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Chapter 52
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2024-11-07 20:31:02Though she didn’t say it, she suspected her cousin’s motives went far beyond mere concern. Her maternal side of the family had a reputation for finding profit in other people’s misfortunes, and Aralise was no exception.
Solo believed Aralise came for her own advantage, maybe hoping to sell her out to the one after her.
A wave of relief washed over her as she hugged Kirael again, feeling the strength and comfort of her friend’s presence. After everything, having Kirael here was like a piece of home she hadn’t realized she’d been longing for. She felt safe with her best friend by her side.
She waited until Aralise was out of earshot, then pulled Kirael closer, lowering her voice. “I appreciate you coming, Kirael. You have no idea what it means to see you again.” Her voice softened, a warmth returning to her gaze. “But why br
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Once inside the house, Aralise excused herself and asked to use the bathroom. She closed the bathroom door behind her and glanced around, taking in the tasteful decor of Solo’s home.A faint smile tugged at her lips. Despite her nerves, there was a hint of satisfaction in knowing she had managed to step into her cousin’s life without raising suspicion. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before pulling out her phone and dialing her mother’s number.The line rang once, then twice, before her mother answered, her voice low and composed.“Aralise. Is everything going according to plan?” Her mother’s tone was calm but carried an edge of expectancy.Aralise cast a glance at the door, ensuring it was shut. “Yes, Mother. I’m with Solo now. She doesn’t suspect anything.” Aralise said, her voice hushed, though a faint thrill ran through her at the thought. “She’s happy to see Kirael…and even me.” She smirked, feeling a slight rush of satisfaction.Her mother gave a short laugh. “Oh, I’m
Trade Breaker Chapter 54
As soon as Aralise excused herself to the bathroom, Solo exhaled, her shoulders relaxing. She watched her cousin disappear down the hallway, her wariness melting into an open, relieved smile as she turned to Kirael.“You have no idea how much I needed to see you,” Solo said, settling onto the plush sofa beside her friend. “And I mean you, not her.”Kirael laughed, shaking her head as she settled in beside Solo. “Trust me, I’m just as relieved. It was a small miracle tracking you down. The world’s big, and you were determined to hide.”A faint smile flickered across Solo’s lips. “I tried my best. I didn’t expect anyone to even come close to finding me. I thought I’d covered my tracks pretty well.” She paused, her smile faltering as she considered something. “How did you manage it?”Kirael looked at her, a faint twinkle of mischief in her eyes. “I’m rich. There is nothing I can’t do.” She chuckled and winked. Honestly, it wasn’t easy, even with all my resources. But let’s say I had a li
Trade Breaker Chapter 55
Old Madam Hale, a woman of striking poise despite her years, entered her study with her chin held high, her cane tapping against the polished wood floor. The room exuded an air of timeless elegance—rich mahogany shelves lined with books, antique lamps casting a warm glow over the artwork, and large windows overlooking the grounds of the Hale estate.She had returned from wandering around the country the night before and now, after walking in the garden, a ritual that kept her mind sharp and body strong when home. But today, her walk had done little to cool the simmering anger that now stirred within her.She removed her gloves, placed them on her desk, and turned to see Isabella, her daughter-in-law, hovering in the doorway with an almost sheepish expression.“Mother Hale,” Isabella said, smiling. “I didn’t realize you were back already.”“I came back last night.”“How was your trip?” Her smile widened. “The staff said you wanted to see me?”Old Madam Hale fixed Isabella with a look,
Trade Breaker Chapter 56
Sapphire paced the hallway outside of Dominic’s study, the dim lighting casting shadows that seemed to mirror the frustration building inside her. It had been days since she moved in, days filled with fleeting glimpses of him as he passed her by with barely a nod. Is this what I’ve waited all this time for? To be ignored? she thought.Her patience, stretched thin from the start, was beginning to snap. She’d thought living with him would mean closeness, shared moments, maybe even intimacy. But now, here she was, under the same roof with him, yet she saw him even less than she had before. She’d tried to start conversations, had left the door to her room slightly ajar, hoping he’d pass by and see her, maybe even come in. But no—it was like he was purposefully avoiding her.Tonight, though, was different. She had finally caught him alone, sitting on the couch, nursing a bottle of bourbon in the dim light of the living room. The sight was disarming—Dominic, usually composed and controlled,
