บททั้งหมดของ THE SECRET HEIRESS : บทที่ 1 - บทที่ 10

I sat on the cold, hard bench of the cell, staring blankly at the wall. I didn’t know how long I’d been there. Days, maybe? I couldn’t tell anymore. My thoughts were a jumble of confusion, disbelief, and heartbreak.How had my life turned out like this?How had Max, the man I loved with every fiber of my being, become a stranger to me? The man who had promised to protect me, to cherish me, had thrown me into this cell like I was nothing.The image of his face, twisted in anger when he slapped me, burned in my memory. He had looked at me like I was a criminal, like he didn’t recognize me. No matter how much I had pleaded, no matter how much I cried and told him I didn’t do it, he refused to believe me. They all did—Delores, his mother, who had slapped me and called me a thief, and Anya, his sister, who had stood by, arms crossed, glaring at me like I was filth beneath her feet.I closed my eyes, trying to block it out, but it was all there—the accusations, the shouting, and then the po

I sat at the private dining table, drumming my fingers nervously against the tablecloth. The soft glow of candlelight reflected off the crystal wine glass in front of me. The place was luxurious—too luxurious for someone like me. But then again, I supposed I was supposed to be someone new nowI adjusted the necklace around my throat and sighed, my heart beating wildly. I knew why. Richard. He was coming. I invited Richard to this restaurant to talk to him about the engagement. I want him to call it off. The second the door opened, my breath caught. He walked in, and for a moment, I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. He was stunning. Every inch of him radiated confidence and power. His tall muscular frame moved with a kind of quiet authority. The way his tailored suit hugged his body made it impossible to look away. Dark hair, slightly tousled, a sharp jawline that was both intimidating and seductive. And those eyes—icy blue, the kind that seemed to look right through yo

MAX POVIt all began earlier that day when I was sitting at my desk in the office, staring at the glossy white invitation card on my table the Johnson's had sent to their reputable employees. The golden embossed words “Engagement Ball: Johnson Family” seemed to shine under the morning sunlight pouring in through the blinds. My curiosity was high. Kenneth Johnson had invited everyone in his company, myself included, to this evening’s engagement party for his daughter…a daughter the entire city believed to be dead.'' How is that even possible? '' I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing and all the side gossip I was hearing in the office while I was working. I leaned back in my chair, fingers tapping lightly on the edge of my desk. The mystery of it all shockd me to my heart. Why now? Why the secrecy all these years? The Johnsons were known for their lavish lifestyles, but this ball seemed to carry an extra air of surprise.Without wasting much time, I grabbed my phone and dialed

MAX POV“Max,” Jacob said, his deep voice cutting through the tense air like a blade.I forced a smile and straightened my tie, trying to steady the panic bubbling inside of me. “Mr. Jacob,” I greeted, nodding politely.Jacob’s piercing eyes didn’t stay on me for long. They darted to Dennis, who stood by the desk in his all-black outfit, trying and failing to look inconspicuous. I saw Jacob’s gaze sweep over Dennis from head to toe, taking in every detail.My heart sank. Jacob was scrutinizing him. Hard.Dennis, of course, didn’t flinch. He stood there with his cap pulled low, hands casually tucked into his pockets, as if he didn’t have a care in the world.Jacob turned his attention back to me, and I could feel his unspoken question hanging in the air.“And who might this be?” Jacob asked, raising an eyebrow as his eyes flickered toward Dennis again.Before I could formulate an excuse, Dennis moved with lightning speed. He took two quick steps toward Jacob, extending his hand with an

MAX POVThe crowd's applause thundered around me, but I could only stand frozen, staring at her.She was stunning. Her beauty was captivating but intimidating, wrapped in an air of untouchable grace. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her gown was like liquid gold under the light.I couldn’t stop looking at her. Something about her drew me in, a magnetism that defied explanation but I knew it wasn't love… It was power, fame and wealth that made me want to be close to her.Come to think of it, who doesn't want to be rich? My breath caught as her eyes scanned the crowd and landed on me.Our gazes collided. In that moment, everything else faded away. It was as though the entire ballroom ceased to exist, leaving only the two of us.Her eyes were piercing with that of hate and regret as she saw me, filled with a quiet confidence…no, a proudness…that made my chest tighten. She wasn't who I thought she was anymore… she wasn't that weak Tamara that begs for love a