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Chapter Ten
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-25 19:39:18
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The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Eleven
The morning sunlight seeped through the mansion’s grand windows, casting a warm glow over the polished floors. Outside, the faint chirping of birds signaled the start of a new day, but inside Christian Blake’s private study, the air was thick with concentration.Christian sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, his sharp eyes glued to the screen as his fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard. The faint sound of typing filled the otherwise silent room, the only other movement being the slight furrow of his brow as he worked.The door creaked open.“Working already?”Olivia’s smooth voice cut through the quiet, carrying that usual tone of motherly observation mixed with something else—something subtle, unreadable.Christian didn’t look up immediately. “Morning, Mother,” he greeted, his voice even.Olivia stepped inside, her silk robe flowing elegantly around her as she made her way toward him. Her gaze swept across the room before landing on the pile of documents beside him.She til
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Twelve
The kitchen was quiet, except for the soft clinking of utensils as Crystal wiped down the counter. The faint aroma of butter and freshly brewed tea lingered in the air, but she barely noticed. Her hands moved mechanically, scrubbing away at a stubborn stain on the wooden surface.She wasn’t just cleaning; she was keeping herself occupied—trying to push away the endless thoughts clawing at her mind.Just then, the sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor made her pause.Evelyn entered, elegant as always, her sharp eyes sweeping over Crystal before she spoke. “You’ll need to go out for grocery shopping today.”Crystal turned, wiping her damp hands on the rag she held. Evelyn reached into her purse, pulling out a neatly folded list and a sleek black card.“Here,” she said, placing them on the counter. “Make sure you get everything on that list. And don’t take all day.”Crystal nodded silently, taking the list and card without question.Evelyn barely spared her another glance bef
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Thirteen
Adrian stepped into the supermarket, the cold air-conditioning brushing against his skin. His sharp eyes immediately scanned the aisles, and it didn’t take him long to spot her.Crystal was a few rows ahead, her small frame pushing a cart as she carefully checked the list Evelyn had given her. She moved slowly, her attention focused, oblivious to everything around her—including him.The supermarket was crowded, making it easy for him to stay unnoticed. He moved to the opposite side, pretending to browse the shelves, but his eyes kept flickering back to her.She looked… out of place.The oversized sweater she wore, the way she clutched the list like it was her lifeline, it was obvious she wasn’t used to simple things like this. It made something in him tighten.Adrian took his time, walking through the aisles and picking up random items—things he didn’t even need. He wasn’t in a hurry to leave, though he didn’t understand why he was lingering.Crystal, on the other hand, had already fi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Fourteen
Evelyn’s cold gaze flickered between Betty and Crystal. Her silence was heavier than words, but when she finally spoke, her tone was sharp and laced with authority."Betty, if you have nothing better to do than act like a spoiled child, find yourself something useful." She didn’t wait for a response. “Don’t embarrass yourself further.”Betty’s mouth opened slightly, but Evelyn had already turned away, walking off as if the matter wasn’t worth another second of her time.The moment she was gone, Betty’s lips curled into a bitter smirk as she stepped closer to Crystal, lowering her voice to a threatening whisper.“You think you’ve won something?” She scoffed. “Let me make one thing clear—you’ll regret ever stepping foot in this house. I’m going to make your life miserable.”Crystal didn’t flinch, but her fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress. She knew Betty meant every word.********** The hospital air was cold, carrying the sterile scent of antiseptics and fresh linen. Ild
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Fifteen
The aroma of rich spices filled the mansion as Crystal stood over the stove, stirring a dish she had perfected long ago—a recipe she used to cook for Christian’s family. Her hands moved swiftly, multitasking between the simmering pot and the bread she was kneading. The house had fewer workers now, as most had resigned, unable to cope with the Blake family’s unpredictable temperaments.Crystal, however, had no choice.She had already finished the laundry, scrubbing the sheets and pressing clothes with aching hands. Now, the heat from the kitchen mixed with her exhaustion, making her head feel unbearably heavy. Her legs trembled beneath her, but she clenched her teeth and pushed through it. She couldn't afford to collapse.When the meal was ready, the caterers served it with precision. The family ate in silence, enjoying every bite—yet, not a single word of appreciation was uttered. Crystal wasn’t surprised. She simply took a step back, watching as plates emptied, her own stomach twisti
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Sixteen
