Share

CHAPTER 25

last update Last Updated: 2025-02-27 17:52:30
Michelle couldn’t shake Miranda’s parting words. They clung to her thoughts like a stubborn stain, refusing to fade no matter how hard she tried to focus on her work.

What did she mean about Alex? What secrets was he hiding? And more importantly—why was Miranda suddenly offering clues?

It felt like a trap.

But Michelle didn’t have the luxury of waiting or ignoring any tiny clue. If there was something to uncover, she needed to find it before Eleanor or Alex used it against her.

The problem was, she didn’t know where to start.

While Michelle struggled with her own thoughts, Eleanor Hawthorne was playing a far more dangerous game.

She had always known that her son was a man who operated on trust and control. If he doubted someone, it was only a matter of time before he shut them out completely. And that was exactly what she intended to make happen. She wanted Michelle out of his life and out of the Hawthorne family.

Seated in her lavish office, Eleanor swirled the wine in her glas
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 26

    Michelle wasn’t one for reckless decisions, but tonight, she was making an exception. After what she saw at the restaurant, she knew she couldn’t sit around waiting for answers to come to her. Miranda was dangerous and very calculative, and if Michelle wanted to get ahead of whatever she was plotting, she needed to take action. The woman had only ever shown her gentle side when they worked together previously at Harper & Co, but now she was showing her true colours. Which was why she found herself standing outside Miranda’s office late at night, heart pounding against her ribs. She needed anything, any information at all that could help her uncover Miranda's plans. The building was mostly empty—most employees had gone home hours ago. Only the night security and a few late workers remained. That gave Michelle a small window to get in, search for whatever Miranda was hiding, and get out of there before anyone noticed. She had thought about asking Chloe to come along, but after giving

    Last Updated : 2025-02-28
  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 27

    Michelle kept her expression neutral, refusing to let Miranda see the panic on her face. If she showed even a flicker of fear, Miranda would pounce. Instead, she straightened her shoulders and looked Miranda straight in the eyes. “So, you admit you’re working with Eleanor and Calvin?” Miranda let out a low chuckle, her perfectly manicured fingers tracing the edge of the desk. “Oh, Michelle,” she sighed, shaking her head as if she pitied her. “You think you’ve uncovered some grand conspiracy, don’t you?” Michelle tightened her grip on her phone. “I don’t think—I know.” And I have evidence of it. Miranda smirked, unfazed. “And yet, here you are, sneaking around in my office like a common thief, looking for what's not lost. If you were so confident, why not confront Eleanor directly? Or better yet—run to Raymond?” Michelle’s stomach twisted. That was the problem, wasn’t it? She had evidence, but nothing concrete enough to make Raymond believe her. If she went to him now, Eleanor woul

    Last Updated : 2025-02-28
  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 28

    Michelle sat frozen on her bed, her fingers tightening around the edges of the photograph as if holding it any looser would make it slip away. Her younger self. And Calvin Hawthorne. The boy in the picture was unmistakable. The same sharp features, the same calculating eyes—even at a young age, there was something unsettling about the way he looked at the camera. But why? Why was he in this picture with her? How did they know each other? A deep sense of unease settled in her stomach. She had no recollection of ever meeting Calvin when she was a child. Her memories of that time were fuzzy, but if she had met him—if she had known him—surely she would have remembered. Wouldn’t she? Her mind raced with possibilities. Was the photograph real? Or was this just another one of Calvin’s twisted games? Her first instinct was to believe the latter. He was always trying to get into her head, to make her question herself. This could be another one of his manipulations—a way to rattle her a

    Last Updated : 2025-02-28
  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 29

