All Chapters of THE TYRANT'S CONTRACT BRIDE: Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

Serena's body went rigid against the solid oak wall she had just crashed into. Her heart pounded against her ribcage.She didn't dare look up, didn't dare meet the piercing gaze she could feel burning into her with an intensity that threatened to consume her whole. Deep down, in the very marrow of her bones, she knew exactly who had her pinned there - the one person she'd been desperately trying to avoid at all costs.Serena felt exposed and vulnerable in a way that made her throat constrict with guilt. Her chest tightened until each shallow breath was a struggle.The last thing she wanted, the absolute last thing in the world she needed right now, was for Knox to see her like this. She didn’t want to be seen looking all disheveled, emotionally wrecked, and barely holding it together by a few tenuous threads of rapidly fraying control.The whole reason she had wanted to escape to the city was to get a total makeover.She needed to change up her look so drastically that she wouldn't so

Serena finally got the chance to really take in Knox's appearance. He was dressed casually in a heather gray sweatsuit, the soft material clinging to his toned physique in a way that made her mouth go dry.The hoodie was pulled back just enough to reveal his dark, tousled locks she loved running her fingers through with a few stubborn strands falling over his forehead in a way that was utterly disarming.She had to admit, seeing him like this so relaxed and at ease - was incredibly refreshing compared to the serious, formal suits he typically wore.Those tailored outfits always gave him such an intimidating, deadly air. But right now, he just looked like any other gorgeous guy, albeit an exceptionally handsome one.A ridiculously good-looking one! Serena thought with an internal blush."See something you like?" Knox's deep voice pulled Serena from her admiring reverie.He had caught her staring, if the amused quirk of his full lips was any indication.Heat flooded her cheeks at being s

Serena's throat constricted violently as a strangled, gargling sound was all that could escape her lips.Her hands flew up instinctively to splay over the delicate column of her neck in desperate, clawing motions.Shock, horror, and disbelief were evident in her widened eyes that was now rimmed with red, as she stared up at Knox.Tears spilled in a fat, glistening river down her flushed cheeks, leaving salty trails in their wake.Why couldn't she speak? Had she truly lost her ability to form words, to give voice to the maelstrom of emotions raging inside her? Would she be forever condemned to this haunting silence, never again able to utter even the simplest phrase? The thought was too terrible for Serena to bear!Knox could read every frantic, spiraling thought reflected in the teary depths of her gaze.His own eyes softened with concern and tenderness and gathered her violently trembling form into the protective circle of his arms even more."Easy now, love," he crooned. "Everything

The oppressive silence that descended on the room was almost tangible.Meredith's pronouncement may have offered a glimmer of hope for Serena's survival, it simultaneously threatened to shatter the delicate balance of their unconventional family. The proposed solution of a blood bond was the only viable option to stabilize the celestial power surging through Serena's veins, to anchor and prevent her from being consumed by the raw, untamed energy coursing through her body. Yet, the very nature of this bond, steeped in magic as old as time itself, carried with it the potential for unforeseen and utterly devastating consequences.The ever embodiment of unbridled enthusiasm and impulsive action Killian, was the first to react. His initial apprehension dissolved like morning mist under the blazing sun of possibility. The prospect of becoming Serena's sworn protector, her brother in every sense of the word, ignited a spark of childlike joy within him that quickly grew into a roaring flam

The chaos unfolding at the villa was merely the opening act of a much larger drama engulfing Star City. Another explosive scandal about Serena had erupted across the internet and airwaves, sending shockwaves through every corner of the metropolis. One of the senior bodyguards approached the gathered audience in the sumptuous dining room, which was filled with tense energy from earlier discussions. "Master.” He began cautiously, barely able to contain his fear that oozed off of him in waves. “I'm afraid I have some... rather distressing information to share with you all."He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle over the room. "It seems the media has once again gotten hold of highly sensitive and, frankly, incendiary information about the Madam. Allegations of the most vile and slanderous kind are being spread across every news outlet as we speak."Everyone’s faces instantly darkened with a palpable anger to murder a certain people. They didn’t need to be told that Ale