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CHAPTER 85
Last Updated:
2025-04-03 01:03:17
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The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 86
The night at the gala had barely ended, yet its repercussions were already unraveling. Raymond sat in his office the next morning, his fingers drumming rhythmically against his desk, his gaze cold as he waited. Felix stood nearby, his expression grim. “He’s here,” Felix announced. Raymond’s jaw tightened. “Send him in.” The door swung open, and Richard Smith strode inside with the same arrogant confidence he had displayed the previous night. He took a seat opposite Raymond without permission, stretching his arms and legs like he owned the place, his smirk firmly in place. “You certainly don’t waste time,” Richard mused, adjusting the cufflinks on his tailored suit. “I admire that.” Raymond’s eyes remained hard. “Cut to the chase.” Richard chuckled, leaning forward. “Fine. I’ll be direct. Michelle owns something I want—an estate that’s far more valuable than she realizes. If she signs it over to me, I’ll stop my... interference in Hawthorne Enterprises.”Richard wasn't actually i
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Michelle’s fingers trembled slightly as she clutched the legal document, her mind struggling to process Damian’s words. "I don’t understand," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "How is this possible? I don’t recall any distant relatives who would leave me such a massive inheritance for me." Damian leaned against Raymond’s desk, his expression thoughtful. "That’s because this relative wasn’t directly in your life. But legally, they had ties to your family. The inheritance was sealed under a confidential clause. It was only unlocked now because of Richard’s recent moves. Raymond’s grip on Michelle’s hand tightened as he exchanged a glance with Damian. "Meaning someone wanted this hidden. And now that it’s surfaced, Richard is desperate to get his hands on it." Michelle exhaled sharply, forcing herself to stay composed. She had been manipulated before, but she refused to be a pawn again. "Who was this relative? And why was I chosen as the heir?" Felix handed her another
Last Updated : 2025-04-03The Ruthless CEO'S Chosen Wife CHAPTER 88
The tension in the office was palpable as Michelle processed Charles’s words. Her inheritance was being contested, and Richard wasn’t the only one involved. But who else was pulling the strings? Was he working with Eleanor? Do they even know each other? She couldn't find answers to the question. Raymond remained beside her, his presence steady and unwavering. "We need to find out exactly how deep this goes," he said, his voice firm. "If Richard thinks he can take this from you, he’s severely underestimated who he’s dealing with." Michelle nodded, determination settling in. "I want to know everything. If someone is backing him, I need to know who." Felix, always prepared, stepped forward with his tablet. "I did some digging into Eleanor’s sudden involvement. And you’re not going to like what I found." Michelle's stomach twisted. "What is it?" Felix swiped across the screen, pulling up a series of old legal documents and confidential files. "Eleanor has known about your inheritance
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Michelle and Raymond rushed into the hospital, the sterile scent filling her lungs as they approached the reception desk. Michelle’s fingers clenched into fists, her heartbeat hammering in her chest. She wasn’t sure if it was anxiety over Vivian’s condition or the lingering bitterness she still carried toward her mother. The nurse at the desk recognized her immediately. “Ms. Davenport, your mother is in Room 312. She collapsed suddenly, but she’s stable for now.” Michelle barely nodded before heading in the direction the nurse indicated, Raymond following closely. The past few hours had already been overwhelming—Richard’s schemes, Eleanor’s manipulation, and now this. Her mother’s health had never been something she concerned herself with too much, mainly because Vivian had never truly been a mother to her. She had always favoured Millie. Reaching the hospital room, she hesitated at the door. It was strange standing here, knowing that if the situation were reversed, Vivian wouldn’t
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Michelle barely spoke a word as they left the hospital, her mind still spinning from what Vivian had said. It was always meant for her? The weight of those words pressed heavily on her chest. Her entire life, she had been cast aside, treated as insignificant while Millie received all of their parents’ love and attention. And yet, all along, the inheritance—the very thing her parents had once claimed was Millie’s by right—had been hers. They had planned to transfer what was hers to Millie, leaving her with nothing, it hurt her more than she cared to admit.She clenched her fists in anger, her nails biting into her palms. Why had her mother kept this from her? Why had she allowed her to believe she was worth nothing while she schemed to hand over everything to Millie? The betrayal hurt her deeply, even if she had stopped expecting anything different from her mother long ago.Raymond watched her closely as they walked toward the car. “You’re too quiet, what are you thinking?” he asked, h
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Michelle’s heart pounded as she and Raymond left the Hawthorne estate. The weight of the forged will still burned in her mind, she could stop thinking about it, but Raymond’s words echoed louder—Do you trust me to fix this? She had given him her answer, but trust alone wasn’t enough. She needed to act.The car ride was silent, tension thick in the air. Michelle’s fingers curled against the leather seat, her jaw clenched. Eleanor was powerful, cunning, and willing to manipulate the truth to get what she wanted. And what she wanted was to erase Michelle from the equation entirely.Raymond finally broke the silence. “We need to fight back immediately. If we let this sit, Eleanor will use every connection she has to cement that forged will as legitimate.”Michelle nodded. “But how? If she’s already had it signed and witnessed, it won’t be easy to prove it’s fake.”Raymond’s lips pressed into a firm line. “There’s always a way.”His confidence should have reassured her, but all she could t
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Michelle’s heart pounded in her chest as she stared at Richard. His presence alone was shocking enough, but the words that had just left his mouth sent a chill through her. He was against Eleanor? The thought seemed impossible. And yet, here he was, offering his help. Raymond’s expression remained unreadable as he studied Richard, his stance tense, calculating. “What exactly are you proposing?” Richard stepped further into the room, shutting the door behind him. He glanced at Vivian, who looked just as stunned as Michelle, before turning his attention back to Raymond. “I have something you need. The original documents proving that the will was always meant for Michelle.” Michelle inhaled sharply. “You have them?” Richard smirked, folding his arms. “I’ve had copies in my possession for a long time. I kept them as insurance, in case Eleanor ever tried to double-cross me. Seems that time has finally come.” Raymond’s eyes narrowed. “And you’re just willing to hand them over?”