    The night air was crisp as Michelle stepped out of the car, her fingers tightening around the small clutch in her hands. The corporate gala was in full swing, with flashing lights and murmured conversations filling the grand ballroom of the Hawthorne Hotel. She had barely recovered from the break-in at her office, but she had no choice—this was an event she couldn’t miss. Not when she needed to keep up appearances. Not when Eleanor was watching. And certainly not when Miranda was lurking in the shadows, waiting for another opportunity to strike. Michelle had barely taken a few steps into the venue when she spotted Raymond. He was deep in conversation with a few board members, his sharp black tuxedo emphasizing his tall, commanding presence. He looked dashing, and for a brief moment, her gaze softened. But before she could approach him, a familiar voice rang out. “Oh, Michelle, you made it.” She turned to find Eleanor smiling at her, though the glint in her eyes told Michelle tha

    Last Updated : 2025-03-01
  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 30

    Michelle stood on the balcony long after Calvin had disappeared, her fingers curled around the railing. The weight of his words lingered in her mind like a shadow she couldn’t shake off. "I know more about you than you realize." What could that mean? She wondered. He had said it with so much confidence, such certainty, as if he was waiting for her to figure something out on her own. And that was what unsettled her the most. What did he expect her to figure out? What was it that she wasn’t seeing? Her thoughts raced back to the photograph. Calvin had been in it—smiling beside her younger self. A boy she had no recollection of. A connection she didn’t understand. The connection got her confused. And then there was Miranda. Tonight had only confirmed what she already suspected—Miranda wasn’t just after Raymond. She was playing a much bigger game, She wanted Raymond, she wanted power , and Michelle was standing in her way. And she would do anything to take Michelle out of the way. A

    Last Updated : 2025-03-01
  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 31

    The walls were closing in. Michelle could feel it in the way Miranda’s fake smiles lingered too long, in the way Alex's warnings carried an edge of threat, and most of all, in the way Eleanor and Isabelle seemed unfazed despite knowing she was onto them. Probably because they believed she was powerless. Something was wrong. She glanced at Chloe, who sat across from her in her office, scanning through folders of financial reports seriously. Looking for a clue or anything that looked like evidence. "They’re good at covering their tracks, I give them that" Chloe muttered, flipping a page. "Too good." Michelle leaned back, frustrated. They had been so close. They had collected reports and evidence proving Eleanor and Isabelle had been involved in fraudulent deals, but before Michelle could present them to Raymond or the board, the files had disappeared from her office. And now that they know Michelle was on to them. They would be more careful and wouldn't leave any loose ends. The r

    Last Updated : 2025-03-01
  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 32

    The air in the Hawthorne estate had become colder, especially at Raymond's penthouse . Not because of the temperature but because of Raymond’s continued distance from Michelle. She had noticed it for days now—the short conversations, the lack of eye contact, the way he no longer reached for her absentmindedly like he used to. At first, she thought it was work stress. But tonight, as she walked into the living room and saw him standing by the window, his hands in his pockets, staring into the night like something weighed on him, she knew better. "Raymond," she called softly. He didn’t turn. "It’s late. You should get some rest." Michelle frowned. "You should too." Finally, he turned, his gaze unreadable. "I have work to do." Michelle studied him, trying to bridge the gap that had widened between them. "Is something wrong?" Raymond let out a humorless chuckle. "You tell me, Michelle. Should I be worried?" The accusation in his tone stung, even though he didn’t say much. Michel

    Last Updated : 2025-03-01
  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 33

    Michelle barely had time to process Mr. Grant’s warning before another problem landed right in front of her. As she stepped out of the boardroom, fuming, a strong hand gripped her arm and turned her to face him. "Not here," Alex muttered under his breath, his grip tightening. "Let’s talk somewhere else, he said.. looking around." Michelle yanked her arm free and shot him a glare. "We have nothing to talk about Alex." And don't you dare lay your filthy hands on me again. Alex smirked. "Oh, but we do. Unless you want me to remind you of what I know?" A sharp chill ran down her spine, but she kept her face straight, not showing any expression.. He was bluffing. He had to be. Still, she followed him down the hallway and into an empty conference room. The moment the door closed, she crossed her arms. "Get to the point, Alex. I have more important things to deal with than your games." Alex’s smirk deepened. "That’s exactly why we need to talk. You’re running out of time, Michelle."

