2024-12-17 17:03:50Felicia Feathering’s mother glared at Mark, her eyes blazing with anger. "You're refusing to help us? After everything we've done for you?"
Mark stood firm, his jaw set. "I'm not going to help you manipulate and use me for your own gain. And I'm certainly not going to help you secure a contract that would only further your interests." Felicia Feathering’s mother turned to her daughter, her voice cold and menacing. "Felicia, you need to divorce this man. He's not worthy of our family's name. If you don't, I'll disown you." Felicia Feathering turned at Mark, with pleading eyes, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t want to lose Mark, more than she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. "Please, Mark, help us. Just this once. I'll do anything." Mark shook his head, his heart heavy with sorrow. "I can't, Felicia. Your mother is behind my lack of success, and I won't play into her hands. She's only looking out for herself, not for us or our baby." Felicia’s mother sneered, her eyes glinting with malice. "As long as I'm living, Mark, you'll never have success. You'll never be more than a poor, struggling husband. And if you don't do as I say, I'll make sure you regret it." The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken threats and unmet promises. Mark knew he had to protect himself and his family from Felicia’s mother's grasp, but he didn't know how. The day ended with an unresolved conflict. The next day, Felicia had planned to go secretly and connect with this company her mother solely wanted to get a contract with, hoping she could decide with the owner. Felicia Feathering, who was desperate to save her family and her marriage, made a secret call to The Blackwood Enterprise, expressing her interest in the coveted contract. She had no idea that she was speaking to her own husband, Mark, who was now the owner of the company. Mark, surprised to hear his wife's voice on the other end, recognized an opportunity. He had been looking for a way to test Felicia Feathering’s loyalty and business acumen, and this was the perfect chance. "Hello, Felicia Feathering," Mark said, his voice calm and professional. "I must say, I'm surprised to hear from you.” “Sorry I had to call you through this line, I know that you might be busy with one or two but I need your help.” Felicia’s voice sounded out desperate. “My help?” Mark joked. “Yes, due to the recent developments in our company, we need to sign a contract deal with yours so our company won’t have any pitfalls here and there.” There was a brief silence that Mark wanted to badly tell Felicia that he was the one and that he was going to help her, however, he had to keep his cool. “And What makes you think you're qualified to secure our contract?" Felicia Feathering, unaware that she was speaking to her husband, launched into a passionate pitch, highlighting her skills and experience. Mark listened intently, impressed despite himself. "Very well, Felicia," Mark said after she finished speaking. "I'll give you a chance to prove yourself. But it won't be easy. You'll need to go through a series of tests and negotiations, and if you succeed, the contract is yours." Felicia Feathering’s heart raced with excitement. She had no idea what lay ahead, but she was determined to succeed. "What kind of tests?" she asked, her voice steady. "You'll find out soon enough," Mark replied, a hint of a smile in his voice. "But be warned, Felicia. The challenges ahead will push you to your limits. Are you sure you're ready for this?" Felicia Feathering took a deep breath and steeled herself. She was ready to do whatever it took to save her family and her marriage. "I'm ready," she said, her voice firm. Mark chuckled, a low, husky sound. "Very well, then. Let the game begin." And with that, he cut the call.
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Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy Chapter 6
In the city's business landscape, a new player had emerged, threatening the Blackwood family's long-standing dominance. NovaTech, a cutting-edge tech company, has been making waves with its innovative solutions and meteoric stock price rise. Its young CEO, the charismatic and brilliant Ethan Ryder, had been a thorn in the Blackwood family's side for years. Despite their efforts, they had never been able to bring NovaTech into their fold.But now, Mark saw an opportunity. He messaged Felicia Feathering, his wife, with a simple instruction: "Set up a meeting with Ethan Ryder and me. This is your first mission."Felicia Feathering’s phone lit up with the message, and she felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation. She had heard of Ethan Ryder, the wonder-kind CEO who had disrupted the tech industry with his revolutionary ideas. She knew this meeting would be a challenge, but she was determined to succeed.“Okay, I won’t disappoint you.” She texted back as quickly as she could.
Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy Chapter 7
Butler Thompson's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Master Mark, I've received word that the Featherings are planning a grand open-house event at their estate, showcasing their wealth and influence. It's the perfect opportunity for us to gain access to their inner chambers and retrieve the ledgers and documents we need."Mark's brow furrowed in concern. "But we don't even know where these ledgers are kept. How are we supposed to find them?"Butler Thompson's expression turned sly. "Ah, Master Mark, that's where your... particular set of skills come into play. I'm sure you'll be able to find out where the ledgers are kept before the open house. Perhaps a bit of... flirting with Mrs. Feathering or charming her daughter, Felicia, might yield the information we need."Mark's face twisted in distaste."You want me to use my wife and her mother to get what we want? That's low, even for us Blackwoods."Butler Thompson's voice remained calm and collected. "Desperate times call for desperate
Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy Chapter 8
As Ethan's car pulled up to Felicia's home, she thanked him for the ride and the lovely evening. Ethan bid her farewell, his eyes lingering on hers before she stepped out of the car.Just as she was about to enter her house, Mark emerged from the shadows, his face twisted in a scowl."Who is this guy, Felicia? And why did he bring you home?"Felicia's voice remained calm, trying to defuse the situation."Mark, please calm down. His name is Ethan, and we met at an art event. He offered me a ride home, that's all."Mark's anger boiled over. "Why didn't you call me instead? And what's with this 'art event' business? Who are you trying to impress and why did you have to go there?"Felicia's patience wore thin."Mark, we've had an agreement – you were supposed to be there for me, but you’re not always there and now you're blaming me? I'm tired of this charade. If you had a good job, I wouldn't be going through all this to help you gain my family's trust."Mark's face reddened. "Forget abou
Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy Chapter 9
Felicia's eyes darted wildly, her voice stammering as she struggled to process the revelation."S-so...it turned out...my husband...is someone powerful...I thought the Blackwood family...had been killed off..."Mark's expression softened, his voice gentle as he began to explain."Felicia, my family wasn't just killed off. We were betrayed, by people we trusted. Your father and mother were involved in the conspiracy."Felicia's face crumpled, her eyes filling with tears as the truth sank in."Oh, Mark...I'm so sorry...my family...what they've done to your family..."Mark's arms opened, and Felicia collapsed into his embrace, her body shaking with sobs. "I'm so sorry, Mark. I had no idea...I was so blind..."Mark held her close, his voice whispering words of comfort."It's not your fault, Felicia. You were raised to believe a lie. But now you know the truth. And together, we'll make it right."As they held each other, the weight of the past began to lift, and a new future began to unfol
Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy Chapter 10
Felicia's eyes narrowed, her voice firm as she asked her mother. “What do you know about the Blackwoods, Mother?"“The Blackwoods?” Her mother's expression twisted with spite. "Those people are ruthless and power-hungry. They think they're above everyone else just because of their wealth and influence. I'm happy I was able to deal with them sooner rather than later."“What do you mean mother?” Felicia's brow furrowed. "Why did you betray them? What had they done to our family? I want to know everything. And was Father involved in it too?"“There’s nothing you need to know regarding the Blackwood. They are history and all that is behind us.” Her mother's face contorted in a mixture of anger and pain. "But the only thing I’d say is that The Blackwoods are the reason I lost your father. They ruined our family, and it was for the greater good that I buried them. I did it to protect us, to protect you and your future."“To protect me, right.” Felicia's voice was laced with confusion. "But
Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy Chapter 11
Felicia stared at the woman she had called her mother all her life, her world crumbling piece by piece. Her hands trembled, gripping the edge of the table as she sought answers.“Who are you?!” she demanded, her voice breaking. “If you’re not my mother, then who is?”Victoria—no, the woman posing as Victoria Feathering—took a step back, her carefully crafted composure faltering. Edward’s smirk widened as he leaned casually against the wall, clearly enjoying the scene unfolding before him.“Tell her,” Edward prodded, his voice venomous. “Or should I?”Victoria’s lips tightened, and she cast a venomous glare at Edward. “You’ve said enough! This isn’t your place.”Felicia slammed her fist against the table, her voice ringing with uncharacteristic authority. “No more lies! No more games! I need the truth—now!”Victoria hesitated, her gaze flickering between Edward and Felicia. For the first time, Felicia saw something unfamiliar in her eyes: fear. With a trembling breath, Victoria began.
Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy Chapter 12
Or so she thought. She feared that knowing this information, someone was going to kidnap her.Felicia’s mind raced as she sat in the backseat of the cab heading toward the small apartment she shared with Mark. Her breath came in shallow gasps, and her hands trembled uncontrollably in her lap. The revelation about her parentage had shaken her to the core. Eleanor Blackwood, her biological mother? The truth was almost too surreal to comprehend. The woman she had thought was her mother—Victoria Feathering—had lied to her, manipulated her entire life for power.Felicia clenched her fists, her heart aching. Every decision Victoria had made, every manipulation, every act of cruelty toward Mark—it all made sense now. The Featherings had destroyed the Blackwoods, stolen their legacy, and now expected her to betray the one person she trusted most.Mark.She reached for her phone again, her fingers hovering over his number. She had to tell him everything. The betrayal, the lies, the danger. He
Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy Chapter 13
The dim light of the warehouse cast long shadows across the concrete floor, the air thick with tension. Victoria stood tall, her face twisted with cold satisfaction as she held the Blackwood ledger in her gloved hand. Felicia and Mark, bruised and restrained, were forced to their knees before her. Edward leaned casually against a pillar, his smirk growing wider with every passing second.“You’ve always underestimated me, Mark,” Victoria said, her voice a venomous melody. “And now, look at you. Helpless. Weak. Just like your father.”Mark’s eyes blazed with fury, his muscles straining against the ropes binding his wrists. “Say whatever you want, Victoria. This isn’t over.”Victoria chuckled, the sound echoing eerily in the empty warehouse. “Oh, Mark. It’s been over for your family for decades. You just didn’t know it.”Felicia struggled against her restraints, her voice sharp with defiance. “If you think this is the end, you’re wrong. You’ve spent your life destroying others, but we’l
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Chapter 32
The cold night air clung to Mark’s skin as he stood beneath the flickering streetlamp. The roar of the SUVs’ engines faded behind him as they came to a sudden stop, but his attention was locked on the figure standing calmly in the center of the road.A voice—calm, smooth, and deliberate—cut through the silence.“Mark Ryder. It’s time we talked.”Mark’s muscles tensed, every instinct screaming that this was a trap. He took a slow, cautious step forward, his gun steady in his hand. “Who are you?”The figure shifted slightly, stepping into the pale glow of the streetlamp. The face that emerged from the shadows was lean, sharp-jawed, with salt-and-pepper hair swept neatly back. His tailored black coat and composed demeanor suggested influence—money, power.“I go by many names,” the man said, his expression unreadable. “But for tonight, you can call me Mr. Black.”Mark’s eyes narrowed. “You work for Rook.”A faint smile tugged at the man’s lips. “Rook doesn’t have employees. He has assets.
Chapter 31
The oppressive silence of the abandoned courthouse pressed against Mark’s senses as he stared down Mr. Finch, the man’s smirk a deliberate provocation. Finch sat back in his chair, completely at ease despite the weapons trained on him.Felicia stood next to Mark, her breath steady but her hand clenched tightly around his arm. She could feel the tension radiating off him, the barely restrained fury simmering beneath his calm exterior.Nathan and Grayson flanked the room’s entrance, their weapons raised and ready. Finch’s smugness wasn’t arrogance—it was calculated. He knew something they didn’t.Mark finally broke the silence, his voice sharp. “Where is Rook?”Finch raised an eyebrow, the faintest hint of amusement flickering across his face. “You think walking into this courthouse will hand you all the answers? Rook isn’t someone you find, Mr. Ryder. Rook finds you.”Grayson took a step closer, her weapon steady. “You don’t seem too concerned about being found. Is that because you’re
Chapter 30
Grayson knelt beside Caldwell’s lifeless body, her hand pressed against the warm pool of blood spreading beneath him. The faint hum of distant footsteps made her instincts scream to move, but she remained frozen for a moment.Caldwell’s final words echoed in her mind: “They’re everywhere… and they’ve already won.”Her grip tightened on her weapon, her sharp eyes darting toward the corridor. Whoever had fired that shot was long gone. A professional. No mistakes, no witnesses.But the truth hadn’t died with Caldwell. Not yet.She searched his pockets quickly, finding a secure USB drive tucked inside his jacket. She slipped it into her coat, rising just as the sound of approaching guards forced her to retreat into the shadows.Meanwhile – The Underground GarageMark arrived just as Felicia emerged from the service stairwell, her face pale but her steps determined.“Felicia!” he called, his heart racing as he closed the distance between them.She turned, relief flashing in her eyes for ju
Chapter 29
