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Chapter 81
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2024-12-10 23:53:53Related chapters
Trade Breaker Chapter 1
"Solo, what we have between us stops today. She's back."Dominic sat across from Solo, his face stoic. Like a mask still and unmoving, his eyes were cold and distant. The silence between them—thick. All Solo could hear was the ticking of the wall clock, as he spoke, his voice devoid of any warmth.His words cut through the silence in the room like a knife through butter, sharp, deliberate. Solo's breath hitched, but she didn't let it show.She'd been preparing for this moment. Still, the blow landed harder than she expected. Sapphire. The girl who Dominic loved had left him three years ago, cheating on him and abandoning the relationship they had built.Now, she was back.Despite the storm raging within, Solo swallowed, and her expression remained neutral. Dominic, the man who had been everything to her for the past three years, sat across from her like a stranger."Okay," Solo said, her voice quiet but steady. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her break. Not here. Not
Last Updated : 2024-09-14Trade Breaker Chapter 2
Heart racing with beads of sweat dripping from her forehead, Solo stood outside Dominic’s apartment. The borrowed keys he had given her weighed heavy in her hand. This was how it always was. For the past three years, she had to borrow the spare keys to enter the apartment without him.The thought sent bile chasing toward her lips. She swallowed the bitter taste as she remembered the kind of life she was letting go of. Dominic had never been physically abusive, but his words were cutting at times.Three days ago, he ended their relationship. She sighed, steadying her breathing—she unlocked the door and stepped inside. The morning sun fought through the clouds, casting a pale light over the city, a sight to behold.She paused, gazing at the effect through the large windows at the view she would never witness again.She had spent three years in this apartment, but now it felt foreign, devoid of shape and familiarity. Her time here was over, and this place wasn’t her home anymore, not that
Last Updated : 2024-09-15Trade Breaker Chapter 3
Solo sat in the sterile office, her hands resting at her side. The hum of the ultrasound machine filled the room, the rhythmic beeping of her heartbeat blending with the two tiny lives growing inside her.She stared at the screen, watching the outlines of her twins swimming around like two little coffee beans—a bittersweet smile playing at the corners of her mouth.“You’re carrying two healthy babies.” The doctor's voice was kind but clinical. “Everything looks good.”Solo nodded, her mind wandering. Healthy babies. That was all that mattered. She’d decided not to tell Dominic weeks ago when she first discovered her pregnancy and had wondered how she could break their deal.Dominic must never know about her children. He had made it clear that Sapphire was all he needed. There was no place for Solo or the children in his life, not to mention his cold and distant family. In her opinion, the Hale family was not fit to raise a pet, let alone a child.Their outlook on life was pretty despi
Last Updated : 2024-09-16Trade Breaker Chapter 4
Solo sat across from Charles Bellamy, her mentor, the man who had helped launch her career in the jewelry design business years ago. They were engulfed in the buzz of the upscale café, filled with the soft clinks of glasses, cups, dishes, and murmured conversations. Solo’s mind, however, was focused on the opportunity Charles presented.“The event is two weeks away,” he said, tapping the side of his coffee cup. “You’ll be presenting under your new name—Solaire—I expect it to make quite the impact.”She nodded, trying to suppress the wave of anxiety that washed over her. It had been so long since she had immersed herself in the jewelry world. Now, she was returning with a new identity, more at stake than before. Her career had to take off—not just for herself, but for her children’s future.She closed her eyes, steadying her nerves, then snapped and opened them. “I’m ready,” she said, though the words felt heavier than anticipated.Charles smiled, his eyes filled with pride. “Good. I h
Last Updated : 2024-09-17Trade Breaker Chapter 5
Solo sat at her workbench, surrounded by the soft melodies from her radio as she worked in her small studio. Her studio was a hall closet under the stairs of the old converted two-story house she was staying in. The stairs led to the upstairs apartment. The sketches and unfinished jewelry pieces Solo had scattered before her were more than designs—they were symbols of the future she was crafting. Charles, her mentor, told her the upcoming event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-establish herself in the jewelry world under her new identity, ‘Solaire.’ She ran her fingers over a bracelet she was working on. Her mind focused on the intricate details, and she became excited and anxious about the event as the time drew near. It wasn’t just about her career—it was about proving to herself she could build a life without relying on Dominic or the world she had left behind. Toward the end of their relationship, she had noticed that she had become too comfortable with having things
