LOGINShare
Chapter 52
Last Updated:
2024-11-07 20:30:38Though 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
Related chapters
Trade Breaker Chapter 53
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
Last Updated : 2024-11-08Trade 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Trade 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,
Last Updated : 2024-11-10Trade 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,
Last Updated : 2024-11-11Trade 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-12Trade 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Trade 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Trade 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,
Last Updated : 2024-11-16
Latest chapter
Trade Breaker Chapter 98
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
Trade Breaker Chapter 97
“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
Trade Breaker Chapter 96
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
Trade Breaker Chapter 95
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
Trade Breaker Chapter 94
Solo and Kirael stepped outside, the sun warming their faces as they surveyed the scene. In the sandbox, the children immersed themselves in their creations, each enthusiastically pursuing their interests.Damien's hands moved as he sculpted a miniature version of the main house in the sand. His brow furrowed as he added details to the tiny windows and doors. His creation showcased his keen eye and budding architectural skills.Beside him, Daniel sat cross-legged, his finger tracing patterns in the sand. At first glance, the patterns appeared to be squiggles. Closer inspection revealed that the boy had etched what looked like lines of code into the granular canvas. The symbols and numbers flowed logically, hinting at Daniel's understanding of computer languages.Nora's tongue peeked out from the corner of her mouth as she twisted and turned a colorful Rubik's cube in her hands. Her eyes darted across the faces of the puzzle, her mind working through the algorithms to align the colors.
Trade Breaker Chapter 93
Solo smiled as she gazed out the window of their converted office and workstation. The afternoon light filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the lawn, where the children played in a sand pit supervised by the nanny Kirael’s parents insisted on.It had been a whirlwind year filled with resentments, regrets, challenges, rewards, and moments of joy.Her grandmother’s mansion was huge, consisting of a main house and a few smaller houses connected by long cobbled pathways leading to the main house.She remembered her time in Florence and the emergence of Solaire Designs, a contractual enterprise that started within the House of Ricci, which was just a fledgling dream of hers and was encouraged by Charles.After only one year, and with the help of her dear friends, it had blossomed into a thriving business, exceeding both her and Kirael's most optimistic projections. The successful completion of their contract with the House of Ricci and sub-contract with the House of L
Trade Breaker Chapter 92
Miles let himself into the office—he walked in carrying a keyboard, its keys gleaming under the office lights, and headed toward the play area. “Where’s my little sunshine?” he said, pretending not to see her chewing on the corner of a plastic brick. Daryl giggled at the tall man towering above her, her chubby hands dropping the brick as she staggered to her feet, wobbling toward him with arms outstretched. Her delighted squeals filled the room.“Ma, ma,” she called, her baby voice sweet and endearing.“Hey, ugly Mama, I’m here too. Did you miss me as you strolled past?” Dominic’s voice cut in, laced with mock indignation. He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “What’s that you’re carrying?”“I noticed the last time I came how much she liked the music box I gave her and wondered if she wanted to create some music of her own,” Miles replied, setting the keyboard down on the floor.Dominic raised a brow, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “You mean you noticed how much that thing irrita
Trade Breaker Chapter 91
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
Trade Breaker Chapter 90
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
