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Chapter 31: The Truth
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2025-01-21 22:28:00
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The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 32: Into the Lion’s Trap
Sophia’s hand hovered over her coffee cup as Adrian outlined his plan. The tension in his voice was palpable, his words sharp and decisive. Every fiber of her being told her this wasn’t going to be easy, but Adrian’s confidence gave her strength.“So, the offshore accounts?” she asked, breaking the silence.Adrian leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “Vincent’s accounts are the key. We track them, we find the remainder of his network. He can’t fund anything if we cut off his resources. The hard part is getting access without tipping off his associates.”Sophia frowned, the bitter coffee forgotten as she processed his words. “Won’t they already be on high alert after last night?”“They will be,” Adrian admitted. “But that’s why we need to move now. They’ll be scrambling to reorganize, but confusion works in our favor.”Sophia watched him closely, the determination etched into his features. She wanted to ask how far he was willing to go, but deep down, she already knew the a
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The warmth of the crackling fire in Adrian’s study contrasted sharply with the cool tension that still lingered in the air. Sophia stood near the window, her silhouette framed by the moonlight streaming through the tall panes. Her arms were crossed over her chest, but not out of anger—out of uncertainty.Adrian stood a few feet away, leaning against his desk, his gaze fixed on her. The soft glow of the firelight danced over his face, revealing a vulnerability he rarely allowed himself to show. Tonight, they were both stripped bare—not physically, but emotionally. There were no more secrets to hide behind, no masks to wear.“Why did you really agree to this marriage?” Sophia asked, her voice breaking the silence. She didn’t look at him, her gaze fixed on the moonlit gardens beyond. “Was it just convenience? A way to solve both our problems?”Adrian exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. “At first, yes,” he admitted. “It was a calculated decision. Your family needed help, and
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The announcement was scheduled for Saturday, and Adrian was taking no half-measures. The Blackwood name commanded attention, and his decision to unveil the truth—not just about himself but about Sophia—would undoubtedly ripple through high society. Sophia had expected a small press release, maybe a few controlled interviews. Instead, Adrian had gone grand, planning an extravagant garden party at Blackwood Manor. The estate buzzed with activity as preparations began in earnest. The sprawling lawns were being transformed into a picturesque wonderland, complete with fairy lights, elegant floral arrangements, and a stage for Adrian’s address. Sophia wandered through the chaos, her nerves building with every step. She had agreed to this—wanted this—but the reality of stepping into the spotlight as Mrs. Blackwood was daunting. “Penny for your thoughts?” Adrian’s voice broke through her reverie. He was leaning against a nearby pillar, his eyes locked on her with a mixture of amusement and
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The night had grown still, the air crisp and scented with the lingering notes of blooming roses. Sophia leaned against Adrian on the garden bench, her bare feet tucked under her gown as they sat in the quiet aftermath of the party. The fairy lights cast a warm glow around them, a stark contrast to the lingering tension in Sophia’s chest.She turned to him, her fingers brushing over his. “Adrian, do you ever wonder if we’ve bitten off more than we can handle?”Adrian tilted his head, his sharp features softening in the moonlight. “Every day,” he admitted. “But I also know I’d rather face it all with you than anyone else. You’re my anchor, Sophia. I won’t let anything come between us.”His words soothed her, but they couldn’t entirely erase the worries gnawing at her. She wanted to believe in their strength, but the scars of deception and doubt still lingered, faint but unhealed.As if sensing her turmoil, Adrian tightened his arm around her shoulders. “You’re overthinking again,” he sa
