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Chapter Fifteen: Beneath the Surface
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-01-08 22:47:55
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The billionaire's secret vows Chapter sixteen: The Shattered Mask
The morning unfolded in an atmosphere of tense anticipation. Every sound seemed amplified—the distant hum of voices from the staff, the faint creak of the manor’s old wooden floors. Sophia sat beside Adrian in the dining room, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of her teacup. Across from her, Adrian was unusually quiet, his sharp gaze betraying the storm of emotions simmering beneath his composed exterior.“Do they have everything they need to confirm the source?” Sophia finally asked, breaking the silence.Adrian nodded, his jaw tightening. “The messages were traced to an account linked to someone in the manor. I’ll have answers by the end of the day.”Sophia swallowed hard. She wanted to offer words of comfort, but the uncertainty looming over them left her grasping for the right thing to say. Instead, she reached for Adrian’s hand, squeezing it gently.He looked at her then, his expression softening. “Whatever happens, I need you to stay out of this. It’s not your fight.”“It i
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The evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine from the gardens below. Adrian and Sophia lingered on the balcony, wrapped in a rare moment of peace. The ordeal with Gregory Hill had been resolved, but an uneasy feeling still simmered in Sophia’s chest.“Gregory might have been the traitor,” she said softly, her gaze fixed on the dark horizon. “But what if he wasn’t acting alone?”Adrian tensed beside her, his arm tightening around her waist. “We’ve already rooted out the leak, Sophia. Gregory confessed under questioning. He admitted to everything.”“I know,” she replied, tilting her head to look at him. “But doesn’t it seem too simple? Someone like Gregory wouldn’t have the resources to pull off something like this on his own. What if there’s more to the story?”Adrian studied her for a long moment before exhaling heavily. “You’re not wrong. It’s possible there’s a larger game at play. I’ll have Harris dig deeper.”Sophia nodded, her unease momentarily quelled. But
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Adrian’s words lingered in the air like a storm cloud, heavy and foreboding. Sophia stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest. Harris had been attacked? The implications were terrifying. This wasn’t just about business anymore—it was personal.“What do we do?” she asked, her voice trembling despite her effort to stay calm.Adrian crossed the room, his movements deliberate as he ran a hand through his hair. His jaw was tight, his gaze fixed on the floor. “We don’t panic,” he said firmly. “That’s what they want. I’ll double security, and we’ll figure out who’s behind this.”Sophia swallowed hard. “And Harris? Is he—”“He’s alive,” Adrian interrupted, his tone clipped. “But barely. He’s in the hospital now, under guard.”The weight of his words settled over her, each syllable a reminder of how precarious their situation had become. Whoever had attacked Harris wasn’t just trying to send a message—they were escalating.“I want to see him,” Sophia said suddenly.Adrian looked at her sh
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Adrian’s words echoed in Sophia’s mind, the gravity of the situation sinking in. “They’re coming for you, and I won’t let them take you.”She stared at him, the rock and note trembling in his hands. The room felt colder, the shadows stretching longer as if the very walls were conspiring to heighten the tension.“What do we do now?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.Adrian’s jaw tightened, his eyes blazing with resolve. “We fight back,” he said firmly. “But first, we ensure your safety.”“I’m not running away,” she said, her voice steadier than she expected.“This isn’t about running,” Adrian said, his tone sharp but laced with concern. “It’s about buying us time. If they think you’re vulnerable, they’ll use you to get to me. I can’t let that happen.”Before she could argue, he pulled out his phone and made a quick call. His voice was clipped and commanding as he gave orders to his security team. When he hung up, he turned to her.“We’re leaving to
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Sophia's screams echoed through the desolate warehouse as the man dragged her deeper into the shadows. The sharp, acrid smell of smoke clung to the air, a cruel reminder of the explosion that had separated her from Adrian. Her heart pounded wildly, each beat a desperate call for help.“Let me go!” she yelled, struggling against the iron grip of her captor.“Quiet,” the man growled, his voice low and menacing. “You don’t want to make this worse for yourself.”Sophia bit back a retort, her mind racing for a way out. Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she clung to the faint hope that Adrian was still alive, that he would come for her.They emerged into a small, dimly lit room at the back of the warehouse. The man shoved her onto a cold metal chair and bound her hands tightly behind her back. She winced as the rope bit into her wrists.“You’re making a big mistake,” she said, forcing steel into her voice. “Adrian will find me. And when he does—”The man cut her off with a harsh laugh.