The moment the lights flickered, the tension in the grand hall of the Whitehall Estate spiked like a live wire. Guests exchanged wary glances, but the guards were already mobilizing, their hands on their weapons as the security system powered down.Felicia’s breath caught in her throat as she watched the vault’s bulletproof glass begin to hiss open. Her mind raced. Who else is here for the ledger?Mark’s voice came through the comm link in her ear. “Felicia, don’t move. Grayson and I are on our way to the auction floor.”Felicia’s eyes darted across the room, landing on Caldwell. He hadn’t moved. The president stood near the far wall, his face unreadable as he spoke quietly to one of his aides. The way his lips tightened, the subtle flicker of unease in his eyes—it was clear he hadn’t planned for this interruption either.But Caldwell wasn’t a man easily thrown off balance.Felicia whispered into the comm, “Caldwell looks rattled, but he’s not leaving. Whatever happens here, he wants
Chapter 28
The rain had eased, but tension hung heavier than the storm as the van skidded to a halt under the cover of an abandoned train depot on the outskirts of Black City. Rusted metal beams loomed above them, the scent of damp earth and oil lingering in the air.The escape had bought them minutes, but Mark knew minutes were never enough.Grayson killed the engine, the van settling into a tense silence.Nathan was the first to break it, his voice controlled but tight. “We can’t stay here long. Caldwell will have already flagged the city’s surveillance grid. He’s going to lock down the entire district looking for you both.”Mark was still gripping Felicia’s hand, but his mind was elsewhere—calculating, planning, searching for the angle they hadn’t yet seen. He turned to Nathan, his voice razor-sharp.“We can’t keep running. We need to be two steps ahead of Caldwell. You said the ledger wasn’t just financial records. You said it was a blueprint for corruption in this city. Where’s the real one
Chapter 27
The world seemed to slow in the aftermath of the explosion.Glass crunched beneath Mark’s boots as he shifted, his arms still protectively wrapped around Felicia. Her rapid breathing matched the racing of his own heart, but he kept his focus on the shadows outside the blown-out window.The figure in the gray suit stepped forward through the swirling smoke, the red laser sights of his tactical team sweeping across the room.Nathan pressed himself against the wall, gun raised but not yet firing. Grayson crouched low near the door, her weapon trained on the intruders but her finger not yet on the trigger.It wasn’t a firefight—yet.The man spoke, his voice calm but authoritative, the tone of someone used to giving orders.“Mark Ryder. Felicia Blackwood. You’re both coming with us. Step out quietly, and no one else has to get hurt.”Mark didn’t move. His mind was running through every possible scenario. Surrender meant death. Fighting was a death wish too—outnumbered, outgunned. But there
Chapter 26
The wind howled against the windows of the safe house as Felicia stood near the door, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. The revelation of her true lineage still echoed in her mind, but it didn’t matter—not right now.She needed Mark.Nathan Cross stood near the window, watching the shadows shifting outside with trained focus. His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the message. A single line flashed on the screen:“Inbound. 10 minutes. Secure the target.”Felicia noticed the tension in his face. “What is it?”Nathan hesitated, his jaw tightening. “Mark’s on his way. But we have company. Edward’s remaining men—whoever’s left—must have picked up your location. They’re moving in.”Felicia’s heart raced. “Then we have to leave. Now.”Nathan shook his head. “No. If we move now, they’ll catch us in the open. I’ve signaled for backup. Mark is almost here—”“I’m not waiting,” Felicia snapped, her voice firm. “If Mark’s close, I’m meeting him. I’m done being used as leverage.”Before Nathan
Chapter 25
The body lay still. Edward Feathering was dead.But Mark felt no victory. No relief.Only the hollow ache in his chest.The words Edward had spat with his dying breath echoed relentlessly in his mind—You’ll never see her again, Mark.It wasn’t over.Nathan Cross stood silently a few feet away, his gun lowered, his expression grim as the rain finally ceased. The mist from the river curled around the industrial yard, thick and heavy, swallowing the world into silence.Grayson approached cautiously, lowering her own weapon but keeping a watchful eye on the rooftops. “We need to go. Now. The longer we stay, the more exposed we are.”Mark remained frozen, his gaze locked on Edward’s lifeless body, his mind racing. Something didn’t feel right.It had been too easy.This wasn’t the end. It couldn’t be.Nathan shifted closer, voice low but urgent. “Mark. He was just a pawn. Killing him didn’t stop anything—it barely delayed it.”Mark’s head snapped toward him, eyes blazing. “Then who’s really
Chapter 24
The crack of the gunshot echoed through the industrial yard like a thunderclap. Edward stumbled back, clutching his shoulder as blood seeped between his fingers. His smirk twisted into a grimace, eyes narrowing with seething fury.Mark didn’t hesitate. His adrenaline surged as he lunged for cover behind a rusted cargo container, the red laser sights from the rooftop snipers dancing across the fog.Nathan Cross kept his weapon trained on Edward, his voice sharp. “Stand down, Edward! This doesn’t have to end like this.”Edward’s laugh was hollow, tinged with pain as he straightened. “Oh, but it does. And you know it.” He waved his uninjured hand, signaling his men. The snipers shifted positions, taking aim.Mark growled, voice cutting through the tension. “You’re out of your mind, Edward! Felicia isn’t even here! She was never here, was she?!”Edward’s lips curled into a cold, victorious smile despite the blood staining his coat. “You’re catching on. Took you long enough.”Nathan fired
