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Sixty-one

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-26 13:26:04

The day had faded into a canvas of twilight, painting soft shades of gold and lavender across the sky. The evening breeze was cool, brushing gently through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and the quiet hum of promise. Crystal sat alone on the balcony, her arms folded across her chest, her mind replaying every moment of the day from Adrian’s surprising proposal to the distant memory of her parents’ birthday traditions. There was a softness in her gaze, a gentle melancholy. She felt the weight of time and healing.

She didn’t expect to hear footsteps, but she turned when she did—Adrian, standing in the doorway, dressed casually but with a look on his face that made her heart skip.

“Come with me,” he said gently.

Crystal tilted her head. “Where?”

“I just… I want to show you something,” he murmured, not giving much away, his voice filled with something between nerves and certainty. “Wear something comfortable.”

The way he looked at her—intense, unreadable—sent shivers through her che
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  • The Price of His Betrayal    Sixty-Two

    The sun had barely risen over the towering skyline when Christian stepped out of the mansion. The breeze was soft, brushing through the well-trimmed hedges that bordered the driveway, but his heart was anything but calm. Dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit that clung to his tall frame with tailored perfection, Christian's face was unreadable. His steps were slow but firm, his mind already miles away from home.A black luxury car sat idling in front of the house. The driver rushed forward to open the rear door. Christian's assistant manager, a young, dutiful man named Kelvin, was already seated in the passenger side of the back seat, his tablet in hand and his suit freshly pressed. As Christian slid into the seat beside him, the door shut with a gentle thud—and the world outside felt sealed away.“Sir,” Kelvin said without looking up from the screen, “Rays & Co has officially approved your visit. You're expected at the headquarters before 9 a.m.”Christian only gave a small nod. No words

    Last Updated : 2025-04-26
  • The Price of His Betrayal    Sixty-Three

    Footsteps echoed against the marble floor, slow and deliberate.Christian turned his gaze—and there he was.Ethan Blake.He stepped into the boardroom wearing a jet-black suit with a steel-gray shirt, no tie, and a subtle diamond pin on his collar. His presence was silent but commanding. His shoulders had broadened with age and experience, his jaw more defined, and his once-youthful eyes had grown colder. Calculating. The boy Christian once towered over… now stood as a man. A man built from silence, rejection, and ambition.Ethan walked forward and stood directly in front of Christian, his expression unreadable.Christian stared at him hard. Really stared. His mind took him back—back to when Ethan was just a quiet shadow in the house, always behind his mother, always watching, never speaking. The illegitimate one. The mistake. The secret.Now here he was, in a power seat.A subtle flick of Ethan’s fingers, a gesture as casual as a breath—and the entire room cleared out. Not a word exc

    Last Updated : 2025-04-26
  • The Price of His Betrayal    Chapter One

    Crystal sat on the balcony of the grand Blake mansion, her eyes distant as she gazed at the sprawling gardens below. The luxury around her was suffocating, a cruel reminder of how little she belonged. For over three years, she had lived in this house as Christian Blake’s wife, yet she had never felt more like a stranger, and no one regarded her as part of the family.The whispers of scorn and judgment from Christian's family echoed in her mind. "Three years, and still no child?" Olivia, Christian’s mother, had sneered just days ago during a family dinner. "What good is she to this family if she can’t even fulfill her most basic duty?" Her heart ached at the memory. The Blake family had never accepted her, not truly. They saw her as an outsider, an interloper who didn’t deserve to carry their legacy. Even the maids gossiped about her when they thought she couldn’t hear. From the hallway below, faint voices drifted up. "Poor Mrs. Blake," one maid murmured. "She tries so hard, but