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Adrian took a decisive step forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Sophia. His stance was firm, legs slightly apart, as he raised his arms, creating a barrier between her and the ominous shadow figure that loomed menacingly ahead. The dim light barely illuminated the contours of the figure, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls, but Adrian's presence felt resolute. His heart raced as he sensed the palpable tension in the air, but he remained unwavering, determined to shield Sophia from whatever threat lay before them.Sophia’s heart raced, each beat echoing her fear as she clutched desperately at the back of Adrian’s jacket. Her fingers trembled uncontrollably, seeking the reassuring fabric like a lifeline in a turbulent sea of uncertainty. The dim light of the alley cast long shadows that enveloped them, amplifying her anxiety.Out of the darkness stepped a figure, tall and imposing, with an air of menace that sent a chill down her spine. “Adrian Blackwood,
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The tension in Blackwood Manor hung like a shroud, the silence amplifying every creak of the old wood and distant rustle of the wind. Sophia clung to Adrian’s arm as they crept down the dimly lit corridor, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and anticipation.Adrian’s focus was razor-sharp, his gun drawn and held at his side, ready for anything. The crash they had heard echoed through the expansive estate, originating somewhere in the west wing. His voice was low and firm as he whispered to her, “Stay close and don’t make a sound.”Sophia nodded, her fingers gripping the fabric of his sleeve. “Do you think it’s...?” She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.“Could be anyone—or anything,” Adrian replied, his tone unyielding. “But I won’t take any chances.”They moved as a single unit, every step careful and deliberate. The flickering lights above created ominous shadows, making it seem as though the walls themselves were alive and shifting. Sophia’s mind raced, thoughts of
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The silence of Blackwood Manor felt suffocating as the night stretched on, the shadows of the ancient walls seeming to close in with every passing second. The flickering of candlelight cast unsettling shapes across the grand hallway, and Sophia could feel the weight of Adrian’s tense silence beside her as they moved toward the west wing.She clung to his arm, the chill of the evening air creeping under her skin, amplifying the fear that had been building ever since the moment they had heard the first crash earlier. Her heart thudded in her chest, its erratic beat mirroring the urgency of the situation. What kind of game were they playing now?Adrian's grip on his gun was steady, his movements precise as they moved through the manor. His face remained a mask of determination, but she could see the strain in his eyes—an anxiety that only grew with every step they took deeper into the darkness of Blackwood Manor.“Do you think it’s him?” she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-14
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The rhythmic hum of the private jet filled the cabin, a stark contrast to the turbulence that had once dominated their lives. Sophia sat by the window, gazing at the endless stretch of clouds below, the golden hues of sunset painting the sky in shades of fire and honey. Beside her, Adrian poured them both a glass of wine, his fingers brushing hers as he handed her the crystal flute. "To new beginnings," he murmured, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. She turned to him, her heart swelling. "To us." Their glasses clinked softly, the sound a quiet promise between them. Sophia took a sip, letting the crisp taste linger on her tongue before setting her glass down. She watched Adrian, the way the warm glow of the cabin lights softened his sharp features. For years, he had built walls around himself, but here, now, they were gone. "You’re staring," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. Sophia rolled her eyes playfully. "Maybe I just like what I see." Adrian chuckled, setti
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The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Blackwood Manor, casting golden streaks over the polished wooden floors. For the first time in what felt like forever, there was no tension in the air, no looming threat, no waiting for the next move in a battle they never asked for.Sophia stretched beneath the covers, blinking against the soft light. The space beside her was empty, but the lingering warmth in the sheets told her Adrian hadn’t been gone for long. A quiet sense of peace settled over her, unfamiliar yet welcome.The scent of fresh coffee drifted through the air, luring her from bed. She slipped on a robe and padded down the hallway, her bare feet making no sound against the cool marble floors.In the kitchen, Adrian stood by the stove, flipping pancakes with a surprising ease that made her pause. The sight of him—barefoot, dressed in only sweatpants and a fitted t-shirt, his dark hair slightly mussed—was something she never expected to see."You cook
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Sophia barely slept that night. Adrian’s warning echoed in her mind, a constant loop of unease. Mercer had exhausted every legal and strategic avenue to destroy Adrian—now, only desperation remained. And desperate men were dangerous. She sat up in bed, glancing at the clock. 3:27 AM. The house was silent, but she could feel the tension thick in the air, as though the walls themselves anticipated what was coming next. Unable to shake the restlessness, she slipped out of bed, wrapping herself in a robe. When she reached the hallway, she wasn’t surprised to find Adrian in his office, the glow of his computer screen illuminating the sharp angles of his face. His jaw was clenched, eyes narrowed at whatever he was reading. He didn’t look up as she entered. “What happened?” she asked quietly, already dreading the answer. Adrian exhaled through his nose, finally turning the screen towards her. The headline made her stomach drop. Blackwood Manor Security Breached—Gunshots Reported at Priv
