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Chapter 8
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2024-09-22 01:52:09Related chapters
Trade Breaker Chapter 9
The city lights flickered past as Dominic drove through familiar streets, his mind miles away from the road before him. The failed romantic getaway with Sapphire was still fresh in his mind, but it wasn’t the coldness between them that lingered—it was Solo. His thoughts of her were becoming more frequent, pressing against the edges of his consciousness, making him question everything.How had he been so blind and stupid?When he arrived home, he grabbed his phone and called Jake, the investigator he had hired to track down Solo. He was overcome with a sense of urgency, a need to know where she was and what had happened to her after she had left."Jake, any updates?" Dominic asked, his voice tight with impatience.“Yeah, I’ve been following a few leads,” Jake replied. “There’s something we might want to check out—a woman named ‘Solar’ living in another state. It’s a bit of a long shot, but the name caught my attention. It could be nothing, but it’s similar to Solo. I’m thinking she mig
Last Updated : 2024-09-23Trade Breaker Chapter 10
Inside his apartment was quiet—too quiet—while the city streets buzzed beneath Dominic’s window. The night after the jewelry event felt heavy as everything unsaid between him and Solo was suffocating him. He hadn’t seen her, but the absence of closure ate at him.He couldn’t stop thinking about her. She had served him a killer blow. The memories were creeping in faster, pushing aside his thoughts of Sapphire. Sapphire, who had once been everything, now felt like a hollow shell of a dream he’d outgrown.The sound of his phone vibrating broke the silence. Jake.“Anything?” Dominic asked, more hopeful than he wanted to admit.Jake’s voice was measured, and Dominic recognized the tone as cautious optimism. “I’ve just got off the plane. I’m on my way to where this Solar woman works. It could be something or nothing. We’ll know once I check it out.”Dominic’s pulse quickened. The name—so close to Solo. He didn’t want to get his hopes up, but this was the closest they’d come to anything rese
Last Updated : 2024-09-24Trade Breaker Chapter 11
Jake’s call had left Dominic standing in the middle of his bedroom, staring unseeing at the wall. Solo was on her way to Italy. His heart pounded, his mind raced. He was too late—she was already gone. But this information, this jolt of reality, wasn’t enough to silence the storm of emotions swirling inside him.He had been haunted by regrets about the distance between them and how he had treated her. He had tried to push it aside, bury it, but the guilt had grown louder. Knowing she was slipping further out of his reach, this feeling threatened to overwhelm him.Should he chase her? Could he?He paced the room, his footsteps echoing in the silence of his apartment. What right did he have to go after her? She had left for a reason, and he was the reason. Dominic had kept her at arm’s length and treated her as though she meant nothing when, in reality, she had meant everything.His chest tightened, and his indecision grated on him.The phone in his hand trembled as Dominic redialed Jake
Last Updated : 2024-09-25Trade Breaker Chapter 12
Seated by the airplane window, Dominic watched as the city lights receded into darkness. Uncertainty gnawed at him.His conversation with Jake on the repeat."Dominic, think about this," Jake said. "She left for a reason. You need to consider what she wants.""I can't just let her go," Dominic voice strained. "I need to see her, to tell her—""Tell her what? That you're sorry? That you suddenly realized her worth?" Jake sighed. “Man, don’t make this about easing your conscience."Dominic had paused, running a hand through his hair. "It's more than that. I can't explain it, but I have to try."Jake went silent and said, "Alright, but be prepared for the possibility that she may not want to see you.""I understand.”Since Jake had pretty much guest his past relationship with Solo, coupled with Dominic's need to speak to someone, he told Jake everything. Jake’s response, although harsh, was reasonable and honest.What if Jake was right? What if Solo wanted nothing to do with him?He clos
Last Updated : 2024-09-26Trade Breaker Chapter 13
Sapphire sat at the desk in Dominic’s study. He was on a business trip, allowing her to rifle through his home. Scanning his phone records, which she found with the rest of his bills in his out tray, the name "Jake" appeared repeatedly."Who are you, Jake?" she muttered, tapping her manicured finger against her temple. Her disbelief was palpable. Could Dominic be involved with someone like Jake? She had known Dominic for most of her life.They went to the same schools and shared friends. She couldn't recall Jake being in their social circle, yet he called and received calls from this man more frequently than his calls to her.Judging from the dates, their relationship started a few days before her return. The record shows Dominic even calling Jake when she and Dominic are together, mainly during the night and after making love.She would get to the bottom of this. Even if Dominic was distant and showed a lack of interest in sex, she refused to believe that he would be emotionally and
Last Updated : 2024-09-27Trade Breaker Chapter 14
Stepping off the plane at Florence Airport was like stepping into her new life. The warm Italian sun had welcomed her, but despite the beauty of her surroundings, an unsettling unease crept over her, casting a shadow on her excitement.Her boss, the man who had orchestrated her fresh start, was there to greet her. He had handed her the documents for her new identity—and she felt she was holding her future.But as they drove through the streets of Florence, it was hard to believe it had been a few days since all this had occurred. Her new life and job felt surreal, and as the days passed, a strange tension sat between her and Inigo.He was charming, too charming, and while he had been gracious, something beneath the surface made her uneasy. His gaze lingered just a little too long, his compliments too personal.True, he had given her a new life, yes, but it began to feel as if strings were attached. Although they remained invisible for now, she could feel them.“This city suits you, So