Last Updated : 2024-09-18Trade Breaker Chapter 6
Solo sat at her workbench, the rhythmic sound of the radio in the background and her tools echoing in the small workspace. The afternoon's soft light streamed through the window, illuminating the delicate jewelry pieces scattered on the dining table behind her.She had been working nonstop on her designs for the upcoming event. Each piece reflected her determination to reclaim her life and career under her new identity, Solaire.Solaire’s creations differed from Solo’s original style. Early designs whispered elegance and were understated yet powerful in their simplicity, capturing the essence of balance and restraint.Her creations have taken on a new energy—bold, daring, and full of life. It's as if each piece tells a story of rediscovery. The past's refined lines have given way to striking contrasts and vibrant textures.Though Solaire’s designs were more daring, they still carried the quiet strength of her beginnings but now reflected a sense of freedom, like an artist unafraid to
Last Updated : 2024-09-19Trade Breaker Chapter 7
Solo’s fingers worked over the delicate necklace she was crafting, the tiny gemstones catching the light as she set them into place. The design was intricate, one of her finest yet, and almost complete. She sat back, admiring the piece as quiet satisfaction settled over her.The jewelry event was just around the corner, and her preparations were almost done. Each design she created for the event felt like a step toward reclaiming herself and building a new life for her and her child. Yet, as much as she tried to focus on her work, the weight of her secret pressed on her.Her mentor, Charles, had been the most significant support during this time, helping her navigate the world of high-end jewelry under her new identity. But even he didn’t know the whole truth—about the pregnancy and the life she had left behind.The sound of a knock at the door pulled Solo from her thoughts, and she stood to greet Charles, who entered the studio with a bright smile.“How’s it going, Solaire?” he asked
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Trade Breaker Chapter 8
Sensing the strain between Dominic and Sapphire, his mother surprised them with a weekend away at a luxury resort, explaining it would be an opportunity for them to reconnect. Fraught with guilt about his emotions and recent behavior, Dominic accepted.The resort was picture-perfect, the kind of place where everything was designed to invoke peace and relaxation.Sapphire smiled as they stepped out of the car, the cool ocean breeze brushing against her face. She followed Dominic, strolling to the railing of the Cliff Hotel, overlooking the ocean as the waves rolled in, the sun casting a golden glow over the horizon. Beside him, Sapphire leaned on the railing contented.“This is perfect, isn’t it?” she said, glancing up at him.Dominic nodded. His acknowledgment was mechanical.Nothing about this trip felt perfect. The disconnect between him and Sapphire grew like an invisible wall separating them. No matter how beautiful the surroundings, he couldn’t shake the blankness that settled in
Last Updated : 2024-09-22
Latest chapter
Trade Breaker Chapter 81
As the car sped toward the private airport, Vivian’s mind wandered to when everything began. She and Clara Washington, now known as old Madam Hale. They grew up together and were the best of friends. Having lived next door to each other, they went to the same schools and college and worked for the same intelligence team.When Clara married Albert Hale, the two women couldn’t have predicted the outcome of such a union, but their lives were never the same again. Only the firstborn, Hale children, are told the secret to the family fortune—where it exists and how to access it should the need arise.It was rumored to be a never-ending supply of wealth.Most people believe it to be folklore as the story has been handed down throughout the centuries, and only a handful of family members know the truth, mainly the second branch of the Hale family, Albert’s twin brother Gilbert.No one knew the level of Gilbert’s greed until he attempted to kill Albert and Clara’s soon-to-be-born and only chil
Trade Breaker Chapter 80
Solo shook off the bitter thoughts and focused on packing. She grabbed a large suitcase from her closet and began packing clothes, toiletries, and other essentials. As she packed, she could hear muffled voices from the living room—her father's rumble and an unfamiliar female's refined tone—her grandmother, no doubt.Kirael appeared in the doorway, arms full of baby supplies."I've grabbed some more of the boys' things," she said. "How are you doing?""Almost done," Solo said, zipping up her suitcase. "I just need to grab the diaper bag."Kirael nodded. "Good. Your grandmother's here. She seems...intense."Solo snorted. "I bet. I've never met the woman, and now we're fleeing the country together.""Life's funny that way," Kirael said with a wry smile. "Come on, finish up, and let's go meet her."They made their way to the living room, where Ralph stood next to an elegant older woman. Her silver hair was styled in an intricate updo, and she was dressed in an expensive-looking pantsuit.
