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Chapter 98: Echoes in the Vault
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-04-12 22:35:33
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The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 99: Blood Ties Never Lie
The room fell into absolute silence.Freda stood, stunned, unable to form words. Her gaze locked with the stranger at her door—no, not a stranger. Not anymore. His face wasn’t just familiar—it was known. Like a dream half-remembered, engraved deep into the soul.“I—” she started, but her throat tightened.The young man stepped into the room. His movements were careful, calculated, as though afraid the moment would shatter if he moved too quickly. He looked about her age—tall, lean, a quiet intensity behind gray eyes that mirrored Jonathan Harrington’s.“I’m sorry to just... show up like this,” he said quietly. “But my name is Elias Jonathan Harrington. And I think I’m your twin brother.”The name hit her like a hurricane. Elias Jonathan. Named after both their father and grandfather—an ironic twist if it weren’t so heartbreakingly true.“How did you find me?” Freda finally managed.He reached into his coat and pulled out a weathered letter. “This arrived for me on my twenty-third birt
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 100: Twins of the Flame
The Harrington Estate was burning.From the war room’s shattered windows, Freda could see the inferno crawling across the eastern wing, smoke billowing like a signal to every rival who had ever watched the empire. Firefighters battled the blaze, but they were late—deliberately delayed, most likely by Selene and the faction loyal to Cassian’s legacy.Freda turned from the window, her face streaked with soot and determination.“The vault is waking up,” Grace said from the console. “Whatever Cassian programmed into Protocol Eclipse—it’s already executing.”“What happens if it finishes?” Elias asked, standing beside his sister.Grace’s voice was grim. “Everything Harrington collapses. The companies, the foundations, the inheritance. Our accounts, trusts, holdings—burned to digital ash. You won’t inherit a legacy. You’ll inherit ruin.”Williams reached for Freda’s hand. “There’s still time. If we access the core before the final phase, we can override it—but only if both of you enter the b
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Epilogue: A New Dawn
The assurance of a new beginning and the remnants of history were highlighted in a soft golden glow as dawn broke over the vast estate. Freda situated herself at the brink of the balcony, looking out towards the horizon. Her mind was anchored by the constant noise of the waves hitting the jagged shore beneath. Weeks had gone by since the truth was uncovered to everyone. Despite being held responsible for her family's wrongdoings for several weeks, she continued to feel the weight of their decisions bearing down on her. Nevertheless, the atmosphere has shifted now. An alteration. A breath of optimism. The hush was interrupted by the gentle noise of footsteps trailing her. Williams stood there, both reassuring and authoritative. She was pulled back against his chest as his arms wrapped around her waist. He stated, "You're overthinking it." Smiling, she nestled into his embrace. "I can't prevent it." I constantly have thoughts. Nonetheless, you are right. I've been attempting to fix
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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'
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-14
Bab terbaru
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Epilogue: A New Dawn
The assurance of a new beginning and the remnants of history were highlighted in a soft golden glow as dawn broke over the vast estate. Freda situated herself at the brink of the balcony, looking out towards the horizon. Her mind was anchored by the constant noise of the waves hitting the jagged shore beneath. Weeks had gone by since the truth was uncovered to everyone. Despite being held responsible for her family's wrongdoings for several weeks, she continued to feel the weight of their decisions bearing down on her. Nevertheless, the atmosphere has shifted now. An alteration. A breath of optimism. The hush was interrupted by the gentle noise of footsteps trailing her. Williams stood there, both reassuring and authoritative. She was pulled back against his chest as his arms wrapped around her waist. He stated, "You're overthinking it." Smiling, she nestled into his embrace. "I can't prevent it." I constantly have thoughts. Nonetheless, you are right. I've been attempting to fix
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 100: Twins of the Flame
The Harrington Estate was burning.From the war room’s shattered windows, Freda could see the inferno crawling across the eastern wing, smoke billowing like a signal to every rival who had ever watched the empire. Firefighters battled the blaze, but they were late—deliberately delayed, most likely by Selene and the faction loyal to Cassian’s legacy.Freda turned from the window, her face streaked with soot and determination.“The vault is waking up,” Grace said from the console. “Whatever Cassian programmed into Protocol Eclipse—it’s already executing.”“What happens if it finishes?” Elias asked, standing beside his sister.Grace’s voice was grim. “Everything Harrington collapses. The companies, the foundations, the inheritance. Our accounts, trusts, holdings—burned to digital ash. You won’t inherit a legacy. You’ll inherit ruin.”Williams reached for Freda’s hand. “There’s still time. If we access the core before the final phase, we can override it—but only if both of you enter the b
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 99: Blood Ties Never Lie
The room fell into absolute silence.Freda stood, stunned, unable to form words. Her gaze locked with the stranger at her door—no, not a stranger. Not anymore. His face wasn’t just familiar—it was known. Like a dream half-remembered, engraved deep into the soul.“I—” she started, but her throat tightened.The young man stepped into the room. His movements were careful, calculated, as though afraid the moment would shatter if he moved too quickly. He looked about her age—tall, lean, a quiet intensity behind gray eyes that mirrored Jonathan Harrington’s.“I’m sorry to just... show up like this,” he said quietly. “But my name is Elias Jonathan Harrington. And I think I’m your twin brother.”The name hit her like a hurricane. Elias Jonathan. Named after both their father and grandfather—an ironic twist if it weren’t so heartbreakingly true.“How did you find me?” Freda finally managed.He reached into his coat and pulled out a weathered letter. “This arrived for me on my twenty-third birt
