LOGINShare
Chapter 32: A New Weapon
Last Updated:
2025-01-21 22:55:11
Related chapters
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 33: The Betrayal Within
The atmosphere in the room felt stifling. The documents and maps laid out on the table, detailing the rescue strategy for James, appeared to be a delicate hope amid the impending storm approaching us. Every detail was important, but I still couldn't help but feel that something—or someone—was slipping away unnoticed. Williams’ voice cut through my thoughts. “We’ll split into teams. Grace, you handle surveillance. Alex and I will cover the docks. Freda, you stay here—” “No,” I interrupted, my voice firmer than I expected. “I’m coming with you. This involves all of us.” He gave me a hard look but didn’t argue. He knew better than to waste time on a debate. Before anyone could react, the door burst open, and Emma emerged, her complexion white and her hands shaking. "I need to speak with you," she stated, her voice trembling, her gaze fixed on me. “Not now,” Williams said sharply. “We’re in the middle of something critical.” “It’s about James,” Emma said, her voice rising. “And D
Last Updated : 2025-01-22The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 34: Family Pressure Mounts
The tension in the Franklin penthouse was suffocating. The aftermath of the trap at the warehouse lingered like a dark cloud over everyone. Emma had managed to get me out of Daniel’s clutches, but the guilt and betrayal in her eyes haunted me. I had no idea if her intentions were genuine or part of some larger scheme, but for now, she had bought me time. Williams paced by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his jaw tight, fists clenched. “They’ve escalated. This isn’t just family politics anymore—this is war.” “They’re not going to stop,” Alex said, his tone grim. “Daniel wants complete control, and Sophia thrives on chaos. And then there’s Margaret…” At the mention of Margaret Harrington, my chest tightened. The matriarch’s reach was everywhere, her power a constant shadow over my every move. “They think they can pressure me into submission,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt. “But they’re wrong. I’m not backing down.” Williams stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto mine. “Freda
Last Updated : 2025-01-22The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 1: Fatal Collisions
The rain that drenched the evening turned everything into a swirl of city shadows and headlights. I gripped the shabby strap of my purse tighter as my heels clicked on the damp sidewalk. The cold was biting, but I felt trapped for more reasons than the weather. Tonight served as yet another reminder that life has a humorous way of leading you into traps. "Hey, take a look!" As I staggered back, the man's voice was piercing, a howl of frustration. He had bumped into my shoulder as I ran to stay out of a puddle. As I struggled with the strap that had fallen off my shoulder, I murmured, "Sorry," without raising my eyes. "And you have a great ability to ignore your surroundings." Irritation surfaced as my head surged upward. I anticipated a conceited urbanite who believed that their exquisitely fitted coat was the centre of the universe. What I saw was worse: a man with a jawline carved from arrogance, dressed too sharply for his own good. He didn't appear to mind that his umbre
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 2: A Too-Good Offer to Turn Down
There was an overwhelming quiet in the room. I tried to take in what I had just heard as I looked at him. What would you think about marrying me? Absurd and unreal, the words replayed in my mind like a nightmare I was unable to wake from. "Pardon me?" I succeeded, speaking hardly louder than a whisper. Leaning back in his chair, Williams Franklin's eyes were composed and strategic. "I think I was explicit. I'm proposing to you—under a contract, of course. A bitter, disbelieving laugh rose up in my throat. "Is this a joke of some sort?" His face remained unwavering. "Joke is a waste of time for me." As a reaction to protect myself from the situation's utter ridiculousness, I crossed my arms. "You're not even familiar with me. Why would you— "Are you not present here? at *Love Affair*. With an irksomely matter-of-fact tone, he said, "That tells me everything I need to know." My cheeks became heated. "You know absolutely nothing about me." "I know enough," he shot back. Y
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 3: The Agreement Is Reached
In the faint light of my small flat, I gazed at the sleek black card on the table, its letters etched with silver. I could recite them in my sleep since I had read them so many times: *Williams Franklin*. A moniker that sounded as alien to my reality as the moon was to the ocean. Three days had passed since the offer. I spent three days trying to persuade myself that it was the right decision to walk away. However, since this was my sole remaining lifeline, I couldn't just up and leave. My bank account was dying, my rent was due tomorrow, and the job interviews I had been frantically pursuing had all dried up like the end of a summer rain. Then came the man from the alley, whose cryptic warning kept repeating itself in my head. There is always a cost associated with Franklin's bargains. But at what cost? Furthermore, didn't I already pay one for simply living in a city that ate up and spewed out people like me? I dragged my palms down my cheeks and moaned. The decision wasn'
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 4: Initial Thoughts
The moment we stepped out of the car, it seemed as if a hundred eyes were watching me. Flashing cameras looked like fireworks, as the rapid shutter sounds merged into a unified, chaotic hum. As we ascended the marble steps of the Astoria Grand, Williams' fingers tightened slightly on my arm, a small but reassuring touch that I held onto. The smell of ambition and money filled the air within. A sea of expensive dresses and well-tailored suits was illuminated by the golden glow from the brilliant chandeliers. The gentle tones of a live orchestra blended with the sounds of conversation and laughter. Williams spoke softly as he leaned closer. "Remember that confidence is essential. Don't smile too much. Talk when someone is speaking to you, and please, don't drink too much champagne. I forced a practiced smile onto my lips and murmured, "Got it." He guided me through the throng, stopping occasionally to greet or shake hands with people whose names I couldn't possibly recall. I mad