The air in the room was thick with tension, suffocating and heavy. His sharp gaze flickered between Evelyn, Betty, and the open jewelry box clutched in Betty’s smug grip.Evelyn’s face hardened. “Adrian, this is not your concern.”Adrian’s expression remained unreadable, but his eyes lingered on Crystal—her tear-streaked face, the way she trembled, her small hands clenched into fists at her sides.“Who found the jewelry?” His voice was calm, yet laced with something sharp.Betty lifted her chin. “I did. In her clothes.”Crystal swallowed hard, her body rigid with panic. “I didn’t put it there,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.Adrian exhaled sharply through his nose, rubbing his temple as if trying to suppress an impending headache. He turned back to Betty. “And you just happened to find it? In a place she would never hide something so obvious?”Betty’s lips thinned. “Are you implying I planted it?”Adrian arched his brow. “I didn’t say that. But it’s funny how quick y
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Seventeen
Ilda’s reflection in the mirror was flawless—her dark eyes lined with precision, her lips painted a soft shade of rose, her hair cascading down in effortless waves. But beneath the surface, tension tightened her jaw.She exhaled slowly, fingers grazing over the strap of her small bag. She couldn’t afford mistakes.Then, as if on cue, her phone buzzed.She lifted it to her ear, her voice smooth but firm.“I’m ready.”A pause. Then a low voice on the other end responded.“Five minutes.”The call ended.Ilda’s grip on the phone tightened before she slid it into her bag. She straightened her posture, smoothing out her dress with practiced ease. She had played this game for a long time—secrecy was nothing new.She stepped outside just as a sleek black car pulled up. Without hesitation, she slipped inside.From the upstairs window, Olivia’s gaze followed the car as it moved down the long driveway.She pulled out her phone and, with a slow smirk, typed out the license plate number.“Let’s se
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Eighteen
The Blackwood's mansion was eerily silent, the only sound coming from the faint ticking of the grand clock in the hallway. The dim chandelier light cast long shadows across the lavish dining room, where Crystal sat alone.She stirred the soup in front of her absentmindedly, her stomach unsettled by the strange cravings that had come and gone these past few days. Tonight, hunger had struck late, and she found herself eating when the rest of the house had already gone quiet.Then, suddenly—BANG!The front door slammed open with a force that sent a sharp jolt through her chest.Crystal turned sharply, her spoon clattering against the ceramic bowl.There, standing unsteadily in the doorway, was Adrian.His brown hair was disheveled, a few strands sticking to his damp forehead. His usually sharp, indifferent gaze was clouded—bloodshot and heavy-lidded. The crisp white of his shirt was now wrinkled and untucked, stained with something darker along the sleeves.But what caught her attention
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
Bab terbaru
The Price of His Betrayal Fourty-Seven
The house had never felt so quiet.After the sound of car doors shutting, luggage being loaded, and tires rolling off the driveway, silence settled over the Blake residence like a thick, invisible fog.Evelyn stood frozen in the middle of the living room. Betty had long stormed off upstairs, slamming her door behind her. But Evelyn remained—still and suddenly… hollow.Her eyes slowly moved to the small black box Crystal had left on the table. It felt heavier now, more significant.Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for it. She sat down slowly, untying the ribbon carefully, almost nervously, like something inside might explode and pierce straight through her chest.She opened it.Inside lay a neatly folded letter, tucked over a small bracelet—a simple charm bracelet with the word “Grace” engraved on the centerpiece.With slow fingers, Evelyn unfolded the letter. Her breath caught when she saw Crystal’s handwriting, smooth and graceful. Then she began to read.---Dear Mom,I ne
The Price of His Betrayal Fourty-Six
The morning sun filtered in through the blinds, casting pale golden rays across the polished floors. The house felt unusually quiet, too quiet. Then came the soft dragging sound of a suitcase wheel against the floor.Crystal appeared at the stairway, dressed plainly, her pale face void of color but carrying a strange calm. The workers passed with other of her luggages as she clutched one small suitcase in her hand. Her steps were slow, deliberate, like someone who had already said goodbye a hundred times in her heart.Downstairs, Evelyn and Betty were seated on the couch, heads close together, giggling over something on Betty’s tablet."Mom, look at this post," Betty cackled, swiping with her pink-polished nails. "Someone said if your maid starts dressing fine, just know your jewelry box is next."Evelyn let out a loud laugh. “These people online have no chill. But it’s true! That girl from the Johnsons, what’s her name—ran off with their family diamonds and left a thank-you note!”Sh
The Price of His Betrayal Fourty-Five
The room was dim, lit only by the soft golden glow of the bedside lamp. The curtains danced gently as the evening breeze slipped through the slightly open window. Olivia lay nestled under silk sheets, her hair falling over the pillow in gentle waves. Robert lay beside her, shirtless, with one arm resting comfortably behind his head while the other lightly stroked Olivia’s hair.“Your taste hasn’t changed one bit, my dearest Olivia,” Robert murmured, his voice deep, a sly grin on his face as he traced a finger down her bare shoulder.Olivia chuckled softly, playfully pushing his hand away. “Oh please, stop. You’re as dramatic as ever.”Robert smirked and turned to face her more directly. “Dramatic? You mean charming.”“Delusional, maybe,” she teased, her laughter soft and feminine as it filled the cozy room.He laughed along, then leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Still feisty, I see. I might be aging, but trust me… I haven’t lost my energy. Not even a little.”Olivia rolled her eyes wi
The Price of His Betrayal Fourty-Four