Trade Breaker Chapter 57
Chapter 57What could go wrong for Dominic at work went wrong. He had spent most of the day stressed out. It was almost two in the morning when he let himself into his apartment. All thoughts of the current occupant left his mind. He was too tired, but he needed a drink to unwind.The whiskey bottle trembled in Dominic's grip as he slumped deeper into his leather sofa, staring at his phone contacts—a familiar number blinked on and off onto the display as his finger moved along the phone, tracing each digit through the cracked screen, courtesy of throwing his phone against the wall months ago when another lead had turned cold."I fucked up," he whispered to the empty living room. "God, I fucked up so bad."2:47 AM glowed accusingly from his entertainment center. Solo had vanished from his life over six months ago. He did what he always did when he searched his phone for her number. Expecting the usual automated disconnected message, his heart flipped when the number rang.“Solo, is tha
Trade Breaker Chapter 58
Dominic strode through the front door of his mother’s house, each step echoing his tumultuous thoughts. The cool night air had done little to calm the storm within him, and with each breath, he felt the weight of what had just transpired pressing down on him.I was so stupid, he thought, slamming the door harder than he intended. How could I let my guard down like that?He tossed his keys on the small table by the entryway, the clatter sounding loud in the quiet of the early morning. He was supposed to be the strong one, the unshakeable Dominic Hale, who kept his composure at all costs. Yet there he was, feeling anything but composed.As he moved through the darkened hallway towards the kitchen, his mind replayed the night’s events—a vortex of anger, confusion, and a deep-seated violation that he couldn’t shake. Sapphire’s touch, her weight against him, the way she’d tried to manipulate his vulnerability made his skin crawl.He poured himself a glass of water with hands that weren’t q
Trade Breaker Chapter 59
Despite her mother-in-law's warning, she didn't want to give up on having Sapphire as her daughter-in-law. The conversation she had with Madam Hale the other day had left Isabella's mind spiraling.She sat in her private sitting room, stirring her tea. Her gaze was distant, filled with memories she hadn’t revisited in years. Watching Sapphire maneuver her way into Dominic’s life had sparked an unusual sense of camaraderie, though she’d never say it aloud.Sapphire reminded her of herself in her early years—young, ambitious, and willing to secure her future by any means necessary. That’s how Isabella had won her place in this family, though she’d learned too late that the empire wouldn’t pass to her husband.Her musings were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She looked as the housekeeper entered, her expression tight, eyes filled with concern, her usual composure ruffled.“What is it?”“The young master is here, but his posture is strange. He looks ready to explode.”I
Trade Breaker Chapter 60
After the call ended, Sapphire stared at the screen, her mind racing with frustration and disbelief. Her nails tapped against the coffee table in sharp, erratic rhythms. Her lips curled into a humorless smile, anger bubbling beneath the surface. She tossed her phone onto the couch, a sharp huff escaping her lips. "That stupid old hag." The thought struck her with venom as she leaned back on the sofa and drummed her nails on the armrest. Does she even know her son? If she did, she'd know that just showing up at the house wouldn't fix anything—her plan was doomed to backfire. Dominic doesn’t cave under pressure—he digs in deeper. Her stupid suggestion would only make things worse.Sapphire sighed, stood, and began pacing the room. Her frustration simmered, fueling the calculations running through her mind. She couldn’t let this slip through her fingers. Dominic was the key to everything she’d worked for—everything that defined her ambitions rested on keeping him within her grasp. Yes,
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Trade Breaker Chapter 66