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The moment the journalist’s question hit the air, Michelle’s blood turned to ice. "Is it true that your marriage to Raymond Hawthorne is nothing more than a temporary contract?" The words hung between them like a guillotine, poised to slice through everything. Cameras flashed, microphones thrust towards their faces, the reporters voices overlapping in a chaotic frenzy. Michelle opened her mouth, but no words came out. Raymond, however, didn’t hesitate. He stepped in front of her, his entire demeanor shifting into something dangerous. The temperature in the room seemed to drop as he turned his piercing gaze on the journalist. “Where did you hear that?” He asked, his voice was quiet, but there was something lethal beneath it. David Carter—the smug reporter who had asked the question—grinned, clearly enjoying himself. “I have sources, Mr. Hawthorne. Reliable ones.” But I can't disclose that. He said.Raymond’s jaw ticked. “Reliable?” He scoffed, shaking his head. “Your ‘sourc
Last Updated : 2025-04-04
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The next morning, the sun shone through the villa’s big windows, filling the living room with warm, golden light. Michelle sat at the kitchen table with her sketchpad in front of her, a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She hadn’t slept much because her mind was so active. After her call with Raymond, she had dug out an old box of pencils and notebooks. She flipped through nearly forgotten sketches and doodles. Her fingers were eager to create again, to bring the characters Raymond imagined to life. Now, she looked at the first page. It was a sketch of two small twins exploring a magical forest. She smiled. A new chapter. A new dream. It felt like coming home. Michelle picked up a pencil, enjoying how it felt in her hand. She started drawing slowly, but as the lines and characters came to life, she felt herself relax. Pure joy filled her heart. She would do it. She would illustrate their story—not for the publisher, not because she had to—but because it was their story. Something
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Millie gazed at herself in the mirror, softly pressing down the smooth fabric of her dress. Her stomach felt a mix of nerves, and she couldn’t help but keep smiling. She was going to have coffee with Damian. Millie didn’t expect to say yes so easily, and she didn’t expect to feel this excited. She kept reminding herself it was just a simple hangout, nothing too complex. When she walked into the small bistro at the corner of the plaza, she spotted Damian already seated at a candlelit table. Her heart felt a sudden jolt. He stood up as soon as he saw her, a warm smile brightening his face. Damian looked effortlessly handsome in his navy shirt with sleeves rolled up and slightly tousled hair. You found it, he said, pulling out a chair for her. Millie nodded and sat down, nervously toying with her napkin. I almost got lost, but... she grinned, "it was worth it. They ordered some wine and local dishes, and soon they were chatting easily, as if they had been friends for a long time. Damia
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Michelle looked at the blinking cursor on her screen for a long time. Finally, she sighed and leaned back in her chair, deep in thought. The idea of letting cameras into her home, even for just one day, made her feel uneasy. Her home had become a safe haven after everything she had been through. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to show even a small part of it to the world. Then, she thought about the bigger picture—the story she was sharing. It wasn’t just in her designs but also in the life she had rebuilt from the ground up. Maybe it was time to show a little of that new life. Carefully, Michelle typed her response: Hi Alice, Thank you for thinking of me! I’m open to filming at home, but I have one request: I do not want the children on camera. They are too young, and I want to protect their privacy. Looking forward to hearing more about the logistics. Best, Michelle. Before she could second-guess herself, she hit send. It was a boundary she felt comfortable with, and she hoped
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Michelle gripped her tea mug a bit more as she listened to Chloe. From the next room, the gentle sound of Raymond reading a story could be heard. I thought we had a future, Chloe said, her voice trembling slightly. Michelle carefully set her tea down and moved over to hug Chloe. She didn’t say anything, offering just silent support. Chloe pulled back after a moment, quickly wiping her eyes with her sweater sleeve. She let out a shaky laugh. Now... I have no idea what's next. Michelle gently tucked a stray strand of Chloe’s hair behind her ear. Have you talked to him? Really talked? Chloe paused. Not yet. I’m scared. Michelle squeezed her hands reassuringly. He might be scared too. You won't know unless you try. Just then, as if by chance, the kitchen door opened. Sebastian stood there, looking serious but determined. Chloe, he said quietly. Can we talk? Michelle gave Chloe a supportive nudge and quietly left the kitchen to give them privacy. Outside, on the villa's porch under a sk
