Home / Romance / THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE / CHAPTER 28: Caught in-between

Share

CHAPTER 28: Caught in-between

Author: Brandykhoko
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-01-01 23:56:02

It was still dark outside—too early for anyone else to be up. Even Bella was sound asleep, wrapped under the soft comforter in his bedroom. Zac had entered his study last night without a word. The study was his refuge—a place he could retreat to when his thoughts grew too loud.

The dim glow of his laptop screen lit up the otherwise quiet room. Emails and messages waited for his attention, but his thoughts were miles away. They circled back to Mia.

Over the past few weeks, her story had come together in fragments. She kept most of her struggles to herself, but Zac was good at connecting the dots. Her overwhelming debt, the job she’d been forced to take, and her longing hope for freedom showed a life she hadn’t willingly stepped into.

She had made it known that completing this job would give her the freedom to leave New York with her family and perhaps settle in a quiet location, like Iceland or Austria.

Zac couldn’t picture her in a quiet, far-off country like that. It didn’t suit
Patuloy na basahin ang aklat na ito nang libre
I-scan ang code upang i-download ang App
Locked Chapter

Kaugnay na kabanata

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 29: Whispers of the Heart

    “Jason’s not coming. Something came up, and he had to cancel,” Mia replied quickly. As soon as Zac mentioned staying for dinner, Mia stepped inside briefly and sent Jason a text, fabricating an excuse about needing to reschedule his appointment. “That’s sad. Good thing Zac is here, right?” her mother said cheerfully, but the expression on Mia’s face remained clearly uninterested. As Sarah served the dish, the atmosphere in the dining room became thicker with the tempting aroma of a homemade banquet. The table, carefully arranged, displayed roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich, shiny sauce that glimmered in the light. “This looks amazing, Mrs. Williams,” Zac said, genuinely impressed. “Thank you, Zac,” Sarah replied with a warm smile. “It’s just a simple dinner, but I like to add my little touch. Try the sauce—I think you’ll like it.” Zac took a bite, his brow lifting in surprise. “This is… incredible. I’ve never had anything like this.” “Well, you’re wel

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-02
  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 30: Mia’s Turning Point

    Another Friday morning came, and Mia positioned herself in front of her mirror, flattening the creases from her blouse. She slung her bag over her shoulder, feeling an unexpected sense of ease as she made her way to work.For once, the week had been decent—certainly better than the string of rough ones she’d endured. Zac had been unexpectedly nice, even enjoying a peaceful lunch with her earlier in the week. It may not have been significant, but it was sufficient to make her feel… acknowledged—perhaps even valued. Upon entering the office, a slight, authentic smile graced her lips. As she approached her desk, she greeted her coworkers cheerfully, the quiet clicks of her heels blending into the background.However, a sudden beep from the intercom demanded her attention.Taking a steadying breath, she walked to his office, carefully pushing the door open.“Good morning sir,” she greeted softly.Zac was standing by the window, his back turned to her. He didn’t respond at first, his po

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-03
  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 31: A Bouquet of Apologies

    Mia smiled to herself, thinking back to the previous evening. A strange man had opened the car door and asked her to get in, only for her to see Bella, sitting at the other end of the back seat, her expression remained calm like she had been waiting for this moment. “I don’t like you, Mia,” she said, her voice cold and to the point. “Let’s just get that clear.” Mia leaned back, unfazed. She crossed her arms, meeting Bella’s gaze with a steady calmness. “Is that enough reason for my kidnap?” Bella smirked, lifting her hand to flaunt a diamond ring on her finger. “See this?” she said, twirling it as though it held all the power in the world. “This can never be yours—so, keep your distance, okay?” Mia raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Let me make this easy for you,” she replied, her tone measured but cutting. “I’m only working here temporarily. So, in a couple of months, you won’t even have to see me again. Does that help? Does that ease your… mental state?” Bella’s smirk faltere

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-04
  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 32: The debts that Binds

