LOGINShare
Chapter 110 - Arrangements
Last Updated:
2025-02-06 02:43:32
Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2025-02-07Ties 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-08Ties of a Contract Chapter 1 - The Agreement
The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixes with the constant noise that already fills the diner. Another day begins, where I, with my inseparable worn apron, force a smile on my face. I haven’t had many opportunities in my life, so I’ve resigned myself to taking what comes and smiling, even if the world is crumbling at my feet."Table three, Sophia!" shouts Charlie, the manager, from behind a towering stack of plates she balances with precise movements."I'm on it!" I reply, grabbing another tray loaded with sandwiches, hot coffee, and muffins.The in-and-out of people is relentless. Some mumble a good morning; others don’t even notice my presence. After all, to most of them, I’m just here to serve. But that’s okay. I know I’m more than that. I’m a daughter fighting to give my family some comfort and juggling to keep them togetherdespite my mother… I sigh without realizing it. Also, an older sister trying to give my younger brother a better future than mine, even though he doesn’t seem
Last Updated : 2024-12-04Ties of a Contract Chapter 2 - The Perfect Choice
As soon as the door closes, the silence of my office returns like an old companion. The same calculated stillness that has always accompanied me. I usually enjoy it. I prefer controlled, predictable environments where all variables are under my command.But today, for some irritating reason, my mind refuses to return to equilibrium.Sophia Carter.The girl left my office the same way she entered: with her head held high, even though her world is crumbling on her shoulders. She didn’t beg. She didn’t bargain. She didn’t cry. She simply stood her ground, holding my gaze until the very last second. But she doesn’t fool me. Women are always after something: money, status, power. There’s always a hidden motivation, a carefully adjusted mask on their faces.I shove my hands into my pockets and walk to the window, observing the city below. Everything looks small, insignificant. People rushing from one place to another, trying to survive in a concrete jungle that doesn’t forgive weakness. New
Last Updated : 2024-12-04Ties of a Contract Chapter 3 - A Silent Storm
The way back home is a blur of streets, buildings, and anonymous faces. My feet move forward almost automatically while my mind remains trapped in that cold office, where everything seemed to transform into something I can’t name.Alexander Hawthorne.I knew he’d be intimidating. There’s no way a man with his reputation wouldn’t be. The ruthless magnate, the heir who built an empire with his own handsor at least that’s what they say. A man many would call untouchable, unapproachable.But no story, no rumor, no financial magazine article could have prepared me for him in person.Tall, broad-shouldered, wearing a perfectly tailored suit that seemed molded directly to his body. A sculpted face, striking features, eyes as cold as the ice that seemed to run through his veins.And yet...He’s beautiful in a way that unsettles me. Not just because of his physical appearance, but because of his presence. Alexander Hawthorne fills the space with a quiet strength, with an authority that demands
Last Updated : 2024-12-04Ties of a Contract Chapter 4 – The Weight of the Decision
The early hours of the morning brought a strange mixture of relief and anguish. After hours of tossing and turning in bed, staring at the ceiling of the small room we had to move into after losing everything because of my father’s mistakes, I made a decision.I will not accept Alexander Hawthorne’s proposal.The idea seemed simple at first. One year. A cold contract, no emotional involvement. Just an exchange of favors: he clears my father’s debts, and in return, I become the convenient wife he needs to uphold his empire.But as the hours passed and the silence of the night became deafening, I realized what it would truly mean.I would lose the little I have left of myself. My dignity. My freedom.I can’t sell myself, even if it means ending the weight that suffocates me. Something within me needs to remain intact, even if it’s just my dignity.That’s why, by morning, as I left the house, I was certain of my decision.But it only took a few minutes in my mother’s presence for that cer
Last Updated : 2024-12-04Ties of a Contract Chapter 5 – The Price of Courage
I’m back at the building where it all began.The skyscraper of Hawthorne Corp rises before me, an imposing structure that seems to swallow the sky. Its mirrored facade reflects my pale face and the tension in my eyes. I should feel confident, strong for being here again.But the truth is, I’m terrified.My mother’s words echo in my mind since leaving the hospital: “Fix it. No matter how.”And here I am, ready to sell my dignity, my freedom, in exchange for her survival.I step into the building with hesitant steps, the sound of my shoes echoing in the luxurious lobby. The atmosphere is cold and elegant, just like him. Every detail is perfectly arranged, with no room for mistakes or imperfections.I’m announced at the reception desk, and soon an assistant guides me to the private elevator leading to the top floor. My hands are trembling, but I clench them into fists, trying to control my anxiety.When the elevator doors open, I’m greeted by the oppressive silence of Alexander Hawthorne
Last Updated : 2024-12-04Ties of a Contract Chapter 6 – Vows of Ice
The wedding day arrived before I could decide whether I was truly strong enough for this.Through the bedroom mirror, I gaze silently at my reflection. The white dress is elegant but understated, without extravagance. I chose something that wouldn’t draw attention, exactly as Alexander suggested. For him, everything must be perfect, functional, leaving no room for unnecessary emotions.My heart feels heavy. This should be a significant day, but there’s no joy, no hope. It’s a contracta cold transaction I’m signing to save my mother and support my brother.My brother…I take a deep breath, trying to push the thought away. Leo doesn’t know about the wedding. Neither does my mother.I didn’t tell them because I know exactly how they’d react. My mother would pressure me to get the most out of this marriage, treating me like a bargaining chip. Leo would see it as an opportunity to live even more comfortably, without lifting a finger.That’s why I decided to keep this a secret.When I left
Last Updated : 2024-12-04
Latest chapter
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
