LOGINShare
CH.22
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 21:22:53
Related chapters
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.23
Emmeline made her way towards the kitchen, still marveling over the twins' insightful comments.She heard Minnie gently scolding her son. "Ruhn, we don't say things like that, sweetie. It's not a nice word, even if it's true sometimes. We talk about being kind to everyone, remember?"Emmeline hadn't expected such a heavy conversation from what was supposed to be a light-hearted visit with a friend.She took a deep, steadying breath and quickly got to work pouring four glasses of cold lemonade, the tart aroma refreshing her senses and helping to clear her head.She carefully arranged the freshly baked lemon cupcakes on four plates, taking care not to smudge the pale-yellow frosting that she'd painstakingly piped earlier.The familiar motions of playing hostess helped push away the lingering discomfort from their earlier exchange.When everything was set on a large tray, Emmeline took another deep breath and returned to the living room, plastering on her best hostess smile as she rejoin
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.24
Minnie and Emmeline immediately got up from the couch. Their laughter instantly died down as they turned toward the entryway.Emmeline quickly smoothed down her skirt with her palms in an attempt to regain some composure.She could feel her cheeks were still flushed from laughing.“Welcome back, honey.” She beamed like a good and happy wife at Richard. “This is Mrs. Kim from next door.” She hurriedly introduced with her gaze zeroing in on Minnie with a polite, tight-lipped smile.Minnie's eyes briefly flickered over to Emmeline before returning to Richard.Emmeline noticed the slight narrowing of her friend’s eyes as she took them in, probably wondering what they'd been laughing about."Good evening, Mrs. Kim. I'm Richard Maine, Emmeline's husband," Richard's deep voice rang out as he extended his hand.Minnie bowed politely and then introduced herself and the twins. "Kim Minnie and these are my children, Mimi and Ruhn."The twins peeked out shyly from behind their mother's legs and o
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.25
The days leading up to Sunday flew by in a flurry of cleaning, cooking, and fretting over what to wear.Before Emmeline knew it, Sunday evening had arrived, and they were heading to the sprawling Blackthorn estate for the neighborhood barbecue.Emmeline wanted to look presentable without going overly formal, so she opted for a simple but elegant ensemble - a white silk blouse with delicate pearl buttons down the front tucked into a flowy pink midi skirt that skimmed her calves.The fabric swished pleasantly around her legs as she walked.She left her hair down in loose, tousled waves around her shoulders and applied just a touch of makeup to enhance her features without looking overdone.Richard, on the other hand, took a more casual approach in a pair of dark-washed jeans and a thick gray knit sweater over a collared shirt, dressing for comfort and warmth.Emmeline noticed how the sweater clung to his broad shoulders, reminding her of the man she'd fallen in love with. How unfortunat
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.26
Emmeline sensed Yuna wasn't as harsh as her icy exterior suggested.She found Minnie actively chopping vegetables and meat on the large island that sat in the middle of the space when she arrived in the spacious and modern kitchen.Minnie wore a flirty peach dress that showed off her toned, tanned legs. Even while working, she looked effortlessly stylish, making Emmeline glance down at her own simple outfit with a momentary pang of envy."Emmeline is here," Yuna announced.Minnie set down her knife and enveloped Emmeline in a warm, exuberant hug despite having seen her earlier. "We can use two extra sets of hands in here!" She patted her new friend’s back affectionately, feigning annoyance in her usual playful way. "Glad to see you, I guess. Though I was hoping for a strapping young man to help instead."Emmeline rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Sorry to disappoint. You'll have to make do with little old me."Then her brows furrowed in confusion. "But I saw so many servants milling ab
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.27
Emmeline pushed open the door with her hip and stepped into the immaculately landscaped Blackthorn garden, which looked like something out of a magazine spread.The late afternoon sun bathed everything in a warm, golden light, making the scene before her look almost surreal in its perfection.A massive rectangular pool took up a large portion of the space, the crystal blue waters shimmering invitingly.It was surrounded by sleek, modern patio furniture and lush greenery artfully arranged to feel both lavish and tranquil.Emmeline once again felt a twinge of envy at the sheer beauty and luxury of it all.Near the pool, a long wooden table was set up where Richard sat engaged in what seemed to be an animated conversation with a man Emmeline didn't recognize—Minnie's husband, Taehyung, she assumed.Richard's hands were making gestures while he spoke, his face beaming with excitement. It was nice to see him so engaged, though a small part of her felt a bit left out.A short distance away,
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.28
Emmeline found her gaze lingering on Zavian, studying him more closely than she probably should have. Besides Ruhn and Mimi, she didn't see any other children around.She wondered if perhaps one of the Blackthorn couple could not have children or if there was some other reason behind their lack of offspring.The thought of Zavian getting annoyed with her over something like that in the car the other day made her increasingly curious about the situation."You seem deep in thought," Zavian's voice broke through her reverie.Emmeline startled slightly, realizing she'd been staring. "Oh, it's nothing really. I was just... wondering about something."His eyebrow arched inquisitively. "And what might that be?"She hesitated for a moment. "I noticed there are no other children here. Is there... a reason for that?"A shadow seemed to briefly pass over Zavian's face before his expression smoothed out again. "That's a rather personal matter. It's not your place to speculate about such things."
