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CHAPTER 168
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2025-04-21 01:58:06
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The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 169
Michelle felt her breath catch as she saw Isabella Hawthorne—Raymond’s sister —standing in the study of the old Hawthorne estate. Isabella held the photograph Michelle had come to find. The moonlight filtered through the tall windows, illuminating the dust in the air and adding an eerie silence to the room.You shouldn’t be here, Isabella said again. Her voice was calm, but her eyes, the same sharp blue as Raymond's, showed a little nervousness. Michelle moved forward slowly, keeping her guard up. I could ask you the same. What are you looking for?Isabella chuckled dryly and hid the photograph behind her. That’s none of your business. I think it is, Michelle shot back, stepping closer. Especially if it involves Chloe .Isabella’s jaw tightened. You’re in over your head. That photo—she hesitated—keeping it is dangerous.Michelle narrowed her eyes. Then why did Eleanor hide it here? And why are you here alone, going through her belongings? You were never that close to Eleanor, why are y
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-21The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 170
The wind outside was loud and frightening, but Chloe ignored it. Her hands were shaking a little as she hid the frightening message deep in her coat pocket. She couldn’t let Michelle or Sebastian see it—especially now, with the twins just a few days old and their family already overwhelmed.Clarissa needed her help. That was the most important thing for Chloe. She took one last look at the quiet penthouse. The soft glow from the nursery light was still shining in the hallway. Her heart felt heavy as she wanted to stay. She wanted to talk to Michelle and let Sebastian do what he did best—protecting.But the sender of the message was clear: come alone, or Clarissa would vanish forever. Chloe couldn’t take that risk. So, she wrote a short note: I have to do something. Don’t worry. I’ll be back. —C and placed it on the kitchen counter. Her hand hesitated over the paper, but she didn’t have time for goodbyes. She slipped out the back door and vanished into the night.Inside, Michelle woke
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-21The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 171
The room was dim, with shadows everywhere when the backup lights came on, casting a soft glow on the surprised faces by the fireplace. It was silent, except for the faint sound of electricity coming back after the brief outage. Michelle’s hands shook as she clutched the DNA report. Raymond stood next to her, his usual calm expression now gone, replaced by confusion and shock. Chloe, with a coat over her shoulders and red eyes from crying and exhaustion, leaned against the couch. She seemed as if she had escaped one nightmare only to face another. Sebastian, who had been pacing by the windows, turned to them. Say it again, he said softly, as if doubting his own ears. What does it say? Michelle slowly looked up. The report confirms it. Clarissa is Chloe’s biological mother. Her eyes moved to Chloe. And... she shares DNA markers with Raymond. Enough to show they have close family ties. Raymond inhaled sharply, pressing his fingers to his forehead. So... she’s my cousin? Yes, Sebastian
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 172
After Victor's call, the room was filled with tense silence. Chloe had cried herself to sleep on the couch. Michelle was beside her, gently stroking her hair. Sebastian stood by the window, looking serious with his arms crossed. Raymond hadn’t moved for a while. He was holding his phone with a dark expression. Michelle whispered again, She’s alive, as if she needed to remind herself. Raymond finally spoke, Yes. But we don't know how long she'll be. Sebastian turned, his face tight with worry. We can’t just do nothing. If Eleanor learns we know where Clarissa is, she’ll move quickly and it won’t be good for Clarissa. Michelle frowned, confused. She’s hidden her for so long. Why move her now? Raymond paced the floor. Because now she probably knows we know about Clarissa. Eleanor isn't thinking straight. She’s been lying and covering up for years. If she feels trapped, she might really harm Clarissa this time. The room felt colder with fear. Sebastian nodded. We need to move fast. Vict
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 173
The atmosphere was thick with tension as the private jet descended through the low clouds over the French countryside. Moonlight sometimes pierced the dark sky, casting an eerie glow over the vineyards in Bordeaux. Raymond Hawthorne adjusted his dark coat, casting a quick glance at Sebastian Vaughn sitting across from him. Both men wore casual clothes, purposely chosen to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Their identities were hidden behind fake names. Victor's security team managed everything, from special travel documents to transportation, keeping them hidden from local authorities and especially from Eleanor. As they stepped out onto the quiet airstrip, Victor’s voice came through the secure earpiece, About two miles ahead, there will be a black SUV waiting. Take the northern trail. Only engage if necessary. You've got six hours before the vineyard's morning shift starts. Raymond nodded with determination, already concentrating on their mission. Got it. Sebastian scanned th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 174