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As they sat in Adrian’s study, they could imagine how things are going to be worse in Blackwood corporations. Sophia‘s words echoed in Adrian's study. “ Then we fight.Together.”For a moment Adrian was silent, his gaze fixed on her. Then He stepped closer and said “ Sophia, do you know how much I need you right now?”Her heart clenched. “ But you don't have to do this alone, we are a team, remember.”He exhaled sharply,Pulling her into his arms. She feel the tension of his body, the weight of the decisions he faced pressing down like a storm. “I'm scared of what this might do to us,”he said, his voice low.“We are stronger than this scheme, Adrian, They can't break what you have built.We won't let them.”Adrian smiled, but the fear in his eyes didn't fade. “ I like your courage, you give me hope.”“It's my job to do that,” Sophia said, smiling back.Later that morning, the tension in the house became palpable as Adrian's legal team arrived.Sophia wanted to help but found herself pa
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Adrian’s grip on the envelope tightened, his knuckles turning white. The paper felt heavier than it should have, as if it carried the weight of everything he had built—his empire, his reputation, his legacy—now under siege.Sophia stepped closer, her pulse hammering. “They’re really trying to take you down.”Adrian exhaled sharply, his expression unreadable. “They won’t succeed.”Lauren, who had lingered near the doorway, took a cautious step forward. “Adrian, this isn’t just about your position. If the board votes you out, they could block you from reentering the company altogether.”Sophia’s stomach twisted. “What do we do?”Adrian finally looked at her, his eyes dark with determination. “We fight. We expose them before they can make their move.” He turned to Lauren. “Get me everything you have on the board members. I want to know who’s pulling the strings.”Lauren nodded, already typing on her phone. “Consider it done.”Adrian shifted his gaze back to Sophia. “We have a limited win
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Adrian Blackwood stepped out of the boardroom, victory clinging to his skin like a second layer of armor. But he knew better than to bask in it. Reginald Vaughn wouldn’t accept defeat so easily.Beside him, Sophia’s fingers were interlaced with his, grounding him in a way he hadn’t expected. He turned to her, taking in the fire in her eyes—the same fire that had burned when she had defended him in that room.“You didn’t have to do that,” he murmured.Sophia scoffed. “You think I’d let some power-hungry executive take you down? Please.”Lauren approached, phone in hand, her expression taut with urgency. “We have a problem.”Adrian’s jaw tightened. “What now?”Lauren hesitated before handing him the screen. A news article flashed before his eyes. His stomach turned to stone.BILLIONAIRE ADRIAN BLACKWOOD UNDER FIRE: NEW ACCUSATIONS SURFACE FROM HIS PASTSophia leaned closer, reading along with him.An anonymous source has come forward with shocking allegations against Blackwood Corporati
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Sophia’s breath hitched in her throat. Adrian’s sharp gaze locked onto hers, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his stance spoke volumes. Across from him, Lauren remained silent, her posture stiff, as if she had been caught in the act of something unforgivable.Sophia’s pulse pounded in her ears. “What truth are you hiding?”Adrian exhaled sharply. “It’s not what you think.”She let out a humorless laugh, folding her arms. “Then explain it to me. Because from where I’m standing, it looks a lot like you and Lauren are keeping secrets from me.”Lauren glanced at Adrian, hesitating. Then, as if sensing that her presence would only make things worse, she cleared her throat. “I’ll let you handle this.” With that, she turned on her heel and left the room, closing the door softly behind her.Sophia crossed her arms, fixing Adrian with a look that dared him to lie to her. “I’m waiting.”Adrian dragged a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening. “Sophia, this isn’t about you.”She
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-31
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The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 74 – Shattered Trust, Steeled Hearts
