All Chapters of A Bitter Marriage Contract: Chapter 211 - Chapter 220

In the days that followed, the Walker Group felt the first effects of the proposed merger. Although John had led the meeting with authority, not all the directors were satisfied. Some saw risks where John saw opportunities, and murmurs of dissatisfaction began to spread discreetly through the hallways.“He moves too fast,” remarked a director during a private conversation, glancing over his shoulder. “We can’t just accept everything without question.”Another director nodded, but hesitated. He knew that questioning John publicly was risky; his reputation for being ruthless and unyielding was known to all. Still, in informal meetings, questions arose: alternative strategies, concerns about hidden clauses, and doubts about long-term viability.Meanwhile, on the outside, competitors from the rival company began to act. Documents carefully leaked to the press, discreet rumors about the Walker Group’s instability, and attempts to bribe key executives created small ripples of tension that s

JohnJohn Walker had always trusted his instincts. They had guided him through risky negotiations, business decisions that changed his fate, and even decisive moments in his personal life. And now, more than ever, that gut feeling about Lily wouldn’t let him rest.He couldn’t, however, simply speak his mind. Elizabeth, sweet and trusting, would see his suspicion as nothing more than an overreaction. The children, for their part, had already grown too fond of the young woman. One false move could shatter the harmony of the household.So John turned to the one person he knew would never let him down— : Carlson, his head of private security intelligence.He summoned him to his office. “Mr. Walker, you called for me?” he said, standing stiffly.John rose from his chair and walked to the window, his hands clasped behind his back.“Carlson, I have great confidence in your work. I need you to investigate someone inside my home more thoroughly… and to do so in absolute silence.”The security

The Walker ResidenceOblivious to what was unfolding around them in the Walker family, another morning began at the Walker mansion like so many others, with children’s laughter echoing through the hallways. Elizabeth guided the children to the breakfast table, patiently arranging their seats, while Emily babbled random words, eliciting bursts of laughter from her older siblings.Chef Joffrey fulfilled every request from the little ones with a smile, placing each plate in front of them.“That’s how they get spoiled,” Elizabeth said with a smile.“Don’t worry, ma’am, I’m happy to do it when I see those happy little faces.”While Chef Joffrey and his assistant served the little ones, Elizabeth, holding Emily in her lap, helped her eat her morning baby food. As soon as she finished, one of the nannies came to take her, and then Elizabeth turned her attention to the other children, encouraging them to eat and stop playing at the table.John watched the scene in silence for a few moments, l

The glasses clinked in a collective toast, the crystal reflecting the golden light of the chandeliers. The atmosphere around the table seemed, at first glance, to have calmed down. Soft laughter mingled with the elegant buzz of the ballroom, and for a moment Elizabeth believed the evening might proceed in peace.After the main course, the guests were invited to mingle in the mansion’s side halls. Some headed to the music room, others preferred the sofas scattered throughout the many rooms. There were more dessert tables, and the men headed to the bar.The group decided to stay and chat; Pamela and Sebastian seemed to have casually joined the group.“Elizabeth… I must say… you look stunning tonight.” His eyes scanned every detail of her dress, lingering longer than necessary. “You’ve always had a gift for enchanting people.”Elizabeth smiled politely, even though she sensed the hidden intention behind the compliment.“Thank you, Pamela. You look very elegant, too.”“Oh, but I can’t com

The next morning, Ryan decided to walk around town in search of living witnesses from the past. The name “Elena Walson” still rang fresh in his mind.He started at the central square, where he had met some elderly people the day before. He found Mrs. Heloísa, a lady with very white hair, who was selling embroidery at a small makeshift stall.“Excuse me for intruding,” he said in a friendly tone. “I’m researching a young woman who lived here a few years ago… her name was Elena Wason.”The elderly woman’s eyes lit up.“Ah, Elena! How could I forget? She was such a polite girl.”“And do you know what happened to her?” Ryan pressed, attentive to every detail.Mrs. Heloísa sighed, looking at the church in the background.“She left suddenly. The orphanage said she’d been adopted, but… no one ever saw her adoptive parents. It wasn’t like the other times, when the whole town found out. She just vanished.”Ryan jotted everything down in his notebook. The detail was unsettling.Later, he went t