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Chapter 33
Last Updated:
2024-10-23 21:32:57Related chapters
Trade Breaker Chapter 34
Although Solo had changed her phone number, on Charles' counsel, she had also transferred all her contacts to this new line, including Dominic's contact information, a contention point now that seemed fortuitous.Charles had been insistent on this precautionary measure—if she were ever found out and received an unexpected call, she could identify the caller immediately. His reasoning was sound—knowledge was power in their precarious world, and to be forewarned is to be forearmed.Now, as Dominic's name lit up her screen, she felt a surge of gratitude for Charles' foresight and thanked herself for heeding his advice. She showed the screen to Charles, who took the phone and answered it."Hello," Charles said."Is this Solaire Dale’s phone?”"Who wants to know?”"I'm sorry, you don't know me. My name is Dominic Hale.”"What can I do for you, Mr. Hale?” Charles asked.“I have a business proposition for Ms. Dale. Would it be possible to schedule a time for me to speak with her?”"Okay, lea
Last Updated : 2024-10-24Trade Breaker Chapter 35
Solo ended the call between her and Sapphire, lips taut and fists clenched, frustrated by the woman’s gall. The woman was the epitome of rudeness—Solo was sure that if she looked up the word rudeness in the dictionary, Sapphire’s name would be highlighted in bold capital letters and between square brackets right next to it.Who the hell did this woman think she was? Exhaling a long breath and leaning back in her seat, rubbing her now evident baby bump, her memory drifted back to their first meeting.She could still see how Sapphire had swept into Inigo’s office the day after the investors' gathering. Every step she took was a performance of confidence and self-importance.Her entrance had been more akin to a grand arrival than a business meeting, and Solo had felt her presence—commanding and deliberate as if she were already the most important person in the room.It had been one of Solo’s first collaborative projects for the House of Ricci, a collaboration Inigo was excited about. She
Last Updated : 2024-10-25Trade Breaker Chapter 36
The memory faded as Solo’s phone rang, the familiar number flashing on her screen: Hale Enterprises. It was the fifth call in a month.She let it ring once, twice, debating whether to answer. After searching her drawer for the device Charles insisted she carried with her, she sucked in a sharp breath, covered her mouth with a voice changer, and pressed the answer button, bracing herself for the inevitable offer.“Ciao, this is Solaire Dale.” The voice charger gave her a deep, sultry Italian accent.“Miss Dale, this is Dominic Hale from Hale Enterprises,” came the familiar, smooth voice on the other end. Despite her preparation, his voice continued to send a jolt through her. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Hale,” she said, keeping her voice neutral and professional. “How can I help you?”There was a pause on his end as though he was choosing his words. “I wanted to extend an invitation for a potential collaboration between Hale Enterprises and th
Last Updated : 2024-10-26Trade Breaker Chapter 37
Dominic paced the length of his office, frustration simmering after his latest conversation with Solaire Dale. He had offered every possible incentive, but she still declined, citing her commitments as immovable for the next three years. Despite his extensive experience in negotiations, her refusal gnawed at him more than he wanted to admit.The door to his office swung open, and his mother strode in with her characteristic air of elegance and command. She looked at her son and raised an eyebrow, reading his expression of frustration.“Well?” she asked, folding her hands in her lap as she sat in one of the leather chairs across from him. “What did she say?”Dominic sighed, lowering himself into his chair. “Mother, I finally managed to speak to her directly, and she still said no. She claims to have commitments for the next three years, and nothing I offered seemed to change her mind.” He said, grabbing a pen from his desk and starting to doodle on a document.Isabella’s lips thinned,
Last Updated : 2024-10-27Trade Breaker Chapter 38
Dominic felt a wave of unease settle over him. He had dealt with many designers before, but Solaire's refusal had felt different—personal, almost. He didn't want Sapphire, with her typical cutthroat tactics, bullying Solaire into a decision she'd already made clear."This isn't one of your charity board events, Sapphire. Solaire might not appreciate being strong-armed."Sapphire's smile tightened. "Strong-arming? You make it sound as though I'd be forcing her. I'm only suggesting I present the offer in a way that appeals to her ambition. After all, we're both artists, and Solaire respects that side of things. I think I know her well enough to approach her professionally."Isabella nodded with approval, a look of satisfaction settling on her face. "Exactly. Solaire might simply need a push in the right direction. It's worth the attempt, Dominic. Sapphire understands her, and they're already in close working quarters."Dominic's frustration was mounting. Sapphire's confidence grated on
