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CHAPTER 56
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2025-03-26 02:56:01
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The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 57
The night air was thick with the weight of Michelle’s thoughts as she sat in her room, staring at the files in front of her. It had taken hours of combing through records, searching for patterns, but now—she had found something. Something undeniable. Raymond’s grandfather had business ties with Chloe’s real family. At first, she had assumed it was just financial dealings—normal business involving old partnerships, maybe even loans. But the more she dug, the more unsettling the truth became. It wasn’t just business. It was more than just business. The Hawthorne family had systematically dismantled Chloe’s family’s power, seizing their assets under the guise of “strategic mergers.” And then—in between all of this , Chloe had disappeared. Michelle’s breath came out unsteady. It couldn’t be a coincidence. Eleanor and Miranda were fighting so hard to bury this secret because they knew and that was why they wanted to kick her out of the company. They knew she was close to the truth a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 58
The warm glow of the city lights spilled through the penthouse windows, casting long shadows across the sleek, modern space. Michelle sat stiffly at the dining table, her laptop open before her, the weight of her discoveries pressing heavily on her chest. She had barely slept since finding the files linking Raymond’s grandfather to Chloe’s family. And now, with that cryptic warning message still lingering in her mind, she knew she wasn’t the only one looking. A knock at the door shattered the tense silence. Michelle’s breath hitched. It was late—too late for casual visitors. who could it be? She wondered. She stood cautiously, her pulse quickening as she approached the door. When she opened it, her stomach twisted. Miranda. What was she doing here? Disheveled. Pale. A fresh wound on her shoulder. Michelle’s grip on the door tightened. “Miranda, what the hell are you doing here?” Miranda let out a shaky breath, stepping inside without waiting for permission or being invited in.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 59
The city stretched out in glittering lights beyond the penthouse windows, but Raymond barely noticed. His focus was on the stack of old documents he had pulled from a locked drawer in his father’s study earlier that evening. The papers were yellowed with age, but the ink remained clear, the names and numbers meticulously recorded. And among them, one particular name kept appearing—a name he had never seen or heard before, yet it carried the weight of something ominous. The Ashford Syndicate. Raymond frowned, his mind racing as he flipped through page after page of agreements, payments, and encrypted notes. His father, Johnathan Hawthorne, had always kept tight control over the family’s affairs, but he had never once mentioned dealings with a syndicate. Could it be his grandfather who was involved? And if the scattered details in these documents were correct, the Ashford Syndicate hadn’t been just another business partner. They had been something far worse. A criminal empire. A c
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 60
The city lights blurred through the tinted car window as Michelle’s thoughts spun in a chaotic mess. The anonymous messages, the hidden transactions, Raymond’s evasiveness—it all pointed to something bigger than she had initially suspected. But the missing piece had been staring her in the face all along. Chloe. She had been digging into Hawthorne Enterprises for weeks, finding inconsistencies that Michelle hadn’t even considered. And now, looking at everything together, Michelle realized the truth—Chloe’s real family wasn’t just another crime syndicate. They were once business partners of the Hawthornes. And now, they were their worst enemies. The realization sent a shiver down her spine. The Ashford Syndicate wasn’t just some nameless threat—it was connected to Chloe’s past. But did Chloe know? If she did, she would have mentioned it right? She thought. Michelle’s fingers tightened around her phone as she scrolled back through her messages. She needed to talk to Chloe—now. R
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 61
Michelle sat frozen, the aged contract trembling in her hands as her gaze flickered over the damning words scrawled across the yellowed paper. Her father’s signature stood out starkly at the bottom, cementing his involvement in a scandal that could destroy everything she’d built—everything she’d fought for. If this got out, her life would be ruined. her reputation destroyed. Her pulse roared in her ears as she struggled to comprehend the weight of what she was holding. “This… this can’t be real,” she whispered, shaking her head. “My father… he—” “It’s real Michelle.” Raymond’s voice was steady, but there was something dark beneath it. Something heavy. “It’s been buried for years, but it exists. And if it ever got out, Michelle, you’d—” He stopped himself, exhaling sharply before running a frustrated hand through his hair. Michelle’s stomach twisted painfully. “You knew,” she said hoarsely, her voice barely above a whisper. “You knew about this and didn’t tell me.” Raymond’s jaw c
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 62
Victor Calloway leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping against the polished surface of his desk. His sharp eyes were focused on the glowing city skyline outside his office window, but his thoughts were deep in the past—memories of the moment Eleanor Hawthorne stole everything from him. He had been patient. He had rebuilt everything himself from the ground up, without any support. And now, it was time to make her pay. She had cut him out of a billion-dollar deal, leaving him with nothing but the wreckage of his career. He had been forced into hiding, watching her rise up with what she stole from him. He would always remember. Years ago, Victor had been on the brink of bringing Eleanor down. He had gathered more than enough evidence that would have destroyed her, shattered her empire, exposed her financial crimes and the offshore accounts she used to funnel stolen funds. But Eleanor was always one step ahead of him. Before he could strike, she had flipped the situatio
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 63
The private lounge of the Hawthorne estate was dimly lit, the soft glow of the chandelier reflected off the crystal glass in Eleanor’s hand. She swirled the amber liquid in her glass slowly before taking a small sip, her expression one of satisfaction. Everything was going well according to plan. Michelle had lost, her reputation was on the brink of being destroyed, and to Eleanor, that was worth celebrating.Across from her, Miranda sat on a leather couch, her long legs crossed elegantly, a self-satisfied smirk playing on her glossy lips."To victory," Eleanor murmured, raising her glass.Miranda clinked hers against it. "To Michelle’s downfall."Eleanor’s gaze darkened, her fingers tightening around the glass. “She was getting too close. Digging into things she had no business with. This was necessary.” She needed to know her place.Miranda chuckled, swirling her drink. “And the best part? Raymond fell right into our trap. He had all that so-called evidence against me, and yet, one
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 64
The morning sun filtered through the penthouse windows, but Michelle felt no warmth from it. Her fingers hovered over her laptop’s trackpad, her heart racing as she stared at the unaltered files Felix had recovered. This was it—her way out, proof that she was not guilty of fraud. The evidence that could reverse everything, undo the damage Miranda and Eleanor had done.She exhaled sharply, steadying herself. The whole staff and the board had branded her a fraud. The media had torn her apart with their false claims. But if she played this right, she could turn the tables.Felix sat across from her, watching her with measured patience. “Are you sure about this?” he asked. “Going straight to the board with this?”Michelle’s jaw tightened. “Yes, that’s the only way. No one will listen to me or hear me out if i go there empty handed. They need to see the truth, If they have any integrity left, they’ll have no choice but to reinstate me.”Felix leaned back, nodding. “Then we have to be smar
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
Bab terbaru
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
