The Heiress Who Wouldn't Be Silenced
“Why did you accept the marriage?” Audrey asked, her fingers drumming impatiently on the table.
Lucas leaned back, his gaze drifting over Audrey as a lazy chuckle escaped his throat. “It's a contract.”
A bitter smile twisted Audrey's lips. “How many months do I have to pay off the debt?”
Lucas’ eyes snapped up, his brows furrowing into a shock. He hadn't expected her to be this....bold and unapologetic. He thought she would cry and plead for mercy.
“Twenty million dollars,” he muttered. “A debt even your father can't pay?”
…………….
Desperate to escape the $20 million debt her father leveraged to force her to marry Lucas Erickson, Audrey Sterling struck a deal with Thomas Whiteson, the heir of the Whiteson empire: pretend to be his fiancee for three months, and he'll pay off her debt.
But when she discovered she's an heiress to 40% share of her grandfather's company and can only claim it if she marries a man approved by her father, her world spun.
Thomas suddenly demands marriage, her father only approves of Lucas.
Trapped between loyalty to her grandfather's legacy, a deal with Thomas, and a heart falling for him, Audrey must choose: love or inheritance?
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Chapter: Chapter 24Thomas sighed in annoyance as he read a message from his father. He had just told him to come to the family house. He closed for the day, reluctantly, and drove to the mansion. The closer he got to the house the louder the music, laughter and voices of people got. ‘What the hell is going on in there,’ he hissed, stepping out of his car. “Here he is....the birthday boy!” his mother shouted, and the room erupted in applause and cheers. “I completely forgot I’m thirty-two today,” he sighed, rubbing a hand down his face, and began greeting well-wishers. But then he noticed, aside from his long distance aunties and uncles, the only other guests were the Hales. And staring at him, with open admiration was the Hales’ second daughter, Lydia Hale.‘Better not be what I’m thinking,’ Thomas thought, eyeing Lydia with disgust. He picked up the knife and cut his cake like he was being forced to do so, then bolted upstairs his old room.“Thomas!!” His mother's voice jolted him awake from h
Last Updated: 2026-07-17
Chapter: Chapter 23Mr. Smith lay almost lifeless on the bed, an oxygen mask covering his nose, an IV dripping slowly into his vein. His wife sat beside him, eyes heavy and weary from lack of sleep. “Mom,” Sophia called from the doorway. “The family doctor is here.” Mrs. Evangeline nodded once and Sophia stepped aside for a female doctor to enter. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Sterling,” the doctor greeted, setting her bag down. Mrs. Evangeline only nodded, her throat was too heavy to utter words. The doctor moved to Mr. Smith's side, placed a stethoscope on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. She nodded twice, then pulled the earpieces out of her ear, and turned to Mrs. Evangeline. “His heartbeat is getting better. In no time, he will be alright. The nurse will be here to continue his treatment.” She said firmly. “Thank you, doctor,” Mrs. Evangeline managed to say. Sophia escorted the doctor out, then came right back. She sat gently on the edge of the bed, facing her mother in the chair. “We need t
Last Updated: 2026-07-15
Chapter: Chapter 22“Ma’am, someone is spying on you!” Robert's voice was low. Ashley's brow furrowed. “Spy?” She leaned forward, fear growing within her. “By who?"“I don't know yet,” Robert exhaled, rubbing his hand over his face. “I tried finding out, but they're professional.”Agnes shot to her feet. “You’re a professional too, Robert. You should have tracked them.” In just a week, Agnes had become the only person Ashley trusted. She was the only person who knew everything. She knew about Thomas already, about the fake death....about the inheritance. Just in seven days, Agnes had supported Ashley to build the organization. All furniture needed and office equipment were already in place. To top it all, staff had been hired. A few started immediately and the rest would resume after the official launch. Stars Shelter started running faster than anyone could imagine. Agnes didn't stop there. She bought Ashley a car, rented her an apartment, hired bodyguards, and a professional hacker for her.“I tri
Last Updated: 2026-07-15
