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Capítulo 23 - A Verdade de Ethan
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2024-12-22 04:22:31
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Ties of a Contract Chapter 24 – Cards on the Table
SophiaI run my fingers over the steering wheel as I wait in the discreet parking lot of a café far from the city center. The investigator’s message still lingers fresh on my phone screen: “I have something. You need to see it in person.” My heart is racing, and my mind is working overtime. Hiring a private investigator was an impulsive decision, but now that I’m here, about to hear what he’s discovered, I feel like I’m finally in control. For the first time, I’m not just reacting to Olivia’s attacks. I’m taking action.The investigator arrives—a middle-aged man with a tired face and eyes that seem to see too much. He gets into the car, hands me a thick envelope, and lets out a heavy sigh.“Are you sure you want to see this?” he asks, his voice gravelly.“I am,” I reply firmly, though my voice doesn’t carry as much conviction as I’d like.I open the envelope with trembling hands. Inside are photos, copies of emails, and transcripts of messages. The first photo makes my stomach turn: O
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Ties of a Contract Chapter 25 – The Price of Truth
SophiaThe door to Alexander's office is slightly ajar when I enter the mansion. My heels echo against the cold marble hallway as I clutch the documents I brought from my meeting with Olivia. My hands are still trembling, the weight of the revelations suffocating my chest."Sophia?" Alexander's firm voice pulls me back to reality.He’s leaning against the dark wooden desk, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows and his tie loosened. His eyes, usually so controlled, are shadowed, filled with a mixture of anger and exhaustion."I came as soon as I could," I say, closing the door behind me.He walks towards me, and before I can say anything, he holds my face in his hands, resting his forehead against mine."Are you okay?" he asks, his voice low, almost a whisper."I am," I answer honestly, despite the lump in my throat. "But we have a lot to talk about."Alexander reluctantly lets me go, but his hand finds mine as he leads me to the desk. There are piles of documents scattered across
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Ties of a Contract Chapter 26 – Twisted Truths
SophiaI never expected my life could turn upside down so quickly, but it only took a few hours for everything to change. This storm of accusations, misunderstandings, and distrustful glances came from exactly where I least expected. It feels like I’m trapped in a whirlwind of misconceptions, unable to escape. I’ll try to organize my thoughts to understand how I ended up here.When I opened my phone that morning, there was a curt message from my mother, Eleanor. A dry, cold message, slightly off from her usual tone—if you can even say she’s ever shown me genuine affection. She said something about “having unfinished business” and that I should come to her house immediately. Despite the strange nature of our relationship, I was worried. She would never summon me without a strong reason. So, I took a deep breath, got dressed, and left, unsure if I should tell Alexander. In the end, I decided not to bother him. He was at the office, in a string of important meetings. Besides, my relation
Last Updated : 2024-12-26Ties of a Contract Chapter 27 – Shaken Trust
SophiaWhen I walked into the house, Alexander was standing in the living room, staring out the window, as if he had been waiting for me. But his expression wasn’t one of relief. He was pale, his hands trembling. As soon as he saw me, he shot me a look that nearly tore my heart apart."Where were you?" — his voice sounded colder than usual.I placed my bag on the couch and tried to answer:"I went to see my mother. She called me." — I felt an urgency to tell him everything: how Eleanor and Olivia were acting, how they accused me of something I never did.But Alexander interrupted me."We spoke with Olivia today. She showed up at the office. You…" — He hesitated, as if carefully choosing his words. — "She showed me some things, conversations she had with Eleanor, evidence of bank transfers that weren’t made by me, but that your mother claimed were ‘allowances’ from me. And more than that… There was mention of a story about you being involved with a married man, blackmail, bribery…"I s
Last Updated : 2024-12-26Ties of a Contract Chapter 28 – A Life That Grows
SophiaAs soon as I stepped outside, I took a deep breath. A cold breeze brushed against my face, a breeze that seemed to remind me that life out here still carried on. It was almost five in the afternoon, and the sky was starting to take on that orange hue of twilight. I opened my ride-sharing app, not entirely sure where to go. My trusted friends were far away, busy, and my mother was the last person I could think of. Leo? I could forget about him. He was probably helping with Eleanor's schemes. Then it occurred to me that I could go to a hotel, at least until I figured out my next steps.I got into the car I requested, and during the ride, I allowed myself a moment of reflection. I had no doubt that Olivia would stoop so low to hurt me after I confronted her with the evidence I had, but... Why would my own mother throw so much dirt on me? I remembered that, just a few weeks ago, she accused me of not helping her enough. I suggested an excellent doctor, but she complained about havi
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Ties of a Contract Chapter 29 – Fight for Love and Truth
