DEVIL IN A SILHOUETTE のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

‎Chapter 31: Trust me Jessica woke up that morning with an unusual burst of energy, the kind that made her hum softly under her breath. For once, the world felt quiet — beautifully quiet. Her phone lay somewhere on the nightstand, face down, on silent. She didn’t even glance at it. ‎“God, this feels amazing,” she murmured with a satisfied stretch. “Waking up without that damn phone buzzing like it owns me.” ‎She padded into the bathroom, the marble floor cool beneath her feet. The scent of lavender filled the air as she began her morning ritual — cleanser, mask, steam, rinse. Each movement was deliberate, almost indulgent, as if she were washing off the remnants of yesterday’s chaos. Today was hers. ‎She had a meeting with Elizabeth later — a partnership discussion that, in Jessica’s mind, meant power. Control. A fresh start. ‎After the shower, she towel-dried her hair, grabbed her phone and bag, and still didn’t bother checking the screen lighting up with thousands of unre

‎Chapter 33: Villain to Victim ‎"Divorce?" Jessica's voice cracked, splintering into a thousand trembling pieces. ‎"Yes! Divorce. I don't want to be part of your pathetic games any longer," he snarled, his jaw clenching so hard I thought it might shatter. ‎I rubbed my temples, forcing my voice to stay calm. "Mr Williams, please… calm down. Getting a divorce could affect your reputation and your brand," I said firmly. ‎A divorce was the last thing I needed right now—every plan I made depended on keeping them together. ‎"I don't care!" he barked, chest rising and falling in sharp bursts. ‎I exhaled slowly, then stepped forward, lowering my tone. ‎"I understand you're hurt, Mr Richard, but we have to act smart, not impulsively. We need the media to feel pity for you and Miss Jessica. We need the pity card." ‎He paused, confusion flickering across his face. "So what are you suggesting we do?" ‎I glanced at him, then at Jessica, curled in the corner, shoulders shaking,

Chapter 35 : Say your last prayer “W-who are you?” she stuttered, her eyes wide, glossy with fear as she pressed herself backward like I was a threat closing in. “Calm down,” I said softly, taking one careful step toward her. “I’m not here to hurt you. I just need answers.” A flicker of confusion, sharp, fleeting, crossed her face. “I don’t understand… what do you want from me?” Her voice had already risen an octave, strained, defensive. I exhaled deeply. “I know you used to work for Mr. Cole. You were his personal nurse.” I let the words hang there. Her expression froze. It was like she’d just seen a ghost crawl out of her past. “His daughter, Aurora,” I continued, “and I were close. Practically sisters. So yes… I know exactly who you are. Now tell me, why did you disappear? And what do you know about Richard Williams?” Her lips parted as if the cold had stolen her breath. Despite the freezing air, I could feel her body radiating panic. “I don’t know what you’re talking ab

. Chapter 37 The air was sharp with winter’s breath, the cold breeze sweeping across the runway as snowflakes drifted lazily to the ground. Don Julio leaned heavily on his polished walking stick as he stepped down from the plane. His bodyguard followed behind, carrying the luggage with practiced ease as they headed toward the sleek black SUV waiting for them. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in New York,” Don Julio murmured, his eyes scanning the skyline as he eased into the back seat. “The city looks different.” “Yes, sir. I think it’s because it’s been a while since your last visit,” his bodyguard replied as he started the engine. A light chuckle escaped Julio’s lips. “Call Charles and tell him to meet me at my apartment.” “Okay, sir.” “And before we go home,” Julio added, a rare spark lighting his eyes, “let’s stop by Elizabeth’s office. I want to surprise her.” The driver didn’t hesitate. He made a swift turn, heading toward Elizabeth’s company building. ---

Chapter 39 I was busy putting the final touches on my present for Richard when my phone buzzed sharply against the table. I glanced at the screen—Chuka, my private investigator. My heartbeat hammered so hard it echoed in my ears. I picked up. “Hello.” “Hello, ma’am… it’s done. I have her.” For a moment, everything around me stilled. Then my lips curled into a slow, victorious smile. Finally. I wasn’t going to let Richard win anymore. Not this time. Not ever again. And I would make damn sure he never got anywhere near Vanessa’s mother. “Thank you, Chuka. Take her to my home in Albany. I’ll arrange for a private nurse and doctor to take care of her. I’ll come see her tomorrow. Make sure she’s safe… and comfortable.” “No problem, ma’am.” The call ended, but my fingers stayed wrapped tightly around my phone, knuckles turning white. My mind ran wild with all the ways I would deal with Richard, how I’d make him and that stupid wife of his finally feel the pain they had caused m