The silence in the hospital room was thick—too thick.Sophia sat by Adrian’s bedside, her fingers curled around his, her thumb tracing circles over his knuckles. He hadn’t spoken since they brought him in. Not much, anyway. Just mumbled fragments in between waves of pain and morphine.But now, in the sterile quiet of the private recovery suite, there was no distraction left. No tunnel walls. No gunfire. No one but the two of them—and the questions that hung in the air like ghosts.Adrian stirred. His eyelids fluttered open, slowly adjusting to the dim light. His gaze found hers instantly, like a magnet to steel.“Hey,” she whispered.He tried to smile. It was more of a grimace. “Hey.”Sophia leaned in, brushing his damp hair back from his forehead. “You scared me. Again.”“I know.” His voice was raw, raspy. “I’m sorry.”“You don’t have to be sorry for getting shot,” she murmured, voice trembling with the effort to stay light.His eyes searched hers, dark and unreadable. “Not just for
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 73 – Ashes and Aftermath
Rain fell softly.Not a downpour. Not a storm. Just a quiet drizzle, like the world was trying to wash away the blood and lies that had soaked too deep into their bones.Sophia sat by Adrian’s hospital bed, a thin blanket draped around her shoulders. Her clothes were still damp from the forest, her knuckles scraped, her body sore. But none of that mattered. Not when the man lying unconscious beside her had nearly died—for the second time in as many weeks.The machines around them beeped with steady rhythm, his chest rising and falling with every breath. Each one was a small victory. Proof that he was still here.Still hers.Her fingers hovered near his, close enough to feel his warmth but afraid to touch him, as if contact would shatter the fragile peace that hung between life and loss. The room was dimly lit, shadows cast by the blinking monitors. The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air, mixing with the faint aroma of rain from the window left slightly ajar.It reminded her
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 72 – Ties That Choke and Threads That Break
Sophia couldn’t move.Her back was against the damp stone wall, Adrian beside her, barely upright, bleeding and pale. But it wasn’t his condition that stole her breath this time—it was the gun pointed straight at them.Lauren stood just feet away, framed by the flickering tunnel light, dressed in her usual tailored black but with an edge to her presence that Sophia had never seen before. Her cool, professional poise was still intact, but her eyes… they were wild. Sharp. Dangerous.Adrian's jaw tightened. “Lauren. You’re working with Mercer.”Lauren smiled, slow and cold. “Well, someone had to clean up after your messes. And Mercer offered a better position.”Sophia’s voice was barely a whisper. “You were his assistant. You said you believed in Adrian. That you chose him.”“I did.” Lauren’s expression faltered—just for a second. “But belief only gets you so far when you're treated like you’re invisible. Disposable. Do you even remember the last time you actually thanked me, Adrian?”Ad
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 71 – Fragile Hearts, Dangerous Promises
The tunnel stretched on endlessly, winding through the cold earth like a forgotten secret. The only light came from Simon’s flashlight, flickering against the damp stone walls. Sophia kept her hand entwined with Adrian’s, though his grip had loosened—his steps slower, staggered. She could feel it now more than ever: his body was failing him.“Adrian,” she said softly, her voice barely rising above the echo of their footsteps. “You’re bleeding again.”“I’m fine.” His answer was mechanical, like it had been all night.She halted, refusing to move until he turned to face her. “No, you’re not.”He tried to tug her forward, but his strength faltered. The moment his weight shifted, he stumbled against the wall, groaning under his breath.Simon spun around. “That’s it. We’re stopping. He’s losing too much blood.”“I said I’m—” Adrian’s protest faded as his knees buckled.“Adrian!” Sophia caught him, her arms wrapping around his waist as he slumped into her.Simon moved fast, shrugging off hi
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 70 – Shattered Shields
The air in the underground tunnel was thick with tension, a suffocating mix of fear, urgency, and uncertainty. The faint echo of footsteps reverberated off the stone walls as Sophia tried to match her pace with Adrian’s, but it was hard to focus on anything other than the weight of his hand wrapped tightly around her wrist. The force with which he held her was almost as if he were trying to pull her into his strength, into his battle, to shield her from everything that was coming.But she knew—she knew—that it wasn’t going to be that simple. Not anymore."Adrian…" Her voice was a whisper, but it seemed to echo in the thick darkness of the tunnel.He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he continued to lead them forward with a steady, determined stride, his jaw clenched and his back rigid. His eyes—those eyes that had always held a storm, even in the calmest of moments—were darker now, filled with something raw and dangerous. She could see it in the set of his shoulders, the tension in