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 5: Historical Whispers
As sunshine streamed into the expansive penthouse on the morning following the gala, the city hummed softly in the background. The room was opulent but chilly, a far cry from the small apartments I had known as a child. Like Williams himself, there was a hint of riches around, but there was also a whisper of emptiness. A delightful breakfast spread awaited me as I entered the dining room. Holding a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and his phone in the other, Williams settled into the chair at the head of the table. I sat down opposite him, and he hardly acknowledged me. "Sleep well?" he enquired, sounding more compelled than genuinely interested. I lied and said, "Like a rock." In actuality, I had been wondering about Ethan, Sophia, and this strange new life I had slipped into all night. His eyes were keen as he looked up. "All right. We have a reputation to uphold. Grace is going to take you shopping today. The board anticipates Mrs. Franklin to be polished, not He glanced
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 6: The Family's Scrutiny
The vastness and luxury of the Franklin estate were stunning, but they also came with a burden that made me feel like an outsider in someone else's world. The estate was bustling with activity this morning. While he didn't seem very excited about it, Williams had told me during breakfast that his family was getting together for a formal meal, which is reportedly a tradition. He stated plainly, "They'll ask questions," looking at me as if I were a conundrum he was unable to understand. "Avoid anything personal, be courteous, and remain ambiguous." Even though I felt uneasy, I answered, "Got it." Although I was able to tolerate intrusive questioning, the weight of what I had learnt about the Harringtons made me feel as though I were carrying a secret that might blow up at any time. The mood instantly changed as soon as we entered the opulent dining room. Already there were Marcel and Sophia, staring at me with piercing eyes as though I were an intruder. Other relatives joined
Last Updated : 2025-01-09
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 34: Family Pressure Mounts
The tension in the Franklin penthouse was suffocating. The aftermath of the trap at the warehouse lingered like a dark cloud over everyone. Emma had managed to get me out of Daniel’s clutches, but the guilt and betrayal in her eyes haunted me. I had no idea if her intentions were genuine or part of some larger scheme, but for now, she had bought me time. Williams paced by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his jaw tight, fists clenched. “They’ve escalated. This isn’t just family politics anymore—this is war.” “They’re not going to stop,” Alex said, his tone grim. “Daniel wants complete control, and Sophia thrives on chaos. And then there’s Margaret…” At the mention of Margaret Harrington, my chest tightened. The matriarch’s reach was everywhere, her power a constant shadow over my every move. “They think they can pressure me into submission,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt. “But they’re wrong. I’m not backing down.” Williams stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto mine. “Freda
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 33: The Betrayal Within
The atmosphere in the room felt stifling. The documents and maps laid out on the table, detailing the rescue strategy for James, appeared to be a delicate hope amid the impending storm approaching us. Every detail was important, but I still couldn't help but feel that something—or someone—was slipping away unnoticed. Williams’ voice cut through my thoughts. “We’ll split into teams. Grace, you handle surveillance. Alex and I will cover the docks. Freda, you stay here—” “No,” I interrupted, my voice firmer than I expected. “I’m coming with you. This involves all of us.” He gave me a hard look but didn’t argue. He knew better than to waste time on a debate. Before anyone could react, the door burst open, and Emma emerged, her complexion white and her hands shaking. "I need to speak with you," she stated, her voice trembling, her gaze fixed on me. “Not now,” Williams said sharply. “We’re in the middle of something critical.” “It’s about James,” Emma said, her voice rising. “And D
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 32: A New Weapon
The tension in the room was palpable as I sat across from Grace, the soft hum of the city outside a stark contrast to the storm raging inside my mind. She had just delivered the bombshell: Daniel Harrington, Margaret’s estranged son, had returned. “Why haven’t I heard of him before?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. Grace leaned forward, her tone measured. “Because Margaret erased him. He was exiled from the family years ago. Some say it was because of his temper; others say he got involved in things that could ruin the Harrington name. Whatever the reason, he’s back now, and he’s not happy about you.” I frowned, trying to process this new information. “And you’re telling me this because...?” “Because Daniel isn’t like Marcel,” Grace said, her gaze steady. “He’s dangerous in ways you can’t imagine. He doesn’t play games. He destroys it.” Later that night, I ended up at an upscale cocktail bar, taking a cue from Grace. The bar was softly illuminated, its luxury subt
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 31: Shifting The Scale
