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Unwelcome Gifts
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride In the Blackwood Mansion
Serena Blackwood sat in her extravagant study, her manicured nails tapping an agitated rhythm on the polished chestnut desk. The confrontation with her son and his new “wife” replayed in her mind, fueling her anger.“Madame,” her personal assistant, Vivian, entered the room. “Your tea is ready.”Serena waved her hand dismissively. “I don’t want tea. I want solutions. Have you gathered the information I requested?”Vivian nodded, placing a thick folder on the desk. “Yes, Madame. Everything we could find on Elara Hart... or should I say, Elara Blackwood?”Serena’s lips curled in disgust at the name. She opened the folder, her eyes scanning the contents rapidly. “She comes from a poor background and has a history with Daniel Regars, worked her way through college, was accused of unethical practices, and recently lost her job at Marshall & Hewitt. How convenient.”She looked up at Vivian. “This girl is nothing but a gold digger. She’s ensnared my son with her sob story and fake innocence.
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Power Plays and Hidden Agendas
Serena gestured for Veronica to take a seat. “I’m glad you could come on such short notice, my dear.”Veronica settled into the plush chair across from Serena, her posture perfect and her smile unwavering. “Of course, Mrs. Blackwood. I’m always at your service.”Serena’s eyes gleamed with approval. This was the kind of girl her son should be with—poised, elegant, and from a good family. Not some gold-digging upstart like Elara.“I’m sure you’ve heard about Damian’s... recent recklessness,” Serena began, her voice laced with disdain.Veronica’s smile faltered slightly. “Yes, I’ve heard rumors, and I have met the same girl, but I was just wondering, is their marriage real?”Serena waved her hand dismissively. “A momentary lapse in judgment, I assure you. That’s why I’ve called you here. I need your help to remind Damian of what he’s giving up.”Leaning forward, Serena outlined her plan. Veronica listened intently, nodding at appropriate moments. By the time Serena finished speaking, a d
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Declaration
The long-awaited birthday finally arrived.The grand ballroom of the Blackwood mansion was filled with excitement as elegantly dressed guests awaited the evening’s festivities. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a warm glow, reflecting off the polished marble floors. Gold-leafed mirrors adorned the walls, creating a dazzling display that seemed to extend the celebration infinitely.Damian stood at the center of the room, surrounded by a sea of colorful gowns, his black tailored tuxedo standing out. His eyes kept glancing at the large grandfather clock in the corner, its ornate hands inching closer to midnight.The air was filled with the luxurious scents of expensive perfumes, freshly cut flowers in tall centerpieces, and the delicate aroma of gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Waitstaff in impeccable attire circulated, offering the delectable treats. A string quartet played softly in the background, adding a refined touch to the lively chatter.Elara appeared at Damian’s side, glittering in
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Confrontation in the Spotlight
“Oh, you’re still here,” Veronica mocked. “I am Veronica Jones, Damian Blackwood’s fiancée.”“Haha,” Jack laughed out loud, his amusement ringing through the air and attracting the attention of nearby guests. “You’re what?”Veronica’s eyes turned sour as her smile faltered. She didn’t like how Jack was reacting to what she had just said, but she kept her head held high. She had promised Mrs. Blackwood that she would help destroy their marriage without making a single mistake.“I’m sure you’re not deaf, Jack,” she said, folding her arms. Her posture was regal, her confidence unshakeable, as she stood tall like a goddess. “I just said I am Damian’s fiancée. Only I am fit to be beside him. Only I am worthy of being Mrs. Blackwood,” she added, glancing at Elara. Elara’s face remained calm, but her eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and amusement, emotions she kept tightly suppressed in. “No one deserves that name better than I do.”“I wish Damian were here to hear you say all this,” Jac
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Reckoning in the Ballroom
The tension in the grand ballroom was visible. The earlier celebratory atmosphere had completely vanished. Guests stood frozen, their eyes darting between Damian, Elara, Serena, and the disheveled Veronica and Vivian.Damian’s voice sliced through the silence, cold and authoritative. “I think it’s time we cleared the air, once and for all.” He turned to address the crowd, his arm still protective around Elara. “Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for this unseemly display. However, it’s necessary to set the record straight.”Serena, Damian’s mother, wasn’t about to back down. “Your wife struck first,” she insisted, her tone icy. “She’s rude and treated me as if I were nothing.”“Really?” Damian scoffed. “Do you think I’m a fool, Mother?”“I didn’t call you that, son, but your overprotectiveness of your wife is something I can’t tolerate,” she retorted, turning to face Vivian, who was on the floor, crying. “Look at what she did. She slapped Vivian knowing that I was the one who ask Vivia
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Headlines
The drive back to the penthouse was quiet, almost like a somber trip through a graveyard.“We’re here, sir,” the driver announced, breaking the heavy silence.“Oh,” Damian muttered. As the car came to a halt, a servant quickly opened the door for him. Without looking back, Damian stepped out and walked briskly toward the entrance. His demeanor was cold and distant, something Elara had grown accustomed to over the time she had spent with him. She exited the luxurious car without a word and headed straight inside.“Welcome, ma’am,” the maids greeted with a bow. Elara forced a smile and waved.“Thank you,” she replied, exhaustion laced in her voice. All she wanted was to collapse into her bed. She was about to open the door to her room when she noticed a shadow behind her.“Who?” she spun around.“Who else could it be?” Damian replied with a scoff, stepping into the light.“Why are you here?” Elara asked, opening her door. “Whatever you want to say can wait until tomorrow.”“I guess you
