All Chapters of In The Smoke-Filled Room: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Thick tension filled the air as Clyde paced the sterile corridor of the hospital; the sharp echoesof his footsteps reverberated from the cold wall. Hours had passed since the surgery, and eachminute felt like an eternity. His father, Richard, was in the hands of the best surgeons money couldbuy, but he was also the cornerstone in Clyde's life and the West Media empire. Still, the feargnawed at Clyde's resolve.The operating room's double wooden doors finally opened, and Dr. Harris emerged, yanking hissurgical mask off his face. His face was calm and reassuring. Clyde sprang upright at once, his heartbooming against his rib cage."Dr. Harris," Clyde said, stepping into his office. "How'd it go?Dr. Harris gave a slight smile. "The surgery went well. We were able to resolve thecomplications, and your father is stable. However, he'll need time to recover, and the next fewweeks will be critical."Relief swept over Clyde's body, and he let out a deep breath. "Thank you," he said wi

Determined to make her a breakfast she’d remember, Clyde rolled up his sleeves and got towork.Clyde was cracking eggs into a bowl when he heard the soft padding of footsteps behind him.Before he could turn around, he felt slender arms wrap around his waist.“You’re up early,” Violet murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. She pressed her cheekagainst his back, inhaling his scent.I wanted to surprise you," Clyde said, his voice warm, setting the bowl down and swiveling toface her, his hands coming to rest lightly on her hips. "But I guess the surprise is ruined now."She cocked her head, lips curling into a sleepy smile. "Not ruined. Just… interrupted.Clyde chuckled, leaning down to brush a kiss against her forehead. "Well, since you're alreadyhere, how about you keep me company?"Violet stepped back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Only if you let me help.""You? Help?" he teased, raising an eyebrow. "Do you even know how to cook?"She playfully swatted his chest. "I'm

Clyde exited Violet’s apartment with a heavy heart, his mind racing with thoughts of Olivia andthe danger surrounding her kidnapping. He pulled out his phone and quickly dialed his driver.“Get the car ready. I’ll be down in five minutes,” Clyde instructed, his voice firm andno-nonsense.“Understood, sir,” the driver replied before ending the call.Clyde paused for a moment on the curb and looked down the peaceful street. It was hoursbeyond midnight; city lights laid long, disjointed shadows in streaks across the pavement. Hehitched at his coat and strode toward the parked car, unconscious of covert eyes that watchedevery movement.From the darkness of an alley a couple of blocks down, two shadowy men in black attireexchanged glances. A large, muscular figure had a scar running down his left cheek. He spokeinto his small earpiece."He's on the move.""Follow him. Stick to him like glue," a cold voice replied over the line.They disappeared into a black car that had been parked

She fetched a light jacket and slid into her sneakers, not making any sound. Violet eased up tothe apartment's back door, her heart suddenly loud in such a rhythm she was sure that would bewhat gave her away.She slowly opened the door, wincing as the soft groan of the hinges seemed to scream throughthe hallway. Stepping out into the hall, she moved toward the fire escape. Every step was agamble, every sound magnified in her ears.The men's voices were muffled now as they moved through the front of the building."She has to be in there. Let's move in soon," one of them said.Violet's breath caught. She quickened her pace, slipping out through the fire escape and into thenarrow alley behind the building.The cool night air hit her face as she crouched low, scanning the area. The men hadn't spottedher yet, but she couldn't let her guard down. She moved quickly, keeping to the shadows untilshe was several blocks away.Finally, she saw a small park with a bench secluded away and pu

Finally, he was halfway out of the window when there was a yell from the far corner of thewarehouse."He's escaping!"Panic raced through his veins. Clyde scrambled, heart pounding, to his feet as footstepsthundered in his direction. He kicked his legs to propel himself through the narrow opening, thejagged edges of the frame scraping his arms and back.He hit the alley hard, his knees buckling under him. He ignored the pain and struggled to hisfeet, running toward the shadows. The shouting of men and the crash of the warehouse doorbeing thrown open spurred him on.Clyde didn't stop running until he reached the far end of the alley, dodging behind a dumpster tocatch his breath. His lungs were burning, and his body was shaking from the exertion and thefear.The warehouse was mayhem. Men cascaded through every nook, heavy boots thudding againstthe cold concrete floor. Flashlights sliced through the shadows, illuminating crates, machinery,and each little nook and cranny where Cl