    Last Updated : 2025-03-02

Latest chapter

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 250

    December arrived quietly, bringing a gentle touch of magic. Snow fell lightly on the rooftops, like a sprinkle of sugar, calming the busy city as if it was holding its breath for something special. The holiday season was coming, and the streets glowed with twinkling lights. Inside the Hawthorne household, a new chapter was unfolding. Michelle was resting in the hospital, looking tired but peaceful. She gazed lovingly at the two small babies in her arms—one on her left, the other on her right. The babies, a boy and a girl, both had soft curls and gentle faces, cuddling close to their mother’s warmth.Raymond sat beside her, his eyes steadily fixed on their newborns. He gently stroked his daughter's back, whispering, “Alexander and Abigail.” He savored the names, seeing them as perfect. Michelle nodded softly, They look like you. Raymond smiled, saying, "They have your nose. “And your long eyelashes.” “And your stubborn chin,” he added teasingly. Michelle chuckled, They’re going to keep

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 249

    By late August, the city had a warm, golden glow. Tree leaves were deep green, and the air smelled of fresh grass and roses. Michelle sat in the nursery watching Olivia try to build a block tower, while Oliver knocked it down. Her belly was getting bigger, firm under her dress, the twins moving and kicking inside her. The house was quietly waiting for their arrival. This time felt different—more real, more intentional. Raymond came in, wearing a T-shirt and joggers, with a tray of a smoothie and banana bread. Here’s your afternoon treat, he said, smiling. Michelle laughed, taking the tray. You’re getting good at this. I’m adjusting, he replied, sitting beside her and wrapping an arm around her. How are they?She looked at the twins. Olivia builds like an architect. Oliver takes down like a demolition crew. Raymond chuckled. Just like us. Exactly. They watched the twins bicker, laugh, and then work together briefly. I’ve been thinking, Michelle said, sipping her smoothie. After the bab

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 248

    In recent months, Michelle's life had quietly transformed. Spring had shifted into early summer, bathing the city in sunshine and filling the air with the sweet scents of magnolia and jasmine. Michelle's life, once chaotic and stressful, had become unexpectedly calm. It wasn't perfect, but it was steadier.Her current pregnancy was going more smoothly and with less stress. This might have been because Raymond helped her avoid unnecessary stress or because she learned to share tasks more effectively. She was approaching the end of her second trimester, with her belly visibly round, and she moved more slowly but with purpose.Her twins, Olivia and Oliver, were now lively toddlers. They started daycare a few weeks ago, and on their first day, Michelle wasn't sure if her tears came from relief or guilt. The twins were growing quickly, speaking in sentences that were both awkward and charming. They loved naming and repeating everything they encountered, even the things they probably should

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 247

    The gentle clinking of silverware and quiet background conversations created a calm atmosphere. Michelle stirred her lemon slice in her sparkling water at the café where she had met Eleanor the day before. This time, Raymond was with her, offering quiet support. Across the table, Eleanor appeared calmer and less businesslike than usual.First, Eleanor began, placing her hands on the table neatly, thank you both for meeting me again. I know this isn't easy. Raymond nodded. We’re here because it’s important to Michelle. Michelle looked directly at Eleanor. You mentioned wanting to discuss more beyond just the plans. Eleanor smiled slightly and took a sip of her drink. Yes. Yesterday was about the project, and today... I want to be more open. Less formal, if that’s okay.Michelle nodded. Go ahead. Eleanor paused to gather her thoughts. I spent a long time building my reputation and company, and I put up a wall between myself and others. I thought it was necessary because successful women