“Don’t move,” the masked figure barked, their gun trained on me. The room fell into a suffocating silence. Evelyn let out a choked gasp, clutching Charles’s arm, while Charles froze, his expression a mix of shock and calculation. My mind raced. The weight of everything—Marcel’s threats, my adoptive parents’ betrayal, and now this—pressed down on me like a vice. Yet, amidst the chaos, a strange calm settled over me. “What do you want?” I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. The intruder’s gaze flicked toward me, their eyes cold behind the mask. “You. You’ve become a complication, Freda. Someone very powerful wants you out of the picture.” My heart pounded, but I forced a smirk. “Is that so? And what’s the plan? Eliminate me here, in front of witnesses? That’s sloppy work for someone hired by the Harringtons.” The figure faltered, just for a second, and I knew I’d hit a nerve. Charles stepped forward, his voice sharp. “If you touch h
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 30: The Final Straw
It felt oppressive to be in the sterile, cold living room of my adoptive family's home. I sat rigidly on the velvet couch, feeling as though the walls, lined with sterile portraits and antique furniture, were closing in on me. Charles, my adoptive father, was standing across from me, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees and his piercing eyes staring right through me. Evelyn, my adoptive mother, was standing next to him, wearing her usual mask of fake worry."Freda," said Charles, calmly but with a hint of menace, "this is not a request. It is a duty to the family.My knuckles were white as I held onto the couch's edge. "I’m not doing it."Evelyn sighed, as if I were a whiny kid who wouldn't do her chores. "You don't realise how serious this situation is, darling. The Harringtons have the ability to either ensure or ruin our future. You have a special chance to guarantee our family's position among them."Your family," I snapped back. "Not mine."Evelyn flinched, but Ch
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 29: The Disintegration
The tense atmosphere in the room was oppressive. Williams was standing by the window, staring at the city skyline with his hands balled into fists at his sides. His words could never have been as unsettling as his silence. I positioned myself close to the door, my arms encircling me as though they would protect me from the impending storm between us."How long?" Finally, his low, piercing voice broke the silence.I scowled. "How long what?"His dark eyes blazed with rage as he turned. "You've been a Harrington for how long? For what duration have you been deceiving me?”The charge was a slap in the face. I moved forward, defending myself with a raised voice. "I had no idea! Do you believe I desired this? Do you think I was interested in discovering that my whole existence was a lie?”He paced like a predator circling its prey and said, "Convenient," with a bitter tone. "You didn't consider bringing up the hints we've been finding? The pictures, the letters? Or did you wish that I woul
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 28: The Shadowy Secret
My mind was racing, and the rhythmic sound of the rain beating on the penthouse windows did little to slow it down. With a glass of whisky in his hand and an unreadable face, Williams sat across from me and looked at the picture we had found the previous evening.In a low voice, he finally stated, "We need answers." "And I have finished waiting for them to reach us."Grasping the folded envelope in my lap, I nodded. I kept thinking about the note's dire warning: The enemy is inside. Never put your trust in anyone.I spoke more firmly than I felt when I said, "I think it's time we dig deeper into my adoption." “If the Harringtons are involved, something has never added up.”Williams's dark eyes met mine as he leaned forward. "Then, we didn't realise how long they had been playing this game."We went to see Mr. Graves, a retired lawyer who had handled my adoption, the following morning. His modest house stood in sharp contrast to the wealth and influence I had recently been dealing with
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 27: Uncovering the Enemy
The penthouse's air felt heavier than usual, as though the walls were listening. Williams walked back and forth across the room, his keen eyes darting to the mysterious note on the coffee table. We had discovered it hours earlier, but the caution, "Trust no one," was still gnawing at the back of my mind. You underestimate how close they are.Williams whispered, "Marcel," his voice breaking the stillness.I raised my head. "How about him?""I've always understood that he had personal goals, but this..." He pointed to the note. "His craftsmanship is evident in this."My fingers clenched into fists as I scowled. "What would make Marcel oppose us? He should be preserving the Franklin legacy, right?”Williams's expression darkened as he stopped pacing. "Marcel has always been loyal to himself. He is more concerned with power than with his family. And he won't think twice about joining the Harringtons if it gives him that.”We made the decision to delve further the following day. Williams a
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 26: An Increasing Connection
The penthouse's curtains let in sunlight, which filled the space with gentle golden tones. I watched the city below come to life as I stood by the window. This moment, a brief respite from the storm, felt oddly serene despite the chaos all around us."Did you get any sleep?" There was silence until Williams spoke.He was leaning against the doorway with his shirt unbuttoned at the collar and his tie undone when I turned around. His typically polished manner gave way to something more human and vulnerable."Not really," I said with my arms crossed. "I'm thinking about too much."He approached me with purposeful strides. "I don't hold you responsible. It was unexpected last night."Unexpected?" I arched an eyebrow. One way to put it is that. Williams, there was a murder in front of us. It's not like you can simply brush that off.He came to a halt next to me, staring at the skyline. "You handled it better than most people would, even though I know it's overwhelming."I couldn't contain