When Raymond grasped what Sebastian had revealed, he turned his back on the vineyard. Their entire mission, weeks in the making, was a sham. The photo of Clarissa, the threatening letter, and the setup in Bordeaux were all crafted to divert them from New York. Raymond took out his earpiece and communicated via a secure line. Victor, call off the vineyard mission. Chloe is missing. We have to return immediately. Victor's voice, filled with urgency, responded, I tracked her movements. She flew out last night under a fake name C. Hartwell to Paris. Sebastian questioned, Why Paris? Victor explained, She's trying to find Clarissa on her own. Chloe left a note under Michelle’s pillow. She wasn’t kidnapped; she left in a hurry to find answers and end the threats. Without responding, Raymond hurried back to the black SUV parked on the trail, with Sebastian close behind. They had less than an hour to reach the airport and change their plans. Time was slipping away. In Paris, the morning fog
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 175
Raymond paced back and forth in the room, gripping his phone tightly. Sebastian was seated behind Victor’s desk, focused on the surveillance cameras from Chloe’s hotel in Paris. The atmosphere felt heavy, as if something significant was about to unfold. A flash drive holding crucial information lay untouched on the table, but their main concern at that moment was Chloe. She’s still in the hotel, Room 403, Sebastian reported, his eyes darting across several screens. No signs of forced entry, nothing unusual in the hallway... for now. Raymond halted his pacing and spoke with determination, Keep watching her closely. If she moves, we need to be alerted instantly. Sebastian glanced up briefly, I advised her to stay put. But as you know, Chloe acts when she believes she can solve a problem. Victor joined the conversation, arms crossed. What if Roxanne left a clue? Maybe an address or some kind of breadcrumb that Chloe might want to follow? Raymond rubbed his forehead and murmured, She pr
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 176
Chloe took a careful step backward when Isabella Hawthorne entered the dim hallway..Chloe,.Isabella repeated, her voice smooth and very calm. You look like you've seen a ghost. I might have, Chloe whispered, eyes wide with surprise. She quickly tucked the letter into her coat pocket, her fingers shaking a bit. Why are you here, Isabella? I could ask you the same thing,"Isabella replied with a small smile. She glanced around at the old, run-down apartment building, clearly not impressed. This isn’t a safe place for someone like you. Chloe didn’t respond. She stood stiffly, her thoughts racing. How did she manage to find me here? I'm in Paris for work, Isabella continued in a casual tone, brushing her coat sleeve like there was dust on it. I got information saying you might be in danger. I didn't get a name, just a number and an address. I came to check on you. Chloe raised an eyebrow. Someone told you I was here? And you just came? Wouldn’t you have done the same? Isabella's smile di
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22
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The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 205
The Hawthorne estate was full of activity that Saturday morning. Gentle music from a string quartet could be heard in the gardens as staff rushed around setting up floral arrangements, hanging golden balloons, and pitching elegant white tents with pastel ribbons. This was no ordinary celebration—it was a double event.Raymond had meticulously planned everything for the special occasion: a grand birthday party for Oliver and Olivia, along with a surprise announcement about Michelle's latest accomplishment. He wanted everyone to know that his wife was not only the love of his life but also a trailblazer in her field.Michelle stood on the balcony outside their bedroom, holding Oliver while Olivia held onto her leg. The twins were dressed in matching birthday outfits—Oliver in a tiny navy-blue suit with suspenders, and Olivia in a lacy blush dress that matched the roses in Michelle’s hairstyle.“They’re going to steal the show,” Raymond said softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist
The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 204
Michelle kept looking at her phone after the call ended. Her heart was racing, and her mind was filled with thoughts. Adrien Vale—yes, the famous Adrien Vale—wanted to be her mentor. He saw her not just as someone’s wife or daughter-in-law but as a talented architect with her own ideas and potential.Eventually, she turned to her friend Chloe and her sister Millie, her face glowing with disbelief.“Well?” Chloe asked eagerly. “Don’t keep us waiting!”Michelle tried to speak, but it felt unreal. “Adrien Vale wants to mentor me. He saw my work and has offered me a summer mentorship in London.”Millie gasped. “Adrien Vale, the renowned architect?”Michelle nodded, still surprised. “Yes, that one.”Chloe squealed, grabbing Michelle’s hands with excitement. “This is incredible! Many architects dream of meeting him, let alone working with him.”Michelle nodded, wiping her misty eyes. “I don’t even know how he got my portfolio…”Millie smiled warmly. “You’re that talented. Your work stands o
The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 203
The afternoon sunlight gently warmed the sunroom where Michelle lounged on a wide cream loveseat. Beside her, a folder held important trust documents. Olivia slept peacefully in her crib, thumb in mouth, while Oliver quietly amused himself with a rattle.Across from Michelle, Chloe let out a whistle after finishing Eleanor’s letter. “Wow, Michelle! This is incredible. A trust fund and to support your firm? That's huge!”Michelle tried to absorb it all, her smile a mix of disbelief and happiness. “I know, it feels like a dream.”Chloe leaned closer, resting her chin in her hand. “And Eleanor did this all on her own? Even after everything?”Michelle nodded. “She couldn’t change the past, but she wanted to give something that mattered, something lasting.”Chloe’s eyes gleamed. “Well, she absolutely succeeded. You’re going to create something amazing with Davenport Designs. That name sounds impressive.”Michelle laughed. “It sounds too formal. I want it to feel softer, more like me. I pla
The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 202
