Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 151 - Chapitre 160

A loud crash echoed from the hallway into the study, sending a jolt of fear through Michelle. Her heart pounded, and goosebumps rose on her neck. It seemed clear that someone had collided with the door. Even more frightening were the footsteps that followed, drawing nearer with a mix of caution and urgency.Raymond stood frozen, his body tense, listening closely with his hand hovering near the door, prepared for anything. The air was thick with tension. Stay behind me, Raymond instructed quietly but firmly, inching closer to the door. His eyes remained fixed on the hallway, preparing for whatever might come.Michelle held her breath, acutely aware of their vulnerability. The estate was secure, locked down against intruders, yet someone had managed to break in. She clutched the edge of the desk tightly and couldn't tear her eyes away from the door. Who’s there? Raymond called out, his voice steady and calm as he took another step forward. Silence. Only more muffled footsteps and an ind

The morning sun shone brightly through the tall windows of the penthouse, casting warm, golden light on the marble floors. Michelle stood by the kitchen counter, absent-mindedly stirring her tea while intently watching the TV mounted on the wall. The scrolling news at the bottom seemed surreal.BREAKING NEWS: VIVIAN DAVENPORT DROPS CUSTODY CASE AGAINST MICHELLE HAWTHORNE.Raymond entered just as the headline appeared again and paused, seeing the expression on her face. She really dropped it, Michelle said, almost in disbelief. Just like that. Even those investors supporting her have backed off.Raymond took the remote and turned up the TV's volume. A reporter was energetically explaining how Vivian suddenly withdrew her case, claiming she had a change of heart and new understanding of what was best for the children. Michelle couldn’t believe it. A change of heart? Really? she scoffed. She spent months trying to ruin me. That doesn’t just disappear. Raymond's expression turned serious.

Michelle woke up slowly with a headache and dry mouth. Around her, broken glass glittered like stars. In the distance, she heard sirens. The SUV lights flickered, casting an eerie glow. The driver was slumped over the wheel, groaning but clearly alive. Michelle felt aches everywhere, yet was relieved upon checking—no bleeding or sharp pain, just some wounds for now.Her hands trembled as she unbuckled the seatbelt. The SUV door was ripped open, letting cold air whip her hair as she struggled to sit up. A velvet box was on the floor, its lid open but otherwise intact. Inside, Chloe’s mother’s locket shone in the dim light. She reached for the locket as car headlights lit up the street. Another car screeched to a stop nearby. The driver had Informed Raymond about what happened.Michelle! Raymond's voice was loud and filled with panic, making her heart race. Moments later, he was beside her, arms around her with trembling hands. Oh my God, Michelle… What happened? Are you hurt? Talk to m

The next morning, the penthouse was very quiet. Michelle sat at the kitchen island, holding a warm cup of herbal tea. The stress from the night before was still there, filling the air around them. She looked towards the guest wing where Chloe had spent the night, hoping Chloe had managed to get some rest.The silence was suddenly broken by footsteps. Chloe appeared, wearing jeans and a simple sweater, with the envelope from the previous night in her hand. Her face was pale, and her eyes were red, showing she hadn't slept well.I need to talk to her, Chloe stated plainly. Michelle stood up, asking, Roxanne? Chloe nodded. If she knew about this and truly wanted to help me, she needs to tell me face-to-face. I'll come with you— No, Chloe interrupted firmly. I need to do this on my own.Roxanne Ashford was staying in a city high-rise, with security guards discreetly positioned at every entrance. When Chloe arrived unexpectedly, the guard at the door hesitated until Roxanne's voice came t

Michelle gripped the letter tightly, her eyes moving over the clear handwriting in Dominic Ashford’s familiar style. Chloe, standing across from her, was frozen with confusion and rising fear.Michelle carefully put the letter down. It says someone in the Ashford family didn't just want you to disappear, she said softly. They wanted you dead because they saw you as another competitor in the family. Chloe took a shaky step back, her face going pale. Dead? But why? I was just a kid.There was a family power struggle, Michelle explained, her voice calm but serious. Dominic suspects someone wanted you out of the way, thinking you were a threat in their plans. But I wasn’t a threat. I had nothing to do with the family business, Chloe said, her eyes searching Michelle’s face for reassurance it was all a mistake.Michelle stepped closer and gently held Chloe by the shoulders. That’s why they kept you hidden. Your innocence made you an easy target. Your existence threatened someone who didn't