    “Happy Birthday!” Laughter and cheers welcomed Sarah and Samantha as they stepped into the cozy living room, where her mother’s birthday celebration was already in progress. Sarah, Mia's mom, swung the door open only to reveal a total surprise. Her only thought was to enjoy a peaceful day and make a brief trip to the mall for essentials. Instead, she was welcomed by an explosion of vibrant balloons, ribbons, and a large birthday cake that stood majestically in the middle of the dining table. The room was thoughtfully adorned, each corner filled with vibrant hues that created a celebratory atmosphere. Mia and Samantha exchanged a satisfied glance, while Sarah stood at the entrance, too shocked to speak. “Really?” Sarah finally managed, her voice a mix of surprise and amusement. “I thought we were just going to the mall for a few things. Maybe cook something small.” She had spoken to Samantha earlier, laughing about how simple things were going to be. “Did you know about t

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-05
  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 33 : A plan to Wreck it all

    “Mia,” Xiang’s voice cut through the silence like a blade. “I know you’ve been doing a good job, but we need more info. BioCorps is breathing down my neck. If you can’t deliver something, we’re both done for.”Xiang paced around the dusty warehouse as if he was almost running mad. One of his group members—a skilled hacker—sat at one end, his eyes stealing glances at them, wondering what could have made their leader tense.Mia took a step forward, her expression tight. “I’ve been on this for months, Xiang. Every move he makes, I’ve watched. Every deal, I’ve tracked. He’s clean. I can’t find anything to put him in the black list. Nothing.”“You have to dig deeper, then.”Mia bit her lip, her frustration clear. “Xiang, if it were that easy, I’d have done it already.”Xiang let out a cold laugh. “No one is that clean. No one.” His gaze pinned her in place. “If you can’t find any, create one. Isn’t that what we do? There has to be something to blackmail him with, at least.”“You don’t get

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-05
  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE    CHAPTER 34: The Enchanted Idea

    It was a beautiful sunny Monday morning, and it felt even brighter knowing she didn’t have to go to the office. Zac had called earlier, saying he’d be tied up with a meeting and she could work from home. She’d planned a quiet day, until his text came through.“I need your help—meet me at The Royale Golf Course.”The address led her to a golf course. It was huge, with wide, green fields that seemed to go on forever. Players were scattered across the course, swinging clubs and chatting.She spotted Zac near the entrance, leaning against a golf cart. He was dressed in tailored khakis and a navy polo shirt, exuding his usual polished charm. When their eyes met, he motioned for her to approach with a small wave.“Good morning, sir,” she said, walking up to him.“Morning,” he replied with a small nod. “Come on. Let’s sit somewhere quiet.”He led her to a quiet lounge overlooking the course. The place was calm, with soft chairs and a perfect view of the green. As they settled in, Mia hesitat

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-06
  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 35: It’s Over between us, Bella

    Zac noticed Mia’s gaze and turned to look over his shoulder. His body stiffened the moment he saw her.“Bella?” he said, his voice sharp with surprise. “Weren’t you supposed to be on the boat cruise?”Bella didn’t answer right away. Her cold, furious eyes darted between Zac and Mia.Zac frowned as his gaze scanned her outfit—a tight leather fit, transparent lace—and her tense posture.“How did you even get in?” he asked, his tone more serious this time.Bella’s cold, sharp laugh cut through the air. “Oh! The cruise? Really?” Her eyes darted toward Mia, narrowing like a hawk zeroing in on prey. “Is that why you brought her here?” She stepped further inside, her heels clicking against the floor, each step full of purpose.“Is that why, Zac?”Before Zac could respond, Bella grabbed a delicate glass sculpture from the table and threw it at Mia.Mia dodged it just in time, and the artifact shattered into pieces on the floor.“What the hell, Bella?!” Zac shouted. He jumped to his feet and

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-08
  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 36: Angelo’s party

    You’re telling me all that happened today?” Samantha asked, throwing a set of clothes on top of Mia’s bed. She was already dressed in her pajamas, wrapped her ginger hair up in a bun. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she watched Mia comb her tangled hair in front of the mirror. “You know I don’t make things up,” Mia replied, her voice tired. “It’s been one drama after another. To be honest, I’m done worrying about it.” She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. Samantha picked up a black silk top from the stack and held it up. “What about this? It screams edgy-but-cute, right?” Mia barely glanced at it before flopping back onto the bed with a groan. “I don’t even want to go. I should just cancel, Sam. I’m serious.” “You dare not cancel!” Samantha spun around dramatically, her hands on her hips. “Girl, it’s Angelo’s party. You have to be there. Besides, you can’t leave him hanging after everything. Remember, he even stayed back to clean up after your mom’s birthday