Chapter: Chapter 21“What do you mean Audrey requested her inheritance be transferred to a charity organization?” Mr. Smith's eyes burned with anger. Ethan avoided his gaze, his fingers tapping the table nervously while Mr. Smith fumed. “You should have called the family before letting her sign this,” Ryan spat, pushing the document away in disgust. Mr. Smith couldn't calm down. The chair suddenly felt too hot for his buttocks. His brain just wanted him to stand, pace, slam his fists on Ethan's desk and yell.“Dad please, calm down. Remember you're hypertensive.” Ryan said, stepping in front of his father. Ethan cleared his throat. “Smith, your late father wrote in his will that Audrey had the right to give her inheritance to any charity organization of her choice. The only time you can take control of her inheritance is if she dies. And she willed it before she died. Her 40% share will be transferred to Stars Shelter charity organization in a month….” His voice stopped when Ryan slammed his fist on
Last Updated: 2026-07-14
Chapter: Chapter 20Finally, they walked slowly back to where their cars were parked.Halfway there, Mr. Smith stopped and turned to Ryan. “Fix a meeting with Ethan and John,” he said, his voice cold. “Audrey's gone. We can't mourn her forever, or the company will collapse.”He looked up to the sky for half a second. “My father wouldn't rest in heaven if I let his legacy fall apart because I was grieving.”Ryan was quiet, listening carefully. Mr. Smith continued, “To make things easier, we’ll sell Audrey’s shares to Ekcell, my new company.” Ryan frowned. “But dad.... There's no reason to bring Lucas back into this. There's no Audrey for him to marry anymore. Why sell to the company his father co-founded? Why not your own company, SS limited company?”Mr. Smith didn't say a word. He just stood there, his eyes distant. Finally, he said, “We’ll settle that later. Everyone in the car.” The journey back to the mansion was a quiet one.Fifteen minutes in, Mr. Smith's head snapped up from his phone and t
Last Updated: 2026-07-14
Chapter: Chapter 19Audrey woke up early before anyone could. After getting dressed, she moved to the drawer, pulling out the things she couldn't leave behind. She fit them into a small box, closing it slowly, to avoid noise that might wake anyone up. She slipped out of the house on tiptoe, the door closing gently behind her. At the gate, she stopped and took a final look at her father's house. “Maybe, when I make something of myself, they’d want me back.” She whispered, her voice shaking.A taxi was already waiting for her, she wiped her cheeks and entered it. “Drive,” she said. Audrey’s eyes couldn't stop shedding tears, and she didn't bother wiping them. Her heart was shattered- her father now loved money and title over her. And all of these started after Sophia was adopted. The taxi finally came to a stop in front of a building, sitting alone in the area. Audrey paid the driver and alighted. The front door creaked open before she reached the door knob. Attorney Ethan emerged, his eyes darting
Last Updated: 2026-05-20
Chapter: Chapter ElevenEthan's eyes squeezed in a shock as Ava held his hand up in the air, before it could deliver a slap on her cheeks. “I’ve only asked where Lily is, I won't tolerate domestic violence,” her voice trembling yet laced with confidence, Mrs. Evangeline smirked, her expression flickering with annoyance. “I told you she's a Gold digger who will do anything to have your wealth…even if it means killing your only child.” Ava's eyebrows furrowed at Mrs. Evangeline's words. She glanced at the stain of blood again and then at the trembling maid. Her mind reeled as she tried to make sense of Mrs. Evangeline’s accusations.Just then, a nurse appeared from the direction of Lily's nursery, walking steadily towards them with the little girl held in her arms. There was a small plaster on Lily's forehead and her eyes were red from crying. “You almost killed her,” Ethan's nose flared as he glared at the plaster on Lily's forehead, taking her from the nurse. Ava’s brow furrowed deeper in confusion. ‘Di
Last Updated: 2026-01-17