Charles flew through the hospital corridors, his footsteps echoing on the polished floors. His heart pounded in his chest, and the immediacy of the situation was sharp in his mind.He hadn’t even stopped to drop his luggage at home, instead heading straight to the hospital after the call from one of the nurses. Solo had gone into labor, and all he could think of was being there for her.He paused outside her door, running a hand through his messy hair. His reflection in the glass of a nearby cabinet revealed the toll of sleepless nights and long flights, but that didn’t matter. All that mattered was her.Gathering his composure, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. The soft sound of rustling blankets greeted him, along with the faint cry of a newborn settling into sleep. The sight before him stilled his breath.Solo lay propped up in bed, her face pale but serene, her hair framing her tired yet glowing features. Beside her, one of her twins rested in a bassinet, his tiny hand c
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The soft, sterile hum of the hospital room felt suffocating. Aralise lay in the center of the made bed, her head propped up by stiff, firm pillows. An overhead light illuminated the room, casting shadows that danced along the edges of the walls. She glanced toward the crib beside her, where the baby slept, her delicate features visible under the pink blanket.Aralise’s fingers tapped on the hospital sheet as she tried to compose her expression. She didn’t dare look at the baby too long. The longer she stared, the more a strange discomfort grew within her—as if her body rejected the child, as though the entire situation threatened to unravel.The sound of approaching heels snapped her out of her thoughts. The door swung open to reveal the midwife, her sharp, calculating eyes scanning the room. She carried a clipboard under one arm and a handbag hanging from her shoulder.Her movements were brisk, purposeful, and unyielding, like someone accustomed to cleaning up messes.“Well, Miss Wat
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The café hummed with life, its cozy atmosphere warmed by the afternoon sun as they sat outside and more people arrived. Solo pushed a piece of lettuce around her plate, lost in thought, while Kirael sipped her soup and stole curious glances at Aralise, who consumed a salmon dish with gusto and sipped her double espresso unphased.“So,” Aralise said, setting down her coffee cup. “What’s the news with your twins, Solo? Any updates?”Solo glanced at her, smiling. “The doctor said they’re doing great, but they’re planning to induce me after my next checkup. They don’t want me going too far past six weeks because you know—twins.”Aralise’s eyebrows rose in mock surprise. “Oh, that’s sooner than I thought! How exciting. My baby’s due around that time too. What about you, Kirael?”Kirael's fruit cocktail juice in hand froze mid-sip, her glass hovering in the air. Her eyes flicked to Solo, then back to Aralise, a flicker of suspicion flashing across her face.“Really? My baby’s also due then.
Trade Breaker Chapter 63
Solo shifted on the examination table, the crinkling paper beneath her amplifying her discomfort. The clinic room was sterile, the faint hum of medical equipment filling the air. Across from her, having finished her prenatal examinations, Kirael sat in a plastic chair, thumbing through a magazine. Her brows furrowed, but her mind seemed elsewhere.“I wish they’d just get this over with,” Solo muttered, one hand protectively cradling her rounded belly.Kirael looked up, offering a small smile. “Relax, these things always take forever. It’s routine. You and the twins are fine.”Before Solo could respond, the door swung open, revealing a young trainee. Her movements were awkward, and the nervous energy of someone new to the job was evident in how she adjusted her stethoscope.“Miss Dale,” the trainee greeted with a polite smile. “We’ll be listening to the babies’ heartbeats today.”Solo nodded, reclining as the trainee prepared the Doppler. The steady thump of the first heartbeat filled
Trade Breaker Chapter 62