Trade Breaker Chapter 79
“Dad!” Solo’s voice raised an octave at the sight of her father. “What are you doing here?” she asked, grinning and pulling him through the door for a hug, not waiting for him to answer. He held her as tightly as she held him.Then, stepping back a little, Ralph Delaney gripped her shoulders and pushed her away so he could examine her. His gaze flew up and down over her body as he spun her around.“I’m here because I miss my baby girl, and I wanted to see my grandchildren. Are you okay? Is your body all right? I know the twins came early. How are they doing?” After he had spoken, his eyes darted around the room as if searching for something.”“What are you looking for?”“My grandkids, where are they?”"They are in the living room. This way, I'll introduce you to them." Solo said, pulling her father by the sleeve toward the open doorway.”"Your grandmother should be here in an hour." He said as he let her drag him into the room—hearing this, Solo raised a brow but said nothing."Hi, Ki
Trade Breaker Chapter 78
Solo leaned back on the couch, what felt like a rare moment of peace settling over her as she cradled a warm mug of tea in her hands. Across from her, Kirael stretched out lazily, her bare feet resting on the edge of the coffee table.The bassinets holding the babies were arranged nearby. The gentle rise and fall of their tiny chests reassured the two women. The living room was bathed in soft, golden light from the setting sun. The faint chirping of birds outside added to the serene ambiance.There was no Aralise to disrupt the harmony. Her absence left the house quieter but also... emptier. Solo hated to admit it, but part of her missed the constant background noise of Aralise’s antics. Most of all, she missed Daryl. The house felt soulless without her.She glanced at Kirael, noting the slight furrow in her friend’s brow as she stared at the ceiling.“Penny, for your thoughts,” Solo said, her voice light but curious.Kirael turned her head, smirking. “Not sure they’re worth that much
Trade Breaker Chapter 77
Aralise continued to press the call button for Dominic’s number over and over, listening to the automated message repeat that he was unavailable as she sat on the edge of her couch, her leg jerking.She hissed and threw the device onto the seat next to her. Her mother, Cassandra, sat opposite her. She raised her brow at Aralise's action, but her expression was calm, and her eyes were calculating.“It’s been three days,” Aralise said, her voice tight as she sighed with frustration. “Why hasn’t he called?” Initially, she thought her mother’s plan was foolish, but she went along with it anyway, seeking her approval—always seeking her mother's praise since childhood.Cassandra sipped her tea, her movements measured. “He’s thinking. Men like Dominic don’t act impulsively. He’s weighing his options.”“Well, he’s taking too long,” Aralise said, her voice clipped. Had her mother been straight with her, she would have put in more effort from the get-go. “What if he decides to ignore us altoget
Trade Breaker Chapter 76
“Okay, so what’s the ‘D’ on the baby mama? Why is her identity an issue for you?”“I was getting to that when you jumped in with your less-than-necessary recap.” Dominic expelled a breath, strolled over to the mini-bar in his room, and poured himself a drink. “Aralise is the woman from back then’s cousin.”“Cousin?” There was a pause on the other end, a chuckle, and the rustling of material and paper.“Yeah, Cousin,” Dominic nodded as if Miles could see him.“Cousin—huh…distant or like you and me?”“Like you and me, I think. I remember Solo saying her mother was a twin.”“Did you say, Solo? Is that the name of your fuck buddy?”“Don’t call her that. That is not how I think of her anymore. But yeah, her name is Solo—but you already know this.”“That name does sound familiar, but I didn’t hear it from you. You have never told me her name. It’ll come back to me. Keep going, although this does sound a little fucked up.”“I know it does.” Dominic combed his fingers through his hair and too
Trade Breaker Chapter 75
Sapphire sat in her wheelchair in the living room of Dominic’s apartment, a glass of wine untouched on the table beside her. The silence of the space felt oppressive. She clutched her phone, scrolling through social media, but her thoughts were a thousand miles away as she recalled the conversation she overheard.“Yes, Sir, all right. I’ll expect her. How long will you he gone? Rest assured, Sir, I won’t let you down.”“Was that the young master?”“No, his assistant. He informed me that our young master won’t be back for a few days.”“Why? Where did he go?”“Miami, he didn’t say why.”“Miami?”“Yes, Miami. He told me to take care of Ms Lin and that Madam Isabella will be coming.”“You can be the one to tell Ms Lin. I’m not going near that tigress. I’m sure she’ll be worse with Mr Hale gone.”“Probably,” a long sigh followed. “I’ll tell her later before the next shift takes over.”“Good thinking. At least we can hold on to some peace before the storm.”“Shh, be quiet. She might hear yo
Trade Breaker Chapter 74
Dominic swiped his arm across his desk, sending its contents onto the ground. The movement startled his assistant, whose mouth had been open to say something. Then, his mouth snapped shut as he stopped, turned, and walked back out of the open door, closing it behind him.The simmering rage within him that had been lying dormant during his interaction with the mother and daughter erupted like an exploding volcano. Dominic grabbed his hair with both hands and screamed, but the sound didn’t carry due to the room’s soundproofing.How did he let something like this happen?He was sure he had neither met nor slept with Aralise, but the duo appeared confident that the child was his. Impossible, it was fucking impossible.He remembered being drugged at the Hotel Lé Vista, and the timeline seemed to match up. But wasn’t the woman he slept with that night Solo?Wasn’t Solo the one he called for help that time? He stood and began to pace the room like a caged animal. Why couldn’t he remember the
Trade Breaker Chapter 73
Dominic stared at the younger woman before him, the scent of her perfume and baby products filling his office. Although he didn't know her, he felt a sense of familiarity. Looking closer, she resembled Solo, and his heart began to dance to a familiar beat. He wanted to know why they had contacted him first. He had never dealt with anyone from Solo’s mother's side of the family, but here they were, speaking to him as if they were close and had known each other for a while. He stood and walked around his desk to greet them, shoving his hands into his pockets.“I don’t think we’ve ever met.” He said, offering a hand. Even if he thought them somewhat rude, he needed to keep them on good terms so he could find Solo. “I’m Dominic Hale. My assistant said you needed to speak to me. Can I ask what it's about?” He steadied his nervousness. On the outside, he wore an expression that showed a calm, confident man on the inside—he was shaking in dread, fearing that he wasn’t going to like whatev