Chapter: Chapter Ten“You can go home,” Ethan's cold voice broke the silence, jolting Ava's back to the moment. Her teary eyes locked onto his stern eyes. Wasn't he going to say anything about what his mother had just said? “And….what about your mother?” Ava's voice trembled with emotion. Ethan's teeth clenched in frustration, his jaw tightening visibly. “I’ll handle that, go and take care of my daughter,” his face frowning as he said that. Ava nodded quietly and turned to leave but her feet felt rooted to the spot. She remembered she hadn't asked about Ethan's diagnosis. “What are you waiting for?” Ethan asked coldly. Ava returned slowly to him. “Your…I forget to ask how you're faring,” her voice trembled with fear. She swallowed hard and continued, ”The doctor refused to tell me your diagnosis,” Ethan's face squeezed up in a frown, and Ava's gaze dropped. “I'm fine, you don't need to know my diagnosis….”“I'm your wife!” Ava's voice rose, catching Ethan off guard. It was as if her patience and ca
Last Updated: 2025-11-06
Chapter: Chapter Nine “What happened to Ethan again?” Mrs. Evangeline King rushed into the hospital waiting room, her breath fast with panic. Ava stood up, confusion and nervousness swirling inside of her as she watched Mrs. Evangeline King stormed in. Though they had never met, the faint resemblance to Ethan made her suspect this was his mother. “Good….. afternoon, ma,” Ava stammered, unsure of what to say to the visibly shaking woman. Mrs. Evangeline ignored her, her focus on Miriam. “Where's my son? What are the doctors saying?” Her voice trembled with anxiety.“The doctor hadn't disclosed his diagnosis yet. He is with him in the ward, ma.” Miriam replied with her head bowed, pointing toward the private emergency ward. Without any other questions, Mrs. Evangeline rushed to the ward with her bodyguard running to keep up with her pace. Ava glanced over at Miriam, whose face etched with confusion. Perhaps Miriam was confused and shocked with the way Mrs. Evangeline ignored her daughter-in-law. Ava’s
Last Updated: 2025-09-28
Chapter: Chapter Eight“Jess!” Henry exclaimed, rushing back into his car. He’d thought the collision had seriously damaged Ava's taxi, but just as he was about to get to them, the taxi driver sped off. He sped after them but only to slam into a pole, bringing him to an abrupt halt. Before he could recover, Ava's taxi had vanished out of sight. Panic flooded through his blood as he circled the street, frantically searching for Ava's taxi. He drove to the King’s enterprise, but the fear of raising suspicion forced him to turn back. “What the hell do I want to tell Alicia,” he growled, pounding his fist on the steering wheel. Though he looked like the scary one, Alicia seemed more formidable and he feared her anger.Still pondering on what to do next, his phone rang, disrupting his thoughts. A glance at the screen revealed Alicia’s name, sending chills down his spine. Reluctantly, he answered the call and put the phone on speaker. “Is it done?” Alicia's voice was dangerously low. Henry's hand ran through
Last Updated: 2025-09-25
Chapter: Chapter SevenAva's POV “Alright,” he whispered, sending relief coursing through my spine. I hadn't expected him to accept so quickly. That means he needed this marriage more than I thought, perhaps not just because of Lily but to ward off his parents’ troubles. “Sign,” he said coldly, dropping a paper before me. My eyes narrowed as I picked it up and lo and behold it was a marriage certificate. “That was so fast,” I muttered under my breath. I shot him a disdainful look, not when he was looking though. Then, I grabbed a pen and put down my signature. My heart fluttered as I realized I had just gotten married without a wedding gown and in an office. That wasn't what I wanted, but it was necessary for my life. “My chauffeur will take you home to pack your belongings,” Mr. Ethan said, his gaze fixed on his PC. “No, I’ll get it myself,” I said sharply, biting back my retort as anger growled inside of me for his coldness towards his newly wedded wife. “My parents don't have any idea of this marri
Last Updated: 2025-09-24