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.29
Emmeline found herself wedged between Yuna and her boorish, insufferable husband at the elegantly set dining table.An even more overwhelming sense of inferiority washed over her when the uncouth man proceeded to open his mouth and ruin the pleasant atmosphere with his typical boorish behavior.She wished for the air to swallow her whenever Richard spoke."The cake you brought over last time tasted great," Zavian suddenly spoke.Emmeline forced a smile on her lips and her cheeks flushed with a foreign sensation.Yuna turned to her husband with a warm, loving look. "My Zavian isn't usually one with much of a sweet tooth, nor does he habitually eat anything before heading into work most mornings. But he decided to try a small piece of the delightful cake Emmeline had so thoughtfully prepared for us. It was enough to make him change his plans entirely and sit back down at the table to enjoy it properly," the elegant, poised woman explained in a melodious voice that rang with fondness.A
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.30
Emmeline turned right down the elegantly appointed hallway and strode towards the door Yuna had indicated.She paused to take a fortifying breath before rapping her knuckles against the thick wood. "Mr. Blackthorn? It's Emmeline...I hope I'm not disturbing you...""Come in!" his deep voice beckoned from within.Emmeline hesitated briefly before pushing open the door and stepping into the impeccably appointed study.It was a space utterly befitting of its owner - a cold, masculine space lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves overflowing with thick, leather-bound tomes. The air was perfumed with the rich, complex scents of aged wood, paper, and smoke.A pair of supple burgundy leather armchairs sat facing each other before an impressive stone fireplace, beckoning one to sink into their buttery soft embrace and lose themselves in the printed word for hours on end.Zavian stood with his back to her before the towering windows. One hand was in his pants pocket as he gazed out over the lus
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.280
Brody approached the witness stand. His expression remained serious but composed as he faced the highest-ranking judicial officer in the country.He maintained a respectful distance from Zavian, adjusting his posture to appear confident without seeming arrogant."Chief Justice Blackthorn, how long have you known Emmeline Maine?"Zavian’s broad shoulders relaxed as he settled into his role as witness rather than judge. His hands rested lightly on the polished wooden arms of the chair. "We've known each other for three months. Since she and her husband moved into the neighborhood."His tone remained matter-of-fact, betraying nothing of the complex relationship that had blossomed between them during those months. Brody nodded thoughtfully, taking a few steps to his right. "On November 10th, your wife received a call from Mrs. Kim, asking for help. You went to the Maine residence together. Is that correct?"His question established the timeline with clinical precision, laying groundwork
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.279
The words sent a jolt through Emmeline's body. Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of Zavian's name, and she found herself gripping the edge of the table to steady herself.The familiar warmth that always accompanied thoughts of him spread through her chest, mingled now with anxiety about what his appearance might mean for her case and for them.The courtroom erupted in murmurs of surprise and confusion. Spectators exchanged bewildered glances, their whispers creating a rising tide of sound that filled the high-ceilinged room.Reporters in the back row leaned forward with sudden interest, pens poised over notepads, while even the typically stoic court officers looked startled by the announcement."Silence in the court!"The judge's gavel came down sharply.Judge Harrison's face bore the stern expression of someone who wouldn't tolerate disruption, no matter how unexpected the development.The murmurs faded quickly under her commanding presence, though the tension in the air remained
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.278
A flicker of a smile crossed Yuna's lips, but it disappeared just as quickly, replaced by her usual mask.The subtle expression might have gone unnoticed by most in the courtroom, but Emmeline caught it. The fleeting glimpse of satisfaction that sent chills through her.The evil woman had gotten exactly what she wanted—an admission that could be twisted to serve her narrative.The realization settled in Emmeline's stomach like a stone as she watched Yuna's manicured fingers adjust her suit with deliberate slowness.There was something almost predatory in the way the prosecutor moved now, like a hunter who had finally spotted a weakness in her prey."Did you hear her scream during the second incident?" Yuna asked, emphasizing each word with precision.Minnie's hands flexed on the table, her frustration boiling over visibly. "Richard was covering her mouth so she couldn't scream and alert the neighborhood like last time," she snapped. "That's what Emmeline told me afterward when I found
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.277