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-09

Pinakabagong kabanata

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 123: Faces of the Fallout

    As soon as Zac stepped out of the interrogation room, the first person he saw was Mia—seated at the far end of the hallway, speaking quietly with another officer.The moment their eyes met, she stood to her feet.“Zac,” she said softly.“Mia?” He blinked, surprised. “You’re here already?”“Yeah,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “We came as soon as we heard.”Behind her, Samantha and Angelo approached quietly. Zac’s eyes moved to them briefly, then back to Mia.She motioned vaguely over her shoulder. “How… how did you manage to handle all this in such a short time?”Zac let out a weak sigh. “We ran a thorough investigation,” he said. “Pulled every string we could find. I’m just… I’m glad it’s finally leading somewhere.”Mia gave a small nod.Zac turned slowly as Samantha stepped closer. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a phone, handing it to her. “Here. Your phone.”“Oh, thanks,” Samantha replied, taking it. “I’ll just go through the contents shortly.”Then

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 122: Shadows of the Past

    Late morning sun streamed through the cab window across Johnny Hansen’s face. His duffel bag sat on the seat beside him, his passport tucked into his hoodie pocket, and a boarding pass pulled up on his phone.The airport was minutes away. Just a few more turns, and he’d be out. Canada was calling—a fresh start, a clean slate.He scrolled absently through the web, then stopped. A news notification blinked at the top of his screen: Mia Cornell allegedly files a lawsuit against Zandawoo, followed by the assault video—that same video—still ripping through the internet like wildfire.His stomach churned. His mind slipped, without permission, into the past.**It was a few years ago, during his second year in college.It was Johnny’s party. Loud music blasted in the dimly lit, colorful space. The air smelled of weed and energy drinks. Red plastic cups clinked. People danced, and a mixture of cheap perfume and sweat hung in the air.And somewhere in the corner, near the wall of blinking LED

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 121: The Errand Boy

    The smell hit him first—dust, hay, and dried sweat soaked into the wooden beams. Zac stepped into the poorly lit space, the creaking barn door closing behind him with a hollow thud.It was a secluded ranch, far from the city. Not marked on the map, or easy to locate. The kind of place where if you screamed, the echo would fade—and no one would ever hear you.A single bulb dangled from a rusty hook above, casting a sickly orange glow over the center of the barn.Below it, a man was seated in a worn-out chair, slumped but barely breathing.It was Brian.His wrists were bound, ankles tied to the legs of the chair, head low like he couldn’t lift it anymore.His face was swollen, bruised around the mouth and cheek. Blood crusted along one eyebrow. His breathing came in short bursts. Every inhale looked like it cost him something. Still, his eyes were wide open, darting around at the figures that stood in the shadows around him.Zac didn’t speak at first. He just stood there, arms folded, a

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 120: Making it Right

    “Bella?” Angelo whispered, moving toward the entrance. I hope she did not come back to pick another fight. But as he reached the hallway, a familiar face appeared, nearly colliding into him.“Oh—Samantha!”She blinked, holding a small tote bag in one hand and her phone in the other.“Hey. Did I scare you?”Angelo let out a deep breath. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”Samantha stepped inside, her eyes scanning the place. “You guys look like you weren’t expecting me.”“We totally forgot,” Mia said, appearing behind him. “We didn’t hear a knock.”“Oh. The door was unlocked. I figured you were home. By the way, I saw Bella at the gate, actually—she looked… pretty mad.”Angelo and Mia exchanged a glance.“Is everything alright?” Samantha asked, looking between them. “I hope there’s no drama.”Mia folded her arms. “Nothing serious. Just… Bella being Bella.”Samantha gave a small, careful smile. “Okay. As long as it’s not an issue.”Silence hung for a beat. Angelo cleared his throat. “

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 119: Ashes in Her Mouth

    Mia didn’t move. She relaxed on the couch, back straight, legs crossed, and her hands folded loosely in her lap. Bella continued, zeroing in like a missile. “What the fuck is she doing here?!”Angelo stepped in fast. “Hey—hey, Bella, whoa—chill.”But Bella shoved right past him. “No. Don’t ‘chill’ me. Is this what we’re doing now?” Her eyes blazed as she jabbed a manicured finger toward Mia. “I thought she was happily married.”Mia didn’t answer. Her eyes stayed level as she held herself together.“Hey, you!” Bella raised her voice, meeting Mia’s eyes. “Or is your husband suddenly not enough anymore? Or do you just have this… disease—jumping on every man who shows you attention?”“Bella,” Angelo warned, stepping forward again, blocking her path. “Please… don’t do this.”“Oh, I’m doing it,” she snapped. “She’s a goddamn married woman, sitting in your house like it’s a weekend getaway. What is this—some rehab retreat for junkies?”Mia rose slowly, intentional in every step. Her voice w