    Last Updated : 2025-01-03
  • The Price of His Betrayal    Chapter Two

    Crystal parked her car in the long driveway of the Blake mansion, her heart pounding with anxiety and rage. The sprawling estate loomed before her, but tonight it felt more like a fortress, shielding the people who had caused her so much pain. As she stepped inside, the sound of voices carried from the living room. she paused in the grand foyer, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Olivia Blake, Christian’s mother, seated on the cream leather couch. Beside her was Christian’s younger sister, Danielle, and a few other family friends. Their laughter filled the space, but it didn’t reach Crystal’s heart. Her first thought was that perhaps they had called a meeting to address Christian’s public humiliation of her. Maybe, for once, they would stand on her side and hold him accountable. But the mocking smiles on their faces quickly shattered that illusion. Crystal took a deep breath and walked toward the group. As she approached, the laughter died down, replaced by cold, scrutinizing sta

    Last Updated : 2025-01-03
  • The Price of His Betrayal    Chapter Three

    Crystal clutched her luggage tightly, her trembling hands resting briefly on her belly. “I’ll fight for us,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Your father doesn’t deserve you. I promise, I’ll protect you no matter what.” She paused, as though seeking comfort from her own words, her thumb brushing against her stomach. The darkening sky mirrored her sinking heart as she stood outside the Blake mansion, her belongings scattered around her. She had no idea where to go. With no friends in the city and no family to rely on—she had cut ties with them when they opposed her marriage to Christian—she felt utterly alone. “I should have listened,” she murmured, her voice trembling with regret. “I should have seen through the lies. But now… now, this is my reality.” She exhaled shakily and flagged down a taxi. The car pulled up, and she struggled to load her luggage into the trunk, her hands trembling with exhaustion and emotion. “Where to, ma’am?” the driver asked. Crystal hesitated f

    Last Updated : 2025-01-03
  • The Price of His Betrayal    Chapter Four

    At the Blake mansion, Ilda basked in the glow of her newfound status. She was no longer just a guest but the adored daughter-in-law, carrying what was presumed to be the Blake heir. Every staff member greeted her with deference, their respect evident in the careful way they attended to her needs. Even Olivia, who had once regarded her with mild suspicion, now seemed to look at her with admiration. Ilda played the part perfectly, smiling warmly at everyone and making sure to offer kind words to the staff whenever possible. She carried herself with a grace that could only be described as regal, ensuring that every action solidified her position in the family. In the sitting room, Ilda sat next to Christian, her hand lightly resting on his arm. They were sharing a quiet moment, the air filled with an unusual softness. “You’ve been so good to me, Christian,” Ilda said, her voice sweet and affectionate. “I don’t know how I would have managed without you.” Christian looked at her, a

    Last Updated : 2025-01-03
  • The Price of His Betrayal    Chapter Five

    Crystal took one last look at the grand estate behind her. The mansion had always been her home, a place of love and warmth. But tonight, it felt like nothing more than a cruel reminder of everything she had lost.She tightened her grip on the handle of her suitcase, the weight of it dragging behind her like the burden in her heart. The cold night air nipped at her skin as she stood there, waiting—hoping—that at any moment, her mother would come running out, calling her back.But the house remained silent. The golden lights glowed softly through the windows, almost mocking her, as if life inside continued without her.Her mother’s final words echoed in her mind, sharp and unforgiving."You made your choice, Crystal. Now live with it."Her chest ached as she clenched her fists, willing herself not to cry. She had known her parents would be upset, disappointed even. She had defied them by choosing love over family, by marrying Christian against their wishes. But she had never expect

    Last Updated : 2025-02-07
  • The Price of His Betrayal    Chapter Six

    Her eyes fluttered open, the dim light of a lamp casting a golden glow over the unfamiliar room. The air smelled of fresh linen and something faintly medicinal. The mattress beneath her was firm but comfortable, and she realized she was tucked beneath a thick blanket.The unfamiliar room around her was simple yet neat—light-colored walls, a wooden dresser, and a chair near the window where the golden sunlight cast long, warm streaks across the floor. It was quiet. Too quiet.She swallowed against the dryness in her throat, attempting to push herself up, but even that small effort made her limbs tremble. She felt weak—far weaker than she had ever felt before. Her fingers barely had the strength to grip the sheets.Where was she?Panic shot through her veins as she struggled to sit up, but a strong, steady voice stopped her."Easy. You need to rest."Crystal turned toward the voice, her heart pounding. A man sat in a chair beside the bed, his dark eyes watching her with quiet concern.

