All Chapters of Shadows Of Deception : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

ADRIAN (POV)The night air was cool, the darkness pressing on all sides as I drove like a madman through the streets of the city.My mind was a storm of rage and confusion, the questions from that cursed news article spinning in my head. Vanessa? Who the hell was Vanessa? And Ivy... God, where was she really?The tires screeched as I took a sharp turn, almost losing control. I didn’t care. Maxwell had to have the answers. He had to explain this nightmare that was quickly becoming my reality. My breath was ragged as I approached his office, the headlights cutting through the inky blackness, revealing Maxwell’s car parked outside the tall building.The building loomed, dark and silent, as if it was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable confrontation.I slammed on the brakes, the car jerking to a stop. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles white, as I stared at the figure emerging from the shadows. Maxwell was alone, stepping out of the building with his

IVY (POV)I felt my breath hitch in my throat as I watched the SUV disappear around the corner. The started rain in trickles and the rhythm seemed to amplify the pounding of my heart.“ Who could it be?” I repeated. And why did they have to show up now, just when I was trying to start over?Lily’s words echoed in my mind: “Ethan’s blue eyes.” I swallowed hard, trying to shake off the cold dread creeping up my spine. I cleared my throat and pulled a shrug to make it look less suspicious.I knew I couldn’t let the children see my fear. I had to be strong, for their sake.“Alright, let’s get inside, kiddos,” I said, now forcing a smile as I ushered them toward the front door. “It’s starting to rain, and we don’t want to catch a cold on our first day back, do we?”Ethan had since joined us he looked up at me with those curious blue eyes. and shook his head, a grin spreading across his face. “No, Mommy. I want to see the whole house!”“Me too!” Lily chimed in, clutching her toy t

Adrian’s POV) I sat on a cold metal chair, leaning back, my muscles taut with tension.The first police man that was here earlier had gone.The room was dimly lit, its walls painted in a color that once might have been white but had now faded to a sickly, pale yellow.Every part of this place felt designed to break a man’s spirit, strip you of your will.The door swung open, and first person to enter first was Austin. I felt an element of relief when I saw him.His expression was tight, concern written in the lines of his face. He was followed by a tall man with sharp eyes, dressed in a tailored suit that seemed too refined for a place like this. His presence filled the room with a quiet authority, his movements measured and deliberate. The policeman who had led them in hovered by the door, watching with a mixture of suspicion and irritation.The newcomer glanced briefly at the officer, then back at me. "I need a moment with my client…. In private," he said, his voice calm but c

IVY’S POV)The room was still. Ethan's question about Caleb lingered in the air like smoke. I opened my mouth to answer, but the words didn’t come. My mind raced, searching for a plausible response something that would make sense, something that wouldn't raise more questions.“Caleb…” I began, my voice catching. “He's just a… a name from a dream, I think.” I forced a light laugh, hoping it sounded convincing, but I could feel their eyes on me, Ethan's eye especially. The twins exchanged yet another puzzled look.Ethan was perceptive. Too perceptive.“A dream?” he asked, tilting his head slightly. His bright blues eyes were steady, curious.“Yes,” I said a bit too quickly. “Or maybe… a memory. But nothing important.” My voice wavered, and I could tell I’d only deepened their suspicions.Ethan didn't press further, but I could see the quiet resolve in his eyes. He nodded slowly, as if accepting my explanation for now, but I knew he was already making plans for something…that

(THIRD POV)“Who is he, Mummy?” Ethan’s face was earnest, his brows knitted with curiosity.Their mother’s breath almost stopped. Her eyes darted around the yard, scanning the faces of the other parents, the teachers, anyone who might be listening.She squatted quickly, her voice a trembling whisper. “Hey Hush, both of you. We need to get home. I’ll explain everything there, okay?” “But Is he still alive?” Lily added, her voice softer, her wide eyes staring up at her mother with a mix of confusion and concern.Ivy gasped, her heart now thumping so loudly she could hear it in her ears. She looked around again, as if searching for an escape, then she leaned closer to them. “Please, not here,” she pleaded. “We’ll talk when we get home. I promise.”“Are you sure, Mummy?” Ethan’s voice was small but insistent, his bright blue eyes never leaving hers.“Yes, I said I will tell you,” she replied, her voice firmer, her jaw clenched as she took Lily into her arms and gripped Ethan's ha