The afternoon sun filtered through Aralise’s small apartment, casting a warm glow over the furniture. Her baby bump lay discarded on the sofa. As she paced the room, her frustration bubbled beneath the surface. She glanced at her phone, waiting for it to ring.The silence in the apartment was oppressive, amplifying the sound of her restless movements. She paused by the window, staring at the bustling street below. Families strolled together, their laughter drifting upward like a cruel reminder of the distance between her and her goal. The world—oblivious to the tangled web of lies she was spinning.She sighed, ran a hand through her hair, and then tapped her nails against the window frame, her impatience growing with each passing second.Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, the screen lighting up with a familiar name.“Mother,” she said, snatching up the phone and answering. “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to call.”Her mother’s voice came through, smooth and calm. “Darli
Trade Breaker Chapter 61
Dominic paced the living room of the Hale estate. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he marched back and forth. His jaw clenched tight, and his keen and sharp gaze was clouded with frustration.“You called her, didn’t you?” he said, his voice cutting through the silence like a whip. His posture screamed God alone knows what I would do to you if you weren't my mother?Seeming unphased sitting on the plush sofa, Isabella raised an eyebrow and sipped her tea with feigned calm. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, though the slight upward tilt of her chin betrayed her guilt.“Don’t lie to me, Mom.” Dominic stopped pacing and faced her, his voice growing louder. “You’re the only person who would have done this. Do you want me to believe Sapphire just happened to show up at the house right after I told you what happened? Please, don’t insult my intelligence.”Isabella set her cup down with deliberate precision. “Dominic, you’re overreacting. Sapphire needed a chanc
Trade Breaker Chapter 60
After the call ended, Sapphire stared at the screen, her mind racing with frustration and disbelief. Her nails tapped against the coffee table in sharp, erratic rhythms. Her lips curled into a humorless smile, anger bubbling beneath the surface. She tossed her phone onto the couch, a sharp huff escaping her lips. "That stupid old hag." The thought struck her with venom as she leaned back on the sofa and drummed her nails on the armrest. Does she even know her son? If she did, she'd know that just showing up at the house wouldn't fix anything—her plan was doomed to backfire. Dominic doesn’t cave under pressure—he digs in deeper. Her stupid suggestion would only make things worse.Sapphire sighed, stood, and began pacing the room. Her frustration simmered, fueling the calculations running through her mind. She couldn’t let this slip through her fingers. Dominic was the key to everything she’d worked for—everything that defined her ambitions rested on keeping him within her grasp. Yes,
Trade Breaker Chapter 59
Despite her mother-in-law's warning, she didn't want to give up on having Sapphire as her daughter-in-law. The conversation she had with Madam Hale the other day had left Isabella's mind spiraling.She sat in her private sitting room, stirring her tea. Her gaze was distant, filled with memories she hadn’t revisited in years. Watching Sapphire maneuver her way into Dominic’s life had sparked an unusual sense of camaraderie, though she’d never say it aloud.Sapphire reminded her of herself in her early years—young, ambitious, and willing to secure her future by any means necessary. That’s how Isabella had won her place in this family, though she’d learned too late that the empire wouldn’t pass to her husband.Her musings were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She looked as the housekeeper entered, her expression tight, eyes filled with concern, her usual composure ruffled.“What is it?”“The young master is here, but his posture is strange. He looks ready to explode.”I
Trade Breaker Chapter 58
Dominic strode through the front door of his mother’s house, each step echoing his tumultuous thoughts. The cool night air had done little to calm the storm within him, and with each breath, he felt the weight of what had just transpired pressing down on him.I was so stupid, he thought, slamming the door harder than he intended. How could I let my guard down like that?He tossed his keys on the small table by the entryway, the clatter sounding loud in the quiet of the early morning. He was supposed to be the strong one, the unshakeable Dominic Hale, who kept his composure at all costs. Yet there he was, feeling anything but composed.As he moved through the darkened hallway towards the kitchen, his mind replayed the night’s events—a vortex of anger, confusion, and a deep-seated violation that he couldn’t shake. Sapphire’s touch, her weight against him, the way she’d tried to manipulate his vulnerability made his skin crawl.He poured himself a glass of water with hands that weren’t q