    Last Updated : 2025-02-09

Latest chapter

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Sixty-Three

    Footsteps echoed against the marble floor, slow and deliberate.Christian turned his gaze—and there he was.Ethan Blake.He stepped into the boardroom wearing a jet-black suit with a steel-gray shirt, no tie, and a subtle diamond pin on his collar. His presence was silent but commanding. His shoulders had broadened with age and experience, his jaw more defined, and his once-youthful eyes had grown colder. Calculating. The boy Christian once towered over… now stood as a man. A man built from silence, rejection, and ambition.Ethan walked forward and stood directly in front of Christian, his expression unreadable.Christian stared at him hard. Really stared. His mind took him back—back to when Ethan was just a quiet shadow in the house, always behind his mother, always watching, never speaking. The illegitimate one. The mistake. The secret.Now here he was, in a power seat.A subtle flick of Ethan’s fingers, a gesture as casual as a breath—and the entire room cleared out. Not a word exc

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Sixty-Two

    The sun had barely risen over the towering skyline when Christian stepped out of the mansion. The breeze was soft, brushing through the well-trimmed hedges that bordered the driveway, but his heart was anything but calm. Dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit that clung to his tall frame with tailored perfection, Christian's face was unreadable. His steps were slow but firm, his mind already miles away from home.A black luxury car sat idling in front of the house. The driver rushed forward to open the rear door. Christian's assistant manager, a young, dutiful man named Kelvin, was already seated in the passenger side of the back seat, his tablet in hand and his suit freshly pressed. As Christian slid into the seat beside him, the door shut with a gentle thud—and the world outside felt sealed away.“Sir,” Kelvin said without looking up from the screen, “Rays & Co has officially approved your visit. You're expected at the headquarters before 9 a.m.”Christian only gave a small nod. No words

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Sixty-one

    The day had faded into a canvas of twilight, painting soft shades of gold and lavender across the sky. The evening breeze was cool, brushing gently through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and the quiet hum of promise. Crystal sat alone on the balcony, her arms folded across her chest, her mind replaying every moment of the day from Adrian’s surprising proposal to the distant memory of her parents’ birthday traditions. There was a softness in her gaze, a gentle melancholy. She felt the weight of time and healing.She didn’t expect to hear footsteps, but she turned when she did—Adrian, standing in the doorway, dressed casually but with a look on his face that made her heart skip.“Come with me,” he said gently.Crystal tilted her head. “Where?”“I just… I want to show you something,” he murmured, not giving much away, his voice filled with something between nerves and certainty. “Wear something comfortable.”The way he looked at her—intense, unreadable—sent shivers through her che

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Sixty

    The clock chimed softly from the corner of the Blake mansion’s expansive hallway as the evening shadows crept longer against the marble floor. The soft glow from the crystal chandelier bounced off the glassware neatly arranged on the dining table, where Robert and Ilda sat, casually picking at their dinner. A few maids shuffled quietly in the background, pouring drinks and ensuring everything was in perfect order.Ilda, dressed in a sleek satin wrap dress that shimmered under the light, twirled her fork with a distant smirk playing at the corner of her lips. She leaned in closer to Robert, who was telling her something in a hushed tone, a glass of wine in his hand.Just then—SLAM!The front door burst open with a thunderous bang, echoing like a gunshot across the hall.Everyone froze.Robert’s hand paused mid-air, his fork hovering just above his plate. Ilda sat up straight instantly, the smirk on her face vanishing. Even the maids stilled, casting each other uncertain glances.Heavy

