too quiet.I stole another glance at Tammie, hoping to catch some sign of how she was feeling. But she was lost in thought, her gaze fixed outside the window, her expression unreadable.The flashes of passing street lights illuminated her face, making her features appear even more distant, more unreachable.I sighed internally.This wasn’t how I had hoped tonight would go.Not that I had expected anything grand, but… something.Anything.Instead, I was sitting beside my wife…my wife…who had barely looked at me since we got into the car.I shifted in my seat, clearing my throat."So… that was a long day, huh?" I started, keeping my voice light.Tammie didn’t respond at first.For a second, I thought she hadn’t even heard me.But then, she gave a small nod.Just a nod.I waited, hoping she would say something. Maybe agree, maybe add to the conversation, maybe… anything.But nothing.I pressed my lips together.Alright.I tried again."The ceremony we
THE SECRET HEIRESS Chapter 128
RICHARD POV.Then she took my hand, her touch light, almost distant.She picked up the ring, slid it onto my finger, and whispered the words, "With this ring, I take you as my husband."It was done.The exchange was complete.The priest smiled as he looked at both of us, then turned to the crowd."By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."I barely had time to process it before the next words came."You may now kiss the bride."Tammy's body tensed slightly.It was subtle, but I felt it.She didn't want to kiss me.Not really.I wasn’t expecting a passionate kiss, but at the very least, I had hoped for something that didn’t feel forced.I lifted her veil slowly, revealing her face.Her expression was unreadable, her lips pressed into a thin line.I hesitated.Then I leaned in, gently pressing my lips against hers in a soft, fleeting peck.It lasted only a second.Just enough for tradition.Just enough to make it official.When I pulled back, she finally met my ey