The court clerk moved to the projector positioned at the side of the room. With practiced efficiency, he loaded new images that appeared on the large screen mounted on the wall.Gasps rippled through the courtroom as Emmeline's injuries came into stark focus. Several jurors leaned forward, their expressions shifting from judgment to concern as they studied the images.Clinical photographs displayed dark purple bruises blooming across her arms like violent flowers. Angry red marks circled her throat in the unmistakable pattern of fingerprints. Her left eye, swollen nearly shut, stared back at the courtroom in silent testimony."Oh my God," someone whispered from the gallery.Richard's mother's hand flew to her pearls, clutching them like a lifeline. His father's expression remained stonily impassive, though a muscle twitched in his jaw.Brody pointed toward the screen, his posture reflecting the confidence of counsel who knows the evidence is on their side. "This is what Mrs. Maine loo
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.276
As Mrs. Winters stepped down from the witness stand, her gaze briefly met Emmeline's.The older woman gave her a small nod, a silent gesture of support that brought unexpected tears to Emmeline's eyes.She blinked them away quickly, not wanting to appear emotional in front of the jury. The men and women who would decide her fate sat in their box, some taking notes, others watching the proceedings with expressions that revealed nothing of their thoughts.Brody turned his attention to the judge. "Your Honor, I'd like to call the second witness, Mrs. Kim Minnie," he announced.Minnie rose from her seat. Unlike Mrs. Winters' cautious movements, she walked with purpose, her bright pink coat standing out vividly against the muted browns and grays that dominated the courtroom's decor.The security officer led her to the stand.When she reached the witness stand, she raised her right hand without prompting, clearly familiar with the procedure. "I, Kim Minnie, swear to tell the truth, the whol
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.175
The sharp click-clack of Yuna's heels echoed across the polished courtroom floor like a metronome counting down to execution. Each deliberate step drew Emmeline's attention back to the immediate threat stalking toward her."On January third, when you asked your husband for a divorce, he confronted you about your betrayal." Yuna leaned in slightly. "That's what led you to attack him, isn't it?"Emmeline felt her chest tighten, words caught in her throat like fish bones."Objection!" Brody's chair scraped against the floor as he shot to his feet. "That's a gross mischaracterization of the facts and assumes facts not in evidence. Counsel is leading the witness."The judge's silver-streaked head nodded once decisively. "Sustained. Counselor. Blackthorn, you know better. Rephrase your question without the characterization."A cold smile curved Yuna's perfectly painted lips as she turned her attention back to Emmeline.Her eyes glittered with predatory triumph, reminding Emmeline of a cat t
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.274
Emmeline bit her lower lip. She struggled to maintain her composure as all eyes in the courtroom focused on her.The weight of their collective gaze felt physical."No," she said finally firmly despite the storm of emotions churning inside her. "I didn't feel angry. I expected him to refuse."Yuna's lips curled into a sly smile that didn't reach her eyes. She paced slowly in front of the witness stand confidently, unlike Emmeline who could feel herself wilting under the pressure."Have you been faithful to your husband, Mrs. Maine?" Yuna delivered the question with precision, knowing exactly where to cut deepest.The question almost knocked the air out of Emmeline’s lungs. Her hands trembled slightly as she placed them on the polished wood of the witness stand, fingers splaying out as if seeking something solid to anchor her.The courtroom seemed to hold its collective breath, waiting for her answer."Yes," Emmeline replied, though her voice wavered just enough to plant seeds of doubt
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.273
The courtroom was packed to the brim when they entered and the air felt heavy with tension. Every whisper, every rustle of paper seemed amplified in the charged atmosphere.Emmeline followed Brody inside. Each step down the center aisle required deliberate concentration as her legs felt heavier than cast iron."Just breathe," Brody murmured, barely audible as they made their way forward. "Remember what we practiced."Emmeline nodded slightly, focusing on placing one foot in front of the other.The weight of dozens of eyes tracking her movement made her skin prickle with discomfort. She felt like an actress who'd forgotten her lines, thrust onto a stage with a hostile audience.In the gallery behind them, Minnie reached for Taehyung's hand as they settled into their seats."Do you think she'll be okay?" Minnie whispered while her eyes never left Emmeline's rigid back.Taehyung squeezed her fingers gently. "She's stronger than she looks."On the left side of the room, Richard's parents o
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH. 272
Emmeline pivoted slowly to see Yuna walking toward them with measured steps, her high heels striking the marble floor with precise clicks.Richard trailed close behind, his expression a carefully constructed mask of innocence that made Emmeline's stomach turn.Yuna's charcoal gray suit spoke of authority and professionalism, her hair pulled back in a severe bun that emphasized the sharp angles of her face. She carried her briefcase like a weapon and her knuckles white around the handle."How can you defend someone like him?" Minnie's voice turned cold. The warmth from moments ago completely vanished.Yuna's eyes narrowed. She stopped before them and her lips curled into something too sharp to be called a smile. "How can you stand beside someone like her?"Minnie's face fell, momentarily stunned by Yuna's sharp words. The two women had once been friends, part of the same social circle, but the current divide between them seemed unbridgeable.Yuna's gaze shifted to Emmeline. "I bet you k