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Fifty-Nine

    The evening sun cast a golden hue across the Blake residence, but inside, the atmosphere was far from warm.Olivia sat stiffly on the edge of the living room couch, her eyes scanning the floor as if searching for answers buried in the tile. A cup of untouched tea rested on the table before her, steam long gone cold.Robert walked in quietly, his shirt sleeves rolled up, a calm look plastered across his face. He took a deep breath and sat beside her.“I spoke to Ilda,” he began, gently, almost too gently. “She promised she won't do anything with that footage. She said she only wanted to scare you.”Olivia’s eyes didn’t move from the floor. Her lips tightened slightly, then parted. “You believe her?”Robert exhaled. “Olivia, she’s carrying Christian’s child. She's just... emotional. All that energy—she doesn’t know how to control it. But she gave me her word.”That was the wrong thing to say.Olivia’s head snapped toward him, her eyes suddenly sharp, searching his face for any hint of d

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Fifty-Eight

    The sun barely pierced through the cloudy sky as Christian’s black car rolled into the private company garage. The tires came to a silent halt, and the door opened smoothly with the help of a security guard. Christian stepped out—his face carved in stone. The sharp cut of his black suit echoed authority, but his eyes were dim, as if weighed down by something heavier than fatigue.He adjusted the cuff of his shirt mechanically, his gold wristwatch flashing briefly under the dull morning light. His walk was brisk and deliberate. The moment he entered the building, the atmosphere changed."Good morning, sir," a few employees greeted with half-smiles and nervous nods.He didn’t respond, just a stiff nod of acknowledgment. The elevator ride up was silent, the digital floor numbers blinking one by one until he arrived at the top.His secretary rose immediately from her desk. "Mr. John is waiting for you inside, sir."Christian gave a slight nod and walked into his office.John stood by the

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Fifty-Seven

    The sky had already started to turn amber as evening rolled in. Crystal had spent nearly the whole day quietly in the house, replaying childhood memories in her mind like soft music. The moment she whispered, “Can’t believe I’m one year older today,” she had no idea her words would set something in motion.Now, the house was unusually quiet. She had spent most of the afternoon alone, her eyes occasionally drifting to the clock. Adrian hadn’t returned since morning. Even the workers seemed oddly silent. A part of her had tried to shake off the earlier disappointment, but it lingered. Maybe he really forgot, she thought.Just as she stood up to go upstairs and call it a day, there was a gentle knock on her room door.“Ma’am,” one of the housekeepers said with a warm smile, “please, come with me.”Crystal blinked, confused. “Where to?”“Please, ma’am. Just follow.”With hesitant steps, Crystal followed the woman out of the house and into the garage. But the moment the large doors slowly

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Fifty-Six

    The morning sunlight spilled through the tall curtains, casting golden beams over the room as Crystal slowly blinked herself awake. The sheets felt warm, and the air held a rare kind of peace. For a moment, she lay still, listening to the birds chirping just outside the window and the faint swish of tree branches swaying in the wind.Then, memories began to surface—soft, delicate ones wrapped in laughter and love.Her mother’s voice, singing in the kitchen while baking her favorite cake…Her father’s off-key birthday song every single year, just to make her laugh…The handmade birthday cards with little drawings…The feeling of being home.A faint smile curved Crystal’s lips as her fingers brushed against her small baby bump. She whispered gently to herself, her voice light as air, “I can’t believe I’m one year older today…”She let out a soft sigh, blinking away the sting that threatened to cloud her eyes. Just as she turned her face to the window again, the door clicked open. She tu

  • The Price of His Betrayal    Fifty-Five

    Christian’s heart dropped. “My mother’s?”John nodded, eyes narrowing. “But it doesn’t make sense. The IP address was rerouted. Someone used a cloaked protocol to imitate her clearance. These aren’t random hacks. They were executed from within your company’s network. Someone with access... and knowledge of your system.”Christian’s fists tightened. “Who was the last person to log in under that clearance?”“Here,” John pointed, eyes scanning the string of data on his screen. “This transaction… it was executed using Olivia’s executive clearance.”Christian’s heart pounded. “My mother’s?”John gave a tight nod, his brows drawn together in concern. “Yes. But something’s not adding up. The IP address was rerouted. There was a cloaking protocol that used advanced stuff. It made it appear like Olivia logged in herself, but the location pinged internally from your company’s main server.”Christian’s fists balled at his sides. “So you’re saying it’s someone inside.”“Exactly. Someone with both

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