The car rolled on in silence. Only the sound of tires against the pavement and the quiet hum of the engine filled the space between them. The city lights faded behind them, and the roads grew emptier. Inside, Crystal sat curled up in the seat, Adrian’s coat still wrapped around her shoulders. Her fingers gripped it like a shield, her eyes fixed out the window, hiding the tremble in her lips.Adrian glanced at her, more than once, but said nothing at first. His grip tightened on the wheel.Finally, he broke the silence.“Why did you do this?” His voice was gentle, but there was a quiet ache behind it.Crystal didn’t answer right away. Her throat tightened. When she finally spoke, her voice came out sharp and strained. “Don’t worry, Adrian. I’m making my arrangements. I’ll leave your house tomorrow.”Adrian’s brow creased. “What—?”“I don't have to be a burden to you!” she snapped, her voice rising. “I don’t belong there. I don’t belong anywhere. I’m tired. So damn tired of pretendi
The Price of His Betrayal Fourty-Three
The amber glow of evening spilled into the Blake mansion through the tall, glass windows, casting long shadows across the marble floors. The once-lively house was unusually quiet, the kind of silence that pressed against the walls like an approaching storm.Adrian stepped through the front door, his coat slung over one arm and his steps heavy from the long day. He loosened the top button of his shirt and glanced toward the dining room, expecting to catch a whiff of something warm—maybe soup, or her soft voice humming quietly as she moved around the kitchen.But there was nothing.No sound. No scent. No warmth.He paused, brows furrowing, and tilted his head slightly.The kitchen lights were off. The living room was empty. The only sign of life was the soft ticking of the grandfather clock echoing through the hallway. Adrian’s heart gave a slight stir of discomfort, but he shrugged it off, stepping lightly toward the back of the house."Crystal?" he called out, voice low, uncertain.No
The Price of His Betrayal Fourty-Two
The corridor echoed with the click of polished shoes as the investors made their way out of the Blake Enterprises executive floor. Their tailored suits caught the soft gleam of the hallway lights, but their voices were low shrouded in careful murmurs, just beneath a whisper.The older gentleman on the left adjusted his cufflink and leaned slightly toward the woman walking in the center. “Did anyone else find it odd,” he said, “that she spent half the meeting praising another company? What was it… Rays & Co?”The younger man on the right chuckled under his breath. “It sounded almost like a sales pitch for them. She mentioned their adaptability, fresh workforce, better tech systems…”The woman gave a knowing smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “She may not have meant to, but she made a stronger case for them than her own company,” she said. “Honestly, I think she knows this place can’t handle our scale of operation. The structure here is” she paused, glancing around, “a litt
The Price of His Betrayal Fourty-One
The company lobby buzzed with the usual morning rhythm keyboards clicking, printers humming, hushed voices filling the space like background music. That rhythm abruptly changed the moment Ilda stepped through the revolving doors.Her heels struck the marble floor with intimidating precision. Flanked by two company assigned security men, she walked as if the building belonged to her. Her fitted white blazer hugged her sharp frame, and her dark sunglasses covered her calculating eyes. One of the guards held her designer handbag, while the other cleared the path ahead.She didn’t speak. She didn’t smile. She didn’t even acknowledge the greetings of the staff as she moved through the corridor like a force of nature.Once she disappeared down the hall toward the executive wing, the tension broke.“She really thinks she owns the place,” muttered one of the younger interns, shaking her head.Another scoffed, “She’s not even married to Mr. Christian yet, but she already acts like a CEO’s wife
The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Fourty
Crystal didn’t turn. She kept walking, the sting of betrayal burning hotter than ever. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks.Behind her, Betty turned to Evelyn and chuckled. “You see that? She's halfway out already.”Evelyn smirked. “Just a little more… and she’ll disappear for good.”They both burst into soft, victorious laughter as Crystal disappeared down the hallway, alone and broken once again.Crystal stepped into her small room and gently shut the door behind her. The silence was too loud. Her eyes wandered across the dim space: the worn-out chair in the corner, the neatly folded blanket on the bed, the window that barely let in light.Her heart ached.She stood still for a moment, the weight of everything crashing into her all at once. Adrian’s sudden outburst, the cruel taunts of Evelyn and Betty, the fake recording still echoing in her head. “I just want Crystal out of this house.”Her knees weakened. She sat slowly on the edge of the bed, her fingers trembling as they cl
The Price of His Betrayal Chapter Thirty-nine
The sun was setting, casting a warm glow through the half-open window as Crystal moved quietly around Adrian’s room, dusting and straightening things up. She couldn’t help but notice how neat everything was almost too neat for a man who seemed so rough around the edges.She picked up a few scattered books and set them on the small shelf, glancing around to make sure she wasn’t touching anything too personal. As she moved to wipe the bedside table, her eyes landed on a small framed picture partially tucked behind a stack of old letters.Curiosity got the better of her, and she reached for it. The picture showed a younger Adrian, smiling softly with his arm around a beautiful pregnant woman. Crystal’s heart ached at the sight she had never seen him smile like that before.Before she could study it further, her wet hand caused the glass frame to slip from her grip. Time seemed to slow as the frame fell to the floor, shattering into countless pieces.Her heart pounded in her chest as she
