THE SECRET HEIRESS のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

(MAX’S POV) The meeting ended, but my thoughts were far from settled. Something about Nadia had been gnawing at me, and I couldn’t ignore it any longer. As soon as I stepped out of the boardroom, I pulled out my phone and dialed one of my trusted men. “Listen,” I said curtly, my voice was low but firm, “I need you to do a relationship check on Nadia and Richard Garrison. Dig deep. I want every detail, no matter how small.” “Yes, sir,” he responded without hesitation. I hung up, shoving the phone back into my pocket. I needed answers, and I needed them fast. Before I could even take a breath, my phone buzzed again. I groaned when I saw the caller ID, it was Mr. Jacob. I didn’t have the patience for his antics right now, but ignoring him wasn’t an option. “What is it?” I snapped as I answered. “Max,” he began, his tone tense. “Bring the contract file to my hideout. Now.” I closed my eyes, willing myself to stay calm. “I can’t do that, Mr. Jacob. The file is already

MR. JACOB’S POV The dim room smelled of old wood and secrets, it's only the faint flicker of a candle on the corner table. I sat back in the creaking chair, my cigarette glowing faintly in the darkness. Opposite me stood a young man, his face barely visible under the dim light, yet the anxiety in his voice was clear. “You understand what I need from you,” I said, my tone firm yet measured. “Bring me that document. No mistakes.” The young man hesitated, shifting on his feet. “Mr. Jacob, it’s not going to be easy. But I’ll… I’ll try my best.” I leaned forward, letting the glow of the cigarette illuminate my face. “Trying isn’t enough. Succeed. Do not disappoint me.” His head dipped low in a bow, a sign of respect…or fear. Either worked for me. Without another word, he turned on his heel and slipped out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. For a moment, silence enveloped me, broken only by the faint hum of the building. I puffed out smoke, watching it swirl in

NADIA’S POV I left the hotel with a lot on my mind. The night had been chaotic, and the weight of my actions lingered like a storm cloud over my head. The ride home was uneventful, but my mind was a whirlwind. The streets blurred past as I replayed everything…every little detail of Richard’s engagement party, every glance, and the delicious chaos I knew I’d sown. When I got home, I immediately noticed that the living room lights were still on. My mother’s voice carried through the house, firm yet professional. She was on one of her endless commercial calls. I quietly slipped off my shoes, not wanting to disturb her. I sat down on the couch, fiddling with my phone, and waited for her to finish. Minutes felt like hours as I stole glances at her, pacing back and forth with her phone pressed to her ear. Her sharp tone reminded me of why she was so respected in her field. My fingers itched to check my gallery, where I’d saved those photos of Richard and me. I could feel th

(NADIA'S POV) I couldn’t breathe. My thoughts screamed at me to act, but I was rooted to the spot, powerless to stop what was unfolding. She’s seen them. She knows. What now? I stood frozen, unable to process what had just happened. My mother bent down slowly and picked up the photograph closest to her. My stomach twisted in knots as she turned the picture over and studied it, her expression morphing into a mixture of confusion and disbelief. “Nadia,” she said sharply, her eyes narrowing. “What is this?” I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it impossible to respond. My mind raced as I realized I needed to do something…anything…to deflect her attention. Without thinking, I forced tears to well up in my eyes. “Mother,” I whispered, letting my voice tremble as I stepped closer to her. My fake tears started to roll down my cheeks, and I let out a small, shaky sob. “Please don’t be upset.” Her face softened slightly, but her suspicion lingered. She held up the picture,

TAMMIE'S POV The room was thick with tension. Mr. Kenneth had been unconscious for days, and every hour felt like an eternity. The doctors and nurses never seemed to stop, their movements quick and purposeful. They were doing everything they could, but I could feel the uncertainty in the air. “Please, stay strong, Mr. Kenneth,” one of the nurses muttered softly as she adjusted the IV drip. Her voice trembled ever so slightly, despite her efforts to remain calm. The other nurses worked in tandem, adjusting machines and monitoring his vital signs. I could hear the beeping of the heart monitor, its rhythm steady but fragile. Every time it would make a slight change, I would hold my breath, waiting for it to normalize. Mrs. Daniella, Mr. Kenneth’s wife was sitting by his sidShe couldn’t stop wailing. Her face was streaked with tears, her eyes red from crying. “Why, God? Why him?” she sobbed, her voice thick with sorrow. She shook her husband's hand, as though trying to wake hi