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 118: A Name in the Shadows

    In less than no time, Zac reached the neighborhood.As he neared Samantha’s street, he didn’t turn in. Instead, he took the next street over, slowing the car and glancing at the rearview mirror.There were no tails behind him, so he pulled up beside a quiet corner house, parked under the shade of a leaning tree, and stepped out.The sun was bright and hot, and the air was full of city sounds, but the street was quiet.He pulled out his phone and made the call.A second later, a backyard gate creaked open. Samantha peeked out, her movements quick and quiet.She opened the gate fully when she saw him. “Zac,” she breathed. “Thank you so much for coming.”“What’s going on?” he asked, stepping inside the fence.“I don’t know how to get to my car,” she said, keeping her voice low. “I parked it right out front. I was about to leave… then I saw them swarming.”“Don’t worry,” Zac said. “We’ll use mine. I parked it down the block. Come with me. I’ll drive.”Samantha nodded and followed him.The

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 117: The First Move

    The following day, Zac arrived at Zandawoo Headquarters the moment business hours began. The elevator doors slid open, and he didn’t pause to speak to anyone—he headed to the executive floor.The receptionist barely had time to look up before he was already halfway across the lobby. His strides were long and determined. He didn’t wait for permission—he didn’t even think he needed it.He walked straight past the front desk, ignoring the assistants who tried to stop him. The hall was still quiet, not many people around yet, and that worked in his favor. The last thing he wanted was more drama—even though he was down for it.Jonathan’s office door wasn’t even shut all the way. Zac pushed it open and stepped inside.Jonathan looked up from his desk, startled. “Mr. Cornell,” he said, already rising to his feet. “I wasn’t expecting—”Zac kept moving until he reached the desk, his hands resting against the wood like a man there for war.“We need to talk,” he said through gritted teeth.Jonat

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 116: Chasing Smoke

    The tension in the beach house felt like it had a pulse of its own.Zac scoffed, stepping back. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “What the fuck are you even saying?”“You know exactly what I’m saying,” Angelo didn’t flinch. “You dragged her into your world.”“My world?” Zac’s voice rose. “Wait—are you blaming me for this? For that video?”“Of course I have every right to blame you!” Angelo snapped, stepping closer. “Ever since you made her sign that damn contract, she hasn’t had a single moment of peace.”Zac’s expression twisted, his fists flexing at his sides. But Angelo didn’t stop.“She never wanted this life.” Angelo shrugged, spreading his arms. “And now—look at her—caught in this bullshit again.”“You know nothing, Angelo,” Zac retorted, his voice low. “I didn’t know things would be like this. I’ve always protected her, and I still will.”“Ha-ha-ha. How heroic,” Angelo replied, his tone taunting. “Because every time she needs you… you’re not there.”“Well, I’m here now.

  • THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 115: After the Fall

    By the time Angelo got to the tech corner behind the stage, Jonathan was already there—his face red with panic. He was yelling at the tech crew, who were hunched over a console blinking with error lights. “Take it down!” Jonathan barked. “Get the damn video off the screen! Now!” “We’re trying, sir!” one of the tech guys snapped, fingers flying over the keyboard. “It’s not responding—system error keeps flashing. It’s like a virus or something, an override! The damn thing won’t shut down!” Jonathan cursed, then stepped back with wild eyes. He grabbed a thick cord running to the display hub. He yanked at the wires, pulling one loose. A small spark flew, and the large screen in the main hall went dark. A collective gasp echoed from the hall, but the damage had already been done. An alarm started to wail in the distance—soft at first, then louder. Security teams moved in with accuracy, their earpieces crackling. VIP guests were already being ushered out a side exit, leaving the

Galugarin at basahin ang magagandang nobela
Libreng basahin ang magagandang nobela sa GoodNovel app. I-download ang mga librong gusto mo at basahin kahit saan at anumang oras.
Libreng basahin ang mga aklat sa app
I-scan ang code para mabasa sa App
DMCA.com Protection Status