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Shattered Illusions
“What do you mean by this?” Elara asked, not believing what she was hearing.Damian sighed deeply. “My mother has never been one to admit defeat.”“So?”“Look here, Elara, you’ve caused a lot of trouble for me as well. The shareholders are already whispering about how rude you were.” Damian’s expression hardened. “I warned you to be on your best behavior, no matter what, because I knew you’d be a target.”“You mean I should just let Veronica walk all over me without doing anything?” Elara frowned, her voice rising. “And I should allow your mother’s assistant to slap me?”“I have no time for this,” he said coldly. “I need to get to the office and meet the shareholders.”“And what about me?” she shot back, slamming a paper against his chest. “Even if we’re in a contract marriage, you should at least protect me.”“Oh, you thought I was going to protect you, so that’s why you slapped Veronica? Do you even know who she is?”“I don’t bloody care, Damian,” she snapped, her frustration boilin
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Unveiling Secrets
The boardroom fell silent as all eyes turned to Travis. Damian’s words hung in the air, heavy with implication.“What do you mean, ‘not your grandfather’s blood’?” Travis repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.Damian’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Uncle, or should I even call you that? Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”He pulled out another file from his briefcase and slid it across the table. Travis’s hands shook as he opened it, his face draining of color as he read its contents.“This... this can’t be true,” Travis stammered.“Oh, but it is,” Damian replied, his voice calm. “DNA doesn’t lie, Uncle. You’re not a Blackwood by blood. My grandfather knew, and that’s why he left everything to me.”The other shareholders murmured in shock, their earlier complaints forgotten in light of this bombshell revelation.“I’ve been preparing for this day for a long time,” Damian continued, addressing the entire room. “Each of you has skeletons in your closet, and I know every sin
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The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Vera
The tension in the room intensified as Vera broke away from the kiss, her gaze fixed on Jackson’s face. His expression was gentle and vulnerable, just as she had hoped. She reached out to touch his cheek, a deliberate move to draw him further into her grasp.“I’ve been so lost without you,” she whispered. “There’s something I need to tell you, something important.” She led him to sit beside her on the plush sofa, her movements deliberately hesitant. “It’s about Elara.”Jackson stiffened at the name. “What about her?”“I’ve heard... troubling things.” Vera’s voice trembled perfectly. “About her connection to certain criminal elements. People who’ve been released from prison recently.” She watched his expression shift, doubt creeping in like a shadow.“She isn’t the type.”“Are you accusing me of lying, Jack?" she interrupted, cutting him off. “You’ve known me since we were kids.”“Vera.”“You don’t trust me, do you?” She stopped. “Or do you still believe I have feelings for Damian and
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Out
Daniel Regars stood outside the towering iron gates, a free man for the first time in years. He inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the crisp air of freedom, but it did little to soothe the rage simmering beneath his calm facade. Freedom meant nothing to him, not when his family was shattered, his father dead behind prison walls.He didn’t know why he was released so soon, but he could take this opportunity to destroy both of them.Daniel clenched his fists, a dark smile flickering at the corners of his mouth. “They’ll pay,” he murmured to himself. “For my father, for my family. They will both pay.”He didn’t know when or how, but vengeance had been his only thought, the one idea keeping him alive in that cell, counting down the days to his release. Who knew he could be released sooner? Now he was out, and nothing would stand between him and retribution.Daniel didn’t waste time. He knew he would need allies, someone who shared his hatred for Elara and Damian. His mind circled back
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Elizabeth
Elizabeth’s living room settled into a delicate quiet, broken only by the baby’s soft coos and the gentle tick of an antique clock on the mantel. Her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed her skirt, decades of stolen life weighing heavily in the air between them.“You must have so many questions,” Elizabeth said, her voice carrying the weight of unbearable loss. “About what really happened. About her.”Damian sat on the couch beside Elara, who was still cradling their son. His eyes hadn’t left the baby’s face, as if memorizing every detail he’d missed. “Start from the beginning,” he said, his voice tight. “Start with how Serena stole everything.”Elizabeth’s composed demeanor cracked, revealing raw pain beneath. “She was Father’s illegitimate daughter. My half-sister. But being Father’s secret child wasn’t enough for her – she wanted everything. My life. My identity.” She paused, struggling with the memories. “The day you were born, son... the happiest day of my life became my worst
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Mother
