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chapter 29: The Enemies Meet Up.
Last Updated:
2025-04-22 20:01:16
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The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 30: The Hike.
******************************Aliana's POV******************"Tell me again, why we're doing this?" I asked no one in particular.I stared out the tinted van window, my lips pressed into a line as trees blurred past. Pine, pine, pine, more pine.Endless green like the whole world was in green."Team bonding, nature clears the mind. Helps with vision and nature. Helps with vision and strategy." Claire said from the front view as she slightly turned from her seat."I get the strategy. But couldn't we have bonded at a rooftop bar?" I asked."Bars don't reveal people. Forests do." Claire said as she smiled.I stared at her for a while. Something about the way she said it_ it wasn't Casual. It wasn't about work.It was a warning.___By the time we arrived, my mood has gone from irritated to openly hostile.The retreat centre was buried deep into the woods, all log cabins and moss-covered stone paths. A light most hung in the air, thick enough to ruin my hair and mood because my boots had
Last Updated : 2025-04-23The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 31: Exposed 1
Few Days After The Trip.**************************Mack's POV***********************"Can I come in?" A familiar voice asked. I looked to see Aliana as she stood at the door. Her lips curled into a triumphant smirk as she me. In her hands, she clutched her phone, the screen lit."Yes, Aliana." I said as I continued with my tablet."Mr. Allister." She said sweetly, her voice laced with faux concern.I didn't look up, my gaze was glued to my tablet."What is it Aliana?" I asked. My voice calm."Okay? I didn't want to bring this up....but I think you deserve to know." She said.My fingers instantly froze only tablet, my gaze met hers. After the incidence at the filed trip, she's been of a good behaviour which is very scary, I know she's plotting something."Go on Aliana." I said as I paid rapt attention to her.She moved closer to my desk and turned her phone towards me. The image on her phone displayed Liam and Claire in what appeared to be an Intimate embrace. Put of
Last Updated : 2025-04-23The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 32: Vows and Promises.
After a few Days.**************************Claire's POV**********************As the time ticked,e d I couldn't help but think about this event_ the wedding that was about to unfold.My wedding with Mack Allister, is an event the city would talk about for years.I stood inside the bridal suite, staring at my reflection.My gown was a masterpiece. A fitted silhouette with hand sewn beading that caught the light with every breath I took. The bodice hugged my frame, cinched with a satin bow tie at the waist, and the veil_ cathedral Length_spilled behind me like a second train. Diamonds adorned my ears, delicate and cruel in their sparkle.There was a knock."Claire?" A familiar voice called. It was Liz."Come in," I said as I turned. I smiled softly at her.Liz entered in a floor-length navy gown, hugging a cream clutch in her hand. Her eyes were already glassy."Don't cry yet." I teased"We haven't even made it to the vows." I said."I'm not crying_ I'm ju
Last Updated : 2025-04-23The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 33: After The Vows.
**********************Claire's POV**************************The reception hall buzzed with leftover energy from the wedding, laughter echoed through the chandeliers, and the champagne glasses clicked against a backdrop of soft jazz. But at one corner of the room, tension pulsed thick and heavy.Mack's father, Henry Allister, stood with the poise of maa n who'd made empires bend at his will. His grey eyes steel_hard_fixed on Mack and me, like a judge awaiting a confession."So," Henry said, voice low but pointed."Now that the music's dulled and the ceremony's done...shall we talk about the whole reason this wedding happened?Mack's jaw clenched. I instinctively moved closer to him, our fingers brushed slightly."What exactly are you insinuating Dad?" Mack asked though the warning in his voice made the answer clear.Henry chuckled without humour. "Oh, don't insult my intelligence, Mackenzie, you're my son, I know how your mind works. You marry Claire, conveniently get the CEO positio
Last Updated : 2025-04-23The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 34: The Weeding Night 1
*****************************Claire's POV******************The night air cooled against my skin as I stepped onto the balcony; the distant sounds of the party still echoed faintly behind me. Below the garden lights shimmered like fallen stars. It felt _ surreal. I was no longer just Claire. I was Claire Allister. A wife. I glanced down at the ring on my finger. Elegant, subtle, perfectly mine. Mack had chosen it himself.The door behind creaked softly, then clicked shut."There you're." Mack's voice was warm, steady. He walked up beside me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "You disappeared on me." "Just needed some air. Tonight's been _ intense." I said.He leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss to my temple."Liam?" He asked"Henry too". I replied."I know." He signed."I hate that they tried to taint it." He said. I turned in his arm, as I faced him fully."They didn't. We didn't let them."His hands cupped my cheeks. "You were incredible back there. You handled both of th
Last Updated : 2025-04-23The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 35: The Morning After(The Wedding Night)
*****************************Claire's POV*******************I stirred before the sun did, my body hummed with memories of the night before. My limbs ached in the most delicious way, a quite reminder of how Mack had touched me, claimed me _ how I had given myself to him, not just as his wife, but as his equal, his lover and his home.The sheets were a mess. Rose petals clung to my skin, crushed and scattered like the remains of a celebration.My wedding dress lay draped over the chair in the corner, and Mack's shirt was still halfway to the floor, buttons hung by threads.I turned my head slowly.Mack was beside me, half covered by the sheet, one arm thrown over his forehead, lips parted in sleep. The faintest smile curled his mouth, like he was still dreaming about me.His hair was tossled in that perfect way_ wild and soft, as i ran my fingers through it all night.I couldn't help but watch him. My husband. The word still felt foreign. But warm. Safe.Real. My fingers trailed acros
Last Updated : 2025-04-23The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 36: Performance and Paparazzi.
