All Chapters of His Hidden Game: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Violet was genuinely grateful that Julian hadn’t talked down to her or acted annoyed about the trouble she’d brought him. Instead, he’d treated her with respect—and that, somehow, made all the difference.She did want Benny to pay for what he’d done, but… over a year in prison? That felt a bit much. She couldn’t quite decide.With Julian’s words still echoing in her head, she made her way to the hospital. This time she came to visit her cousin Lilia, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers and a small paper bag filled with the newest plush toy from Lilia’s favorite brand.After checking in at the nurse’s station, she followed the long, white, quiet hallway to Lilia’s room.She could still remember when it all started—a few months ago, when Lilia was rushed into the ER and diagnosed with Pompe disease.The doctor had explained, “Pompe is a rare genetic disorder. It can show up in childhood or much later in life. Patients lack the enzyme that breaks down glycogen, so it just builds up in the

Harper stopped as soon as they stepped out of the elevator and pointed ahead. “That one on the right.”Violet glanced up. Sure enough, the number matched the one Olie had given her. She looked at Harper, her voice calm but edged with meaning. “Thanks.”Something flickered in Harper’s eyes—surprise, maybe—but she said nothing. She just stood there watching Violet walk toward the room, then turned back, hit the elevator button, and left.Violet didn’t hesitate. She swiped the keycard, twisted the handle, and pushed the door open.The suite was quiet. The lights were dimmed low, the air thick with perfume—the same sharp scent she remembered from Tiffany.Her stomach turned. S

They walked out hand in hand, looking every bit the picture-perfect couple. Julian hadn’t told Craig to clear the reporters—he actually wanted to see what the hell kind of stunt the people behind this were trying to pull.Once they got in the car and the doors shut, their hands naturally drifted apart. Violet let out a tiny sigh of relief, quiet enough that most people wouldn’t have noticed—but Julian did.His voice came low and lazy, still rough from sleep. “What’s this? The more we play pretend, the worse you get at it?”He remembered perfectly well how calm she’d been around him before.“I’ll do better next time,” Violet said, straightening in her seat, subtly putting a few extra inches between them.He noticed—and one eyebrow lifted.The car pulled away toward Ashford headquarters. Violet fidgeted with her fingers, heart pounding. “There’s something important I want to ask you about.”Julian leaned his head against his hand, eyes half on the passing streets. “Go ahead.”She took a

Julian eventually agreed to Violet’s request and dropped the theft charges against Benny and Polly. Still, since they’d technically violated public order, it fined them two thousand dollars each.After spending two nights in a holding cell, they walked out of the station grumbling.“Unbelievable. They don’t understand a damn thing,” Benny barked. “We told them we knew the ring’s owner, and they still arrested us. Bunch of psychos—police these days really have nothing better to do.”“Shh, keep your voice down,” Polly hissed, tugging on his arm. “We’re not even that far from the door. You wanna get locked up again for mouthing off?”Benny hesitated, then turned back toward the building and flipped the station a middle finger.A few blocks later, Polly spoke up, still shaken. “Where the hell did Violet find people like that? Those lawyers—and two assistants, both in tailored suits. They didn’t look cheap, Benny. I think we really messed with someone we shouldn’t have.”He scoffed. “ It’s

Ever since Violet had said she’d think about his offer, Edward had been visibly more animated—almost boyishly so. By the end of the event, he insisted on personally walking her downstairs.So when Jay pulled up to pick Violet up, he immediately spotted a man trailing close behind her. His posture shifted at once; he stepped in and blocked Edward’s path with quiet firmness. “Sir, please keep some distance.”Edward let out a soft laugh, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Ah—my apologies. Got a bit carried away chatting.” He stepped back half a pace, still smiling.“I’ll be waiting for your answer!” he called out to Violet.“I will,” she replied with a polite smile, giving him a small wave before getting into the car.Edward watched her leave, his expression softening. “They really don’t let her out of their sight, do they…” he murmured under his breath, running a frustrated hand through his hair.In the car, Violet replayed their conversation over and over in her mind. The moment Edw