Last Updated : 2024-10-27Trade Breaker Chapter 39
After leaving Dominic’s office, she returned to her own. Dominic had given her ample office space within his building to work from—that included a bedroom and washroom. She entered into the washroom with a single thought in mind. She needed to call Solaire and get her to accept the Hale's offer.Sapphire sat at her marble vanity, stared at her reflection, then adjusted her diamond earrings. The image staring back at her was every bit the poised, unshakeable figure she had crafted over the years.Today, her eyes had an edge, a flicker of impatience. She planned to bring Dominic back in check, and its execution revolved around a single person—Solaire Dale.She lifted her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she found Solaire’s number. The small victories she’d had so far with Solaire at the House of Ricci had encouraged her. After all, she was Sapphire Lin, director of the jewelry division at House of Lin and Hale Enterprises. She was also a Lin by name.With her influence and
Last Updated : 2024-10-28Trade Breaker Chapter 40
A loud thud could be heard in Inigo Ricci’s office as his fist landed heavily on his desk. He leaned back in his chair, pressed his fingers to his temple, and exhaled a frustrated sigh. He hadn’t dealt with anyone as infuriating as Sapphire Lin in years, and his patience was thin.With her constant overreach and veiled attempts at undermining Solaire, she proved to be more trouble than she was worth.He lifted his phone and weighed through his contacts until he reached Solaire’s name. His irritation softened as he dialed, hoping to check on her before informing her of Sapphire’s latest interference.After a few rings, Solaire picked up, her voice warm yet tired. “Inigo, hi.”“Ciao, Solaire. I hope I’m not calling at a bad time,” he said, his voice softening as he pictured her with a sketchbook open before her, perhaps cradling the small beginnings of one of her designs. “Just wanted to check in. How are you feeling? And how are the little ones?”She chuckled on the other end, a sound
Last Updated : 2024-10-28Trade Breaker Chapter 41
The silence from Inigo's abrupt disconnection of their call irked her. Sapphire lowered the phone, her fingers still curled tight around its frame, and breathed, trying to rein in the fury beneath her composed exterior.The audacity, the nerve of him to cut her off, to shield Solaire from her—was nothing short of insulting. Her manicured nails dug crescents into her palm as she fought to control the tremor in her hands.In her mind, she replayed each interaction she'd had with Solaire since their collaboration began. There were too many instances where she could have shown more charm and been more welcoming.The memory of Solaire's hesitant smile during their first meeting flashed through her mind, a gesture she had dismissed with a glance.But she had brushed those opportunities aside, convinced that her name and authority alone would command respect. As she thought back on each short phrase of discomfort, each utterance forced through the tight-lipped response that Solaire had given
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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Sapphire wheeled herself into the confines of her mother's house, the familiar scent of cinnamon and vanilla greeting her as the door clicked shut behind her. Once inside, she glanced around, something she had become used to doing over the years to ensure she was alone.Satisfied, she rose from the wheelchair, her legs stiff from disuse. She made her way to the kitchen, her footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.As she entered the sun-drenched kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. She had just poured herself a cup when she heard the front door open and close."Sapphire, are you here?" her mother asked."In the kitchen, Mom," Sapphire said, settling back into her wheelchair.Her mother appeared in the doorway, concerned and exasperated. She sighed and shook her head as she took in the sight of her daughter in the wheelchair."How long are you going to keep this up, Sapphire?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "This pretense... it's not healthy."Sapphire's