SophiaI spend the rest of the night in a state of painful vigilance. I can’t eat, sleep, or think clearly. Every time I close my eyes, I imagine Alexander angry, accusing me, calling me a liar. Or worse, I wonder if he’s out there, alone, feeling betrayed and confused, suffering the same pain I feel now. But I don’t have the strength to look for him, not while he insists on doubting me.Around three in the morning, I sit in the hotel room armchair, wrapped in a blanket, staring at the city lights. There’s an enormous emptiness inside me, an implacable loneliness. I think about everything I need to do to prove my innocence. I’ll have to dig through documents, bank statements, maybe even speak directly to that man from my past and demand that he tell the truth, though I have no idea where he is now. And I still need to deal with Olivia, my own mother, and the pain of being abandoned—albeit unintentionally—by Alexander.I refuse to give up. I need strength to face this chaos. My priorit
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Ties of a Contract Chapter 30 – Between Files and Wounds
AlexanderIt’s been two days since Sophia left home, and everything feels like a labyrinth of uncertainty. My mind revolves around two questions: what really happened in her past, and why did Eric disappear with part of the evidence that could incriminate Olivia? Doubts eat away at every thought while the financial reports in front of me stubbornly display small discrepancies, pointing to a silent betrayal.Eric Callahan, my financial director for years, always seemed trustworthy. Now, everything suggests he worked in collusion with Olivia, determined to tarnish my name and, in the process, hurt Sophia. Bank statements indicate amounts subtly redirected to an unknown account, outside the company’s official records. If I can uncover who controls this money, I might save both the company and my honor.Sophia's absence lingers with every breath. She left home with a suitcase, and I couldn’t stop her or say the words she needed to hear. The memory of her gaze, filled with pain and restrai
Last Updated : 2024-12-28Ties of a Contract Chapter 31 – The Unexpected Confrontation
SophiaI walk into the building where Alexander's office is located, clutching the envelope containing the test results confirming my pregnancy. My heart is racing—half with joy and hope, half with fear. I have no idea how he will react, but I’m determined to tell him. I won’t keep something this important from him.As I reach the reception, I notice something strange in the air. The secretary avoids my gaze, and before I can ask anything, she speaks, her voice tense."Your husband is in the meeting room, ma’am. I’m not sure if… would you like me to announce your arrival?""Don’t worry, I’ll speak to him myself," I reply, trying to sound firm.I walk down the wide corridor, the walls adorned with discreet artwork that, on another day, I might have stopped to admire. Now, all that matters is telling Alexander about the baby. With every step, the air feels heavier, as if something monumental is about to happen.I push open the slightly ajar door and freeze at the scene before me: Alexan
Last Updated : 2024-12-29
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Ties of a Contract Capter 112 - Heart Codes
NoahThe silence in the elevator is deafening. Giulia is beside me, still in her blue wedding dress, a small travel bag at her feet. My ring - her father's ring - weighs on my finger, a constant reminder of this new reality."You have a beautiful place," she comments when we reach the penthouse. Her eyes scan the glass panels that reveal Manhattan at night."I never spend much time here," I admit, carrying her bag. "Usually sleep at the office."She smiles, that smile I'm beginning to realize means she's discovered something about me."That's why TechVision's sofas are so comfortable.""Would you... would you like to see the place?" I offer, suddenly aware that this woman now lives with me.The tour is quick. Gourmet kitchen I never use, minimalist living room, office with three monitors."And this," I hesitate at the last door, "is the master bedroom. You can have it, I'll use the guest room.""Noah," she touches my arm lightly. "We don't need to make this stranger than it already is
Ties of a Contract Chapter 111 - Algorithms and Alliances
NoahThe Plaza's presidential suite has transformed into an improvised operations center. Monitors display real-time stock quotes while Oliver coordinates security over the phone. In less than an hour, I'll be married. The idea seems surreal - I, who built my life based on precise calculations, about to marry a woman I met less than 48 hours ago."The stocks have risen 3% since the announcement," Allison reports, tablet in hand. "The market is reacting positively to the 'romance'. Social media is buzzing with the story."The press release was precise: TechVision CEO and technology researcher met during a field test of a new app. Whirlwind romance. Intimate wedding. The kind of modern fairy tale that the public loves to consume."Security has identified three photographers trying to infiltrate," Oliver informs. "And two supposed cleaning staff with fake credentials."My phone vibrates. Morrison: "Congratulations on the wedding. Say hello to the bride for me. Her father also had a rushe
Ties of a Contract Chapter 110 - Arrangements
NoahGiulia's reflection in my office window distracts me while I try to explain the situation to the board. She sits discreetly in the corner of the room, pretending to examine her tablet, but I can notice how her eyes occasionally meet mine in the reflection."Let me see if I understand," Marcus massages his temples. "You're getting married. In a week.""Tomorrow," Giulia softly corrects, without raising her eyes from the screen. "The trust has a temporal clause."Something about the way she pronounces each word with precision fascinates me. It's the same care she showed when debugging the app - methodical, precise, surprising."Tomorrow?" Marcus's voice rises an octave. "This is...""Necessary," Oliver interrupts, entering the room. He carries a folder I recognize: our parents' marriage documents. "And it wouldn't be the first time a Hawthorne marries for convenience."Giulia raises her eyes, finally. The blue of her iris captures the evening light in a way that makes me lose my tr
Ties of a Contract Chapter 109 - Checkmate