Last Updated : 2024-09-29Trade Breaker Chapter 15
After returning to the hotel, Dominic leaned back in his hotel chair and stared at the ceiling, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. He had rushed to Italy with a sense of urgency, a desperate need to find Solo. However, it had been days, and every lead had hit a dead end. The trail was cold, and time was running out.He grabbed his buzzing phone, hoping for anything that could bring him closer to her. It was his contact, and the familiar disappointment seeped into him before he answered. The cold plastic of the phone felt heavy in his hand, in contrast to the warmth of hope that had been dwindling with each passing day."Dominic," the voice on the other end said, tinny and distant, "I've searched every possible avenue, but there's no trace of a Solo Delaney in Italy. Are you sure Florence was her final destination?"Dominic rubbed his forehead, the weight of those words pressing down on him. The room seemed to close in, the air thick with disappointment. "I don't know—she n
Last Updated : 2024-09-30Trade Breaker Chapter 16
Solo’s knuckles rapped on the large oak door before her, and she waited for permission to enter. A Sound came from the other side of the door—she assumed that was her cue to enter."Can we talk?”"Sure, what do you wanna talk about?” Inigo gestured for her to sit.His office felt too large and intimidating. The House of Ricci was everything she had dreamed of—prestigious, influential, respected. But now, as Solo sat across from Inigo, her heart pounded with uncertainty.She’d rehearsed the conversation she wanted to have with Inigo several times, but the words stuck in her throat. It was her fault. She should've said something sooner. Her confession could be a dealbreaker. Inigo leaned back in his chair, watching her with calm confidence. His dark eyes studied her every move.“I need to tell you something,” Solo said, her hands clasped on her lap, her thumbs rolling over themselves.Inigo raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “Go ahead.”“I’m pregnant,” she said, the words forced ou
Last Updated : 2024-10-01
Latest chapter
Trade Breaker Chapter 85
Crumpled paper clenched in a tight fist on Dominic’s lap, his knuckles white from the tension. The number 99.9% remained visible at the bottom of the page.Shoulders slumped and hunched over, his head lowered, Dominic sat motionless in his office chair as he processed the implication of this result. He had no idea what to do next. The paternity test in his hand confirmed Daryl was his child.Yet he still had no idea how that happened. As far as he knew, he had never met the woman—this Aralise, the so-called mother of his daughter—and wished it had remained that way. He couldn’t stand the sight of her, and her voice grated his nerves.However, the little girl was cute, and he adored her already, from the top of her sweet little head to her tiny toes. How could someone so innocent and pure be tied to such an unpalatable woman and situation?Because fate has a sick sense of humor, he thought bitterly.She was his child, and he would take responsibility for her, dammit. And, as she was so
Trade Breaker Chapter 84
Kirael shifted in her seat, adjusting the snug airline seatbelt as the hum of the plane’s engines filled the cabin. The faint scent of reheated airline meals wafted through the air, mingling with the occasional coos from the baby carriers beside them. She glanced at Solo, whose face was turned toward the window, her profile a mask of tension as clouds rolled by them. The dim cabin lights highlighted the shadows under Solo’s eyes, a sign of the burdens she carried.Kirael placed her hand tentatively on Solo’s knee, her touch warm and grounding against the denim. “I heard what your dad said,” she began softly, her voice tinged with concern and curiosity.Solo didn’t respond immediately. Her jaw clenched, the lines of her profile etched with defiance.Kirael’s lips pressed into a tight line, determination flickering in her eyes. She gently patted Solo’s thigh and let her fingers trail upward to touch Solo’s cheek. The gesture was careful, almost maternal, as she turned Solo’s face toward
Trade Breaker Chapter 83
Chapter 82The hum of the jet engines filled the cabin, a steady rhythm against the soft leather seats and polished wooden accents. Solo sat by the window, gazing at the endless clouds.The sharp scent of fresh espresso mingled with the faint tang of aviation fuel, grounding her in the surreal reality of returning to the States after months of hiding in Florence.Her father settled into the seat across from her, a glass of scotch in his hand. He studied her, a smile tugging at his lips.“I meant to say this earlier…seeing you again after all these years, I almost didn’t recognize you,” he said, breaking the silence. “You’ve grown into quite the woman, Solo.”Solo turned to face him, a faint smile gracing her lips. “Don’t exaggerate, Dad. It’s only been a few years—you’ve seen me plenty of times. We’ve had hundreds of video calls over the years I spent with Dominic. It’s only been this year that we couldn’t do that.”Ralph chuckled, his gaze softening. “Even if it is a little under a
Trade Breaker Chapter 82
A bump in the road jolted Vivian out of her reverie and back to the present. She gazed at the other passengers—her son, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren. She’d missed so much of their lives already. Sadness and regret seeped into her. How much more of their lives will she have to miss before this madness is over?Why did the greed and ambitions of contemptible people have to affect everyone else's life? To protect their son, she and Clara had to remove themselves at different stages of his life. She allowed her mind to return to the day before when Clara visited her.She had stood by the large bay window of her drawing room, the silk curtains brushing against her arm as a cool breeze filtered in. She held a cup of chamomile tea, the porcelain warm against her palm as Clara's previous words had sent her mind elsewhere.The soft hum of Clara’s voice drew her back to the present. Clara sat in an armchair nearby, her back straight, her sharp eyes scanning a file of papers spread acr
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
