Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 21 - Chapitre 30

Chapter 21: The Intruder Tessa’s POV I leaned over the blueprints spread across my office table, pointing at the east wing layout. "This section needs better flow for guest circulation. Move the lounge here and widen the corridor by two meters. I want it done before next month’s inspection." The architect, Mr. Hale, nodded and adjusted his glasses. "Understood, Ms. Averton. The structural team can—" The door slammed open. Julian stormed in, shoulders rigid, eyes locked on me like I was the only thing in the room. He didn’t even glance at Hale. "Tessa. We need to talk. Now." I straightened slowly, keeping my voice even. "I’m in a meeting, Julian. You just barged into my hotel site office without knocking. That’s rude." Hale shifted uncomfortably, gathering some papers. Julian ignored him completely. "This can’t wait. You’re coming with me." "I have a visitor," I said, gesturing to Hale. "Finish what you were saying, Mr. Hale. We’re almost done here." Julian stepped closer, voi

Chapter 23: The Approval Tessa’s POV I stood frozen by the cracked door, cupcakes still in my hand. Lila’s voice carried out clear and eager. “Daddy, you have to meet him properly. Julian treats me so well. He got me a condo last month, bought me those designer dresses I wanted, and even housed me with his cousin, Tessa Averton. She’s family now. He’s thoughtful like that.” Dr. Felix’s tone stayed even. “Does he? And you swear he treats you well?” “I swear,” Lila said quickly. “He listens. He provides. He makes me feel secure.” Felix paused. “Then you should set a date. Lock it in.” “I’ll tell him when we’re both ready,” Lila replied, bright. “No rush, but it’s coming. You’ll see how good we are together.” Chairs scraped. I backed fast, slipping around the corner just as the door opened wider. Lila stepped out, chin high, a genuine smile lighting her face. She looked happy—truly happy—like the future she wanted was already hers. She sauntered down the hall without glancing my w

Chapter 25: The Possession Tessa’s POV That morning, I sat at my desk and forwarded the encrypted files to Tony. The footage from last night played in the background, Julian and Lila tangled together as i sent it to Tony. “More cameras if needed,” I typed. “Deep dives on their financial trails. Every account, every transfer. No questions.” Tony replied instantly. “On it. Pay bump appreciated. I’ll have preliminary reports by noon.” Good. He never asked why. That’s why I kept him close. I headed downstairs. Julian sat at the breakfast table, playing the concerned husband perfectly. Lila hovered, pouring coffee with that fake domestic smile plastered on her face. “Tessa, you look exhausted,” Julian said, reaching for my hand across the table. I let him hold it for two seconds, then pulled away. “I know its the hotel, Lila says she can help you with the hotel if you need it.” Lila set the mug down in front of me, all innocent eyes. “I’d love to, Tessa. I’m great with schedules and

Chapter 27: The Divorce Tonight was the coronation of my second life. The grand ballroom of the Tessa Crown Hotel gleamed in gold and marble. Guests from the city's highest elite mingled in twos and threes, crystalline laughter bouncing off the chandeliers. In the private dressing suite off the hall, I stood before the mirror, smoothing down the emerald silk of my evening gown. Three years ago, I was a dying woman on a bathroom floor, stripped of my wealth, my body, and my life by a man I trusted. Tonight, I was the sole owner of the most lucrative real estate development in the city. The door opened, clicking softly shut. Through the mirror, I watched Julian step into the room. He wore a designer tuxedo paid for with the final remnants of his dwindling capital, his smile radiating the manufactured warmth he had used to weaponize against me for years. He walked over, his eyes glazed with a heavy obsession. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "You look breathtaking, Te

Chapter 29: Therapy SessionJulian ran a high-end private therapy practice. It was how he originally manipulated everyone in his life—he weaponized his profession. He played the empathetic listener, the calm professional, gathering secrets and using them to control his victims.So, I decided to play his game.I opened my laptop and booked his premium two-hour slot under a fake name.The next afternoon, I walked into his clinic.Julian was sitting at his mahogany desk, reviewing files. When he looked up and saw me standing in the doorway, his face lit up with a sickeningly hopeful smile."Tessa." He stood up so fast his chair rolled backward. He adjusted his tie, his chest puffing out. "You came. You actually came.""I booked a session, Julian. Sit down.""You want to work on us. I knew it. I knew you'd come to your senses." He rushed around the desk, reaching for my hands. "We can fix this."I stepped back and sat down on the leather patient couch. "I came to talk about my psychologic