NoahThe cafe is emptier than the first time. I choose a table in the back, where I can see both the entrance and the emergency exit - a habit I inherited from our father after everything that happened with Morrison years ago.Allison has already sent three messages about falling stocks. I ignore them all. Right now, I need to focus on something more important: the woman who just walked through the door.Giulia is different. She's traded the periodic table t-shirt for a simple dress, but the colorful glasses remain. She locates me immediately, as if she knew exactly where I would be sitting."So," she says, sitting down. "Noah Hawthorne.""You knew from the beginning?"She takes a flash drive from her pocket, placing it on the table."Not exactly. But when I fixed your app, I recognized some patterns. My father used to say that codes are like fingerprints - each programmer has their signature.""And you recognized his.""The foundation of your system," she confirms. "Which made me res
Ties of a Contract The Algorithm of Destiny
NoahThe reflection in the mirrored glass of my office shows exactly what the board expects to see: impeccable suit, assertive posture, the young CEO who turned data analysis into gold. What they don't see are the disguised dark circles, the result of another sleepless night reviewing codes. From the 45th floor of TechVision, New York seems like a model, a complex data system pulsing beneath my feet.On the main wall, our mission in silver letters: "Transforming Data into Human Solutions". It was mom's idea - she always knew how to transform cold concepts into something closer to people."Mr. Hawthorne," my assistant calls for the third time, her efficiency slightly shaken by my distraction. "The app test is scheduled for this afternoon.""I'm going myself," I respond, ignoring her surprised expression. Allison has worked with me for five years and still gets surprised when I decide to do field work."But sir, the board...""Allison," I gently interrupt, "what's TechVision's first rul
Ties of a Contract Chapter 108 - The Algorithm of Destiny
NoahThe reflection in the mirrored glass of my office shows exactly what the board expects to see: impeccable suit, assertive posture, the young CEO who turned data analysis into gold. What they don't see are the disguised dark circles, the result of another sleepless night reviewing codes. From the 45th floor of TechVision, New York seems like a model, a complex data system pulsing beneath my feet.On the main wall, our mission in silver letters: "Transforming Data into Human Solutions". It was mom's idea - she always knew how to transform cold concepts into something closer to people."Mr. Hawthorne," my assistant calls for the third time, her efficiency slightly shaken by my distraction. "The app test is scheduled for this afternoon.""I'm going myself," I respond, ignoring her surprised expression. Allison has worked with me for five years and still gets surprised when I decide to do field work."But sir, the board...""Allison," I gently interrupt, "what's TechVision's first rul
Ties of a Contract Chapter 107 - New Beginnings
AlexanderThe house is quiet. The twins are sleeping soundly after a busy day at the park, and Claire took all the case documents to her office. For the first time in months, it's just Sophia and me.The night is especially beautiful, with a gentle breeze swaying the porch curtains. It's almost surreal to think about how we got here, after everything we've faced. Sophia is on the porch, wrapped in a light blanket, watching the moon. I approach quietly, offering a glass of red wine - the same label we drank the night we made our agreement."What are you thinking about?" I ask, sitting beside her."About how everything has changed," she responds, snuggling into my chest. "Who would have thought that meeting about my father's debts would bring us here?"I smile at the memory. "You walked into my office determined to negotiate. I never imagined you'd leave with a marriage proposal.""An arrangement," she laughs softly, her fingers playing with the wine glass. "You needed to improve your i
Ties of a Contract Chapter 106 - The Price of Truth
"UNMASKED EDITORIAL EMPIRE: Decades-Long Manipulation and Crime Scheme Exposed"• The New York Times"Matthew Morrison and James Cooper Arrested in Federal Police Operation"• Washington Post"Richard Bennett, Editorial Magnate, Found Dead in Bangkok: Suicide or File Destruction?"• The GuardianSophiaThe morning sun streams through the windows of our new home. It has been three months since that night at Sarah’s farm, and I’m still learning not to look over my shoulder every five minutes.Oliver and Noah are playing in the backyard—a fenced and monitored space, but still a place where they can just be children. Alex watches them from the balcony while working on his laptop, occasionally looking up to smile at me.My phone vibrates with a message from Claire:"It’s on TV. Do you want me to record it?"I turn on the television in time to see James being led into court. His last words before accepting the plea deal echo in the headlines: “I was just following orders, but that’s no excu
Ties of a Contract Chapter 105 - Last Refuge
Chapter 103 - Last RefugeSophiaThe rain lessens as I drive down the dirt road. In the back seat, the twins have finally fallen asleep, Noah still clinging to the rain-soaked dinosaur. Through the rearview mirror, I confirm that Alex and Claire are still following us.The headlights illuminate an old building. A farmhouse, isolated and apparently abandoned, except for the small beam of light escaping from one of the windows."This is it, my loves," I whisper, although the boys continue sleeping.Alex parks alongside, and Claire exits first, typing something on her phone."Security system deactivated," she informs. "You can come in."We carry the boys inside. The house is surprisingly cozy inside, with furniture covered by white sheets and an old fireplace."No one knows this place," Claire explains, closing the curtains. "It was my sister's refuge. Where she kept her discoveries.""And where she died," Alex softly completes.Claire nods. "Morrison found her here. Or rather, my father