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 246

    Michelle took her time sipping her warm coffee, using its heat to stay focused as she stared at an email on her laptop. The message was very neat and organized, exactly like Eleanor, who always paid attention to details and had clear ideas. The email wasn't just about the work project; there were hidden emotions too. She gently closed her laptop and gazed out of the window. The sun cast golden light on the buildings, making them shine brightly. Raymond sat at the other end of the couch, watching her in silence. His coffee sat untouched, getting cold. He knew the expression on Michelle’s face—it was a mix of determination and uncertainty.Michelle spoke, breaking the silence. This is really impressive. Last year, I would have jumped on this project without a second thought. Raymond nodded, allowing her to continue. She wants me to help lead an urban renewal project. The goal is to transform the rundown factory area by the river into new spaces, such as community gardens, artist living

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 245

    The morning after Chloe’s magical wedding, Michelle woke up to soft sunlight streaming through the windows. The apartment was quiet and peaceful. She noticed the gentle rustling of sheets as Raymond stirred beside her. Michelle lay still for a moment, her hand resting on her flat stomach. Her thoughts wandered to the tiny life growing inside her. It had been Ten weeks. There was no visible bump yet, but tiredness and occasional nausea kept reminding her of the changes happening in her life.Raymond turned towards her, eyes still sleepy, but a gentle smile on his face. You okay? he asked warmly. Michelle nodded. Yeah. Just... thinking. He gently tucked stray hair behind her ear. About the baby? About everything, she replied. The wedding, Chloe, us... and becoming a mom again. Raymond held her hand under the covers. We’ll be great at this. Even better than before. I promise you, he said. Looking into his reassuring eyes, Michelle felt a wave of calmness. You’ve changed a lot, Raymond. H

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 244

    Michelle sat in silence beside Raymond as he drove them home from the Hawthorne estate. Her eyes were on the distant city lights, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Eleanor’s words played in her head—gentle, trembling, and unexpectedly sincere. The apology. The confession. Her plea to be in her grandchildren’s life lingered in Michelle’s mind. She still hadn’t given Eleanor an answer. Raymond glanced at her periodically, hands steady on the wheel, his concern clear.You've been quiet, he said softly. Michelle blinked, offering a faint smile. Just… thinking things over. He reached over, giving her hand a supportive squeeze. Whatever you decide about my mother, I’m with you. No pressure. No expectations.Michelle felt grateful for his understanding. Eleanor had caused a lot of pain in the past. But today, for the first time, Eleanor appeared to Michelle not as the distant matriarch of the Hawthorne family but as a woman attempting to make amends, perhaps too late. A buzz from her phone br

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 243

    The imposing gates of the Hawthorne estate loomed ahead, a symbol of power, legacy, and so much pain. Michelle sat stiffly beside Raymond in the back seat of the black SUV, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Her heart pounded as they passed through the gates, the familiar driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges looking as pristine as ever. But to Michelle, it was a battlefield. A place that held memories she wasn’t sure she was ready to confront.Raymond reached over and gently took her hand. We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready. Michelle shook her head, her voice quiet but firm. I am. I need to hear what she has to say. He nodded, understanding. No more running. No more avoiding. They had made their decision, and now it was time to face the woman who had once tried to tear them apart.As the car rolled to a stop in front of the estate, the front doors opened before they even stepped out. Eleanor Hawthorne stood in the grand entryway, her posture poised but noticeably

  • The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife    CHAPTER 242

    The following morning, Michelle sat in a plain, white hospital room, holding tightly to Raymond's hand. The world outside felt distant and quiet. She focused on the small screen in front of her, where the doctor prepared to confirm something she sensed deep down. You're about seven weeks pregnant, the doctor said softly yet clearly. The ultrasound shows a healthy pregnancy, and everything looks good.Michelle's heart raced with mixed emotions: excitement, joy, and a touch of disbelief. She had suspected she was pregnant, but hearing it made everything real. She was going to have another child. Beside her, Raymond smiled gently at the screen, brushing his fingers against hers to show his support. She turned to him, her eyes sparkling with happiness despite some lingering nerves. We're having another baby, she whispered, her voice barely audible. Raymond's eyes softened, and he leaned in to kiss her forehead. I know. And I couldn't be happier.A small laugh escaped her, feeling the weig

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status