Damian’s car wound through the quiet streets of the suburban neighborhood, each turn bringing them closer to the address Ghost had provided.Elara’s fingers drummed restlessly against her thigh, her heart pounding in her chest with each passing moment. The sun cast long shadows across the pavement, a reminder of how their world had shifted since Nina’s revelation just days ago.“It’s just around this corner,” Damian said, his voice tight with an emotion Elara couldn’t quite place. He had been unusually quiet since they’d left the house, lost in thoughts he seemed reluctant to share. His knuckles were white against the steering wheel, betraying the tension coursing through him.The car slowed to a stop before a modest two-story home, its white exterior pristine against the backdrop of a well-maintained garden. Rose bushes lined the walkway, their blooms adding splashes of color to the serene setting. Elara reached for the door handle, but Damian’s hand caught her wrist, stopping her.“
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride My child
Elara felt Damian tense beside her, his hand tightening around hers.“The baby,” Nina said, her voice barely above a whisper. “The one my mother had killed... he’s alive.”The words hung in the air, seeming to suck the breath from Elara’s lungs. Alive? How could that be possible? She had mourned that child, had borne the devastating grief of his loss for months.“What are you saying?” Damian asked, his voice tinged with a desperate hope that Elara dared not give in to.“I overheard her,” Nina explained, her gaze fixed on the ground. “Giving instructions to the assassin, Ghost... she wanted the baby dead, to sever the last tie between you and Elara. But I... I couldn’t let him do it. I begged him, pleaded with him, until he agreed to spare the child’s life.”Elara felt the world tilt on its axis, her heart racing as the implications of Nina’s words sank in. Their child, the one they had been robbed of, was alive. Alive and out there, somewhere, all this time.“Where is he?” she demande
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride The truth
“Nina, my daughter,” Serena called as she spoke softly to her. “Thank you for coming.”Nina smirked, studying the frail woman before her with cold eyes. She hadn’t come out of concern or love. The only reason she was here was her mother’s manipulative threat of self-harm. The text message still burned in her mind: Come see me, or I’ll end it all. Another one of her mother’s desperate plays for attention.A bitter smirk twisted Nina’s lips. She may have been forced here, but that didn’t mean she had to pretend this was a happy reunion.“What do you want?” she asked, her tone sharp and irritable.“I know you must be angry with me, my dear daughter,” Serena said.She cut her off. “What do you want?”Serena drew a theatrical sigh, her shoulders slumping. “Please forgive me,” she whispered, her voice honeyed with practiced remorse. Her fingers clutched at the fabric of her sleeve. “You need to get me out of this place. I don’t belong here.” Her eyes darted around the stark walls before fix
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Healing the Blackwood name
After the trial, the city of Blackwood experienced a sense of relief, as if it had finally escaped the shadow of the Blackwood dynasty. The streets, once under the family’s influence, were now vibrant with a renewed energy and hope for a brighter future.Damian, driven by his own painful past, assumed leadership at Blackwood Industries, spearheading a transformation with Elara and their loyal allies. Together, they tackled the challenging mission of rooting out the long-standing corruption within the company.“It’s going to take time, but we’re committed to making this right,” Damian told a gathering of employees, his voice steady and resolute. “Serena’s crimes may have shattered the Blackwood name, but we’re going to rebuild it - piece by piece, if necessary - into something this city can be proud of once more.”The road ahead was not an easy one. Restoring the company’s reputation, repairing the damage done to its financial standing, and regaining the trust of both customers and sha
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Ashes of the Empire
In the days following Serena Blackwood’s arrest, the city seemed to hold its breath, awaiting each new revelation that would shake the Blackwood empire to its core. The carefully crafted public image Serena had cultivated for decades had crumbled, and now the full extent of her crimes was being laid bare.At the center of the unfolding scandal was Detective Morrison, the man who had worked tirelessly to bring Serena down. As the FBI sifted through the trove of evidence seized from Blackwood Tower, Morrison began piecing together the connections that would ultimately unravel Serena’s web of deceit.One name kept surfacing in the financial records and encrypted files— Travis Blackwood, Richard’s younger brother. “We always suspected there was more to Travis’s role than simply being Richard’s brother,” Morrison told reporters, his stern expression betraying none of the triumph he surely felt. “But the depth of his involvement in the Blackwood family’s downfall is staggering.”According to
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride The truth
The morning dawned cold and gray over the city, a fitting backdrop for the day that would shatter the foundations of one of its most powerful dynasties. The first news alert came at 6:47 AM: “BREAKING: FBI RAIDS BLACKWOOD TOWER.” By 7:15, every major network had camera crews positioned around the gleaming skyscraper that had long stood as a monument to Serena Blackwood’s power.They were all there to witness her fall.Inside her penthouse office, Serena stood perfectly still as federal agents swept through the room, methodically dismantling the careful façade she’d maintained for thirty-one years. Her signature pearls – Elizabeth’s pearls, really – lay in an evidence bag, along with the contents of her private safe: passports, birth certificates, and a single, faded photograph of two sisters smiling on a Swiss mountainside.“Sarah Winters,” the lead FBI agent read from her warrant, “you are under arrest for identity theft, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud...”The list continued, but
