All Chapters of The Return Of The Betrayed Bride : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

BLACKWOOD INDUSTRIES ~ EXECUTIVE OFFICE, EARLY MORNINGThe door to Damien’s office swung open. The sharp click of expensive shoes echoed against the marble floor.Alexander Blackwood, tall, silver-haired, and still carrying the aura of authority that once ruled the company, stepped in with a commanding presence.“What’s the update on Amelia’s case?” he asked, his tone brisk but calm.Damien looked up from his desk, startled. “Father?” He quickly stood and hugged him. “What are you doing here?”Alexander raised an eyebrow. “What am I doing here? That’s the best you can come up with?” he said dryly, stepping back. “I asked about Amelia. I figured she should’ve been released by now.”Damien sighed, loosening his tie. “It’s not as easy as you think, Father. I’ve already recruited some of the best lawyers in the country to fight her case people with real influence. But nothing’s working.”Alexander’s eyes narrowed. “Nothing?”“Nothing,” Damien said quietly, rubbing his forehead. “Every mot

MANHATTAN FAMILY COURT ~The courtroom was quiet, except for the soft hum of the air conditioner.Katherina sat at the long wooden table, her hands trembling as she stared at the papers in front of her. Jessica sat beside her, pretending to dab her tears with a tissue. Across the room, little Mira and Isa sat on a small bench, swinging their legs, too young to understand what was happening.The lawyer cleared his throat. “Mrs. Rodriguez, are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this adoption relinquishment?”Katherina’s voice was shaky. “Yes… I’m sure.”Jessica turned toward her, putting on a sympathetic face. “Kat, you don’t have to do this if you’re not ready. I mean, they’re your babies…”Katherina shook her head, eyes filling with tears. “I can’t do it anymore, Aunt Jessica. Every time I look at them, I see my mistakes… I see him. They deserve better than a broken mother.”Jessica gently took her hand. “Then you’re doing the right thing. You’re giving them a fresh star

KATHERINA’S APARTMENT — NEW YORKDaniel looked around the room, surprised. “Your apartment’s nice,” he said. “How did you afford all this?”Katherina gave him a sharp look. “What kind of stupid question is that, Daniel? When you and your heartless brother left me broke, you both thought I’d fall apart. You thought I’d be out there begging for help.” She took a slow sip of champagne. “Well, surprise I didn’t.”Daniel sighed. “It was just a harmless question. I didn’t think you’d even let me see you after how I treated you last time.”“Then skip the small talk,” Katherina said coolly. “What do you really want? Don’t tell me you came here because you suddenly miss me.”Daniel frowned. “Why would I want you, Kat? I just came to check on you. You’re the mother of my kids. I care about your well-being, that’s all.”Katherina laughed bitterly. “Oh, now you care? Funny. You remember when I asked for your help, and you gave me just a thousand dollars for me, the twins, and my mother? You call

Amelia froze, the hamburger halfway to her mouth. “Wait what did you just say?”Damien leaned forward, eyes steady. “I said marry me, Amelia. Right here, right now. Let me get you out of this hell.”She blinked, stunned. “Damien… this isn’t some kind of business deal. You can’t just walk into a prison and drop a proposal like it’s lunch.”“I’m not joking,” he said, his tone low and firm. “Alejandro’s using that stupid family law to trap you. But if you’re being married to someone else, his claim over you ends immediately. You’ll be free completely free. I can make it happen.”Amelia leaned back slowly, studying him like he was a stranger. “And what do you get out of this?”He smiled faintly, though his eyes gave away something deeper. “Peace of mind,” he said softly. “Maybe redemption. Maybe a chance to fix the biggest mistake of my life.”She looked away, her eyes turning cold. “You mean betraying me. Choosing Katherina. Watching my whole life fall apart while you did nothing.”Damie

ALEXANDER BLACKWOOD MANSION — MORNINGVivian paced in the sunlit room, excitement and nerves tangled in her voice. “Oh my God… I can’t believe today’s the board meeting. I never thought this day would come after my father passed. It feels unreal that I could actually get this far.”Alexander, her fiancé, placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “Breathe, baby. You’re the best person to take Amelia’s place right now. I know you’ll do an amazing job as the new CEO.”Vivian smiled, trying to steady herself. “I just have to hope the board votes in my favor… but we’ll see how it goes.”Alexander shook his head gently. “I wish I could be there with you, but I’ve got some international business to handle in Greece.”Vivian hugged him tightly, pouting. “That sucks! You won’t be there for my big moment!”He grinned. “I’ll be there in spirit, I promise. Now go make me proud.”Vivian straightened, determination flashing in her eyes. “Don’t worry. I will. I’ll bring in more investors, and Blackwood