Chapter: Chapter SixAva's POV “Ava…..Ava, would you just stay inside that room and let me serve dinner?” That was Alicia's voice. I slapped my forehead in frustration and quickly hid the contract marriage terms and conditions. “Ava….” Her voice grew louder. “I'm coming!” I shouted back, clearly frustrated and quickly rushed out of the room. “Is this how you ignore your mother?” My dad yelled as I got to the dining room.“I rushed down here as I heard her voice….”“That's a lie,” Alicia snapped. “I called you more than five times.”“Five times,” I muttered, but swallowed my retort and whispered, “I’m sorry.” My dad's angry gaze lingered on me before he hissed and sat down. I hurried to the kitchen to serve the food, but Alicia had already portioned it onto plates, leaving them ready for me to carry to the dining table. However, there were only three plates on the tray. I rushed to the pot to see if she’d left some for me, but the pot was scraped clean. “1..2..3,” I recounted slowly. “Ahh!” I silent
Last Updated: 2025-09-23
Chapter: Chapter One hundred and Thirty-two Epilogue Grace's POV Reflecting on how my family had grown with joy over the past few years brought a wide smile to my face. I couldn't be more grateful to be spending my old age surrounded by my children, grandchildren and children in laws, all doing so well. Isabella’s fashion house had become the biggest in the country. Jack's company had just been awarded the top honors. Jade and Benjamin’s company had blossomed into a multinational powerhouse. Jill was doing extremely well, running several companies successfully. Daisy had just been promoted to commissioner of the US child support services. My darling first granddaughter, Maya, had grown into a sweet little girl. I know it could be wrong to say, but she was my favourite of all my grandkids. Maybe the challenges I made her face as a newborn deepened my love for her. I couldn't stop smiling as those sweet memories swirled in my mind. Glancing at my wrist-watch, I quickly stepped before the mirror to style my hair, as I prepare
Last Updated: 2025-11-19
Chapter: Chapter One hundred and Thirty-oneGrace's POV Benjamin’s tears flowed uncontrollably as he recounted the story of how Victor’s greed had wiped off his family. The room was extremely silent and everyone had tears in their eyes. My headache vanished and got replaced by anger toward my husband and deep sympathy for Benjamin. “Please, forgive me,” Victor’s voice trembled with emotion. “I already did,” Benjamin whispered, his body shaking with each sob as he fell into Victor’s open arms, the sound of his cries echoing through the room. After a moment, Benjamin raised his head from Victor’s shoulder, his eyes red and puffy. Jade moved closer to him and gently cleaned his face with a tissue. “What do you want me to do for you? Ask anything and I’ll do it,” Victor said gently. Benjamin sniffled, his lips breaking into a smile as he replied. “Give me Jade to marry,” prompting laughter from everyone. Victor’s face broke into smiles as he replied, “You have her already,” Jade’s eyes sparkled and she jumped at her fathe
Last Updated: 2025-11-18
Chapter: Chapter One hundred and Thirty “Kimberly!” Victor's voice boomed as the strange woman approached us. I shot him a questioning gaze, my brow pulled together in confusion. “This is the woman I was telling you about. Do you know her?” Victor’s expression darkened as he reluctantly nodded in response. His fist clenched, ready to strike the woman’s face, but Jack's quick intervention stopped him. I struggled to sit up in bed, ignoring my throbbing head, my gaze fixed on them as their drama unfolded. “What did I do to you? Why would you threaten my grandchildren’s lives?” Victor’s voice rose, his anger palpable. Kimberly's eyes brimmed with tears as she sank to her knees, “I'm sorry,” she whispered, her lips trembling.“Victor, who is she?” I asked.“She's the woman who I did IVF with but ended up giving me another man's child,” Victor's voice was laced with frustration and betrayal. It now made sense to me and the children. Victor had a past with her, which explained why she was targeting the family. Kimberly han
Last Updated: 2025-11-17
Chapter: Chapter One hundred and Twenty-nineGrace's POVMy eyelids felt heavy as I tried opening them, like I’d shut it tight for a long time. I felt a sharp pain in my head as I tried to lift my head off the pillow, forcing me to lie back. My nose felt heavy, weighed down, so I slowly lifted my hand to touch it. The oxygen mask made me realize I was in the hospital. “Hospital, but how?” My head throbbed more as I tried to remember what had happened. I still couldn't open my eyes well, but I sensed someone was beside me. As I tried to speak, I felt a needle prick in my hand and I drifted off again. When I finally got to open my eyes again, hours or maybe days later, the oxygen mask had been removed and the hospital smell was unmistakable. “Why am I here?” I whispered, glancing around the room. It was a private room so I had no one in there to answer my question. I shut my eyes back if that could help me remember anything. Then, the hurtful memories started flooding back. Jack….. Baby Maya…..Dr. Williams….. The police offic
