THE SECRET HEIRESS のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

NADIA POV)The hospital clock ticked loudly in the silent corridors, and I realized it was already three in the early morning. The long night had stretched beyond my endurance, but my thoughts were miles away.I glanced at Richard, who seemed as composed as ever. Despite the late hour, his tailored suit looked untouched, and his confidence radiated through the room.Richard turned to Mrs. Johnson and Tamara, speaking in a calm but commanding tone. “Mrs. Johnson, Tamara, it’s late. You both need to go home and rest. My driver is already here with one of my cars to take you home safely.”Mrs. Johnson’s face softened with gratitude. “But what about Kenneth? I can’t leave him here alone.”Richard gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about Mr. Kenneth. I’ve already arranged for a special nurse to attend to him through the night. Additionally, I’ve stationed an officer outside his ward. No one will harm him under their watch.”Mrs. Johnson clasped her hands together. “Richard, I don’t

NADIA POVNadia leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek. “Don’t worry about me, Mother. Go back to sleep.”Before her mother could protest further, Nadia stood and walked out of the room, heading toward her own. The night was far from over, and she had plans to set in motion.The night stretched endlessly, the silence of the house broken only by the faint rustle of curtains swaying in the cool night breeze.Nadia paced her room, her mind racing with thoughts of everything that had happened. Despite the chaos of the engagement ball, the one thing she couldn’t shake from her mind was Mr. Jacob’s sudden visit to the police station.“What could he possibly be needed at the police station for? That was so urgent by that time of the night?” Nadia muttered to herself, tapping her chin thoughtfully.She hated unanswered questions, and her curiosity was eating away at her. She glanced at the clock…it was just past midnight.Unable to resist the urge to dig for answers, Nadia picked up her ph

MR JACOB POVIf the police were watching me and my family, every step would be scrutinized.“I understand, Inspector,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “You’re just doing your job.”She nodded, through her eyes remained suspicious. “Yes, we are. And I’d advise you to be cooperative. Any sign of obstruction or foul play will only make matters worse for you and your family.”“Of course,” I replied smoothly.But inside, I was already calculating. If the police were going to keep an eye on me, I’d need a new strategy. There was no way I could visit my hideout without risking exposure. That part of my life had to remain hidden at all costs.As she gathered her files, I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing. This wasn’t a setback…it was an opportunity. I couldn’t act directly, but I could act through someone else.That’s when the idea struck me. Max.A slow smile spread across my face as I thought about him. Max was loyal, but more importantly, he was impressionable. A man like Max didn’t a

MAX’S POVI walked briskly toward my office, my mind racing with the conversation I’d just had with Jacob Johnson.His words echoed in my head, a mix of threats and promises that I couldn’t ignore. The nerve of that man! He had made it clear that if I didn’t work with him, he would expose me.“Expose me? How exactly?” I had asked, barely hiding my irritation during our conversation.Jacob’s grin had been smug, his voice dripping with confidence. “Oh, Max, don’t underestimate me. I know all about the underhanded things you’ve been doing at your dear brother Kenneth’s company.”I had flinched at his words, though I tried to mask my reaction. “What are you talking about?”Jacob leaned in, his tone low and threatening. “Don’t play dumb with me. I know about the accounts you’ve tampered with, the deals you’ve manipulated for your own gain. And believe me, I know much more than that.”His words had sent a chill down my spine. I couldn’t afford to have my secrets exposed. Not now, not ever.

MAX POVNadia’s actions didn’t seem like those of someone dealing with a stranger. She knew Richard well enough to approach him without hesitation.“Was she seeing him behind my back?” I muttered to myself, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.The idea gnawed at me, and I began to question everything I thought I knew about Nadia. She had always come across as sweet, innocent, and perfect. But now, I wasn’t so sure.I ran my hand through my hair, frustration building with every second.“Who are you, Nadia?” I whispered, my voice tinged with anger and confusion. “Are you really the woman I thought I knew?”I had to admit, I didn’t know everything about her past. Our relationship had moved quickly, and I hadn’t thought to dig deeper. But now, I couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that there was more to her than she let on.My thoughts turned back to the estates of hotels she was driving toward. What business could she possibly have there with Richard? The idea of her having a se