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CH.269
Last Updated:
2025-03-05 06:22:04
Golden ButterflyBonus chapter. :)
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The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.270
Brody accompanied Emmeline to her previous residence the following day. This was the apartment she had lived in before moving to the house where Richard's abuse had escalated to its breaking point—a stepping stone in their married life that now felt like it belonged to another lifetime entirely.The familiar streets brought back earlier memories, some pleasant but many tinged with the growing shadows of what her marriage would become. The mid-rise apartment building stood before them, unremarkable and ordinary, belying the pain that had begun within its walls."Are you ready for this?" Brody asked quietly as they approached the entrance.Emmeline drew in a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be."The lobby smelled exactly as she remembered—a curious blend of cleaning products and the faint mustiness that seemed inherent to older buildings. The elevator ride to the third floor passed in silence, each floor chime marking their ascent like a countdown.When they re
Last Updated : 2025-03-05The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.271
The day of the hearing arrived with alarming speed as though time had compressed itself, rushing Emmeline toward the confrontation she both dreaded and needed.She stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting the beige suit she had chosen carefully for the occasion. The jacket fit perfectly across her shoulders, the short skirt looked professional without being severe and the crisp white shirt underneath added a touch of simplicity.Emmeline tied her hair back into a neat ponytail. Though her reflection looked composed, her heart raced beneath like a frightened bird seeking escape.She applied a light touch of makeup, not to enhance her features but to mask the evidence of sleepless nights and worried days."You can do this," she whispered to her reflection, drawing strength from the woman staring back at her. "You've survived worse."Emile waited in the living room when Emmeline emerged from her room. Eleanor and her father were conspicuously absent, having made their disapproval c
Last Updated : 2025-03-05The 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-06The 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-07The 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-07The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.275
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 th
Last Updated : 2025-03-07The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.276
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 look
Last Updated : 2025-03-08The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.277
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 whole
Last Updated : 2025-03-08
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The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.332
Valentine's Day arrived four days later.Emmeline anticipated this date with growing excitement. Each hour crawled by, testing her patience while she counted down to their meeting.Though she knew wearing red might seem cliché, she chose a crimson dress anyway. Her dark hair fell in loose waves down her back. The color made her feel bold and confident.Emmeline applied her makeup with care, taking more time than usual to ensure everything looked perfect.The woman staring back from the mirror looked different somehow. Her eyes appeared brighter, her posture straighter with confidence in her expression that hadn't existed before.This was Zavian's effect on her. He made her want to be more, to embrace all the parts of herself hidden away for too long.She slipped on her black coat and left her house at ten, grateful her parents believed she was visiting a friend.There were less inquiries concerning her whereabouts now that her brother was away. The freedom felt exhilarating after havi
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.331
Emmeline's eyes widened in surprise before closing when she tasted the champagne still in his mouth."We didn't mean that kind of love potion, Zavian," Taehyung chided. "We're respectable people here."Zavian tilted Emmeline's head back gently, allowing the champagne to flow from his mouth to hers.She swallowed the effervescent liquid, feeling it slide down her throat."If I'd known you were going to contaminate my innocent eyes, I would have declined the invitation," Brody grumbled.Zavian delicately broke the kiss then slowly and deliberately traced the shape of Emmeline's lower lip with his thumb.The tender gesture held more intimacy than the kiss itself."This is our love potion," he murmured.They gazed at each other with undisguised longing. The connection between them was almost tangible like a current of electricity that neither could deny.Zavian’s touch left a trail of warmth that spread through her entire body, making her forget they weren't alone."We're the original. Not
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.330
Minnie leaned toward her husband and wrapped her arm through his. "You know I prefer joking around and flirting with my psychiatrist rather than judges," she teased.Taehyung regarded her with mock anger. " You talk as if I don't flirt with you enough. We'll settle this at home!" His tone suggested the "punishment" might be mutually enjoyable.Emmeline distributed cake into individual plates with a sly smile playing across her lips. "Someone's getting punished tonight,” she giggled.The couple exchanged sardonic glances before Minnie responded. "I have my own methods for turning punishment into reward," she offered. "I could teach you my techniques."Zavian accepted his plate from Emmeline with a knowing look. "Don't let Emmeline's innocent appearance fool you," he cautioned. "You're addressing the Lady of Seduction herself. This woman could teach you and generations to come."Emmeline was stunned. "Are you calling me perverted?" she demanded, color rising to her cheeks.Zavian capture
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.329