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The next morning, Michelle stood on the edge of the construction site with her hard hat under her arm and the World Visions producer's card tightly in hand. She watched the vibrant scene before her: homes halfway built, gardens starting to grow, and the sound of workers' laughter mingling with the spring air. This was her dream built from nothing—a new beginning, and her second chance. She wanted to share it, but under her own terms. Michelle took a deep breath and dialed the number on the card. Alice answered quickly. Mrs Hawthorne! I was hoping to hear from you, she said brightly and professionally. Michelle managed a small smile. I want to proceed with the documentary, she stated, choosing her words carefully. But there are a few conditions. Of course, anything. Isabella responded warmly. We want you to feel at ease. First, Michelle said, steadying her voice, the focus has to stay on the project—the architecture and sustainability efforts. My family, especially my children, must
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Michelle was in a small café's sunny courtyard in the middle of town. She felt a bit nervous as she stirred her cappuccino and kept checking the clock. Today was an important meeting with a potential investor. They chose this casual, public location to help her feel safe. Her sister Millie had offered to be there for support, but Michelle decided to handle the meeting alone. Staying professional and thinking clearly were crucial for Michelle because much was at stake. Soon, a fancy black car stopped on the cobblestone street, and a tall man stepped out. He wore a nice navy suit, with some gray in his hair. He scanned the café until his sharp eyes found her. Michelle stood as the man approached and extended her hand. Hello. I'm Michelle Hawthorne. He smiled warmly and shook her hand. I’m Oliver Grant. Thank you for meeting me. Michelle was taken aback for a moment. She knew his name. Oliver Grant was Adrien's former business partner, someone she had heard about but never met. Adrien o
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Raymond spent the night walking back and forth on the terrace, holding the crumpled letter in his hand. He was torn between his responsibilities and his desires. As dawn broke, painting the sky with soft pink and gold colors, he finally made his decision. When Michelle entered the kitchen, she was still in her pajamas and holding a steaming cup of tea. She found Raymond already at the small breakfast table, his usually calm eyes showing some hesitation. Morning, Michelle greeted with a sleepy smile, placing her cup down. You're up early. I couldn't sleep, he admitted. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the letter, and slid it across to her. I need to talk to you about something. Michelle looked puzzled as she unfolded the letter. As she read it, she let out a soft gasp. Raymond, this is amazing! She exclaimed, her face lighting up. The Global Entrepreneur Excellence Award? That's a huge deal! Raymond managed a small smile. It is a big honor. You really have to go, she said immed
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The following days were filled with a whirlwind of excitement and preparations. They dug out the suitcases from the closets and checked that their passports were in order. Michelle stayed busy writing lists of items to pack, tasks to cancel, and things to remember. The twins were overjoyed, running around the house and laughing about their upcoming trip on a huge airplane. At the dining table, Chloe and Sebastian were deeply focused on their laptops, discussing work matters. I think we should adjust the project timelines while Michelle is away, Chloe suggested as she reviewed the company’s main schedule. That way, if unexpected issues come up, we’ll be prepared. Sebastian agreed, tapping his pen. Yes, I'll take care of client meetings if necessary. We’ll make the transition smooth. Michelle, overhearing them from the kitchen while packing snacks for the twins, smiled to herself. She would miss her team dearly, but knowing Chloe and Sebastian were taking charge gave her peace of mind
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The next morning, warm sunlight filled their living room through big windows, creating golden patterns on the wooden floor. Michelle was sitting on the couch with her legs crossed, staring at an email on her phone. The subject line felt huge and important. Across from her, Raymond was calmly sipping his coffee, quietly watching her. I can’t stop thinking about it, Michelle said, setting her phone on the table. It’s such an amazing opportunity... but I’m scared, Ray. Raymond put his coffee mug down and leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. Tell me everything, he encouraged her . Let's figure this out together. Michelle brushed a piece of hair behind her ear. The project lasts only three months, she explained slowly. It's about a small eco-community designed to be self-sustaining, combining nature and buildings in new ways. Raymond nodded encouragingly, urging her to continue. And they want me to lead the design, not just help. Lead. Michelle's voice wavered slightly with the