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 98: Echoes in the Vault
The cold air in the Harrington vault bit at Freda’s skin, but she didn’t flinch. Her pulse thudded in her ears as Elias Harrington’s voice echoed through the speaker embedded in the granite walls.“You found the truth,” Elias said, his tone unreadable. “And now you’ll bleed for it.”Williams placed himself in front of Freda instinctively. “You’ve already taken enough. Let her go.”Alex stepped forward, fire in his voice. “You locked away a legacy—buried it underlies. But this ends here.”A soft buzz interrupted them—the massive vault doors groaned and clicked. They weren’t locked in anymore.Freda’s heart jumped. Was this a trap?The doors creaked open slowly, revealing a dim corridor beyond. At the far end, silhouetted in the light stood Elias Harrington—elegant, tall, cloaked in his signature charcoal suit. He looked like a shadow carved out of legacy and guilt.“You’re brave to come,” Elias said, voice reverberating with age and steel. “But bravery alone doesn’t make you worthy.”F
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 97: Beneath the Ashes
Freda’s breath caught in her throat as the control room plunged into darkness. The hum of machines died. The only sound was the frantic thump of her heartbeat—and the voice."We’ve only just begun."She reached for Williams instinctively, fingers finding his. His grip tightened, anchoring her. On her other side, Grace clicked a flashlight on, casting a beam through the stale air. Dust particles swirled like ghosts. The control panels flickered—faint static pulses, nothing operational.“What the hell was that?” Grace muttered, scanning the corners of the room. “This wasn’t part of Cassian’s theatrics.”Freda’s spine stiffened. “That voice... it wasn’t him. It was different. Younger. Calculated.”“System override,” a mechanical voice droned from a nearby panel. “Engaged. Level Four lockdown initiated. Harrington protocols activated.”Doors slammed shut around them.Williams cursed. “He’s locked us in.”“No.” Grace crouched by the panel, fingers flying across an auxiliary screen. “This i
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 96: The Last Examination
The silence in the safe room was too loud. Freda's ears rang with the noise of her heart pounding in her ribcage. The voice had only just stopped, and she remained still, staring at the one who spoke. The words appeared to have gained a life of their own, resonating in her mind. "We've located her."Williams shifted to stand next to her, his stance rigid. "Who is it? "The prototype?" There was an intensity in his voice.With her stomach in knots, Freda nodded slowly. Although she had anticipated this day, the burden of it was nearly too much for her to handle. Her sister, the one born before her, the one designed to be the ideal representation of the Harrington legacy, was here now after her entire life had been a lie. She was coming for what Freda had put so much effort into creating.However, Freda couldn't simply stand by and watch everything happen. Not when she had all she had to fight for at her fingertips. With Williams at her side, no.Grace's clear, concentrated voice cut t
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 95: Born of Blood
The voice from the other side of the line echoed in Freda's ear, causing her heart to race. The voice was calm and steady as it declared, "I was the initial prototype." "Yes, Freda, I do recall you." She remained perfectly still, the vial tightly gripped in her hand, as the surroundings seemed to fade away. Williams, who had just entered with a serious resolve, observed her complexion fade. "Who was that?" he demanded in a quiet voice.Freda didn't take her eyes from her phone's screen. The words were clear even if the voice was twisted, almost artificial. "Remember me? What do you mean?"Without hesitation, the voice on the other end responded. "I recall every detail. Freda, you and I are not that different. We have the same foundation, the same blood, and, regrettably, the same curse."Freda's fingers dug into the smooth phone as her hold tightened. "What are you discussing? Who are you?"The speaker went on, "I was born first, but you're the heir." The first test was me. The lea
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 94: Ashes and Echoes
The scream echoed down the marble corridors of the Harrington estate.By the time Freda, Williams, and Alex arrived, security had sealed the hallway. Selene’s door was flung open. Her bodyguard was unconscious. And inside—Selene stood frozen, pale and trembling, her silk robe stained with blood.But it wasn’t hers.A man lay sprawled at her feet, a bullet lodged in his chest, the syringe he’d brought rolling under the dresser.Alex knelt beside him. “Dead,” he confirmed. “A clean shot. Straight through the heart.”“Who fired?” Williams demanded, scanning the room.“I did.” Selene’s voice was hollow. “He was already halfway across the room before I woke. If I’d been a second slower…”She didn’t finish.Freda stepped forward, gripping Selene’s trembling shoulders. “Who was he?”Selene stared at the body. “His name was Darien. He trained with me under Cassian’s program years ago. We were children then. I thought he was dead.”Freda turned to Williams. “That means Cassian’s activated mor
The Billionaire's Hidden Bride Chapter 93: The Ghosts We Bury
For a moment, Freda couldn’t breathe.Jonathan Harrington—her father, the man she believed had died before she was old enough to remember—stood in the corridor, alive and real. His once-proud frame had thinned, his eyes bloodshot with years of torment, but the commanding presence remained.“Dad…” she whispered.Jonathan didn’t smile. He didn’t reach for her. Instead, he looked over her shoulder, where Williams, Alex, and Grace hovered just behind.“We can’t talk here,” Jonathan said, his voice low, urgent. “There are eyes everywhere.”Freda’s heart pounded, caught between disbelief and instinctive trust. She stepped forward.“Where have you been? Why—why now? And what do you mean Cassian’s not dead?”Jonathan’s gaze hardened.“Because he never died in that fire. It was staged.”Freda sat across from her father in a cold, concrete-walled room beneath one of the original Harrington estates—a place so off-grid it didn’t exist in any legal registry.Williams stood guard at the door, while