Last Updated: 2025-11-16
Chapter: Chapter One hundred and Twenty-eight Jack's car followed the police van to the Mason’s Mansion. His frustration was palpable, his feet tapping anxiously on the car mat. Grace's past behavior concerning the investigation flooded his mind, sending chills down his spine as they all began to make sense. His phone rang, shattering his thoughts. He grabbed it, fear intensifying as Isabella’s name flashed back at him. How would he tell Isabella that his mother was the culprit? The thought of Isabella’s reaction made him nauseous.He ignored the call, but the phone kept ringing. After giving him several missed calls, Isabella sent a text instead. “Hi baby, it seems you're busy. I Just want to give you an update on what’s happening. I’ve gotten our baby girl from the Winthrops and we are on our way home now. She's such a lovely mini me and can't wait for you to meet her. Love you darling.” The message read with love emojis added. Jack's eyes teared up as he read the message, he feared he would lose his marriage if Isabella ev
Last Updated: 2025-11-16
Chapter: Chapter One hundred and Twenty-seven Without any further delay, Jack called the police station and within a few minutes, the cops surrounded the adoption agency center, arresting Mr. Oliver. They then headed straight to the hospital to arrest Dr. Augustine Williams. Dr. Williams’s eyes widened in alarm as the detectives burst into his office. Fear gripped him upon seeing Mr. Oliver, standing beside them in a handcuff. Jack was also behind them, his face twisted in a deep frown. “Dr. Williams, you're under arrest for stealing Mr. Mason's child,” the detective’s voice sent his body into tense and it started to shake. A hard knot hooked in his throat, making it hard for him to utter words as he just stood rigid, staring at the detective in horror. “Please turn around and put your hands behind your back,” Dr. Williams complied, turning around slowly, his hands trembling as the detective handcuffed him. “Em….” He was about to say but the detective swiftly cut him off. “Anything you say will be used against you in the cour
Last Updated: 2025-11-13
Chapter: Chapter 64Keon's feet barely touched the ground as he sprinted out of the office. This was only going to be really bad for him. Kimberly’s father never wanted her to come to Moonlight city in the first place, she had insisted and now she had an accident. Keon's heart pounded hard against his chest, and traffic only made it worse. He kept calling the hospital, but all they would say was, “You need to be at the hospital, sir. We can't discuss her condition over the phone.”After what felt like eternity, his driver finally pulled into the parking garage of Royal Hospital. He didn't wait for his driver to park properly, he jumped out of the car and ran straight to the emergency room. “Sir, you need to be calm. You can't go in there right now,” a female nurse said, blocking him before he could barge into the ward. Keon forced a nod and dropped into a chair in the waiting room, his knees bouncing uncontrollably, his patience growing thin. Minutes felt like hours before the doctor finally came
Last Updated: 2026-10-07
Chapter: Chapter 63Every accusation against Joan suddenly felt true. The voice on the phone could not be that of one of her staff. No clothing store attendant would have the confidence to answer his boss's phone, let alone speak to him in that manner. Now he knew Joan hadn't been pulling away because of something he did. She was clearly seeing someone else. How under his roof had that happened? When Joan was in his house, she was always indoors. Keon rubbed his temple. The betrayal cut deeper than he expected. With his heart hammering against his ribs, he texted his private investigator. He really wanted to know who the man or men Joan had been hanging around with. His response came in two minutes, “Nothing concrete had been found concerning Ms. Joan. No clothing business registered in her name. She hadn't been seen around like a regular person. She seemed to be surrounded by power. I'll need more time to find more about her.” Keon read the response until his face drained of color. For the rest o