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“How was your weekend? Did you do what I told you?” Aralise’s mother asked, her voice laced with excitement.“I tried, Mom, I did. But he left with Daryl.” Arlise’s tone was flat with a hint of defeat.“What do you mean he left with Daryl?”“I told him I was coming to the manor to spend time with Daryl because I miss her. And he agreed.” Aralise moved to the window and stared out, looking at nothing in particular. She just needed to move away from feeling stagnant.“If he agreed, why did he leave?”“I don’t know. When I got there laden with gifts, Isabella told me Dominic and Daryl had gone out. She didn’t know when they’d be back and that I could wait in the drawing room.” She exhaled.“Then what happened?” Casandra’s voice held a note of impatience.“Nothing happened. I waited, but they never came back.”“Waited?” There was a pause on the other end. “How long did you wait?” Disbelief could be hurt in her voice.“I waited the entire weekend. They never came back. It was so humiliatin
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Dominic stood in the foyer of the mansion, his fingers trailing along the polished banister as he ascended the staircase. The sound of a violin drifted down from the upper floor, its melancholy notes tugging at his heart. He paused midway, closing his eyes to listen.Five years had passed since Solo left him, but the ache lingered. Dominic had devoted himself to raising Daryl and nurturing her musical talent. He'd watched with pride as she collected award after award, her name becoming synonymous with virtuosity in classical circles.As the violin's song reached its crescendo, Dominic resumed his climb. He approached Daryl's practice room, the door ajar. Through the gap, he could see his daughter—eyes closed in concentration as her small fingers danced the bow across the strings.The sunlight streaming through the window caught the golden highlights in her hair, reminding Dominic of autumn leaves.He leaned against the doorframe, content to watch in silence. As he studied his amazing
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Vivian's hands trembled as she dialed the number, her heart pounding with excitement and trepidation. The line crackled to life, and she heard the familiar voice of her old friend on the other end."Clara, it's me," Vivian whispered, glancing over her shoulder to ensure she was alone."Vivian? What's going on? Your message sounded urgent," Clara replied, concern evident in her tone.“Is the line secure?”‘Yes, what’s wrong?”Vivian took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "I need your help. It's about the babies, our grandchildren. There's something... different about them."She paused, searching for the right words to explain the inexplicable. "They’re gifted, Clara. Their intelligence could be off the charts. I've never seen such potential in children so young."Clara remained silent on the other end, waiting for Vivian to continue. Vivian's voice grew hushed as she recounted the incidents she had witnessed of the children playing in the sandbox.“I’m not sur
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Closing his laptop, Dominic gazed at the play area in the corner of his office. A bittersweet smile on his face. He never imagined his life would turn out this way, but here he was, a single father doing his best to protect and nurture the precious little girl who had stolen his heart.He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He remembered moving the nursery to the room next to his, which Solo had once used for her artwork, and having to build an adjoining door to his bedroom after finding Daryl crying alone in her room.Aralise was nowhere to be seen while Sapphire played music in her room, which was so loud it could wake the dead. Appalled by their disgraceful, neglectful behavior, he called for the builders to do the necessary building work and moved Darryl’s cot into his room as a short-term solution.The mother returned several hours later, laden with shopping and a carefree smile. When he confronted them, both women said that the other was responsible. Aralise stated that Sap
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When her words had reached his ears, something inside Miles snapped. He could no longer see her as the cute little girl he used to tutor. He stood, lifting her with him. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her toward his bedroom, their lips never parting. He laid her on the bed, hovering over her."You're beautiful," he said, drinking in the sight of her aroused expression, her swollen lips red, and begging for more. She pulled him in for another kiss. They shed some of their clothes as their hands explored exposed skin. It should feel wrong doing this with her, but he couldn’t shake the belief of how right this felt. Every touch, every kiss seemed to ignite sparks between them. Their bodies moved in a natural rhythm like they had been made for each other.She attacked him with a hunger that matched his own, pulling him toward her for a searing kiss that threatened to set his very soul alight. Their lips crashed together, locked in passion, teeth-gnashing, and tongues
