All Chapters of HEIR OF PAIN: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Immediately Arden entered the room again, he quickly fixed his expression and smiled, hiding the storm inside him. “Oh… you are back. You had a good talk?” Ryder’s mom asked warmly. “Yes, I did,” Arden replied with a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. “I will be heading back to my room now,” Arden said as he took a step toward the stairs. “Wait,” Asher said. “You just came down a few minutes ago. Why don’t you stay longer? Or at least bake that delicious cookies you used to.” “Yes, that’s right. I have missed it so much,” Ryder’s mom added, her eyes bright with hope. Arden forced a smile. On a normal day, this would have made his heart melt, especially because he loved doing things like that for them. But Kellan’s words kept ringing in his head like a bell he couldn’t silence. Ask Ryder about Eunice… watch his reaction. His heartbeat picked up again. Still, he nodded. “Okay. I will.” He walked forward toward them. Ryder’s mom and Asher stood up, and they all

Immediately Arden was out of the dining room, he walked straight to the garden. He needed air. The cool morning breeze brushed against his face gently. Arden closed his eyes as he let out a long sigh. The garden was quiet, peaceful, filled with the smell of wet grass and blooming flowers. He dipped his hand into his pocket and brought out his phone. His fingers hesitated for a second before he dialed Kyle’s number. Kyle picked on the very first ring. “Wow. You decided to call me after weeks of leaving your mansion and not seeing you,” Kyle said immediately, sounding dramatic as usual. Arden rolled his eyes even though Kyle couldn’t see him. “If I didn’t check up on you, can’t you check up on me? Besides, it’s not my mansion,” Arden snapped, sharper than he intended. “Woah, easy. Are you in a bad mood? Who got you upset?” Kyle asked. Arden sighed again as he walked toward the bench in the center of the garden. He sat down slowly, feeling the weight of everything lingering

"That’s all for today," the lecturer said as she closed her books and left the class. Arden yawned and turned to Kyle, who was already packing up his books. Arden followed suit, gathering his own things. As they both stood to leave, the department governor entered immediately. "Hold on, everyone. Don’t leave yet. I have something to say." Some students frowned, others sighed, while Kyle and Arden sat back down. "It’s no news that we go on a departmental trip every year, which has always been optional. But this year, it will be compulsory unless you have a valid reason for not attending. Anyone absent without reason will lose significant points, or more. A form will be sent to your email to fill out, and, as usual, a guardian’s signature is required," she said, smiling. "That’s all." With that, she walked out of the class, leaving murmurs and whispers among the students. Kyle and Arden stood, walking toward the entrance and out of the faculty building. Arden glanced back

Jewel watched as the maids placed the new pillows and duvet on the bed properly, while another brought her luggages inside. After they were done, they left and closed the door behind them. Jewel sat on the bed and waited to be sure they were gone. After a few seconds, she stood up and walked around the room, her fingers brushing lightly over the gold-lined wall frames. The room was modern and soft, a perfect mix of wealth and quiet elegance. She smirked to herself. She brought out her phone and dialled a number. “You only call when you get the job done,” Dinte Deluca’s voice sounded through the phone. Jewel rolled her eyes as if Dinte could see her. “I have found a way already, and it’s working out.” She then went ahead to tell him everything — the entire plan, how she had gained entry, how she had managed to twist the situation to her favour, how she was now living comfortably inside the house where Dinte needed her to be. When she finished, Dinte let out a satisfied laug

The car slowly came to a stop at the Black mansion as the guards opened the door and Arden stepped out. He inhaled deeply as he walked into the mansion, the familiar scent of home calming him slightly. Immediately, he noticed the sweet aroma of cookies coming from the kitchen. Curious, he turned in that direction and heard soft laughter. Without thinking, he walked toward the kitchen entrance. There, he found Jewel wearing an apron, smiling and carefully placing cookies onto a tray, while Ryder’s mom worked beside her. Arden froze, shocked. It had barely been two days, and she was already in the kitchen as if nothing had happened. He swallowed hard, his thoughts spinning, and quickly turned to leave, heading upstairs. “Oh, Arden! You’re back,” Jewel called out, her voice bright and cheerful. Arden stopped mid-step, forcing a smile as he turned slightly to glance at her. “Welcome. I made cookies, and I kept yours too,” she continued, holding up a small tray. Arden sighed inwa