Last Updated: 2026-10-06
Chapter: Chapter 62Just when Joan ended the call with Melissa, Tristan walked in. He was coming straight from the office. His tailored suit was still impeccably pressed and his tie slightly loosened. She let out a soft gasp. Tristan's coming to her house unannounced was surprising, but he was undeniably welcome. “I came for lunch,” he said softly, stepping fully inside. He sat down beside her on the couch, close enough that his shoulder brushed hers. He pulled off his suit jacket and draped it neatly over the arm of the couch. Then he turned to her, gaze softening as he stared at her for a few seconds. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was coming.” “It's fine,” Joan replied with a smile.“I figured you wouldn't be going to the office today,” Tristan continued, “and since your house is a bit closer to my company, I thought I could come have lunch here...and with you.” Joan nodded slowly, a smile playing on her lips as she looked at him. “I’ll go prepare something for you now.” She said, rising to her
Last Updated: 2026-10-05
Chapter: Chapter 61Melissa paced her office, one hand on her hip and the other clamped around her phone. Her face was tight with worry. Oliver and Vivian sat side by side, legs crossed, eyes darting between each other and to Melissa. They looked worried as well. “You need to sit,” Oliver said quietly. “Let's figure out the next step.” Melissa shot him a sharp look, then finally dropped into her chair. She pulled the Eric Ltd project documents closer and flipped through it again, heavy sighs escaping her lips. Work had already commenced on the project, but they were stalled on resources. The robotic vendor was playing favorites. Melissa's team had placed the order three times now, and every time they'd been told to check back later. The last time Melissa went herself, one of the staff members pulled her aside and advised her to get Langley Corp, Blake Enterprises or any of the Tier 1 companies in the country to co-sign her purchase order. Her company was doing well, but it was her first time placi
Last Updated: 2026-10-04
Chapter: Chapter 60Tristan was clearly tired. He collapsed onto the bed like he couldn't stand another second. Joan turned to leave him to give him space, but he was faster to catch her wrist and make her fall into the bed beside him. “You can leave when I'm actually asleep,” he mumbled, groggy, pulling her head to his chest. Joan simply nodded and watched him in silence, until he finally fell asleep. Only then did she slip out of the room. She woke up the next morning to learn that he had left already. Kendra narrated how he had insisted on preparing her breakfast before leaving.Joan stared at the food for a few seconds, a smile dancing on her lips. When she finally took a bite, the smile widened. Tristan was really a great cook. He didn't have to do it, she had staff for that. But he did it anyway. That simple gesture alone made her fall for him a little harder.………..The first thing Keon did when he got to the office the next morning was call an emergency meeting for the middle and lower manag
Last Updated: 2026-10-03
Chapter: Chapter 59Joan’s pulse raced as she grabbed the first shirt she could find and pulled it over her underwear. She got to the living room to find Tristan standing, his face unreadable. “Hi,” Joan's voice was barely audible. “What took you so long to come down?” His voice was low and controlled with a trace of softness. “I was trying to put on something decent,” she said quickly. Her mind was racing, she just wanted him to say why he was here. Tristan nodded and closed the distance between them, gently pulling her to his side.Joan fought the urge to roll her eyes. She let herself melt into the hug, her hands trembling slightly as she wrapped them around him. “You're still not comfortable hugging your own fiance?” He murmured as they pulled apart. “I am, I'm just... in shock that you're here tonight. What brought you here?” She asked, her eyes finally meeting his.Tristan didn't answer immediately, he walked to the center of the room, unclasped his wristwatch and placed it gently on the tab
Last Updated: 2026-10-01
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