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 69 – Betrayal’s Shadow
The hallway of Blackwood Manor felt like a labyrinth. The walls, adorned with heavy tapestries and portraits, closed in on her as she paced, unable to shake the sense of impending doom. Sophia’s thoughts were clouded, her heart a chaotic swirl of emotions. The memory of Adrian’s promise to keep her safe lingered in her mind, but she couldn’t push past the fear that clawed at her insides. What had happened to him? she wondered desperately. Where was he? The echoes of gunfire still rang in her ears, and the explosion of chaos that had unfolded downstairs was fresh in her memory. Adrian’s face, that cold determination, still burned in her mind—an image of him fighting with all his strength, all his rage. But what had it cost him? What had it cost them both? She pressed a trembling hand to her chest, trying to steady her breathing. Adrian had always been a man who kept his emotions buried, his plans hidden behind walls of stone. She had learned that much in their time together. But ton
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 68 – Shadows of Vengeance
Darkness still clung to the edges of the room, the scent of gunpowder lingering in the air like a ghost of the chaos that had unfolded. Sophia’s breath came in shallow gasps, her fingers trembling as she clutched Adrian’s hand.His grip was firm, steady, but his eyes… they held something dangerous. A storm of fury.She swallowed hard, forcing herself to focus. "Adrian… what did you do?"Adrian didn’t answer right away. He brushed his thumb over her knuckles, an unspoken promise in the gesture, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed him.Simon stepped forward, his face grim. "She should rest. We need to get her somewhere safe."Adrian finally exhaled, his voice a low growl. "She’s not staying here."Sophia struggled to sit up, wincing at the sharp pain in her ribs. "Adrian, you can’t keep running from this. You can’t fight every battle alone."His jaw clenched. "This isn’t just about me anymore, Sophia. Mercer sent men to kill you. This war just got personal."A shiver ran down her
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 67 – A Debt in Blood
The room was bathed in shadows, broken only by the dim glow of the bedside lamp where Sophia lay unconscious. The scent of antiseptic mingled with the lingering metallic tang of blood, creating a suffocating weight in the air.Adrian crouched low, his gun steady in his grip, his heart a relentless drum in his chest. His every instinct screamed at him to eliminate the threat, but the voice from the hallway froze him in place."Come out, Blackwood. Let’s finish this."The voice was familiar—too familiar.Adrian’s blood turned to ice. His grip tightened around the gun, his knuckles whitening."No. It can’t be—"Simon moved with the precision of a trained soldier, gun raised as he positioned himself by the shattered window. His jaw was tight, eyes scanning for movement. "Adrian," he murmured, "you need to get Sophia out of here. I’ll handle this."Adrian shook his head. "No," he said, voice low and lethal. "This ends tonight."The tension in the air crackled, an electric charge before a s
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 66 – Reckoning in Blood
Adrian’s pulse thundered in his ears as he clutched Sophia’s limp body against him."No, no, no—stay with me," he rasped, pressing his palm to the wound at her side. Blood seeped through his fingers, warm and unforgiving.Sophia’s lashes fluttered, a faint whimper escaping her lips. Her breathing was shallow—too shallow."Hold on, baby," Adrian whispered. "I need you to hold on."Simon cursed under his breath, stepping into the room, his gun still raised. His gaze locked onto the pool of crimson spreading beneath Sophia."Shit," he muttered. "We need to move. Now."Adrian’s head snapped up, fury burning through the despair clawing at his chest. "Who was that?!" he demanded.Simon didn’t answer immediately. His lips pressed into a grim line as he checked the bodies in the hall. "They were professionals," he said darkly. "Not just hired thugs. Someone sent them knowing exactly what they were doing."Adrian’s jaw clenched. His world was unraveling. His enemies were no longer content with