Emmeline's eyes widened in shock and her cheeks instantly flamed with embarrassment.She looked desperately at Zavian for help only to be further mortified by his response. Instead of the reassurance she sought, or the quick thinking that had saved them both in difficult situations before, she met something entirely unexpected."I have certain skills," Zavian replied smoothly. "Skills I doubt you possess.""Mr. Blackthorn!" Emmeline protested weakly, unable to believe he had actually said such a thing in company.Minnie giggled with undisguised delight. "Mr. Blackthorn? What happened to 'Zavian'? You're sleeping with the man but still using his last name?"Emmeline met her friend's teasing eyes and her face burning with mortification. "He's many years older than me," she explained defensively. "What else would I call him?"Before she could continue, Zavian placed his fork in front of her mouth, offering her a bite of fish. "They're trying to get a reaction out of you," he explained cal
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.328
Minnie's jaw dropped. Her wide eyes darted between Zavian and Emmeline, disbelief etched across her delicate features."Did you hear what your lover just said?" she exclaimed, turning to Emmeline. "Inevitable collateral damage? What kind of dinner conversation is this?"Emmeline squeezed Minnie's arm gently with a reassuring smile softening her features."Don't mind him," she explained. "He sometimes forgets he's not in a boardroom."Taehyung took advantage of the momentary silence to tease Emmeline.His lips curved into a mischievous grin. "Look at you defending him so naturally now. That's serious progress!""I think Emmeline is very comfortable with us," Minnie observed, satisfaction filling her voice. "Our ice queen has finally thawed."Emmeline gestured toward the elegant table setting, her confidence momentarily faltering under the weight of hosting such an intimate gathering."Please, sit down," she invited.Taehyung handed her the bottle of expensive wine he had been carrying.
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.327
True to his word, Zavian let her finish decorating in peace, though his eyes never left her as she completed the message on the cake.When Emmeline was done, she carefully covered the masterpiece to protect it until dessert.Together they loaded the prepared dishes on serving trays: stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil, elegant canapés topped with smoked salmon and carried them out to the dining area.They arranged everything on the table with efficiency, working from opposite sides of the elaborate spread as if they'd been hosting dinner parties together for years.Crystal glasses caught the light, sending prisms dancing across the pristine tablecloth. Silver cutlery gleamed beside fine china plates… everything was positioned with meticulous attention to detail."So, are we still on for Valentine's Day?" Emmeline asked, excitement bubbling in her voice as she placed the final dish which was a platter of colorful roasted vegetables arranged in a spiral pattern.T
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.326
The crude imagery made Emmeline’s cheeks flush. She took a deep breath and then gave him a pointed look. "Zavian," she admonished, trying to calm her racing heart.She'd spent the last hour perfecting the dessert for their dinner party, and now only the decorating remained. It would have been a peaceful task if not for the man beside her."I need to finish this cake before everyone arrives." Her fingers tightened around the piping bag as she tried to focus on creating the delicate rosettes along the edge, but his intense gaze made concentration nearly impossible.Zavian untied his apron with intent slowness, the simple action somehow becoming sensual under his touch.The fabric slid from his broad shoulders, revealing the crisp white shirt beneath that hugged his athletic frame in all the right places. "I've done my part. The appetizers are prepared, the wine is chilled, and now I think I'll watch you work. It's quite... entertaining."Emmeline searched desperately for a distraction be
The Billionaire's Sinful Affair CH.325
Emmeline found herself out of breath so quickly. His proximity was overwhelming her senses.The solid wall of his chest against hers, his scent, the heat radiating from his body… it was all too much and not enough simultaneously. "Stop what you're doing," she pleaded weakly. "You're turning me on."A dangerous gleam transformed Zavian’s face into something almost predatory.She should have been alarmed by the sight, yet it made her more aroused. There was something primal about the way he looked at her, something that spoke to the most basic part of her."I deserve to see you aroused after my absence," he murmured. "To hear you beg for the ecstasy only I can give. Every word you speak while under my spell is drenched in love and laced with desire… mine and yours, tangled together."The poetry of his voice clashed deliciously with the vulgarity of his touch and his hand unapologetically exploring the most sacred parts of her.He tasted her cream with unashamed delight before letting go
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Zavian brought his finger to his mouth and sucked it clean all the while his eyes never left hers.The gesture was possessive and sent a fresh wave of heat through Emmeline’s body."Your taste is just for me. No one else gets even an accidental sample."Laughter bubbled from Emmeline's throat.She turned back toward the table, attempting to regain some semblance of normalcy. "If anyone knew what we were doing while making their cake, they'd be horrified.”Zavian moved to the sink embedded in the kitchen island and turned on the tap. "That's why I prefer home cooking," he said, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half-smile. "You never know what happens in restaurant kitchens."He shut off the water, drying his hands on a nearby towel with methodical care. "Professional chefs can't be trusted," he added dryly. "They're a passionate bunch, prone to impulse.""Hey, I'm a chef too," Emmeline protested with mock indignation, placing her hands on her hips.The stance emphasized her curves,
