All Chapters of Beneath The Facade : Chapter 101 - Chapter 110

HERMIONE I groan in a languid attempt to push myself up in bed, dry-heaving. Aiden quickly sets the towel he's using aside, moving in to help. He guides me gently with his hands to a sitting position. I dry-heave into my fist, a frown marring my face.Nausea lodges in my chest, and my throat feels constricted. I hit my chest repeatedly and gag in a futile effort to alleviate the discomfort, but nothing seems to work. My vision swims as I push myself closer to the edge of the bed, trying to get up.I shake my head when Aiden attempts to help me up, making incoherent sounds. I gesture toward my throat to let him know that I need to vomit, but I don't want him to follow me. The thought of him standing by while I retch is thoroughly unappealing.With a surge of energy, I trudge toward the bathroom and sag over the sink, gagging and clawing at my throat, but nothing comes out. Every sensation feels heightened in my weakened state. A burning sensation spreads through my throat from my effo

HERMIONE My fever lasts five days before the doctor finally certifies me fit for work. By the third day, I am already hitting the gym; though my strength wanes easily, I persevere. I am eager to shake off this lingering weakness and escape the cycle of bedrest and the lack of accomplishment that defines my days.By the seventh day—the start of a new work week—I feel active enough to handle the energetic demands of my job."Morning, beautiful," Aiden greets me with a warm smile, handing me a steaming cup of coffee to kickstart my day."Hey, handsome," I reply, accepting the cup with a soft "thank you." He has completely shifted my palate; I no longer have the patience for my usual bland black coffee. I’ve grown so accustomed to the sweetness of Aiden’s creations that I can’t imagine reverting to my former habits. I take my time savoring the drink, washing away the sour aftertaste that coated my tongue during my illness.Once finished, I take Aiden’s cup along with mine to the sink. It

AIDEN“The turnaround metrics have been significant since VP Aiden initiated reforms with his restructuring team,” the Analytics Director states, gesturing toward the data visualization on the main screen. It displays a steady recovery from the precipitous decline Lachlan’s mismanagement triggered.“They’ve been operational for less than a fiscal quarter,” he continues, his focus shifting to Dad before scanning the rest of the board. “I anticipate that by the time the administration reaches a full year, the yields will be massively accretive to the Group’s bottom line.”Dad nods, methodically flipping through the performance audits summarizing the milestones my team and I have hit. There is a controlled, pleased composure in the set of his jaw. He glances my way—a rare look of professional approval.I catch Lachlan’s expression simultaneously; my stepbrother is vibrating with suppressed vitriol. Even though the praise is measured, the fact that I have received a public commendation wh

HERMIONE Aiden doesn’t take the threat lightly when I apprise him of it.I wouldn’t have bothered him with the details, but we have an agreement. I’m loath to break the trust between us, especially given the precepts he has established."Honestly, I’m not concerned," I say, shrugging with practiced indifference.I had been tense when I first received the letter earlier today, but my anxiety has since waned. Whoever sent this isn't a professional. While I make it a habit never to underestimate an enemy, I feel an inexplicable calm regarding the situation. The fear the sender intended to evoke simply hasn't materialized."You should be concerned," Aiden states firmly. "This is serious. 'Blacklisted' in blood-red letters? You aren't leaving this house without a bodyguard."I roll my eyes. "Here we go again.""I’m serious, Hermione.""I know you are. But what if the attack isn't from close range?""At least I’ll have the peace of mind knowing I took measures to protect you," he says.I c

HERMIONE "Excuse me, please. I need to use the restroom," I say to the men, rising from the table.The two seem to be sharing a long-overdue father-son bonding moment. It is the perfect time to grant them the privacy needed to navigate the suppressed emotions they’ve harboured for years. Chairman Mendes grants his permission while Aiden offers a supportive, "Sure, love."I press my lips into a thin line, grateful he avoided cringeworthy nicknames like 'Snugglebug' or 'Monchichi.' I move quickly toward the nearest waiter to ask for directions to the facilities. I’ve only consumed half a glass of champagne, yet my bladder feels uncomfortably full. I wonder if it’s the specific brand of spirits or if it simply doesn't sit well with my system; Aiden and I shared the same aperitif, yet he seems perfectly fine.I reach the restroom and relieve myself with a sigh of relief. That champagne clearly isn't for me; I’ll be requesting water the moment I return to the table. I move to the row of