********************Claire's POV*************************"You married her for the company." Mack's father said coldly, as he stood beneath the towering chandelier in the Mack's Penthouse living room."And you think dressing it up in flowers and a string quartet changes that?" He asked.I stood beside Mack, our fingers interlocked. I tried to keep my expression neutral. But, inside my stomach churned.Mack's jaw tightened."This isn't your business Father. The board approved the merger. The wedding happened. It's done.""Not if I say otherwise." His father snapped. "You forget the byelaws. The marriage must be genuine. The board only agreed on the clause because they'd assumed you will go with it.I stepped forward. "So what? You want us to perform for you? Prove that we're in love like some really contestants?"Mack's father smirked. "If you're truly in love. You won't mind showing it. Publicly consistent.With that he turned to his heels. My gaze locked with Mack's._____That afte
Last Updated : 2025-04-23The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 37: Shadows Beneath The Crown.
************************Claire's POV************************ The events of the past few months lingered in my mind as I walked through the garden. The Roses were in full bloom. Their scent wasn't sweet and heavy in the autumn air. But I couldn't escape the gnawing feeling in my stomach, as I drifted to what Liam said to me at my wedding reception. I had no idea what his intentions were or how far his obsession had grown. A tall figure appeared on the other side of the garden; the figure was framed by the ivy-covered stone walls, and my heart skipped a beat. His presence was magetic_ too magnetic for my own good. "Claire." Liam's voice was smooth. But here was an edge to it. Something strained. He stepped closer, his gaze intense, though his face remained impassive. "Liam," I said as I forced a smile. "What are you doing here?" I asked " I wanted to talk to you." He said quietly as he glanced up briefly over his shoulder as if to ensure, no one watched. "Talk? About what? I ask
Last Updated : 2025-04-23
Latest chapter
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 78: A visit Cloaked in Shadows.
***************************Liam's POV**********************The late afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of my study, casting long streaks of gold across the floor. I lingered by the shelves, idly turning a glass paperweight in my hand, trying to steady the chaos swirling in my mind.It had been weeks since I’d heard from my father, at least, not face-to-face. But the aftermath of Morgan’s visit rippled through everything. The board's tone had subtly shifted, my assistant barely met my eyes today, and conversations always seemed to cut off the moment I walked into a room.The walls were closing in. I could sense it.And then came the knock. Slow. Intentional.I didn't get it right away. I just stared at the door, willing it to stay closed. But it creaked open anyway and there he was, __ Henry__ my father. Impeccably dressed, as always, in a tailored navy suit that did little to mask the exhaustion buried beneath his polished surface."Liam," he called out to me simply, as
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 77: A thin line Between Duty and Doubt.
******************************Claire's POV******************The company's towering glass structure shimmered under the morning sun, defiant and pristine __ like nothing had happened. Like no one had died. Like our lives hadn't been turned inside out over the last week.I walked into the company's building slowly behind Mack, my heels clicking softly against the polished marble floors, echoing in a rhythm that didn't quite match my heartbeat. It felt wrong to be here.But also..... It felt like I needed to be here.The receptionist stood almost immediately when she saw us, her eyes wide with something between surprise and sympathy.“Mrs. Claire, Mr. Mack,” she greeted as she flashed her perfect dentition in a warm smile.“It’s good to see you both again,” she spurted out.Mack gave her a nod and a warm smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks, Ellen. Good to be back,” he said.We walked past her into the elevator. As soon as the doors closed, I let out a breath I didn’t realise
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 76: Whispered Confessions.
************************Claire's POV************************The room spun around me; that message __ just one line__ was enough to unravel the last thread of composure I had.**Someone's behind Sadie's death… and the person is closer than you think.**I stared down at my phone's screen, hoping the message might change if I looked long enough. But the words stuck themselves into my brain like a blood tick, repeating again and again like a cursed chant. My hands trembled as I slowly handed kelvin back the phone.His jaw tightened as his expression was dreary."I don't know who sent it. It's an unknown number but I've already forwarded it to Mack." He rasped.I nodded."Thanks," I said. Though my throat had gone dry.He stayed with me for a moment as if he noticed I didn't want to be alone. He looked like he wanted to say something, but then he just turned and left. The door shut with a muted click behind him.I was alone again.I paced around the room like I was a soldier trying to pay
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 75: She Lied.