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The walls of Blackwood Manor seemed to hum with an unseen energy. Sophia sat beside Adrian in his office, watching the press conference unfold in real-time. The once-powerful Daniel Mercer stood frozen, his carefully crafted composure crumbling under the weight of undeniable evidence. Mercer’s lips parted, his expression flickering between fury and disbelief. “This is absurd. I—” “Mr. Mercer, are you denying that these bank records belong to you?” a reporter interrupted, voice sharp. “Because if so, I’d like to inform you that independent forensic analysts have already verified their authenticity.” More questions rained down. “Are you aware that the SEC is launching an immediate investigation into your dealings?” “How do you explain these offshore accounts?” “Are you stepping down from Mercer Industries?” Mercer gripped the podium, his knuckles white. “I am the victim of a malicious attack—” “Your own emails show otherwise,” another reporter cut in. “We have correspondence li
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The air inside Blackwood Manor was thick with unspoken tension, each second stretching into an unbearable weight. Sophia stood in Adrian’s office, heart pounding as she replayed Mercer’s venomous declaration on the news."But let me make one thing clear—this isn’t over."Sophia clenched her fists.Mercer was backed into a corner, but a wounded predator was always the most dangerous.She turned to Adrian, who was watching the news feed with cold, calculating eyes. There was no fear in his expression, no hesitation—only quiet, deadly resolve.Sophia stepped closer. “He’s going to come after us harder now.”Adrian smirked, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment. “Let him.”His confidence was unwavering, but Sophia knew better than to underestimate Mercer. The man had built an empire on secrets, manipulation, and ruthless ambition. He wouldn’t just roll over and accept defeat.She inhaled sharply. “What’s our next move?”Adrian shut off the monitor, turning to face her fully. “We
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The night air outside Blackwood Manor was thick with tension, an unspoken promise of the storm ahead. Inside, Sophia sat in the library, her thoughts tangled in the web of secrets, betrayals, and looming threats. The fire crackled beside her, casting flickering shadows across the dark mahogany shelves, but its warmth did little to ease the chill settling in her bones.Adrian had gone quiet after his phone call, his expression unreadable as he left for his office. She knew him well enough now to recognize the shift—the calm before the tempest. Whatever move he had set in motion was irreversible.She wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or terrified.Her father’s warning still rang in her ears."Mercer doesn’t lose gracefully."She clenched her jaw. Well, neither did she.Pushing herself up from the couch, she crossed the hallway, her bare feet barely making a sound against the cold marble. The heavy doors to Adrian’s office were slightly ajar, and she hesitated only for a second before s
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Sophia stood in the dimly lit study, her pulse still racing from Adrian’s words. We fight back. Together.She wanted to believe him. Wanted to trust that this wasn’t just another calculated move. But trust wasn’t something that came easily anymore—not when deception had become their foundation.Adrian watched her, waiting. She could see the tension in his shoulders, the barely restrained frustration in his stance. He wasn’t used to people questioning him, least of all his own wife.Sophia took a deep breath, nodding. “Fine. We fight back. But I need to know everything, Adrian. No more secrets, let's fight this like we fight before.”His jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Agreed.”Sophia crossed her arms. “Then start talking. What’s the plan?”Adrian exhaled, moving toward his desk. He opened a drawer, pulling out a folder thick with documents and photographs. He spread them out on the desk, motioning for her to step closer.“This is everything we have on Mercer,” he said. “His business de
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Sophia’s heart pounded as she watched Adrian close the folder, his expression unreadable. The silence between them was thick, charged with tension that felt impossible to break.She had demanded the truth.Now she had to be ready for it.Adrian exhaled, his fingers pressing against the desk. “Sit down, Sophia.”“I’d rather stand.”His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his sharp blue eyes locking onto hers.“You already know Mercer wants my company,” Adrian began. “What you don’t know is how far he’s willing to go to get it.”Sophia crossed her arms. “I gathered that much from the blackmail, the media attacks, and the mysterious threats on my phone.”Adrian stiffened. “What threats?”Sophia pulled out her phone, scrolling to the anonymous messages and holding them out. Adrian grabbed it, his eyes darkening as he read. His grip tightened around the device like he wanted to crush it.“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” His voice
The billionaire's secret vows Chapter 44: Shadows of Deception
Sophia’s fingers trembled as she stared at the ominous messages on her phone. The words burned into her mind, each letter dripping with unspoken threats.Unknown Number: You’re playing a dangerous game, Sophia. You might want to reconsider your choices before it’s too late.Her pulse thundered in her ears. Every rational part of her wanted to dismiss it as a cruel intimidation tactic, Mercer’s latest attempt to shake her. But there was something unsettling about the wording, something that made doubt creep under her skin.Because wasn’t that what she had been feeling all along?She had spent weeks questioning Adrian’s every move, every decision. And now, a faceless warning was echoing the very thoughts she had buried deep inside.She sucked in a sharp breath. She needed to think.Her gaze flickered toward the door. Adrian was somewhere in the manor, likely in his office, brooding over Mercer’s latest attack. A part of her wanted to confront him, demand the truth—whatever it was. But