Michelle read Eleanor’s note again, tracing the beautiful handwriting with her eyes. Her heart was a mixture of emotions. It felt so strange. Words from someone she used to fear and misunderstand now felt like a gentle comfort. The apology wasn’t flashy or begging for understanding; it was honest, vulnerable, and human.Did she really write this? Michelle asked quietly, looking up at Raymond, her fingers brushing the paper’s edge. She did, Raymond replied, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Jonathan gave it to me today, together with that pocket watch.Michelle's gaze shifted to the watch, which gleamed softly in the afternoon light. It was a symbol from the past, now unexpectedly connecting her to Raymond’s family—not through marriage or duty, but through acceptance. She said I gave you something she never could, Michelle said, her voice filled with emotion. Peace. Family. A future.Raymond nodded, his hand wrapping around hers. And she's right. You’ve given me every
The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 201
The morning sunlight created long, golden shadows on the private golf course behind a quiet estate just outside the city. Raymond swung his club smoothly, and as the club hit the ball, a soft sound filled the air, sending the ball high into the sky. Nearby, Jonathan watched with his arms crossed, a small smile on his face. You still have that perfect Hawthorne swing, he said as Raymond stood up straight. Raymond chuckled and stepped aside. I had a good teacher. Jonathan grabbed his club and aimed for the green. I wasn't always a good teacher, but I tried. I realized the real legacy wasn't just in the business; it was in the people who kept it going. They played a few more holes quietly, with the occasional laugh shared between shots. There was no stress or business talk—just a father and son reconnecting. At the eighth hole, Jonathan finally spoke. Eleanor has made her decision. Raymond looked up, surprised. She and Isabella are moving abroad to someplace quiet and peaceful. She wan
The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 200
Raymond sat on the edge of a marble bench outside the café, holding his phone to his ear. Millie's voice was steady, but there was a hint of sadness that lingered in his mind. I’ve been thinking a lot, she said. I really needed to talk to someone who knew me before I lost my way. Raymond looked up at the golden afternoon clouds. I’m here, he said softly. Tell me what’s on your mind.After a pause, Millie continued quietly, I’m not proud of my actions, Raymond. What I did to Michelle and you—I've spent too long being angry and jealous, fighting pointless battles. Now I wonder what I was trying to prove and to whom. Raymond let the silence linger, giving her words space. You have your own journey, he said gently. Seeing it takes strength.She sighed. I wanted you to know I’m trying to be better. For me, not anyone else. Maybe one day, Michelle will see that too. Time can soften things, Raymond replied. And Michelle… She's compassionate. Millie laughed softly, almost surprised. Yes, she
The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 199
A few months had passed quietly since that emotional night at the Hawthorne estate. Raymond and Michelle finally felt relaxed and happy, as if wrapped in a warm, comforting blanket. The tough times were over, and their days were now filled with love, growth, and new memories. Their twins, Olivia and Oliver, were almost one year old—a big milestone that brought both laughter and a bit of chaos into their lives. But in a fun way.Raymond was deeply involved in a new project at Hawthorne Enterprises. This project was a departure from the stressful boardroom battles of the past. It represented a new beginning, supported by forward-thinking investors who believed in Raymond's vision and leadership. A key figure among these investors was Victor Calloway, a trusted family friend whose support came at just the right moment.On a calm Thursday morning, Raymond was in his office reviewing design proposals when he received a message from Victor. It said, Can we meet? There’s something I think yo
The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 198
The grand entrance hall of the Hawthorne estate looked like it hadn't changed in years. The ceiling was high, a beautiful crystal chandelier hung from it, and the shiny marble floors all showed the family's rich and powerful history. But now, the air felt different, as if something important was about to happen. Michelle held onto Raymond’s hand tightly as they entered. Her heart was beating quickly with nervous excitement. She had been here before, but now everything was different. She was Raymond’s wife and the mother of his children, standing as his equal. Whatever happened in this meeting, she wouldn't face it alone. Isabella stood near the door, looking small in the enormous room. She no longer wore fancy clothes or makeup. Today, she looked normal and tired. Her blouse was neatly pressed, but her sagging shoulders and lack of perfume made the room feel quieter and more serious. Thank you for coming, Isabella said softly. I wasn’t sure you would. We weren’t sure we should, Ray
The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 197
Life had taken a pleasant turn for Raymond and Michelle, allowing them to slow down and appreciate the small joys. After experiencing a period filled with stress and constant busyness, they now savored the calm. Their home, once bustling with work calls, had transformed into a sanctuary filled with the gentle songs and laughter of their young children, Olivia and Oliver. The twins were growing quickly, filling each day with new surprises. Olivia loved playing games, especially hiding behind the curtains and jumping out with a loud Boo! to startle her brother, which made both of them giggle endlessly. Oliver, determined to keep up with his sister, had finally learned to walk without tumbling over. He proudly marched around the house, holding random objects like they were treasures. Michelle cherished these daily joys—morning giggles, warm hugs, and the comforting smell of pancakes. Their home had become a world of its own, with each day bringing new firsts. From first words to first
