Todos los capítulos de The Stranger Hidden in My Sketchbook: Capítulo 71 - Capítulo 80

The high-resolution display on Arsen’s desk illuminated the dim, luxurious bedroom with the flickering video feeds of twenty anxious board members. They sat in their respective boardrooms across the globe, waiting in dead silence for the chief executive to address the crisis. Arsen sat effortlessly against the headboard, his bare chest exposed, one arm securely wrapped around Lyra’s waist to keep her anchored against him beneath the dark silk sheets. With a cold, uncompromising gaze fixed on the camera lens, Arsen didn't waste time playing defense. He took total control of the narrative. "Let's dispense with the manufactured panic," Arsen’s low, commanding baritone cut through the virtual conference room like a blade. "The rumors regarding Ms. Avelline are baseless. To clear any confusion before it metastasizes: Ms. Avelline is not a corporate liability. She is my intended. We will be officially announcing our engagement at the upcoming Vale Group Anniversary Gala." A heavy, st

Ethan Vale stared at the cream-colored envelope resting on his desk for nearly ten minutes. The gold embossed seal of the Vale family gleamed beneath the afternoon sunlight. He already knew what was inside. Everyone in the family knew. Everyone in Bellevaux knew. Yet opening it still felt strangely difficult. Finally, he exhaled and broke the seal. A formal invitation unfolded before him. The Engagement Ceremony of Arsen Vale and Lyra Avelline. The words blurred for a moment. Ethan leaned back in his chair. Silent. The usually energetic CEO of NovaSphere Games looked exhausted for the first time in months. Outside his office, developers celebrated another successful quarter. Investors were pouring money into his company. His newest game continued breaking records worldwide. Everything should have felt perfect. Instead, his chest felt heavy. Not because he blamed Lyra. Not because he blamed Arsen. Only because he blamed himself. He remembered every opportunity. Ev

The first person outside the villa to discover the news was not a journalist. Not a family member. Not even Arsen. It was Mrs. Vale. And she learned it through the oldest communication network in human history. Household staff. The housekeeper had no intention of spreading gossip. Absolutely none. Unfortunately, she was also human. And when Mrs. Vale casually called to ask whether her son was eating properly while hiding in the mountains, the older woman made a critical mistake. A very critical mistake. "Oh, he's eating wonderfully." Mrs. Vale smiled. "Really?" "Yes, ma'am." "And Lyra?" A pause. Then the housekeeper replied happily. "Miss Lyra is eating every hour." Mrs. Vale blinked. Every hour? That sounded familiar. Very familiar. The housekeeper continued. "Sir specifically requested pregnancy-safe meals." Silence. Complete silence. ------------------------------------- Several hundred miles away, Mrs. Vale froze. The tea cu

The villa was unusually quiet that night. The excitement from Mr. and Mrs. Vale's visit had finally settled. The endless shopping bags had been moved into storage rooms, the discussions about baby names had temporarily ended, and even Mrs. Vale's enthusiastic planning for the nursery had paused for the evening. Outside, the mountain air was cool. Inside, warm lights illuminated the living room and the master suite where tomorrow's engagement attire had been carefully prepared. Lyra stood silently in front of the garment rack. The engagement gown was breathtaking. Soft pearl-white silk flowed elegantly toward the floor. Delicate silver embroidery traced geometric patterns across the bodice—a subtle tribute to the designs that had made her famous. Tiny crystals reflected the warm light like distant stars. Tomorrow. Tomorrow she would officially become Arsen Vale's fiancée. Tomorrow she would stand beside the heir of the Vale family before executives, celebrities, designers, art

The engagement celebration exceeded every expectation. For four hours, the grand ballroom remained filled with laughter, music, congratulations, and endless conversations. Crystal chandeliers reflected golden light across the elegant hall while members of the Vale family moved from guest to guest, welcoming everyone personally. The engagement of Arsen Vale had become the only topic anyone wanted to discuss. Because for years, Arsen had been considered unreachable. A man married to work. A man who attended galas alone. A man who never brought a date. A man surrounded by admirers but never connected to any of them. Yet tonight, he stood proudly beside Lyra. And everyone could see it. The difference was obvious. Arsen Vale was happy. Genuinely happy. The realization alone became one of the evening's biggest surprises. Lyra stood beside him throughout most of the event, smiling politely as designers, executives, celebrities, investors, and old acquaintances app