******************************Etian's POV*******************The rain started around the time we hit the intersection out of Aliana’s neighbourhood. Heavy, angry drops pounded against the windshield, smearing the lights of the city into long, distorted streaks. Rowe drove in silence, one hand gripping the wheel tighter than necessary, the other drumming a quiet rhythm against his thigh.I watched the wipers move in a sluggish arc, my mind stuck on Aliana’s face. That first flicker of shock. The way her hand hovered over the folder was like it might burn her. She tried too hard to stay composed—and it only made me trust her less."She's hiding something." I finally said. Breaking the silence.Rowe didn't respond right away. His jaw tightened as he glanced at my direction. “You think she killed Sadie?” he breathed. His voice was low and calm.I couldn't respond. Not yet. My mind was tangled with thoughts already ten miles ahead, racing through every inconsistency we'd gathered."She li
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 74: Fractured Reflections.
***********************Aliana's POV*************************The door creaked shut behind them, the echo threading through the quiet like a final verdict. I stood still in the kitchen, my fingers clenched around the edge of the counter, my pulse a thunderous rhythm in my ears. The folder they'd brought still lay on the marble island, its presence louder than an argument.Detective Etian __ sort of. Not sure if it was official or not. But enough to knock the breath from my lungs.Rowe__ didn't recognize him at first but the eyes gave him away__same as Sadie's, piercing through me like he's seeing everything in my head.I gave out a heavy breath, as I tried to keep my hands from shaking. I wasn't afraid of them__ at least not exactly. But I was afraid of what they brought along with them. That file. That is fake evidence. Fabricated, yes. But convincing. Too convincing. Whoever did this didn't just want to frame me__ they wanted me buried.I picked up the folder again and flipped it op
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 73: Fractured Truth.
************************Etian's POV***********************By the time we pulled into the quiet, upper district neighbourhood__ one of those gated areas that whispered wealth instead of shouting it, the rain had let up. Rowe drove, his hands tight on the wheel, eyes fixed on the winding road ahead. We sat little. There wasn't much left to say.Then, came Aliana's house. A sleek two_story with minimalist lines and pale stone walls, tucked behind manicured hedges and a row of white_blossomed pear trees. It wasn't ostentatious like I'd expected _not the sprawling estate of someone with generational mon, ey__, but it had class. Discretion. Like her.Soft light glowed from narrow vertical windows at the front of the house, casting a calm, welcoming hue. A single matte-black hybrid sedan rested in the driveway—spotless and well-maintained. I instantly noticed the security setup: motion detectors, a front-facing camera, and a digital keypad by the door.“She lives alone?” I asked quietly as
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 72: Old Bonds and New Shadows.
************************Morgan's POV********************* The sun cast a golden hue over the manicured lawn of Henry's estate. The familiar crunch of gravel under my shoes stirred memories of the countless visits, shared cigars, and debates that stretched into the night. It had been years since I'd last walked this path, but here I am this late afternoon because of the weight of the recent events___ which made the distance between us feel even longer. Henry greeted me at the door in a quick hug, his once jet-black hair now peppered with grey, but his posture remained as upright as ever. "Morgan," he said, extending a firm hand. "It's been too long." His lips curved into a smile. "Far too long," I replied, gripping his hand with equal strength. He led me into his study, a room that had always been a sanctuary of sorts. Shelves lined with books, artefacts from our travels, and the ever-present decanter of aged whiskey. He poured us both a glass, and we settled into the leather
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 71: A Perfect Lie.
**************************Rowe's POV************************The rain had been relentless since morning. The city looked faded, the streets coated in uncertain reflections—like illusions pretending to be real. Just like the truth, I was desperately trying to cling to.Etian sat opposite me in the dim back room of the safe house. A bandage covered his temple, and a nasty bruise darkened the skin around his eye. He didn’t just look exhausted—he looked haunted, like someone. the skin around his eye. He didn’t just look exhausted—he looked haunted, like someone who had been dragged through something too dark to fully explain.“She’s everywhere,” he said as he face was still stung to the Monitor like a stungfish.I opened the file. Inside were surveillance stills, time stamps, device identifiers—Aliana’s name popping up in systems we hadn’t even known she could access. There were USB records, footage of her car near the penthouse on the night Sadie died, her login activity on Etian’s rest
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 70: The Architect.
************************Liam's POV*************************The scent of cedar and the rain drifted through the half-cracked window, but I barely noticed. My study was quite__ too quiet. The kind of quiet that comes after the storm, when you're sure if it's over or just waiting to return.I stood by the fireplace, swirling a glass of bourbon I hadn't touched. The logs hissed softly, flames curling like whispers. On the table behind me, a black duffel bag waited.They were late.I checked my watch for the third time. 12:47 AM. The city below was asleep—or pretending to be. But not me. Not tonight. Not until this final piece slid into place.A soft buzz echoed from the elevator.Finally.I turned just as the elevator door opened with a muffled chime. Three men stepped out __ all dressed in black, soaked from the rain. The one in front__ Roger__tossed the bag on the table with a dull thud."Everything's intact." He said."Phone, USB. Notes. He had backups, but we scrubbed his cloud befor
