Chapter 176
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Mark was about to speak when the man suddenly pulled out a gun and aimed it right at his head.
Mark’s face turned ghostly white, his chubby checks wobbling as he trembled in fear.
“W–who the hell are you? I didn’t do anything to you! Y–You don’t have to take it this far!” Mark stammered, voice shaking.
In Solvaria, if someone was packing heat, you could bet they were definitely not some average joe.
Mark was shaking all over, and in the corner of his eye, he saw the masked guy calmly screwing a silencer onto the barrel–he didn’t waste a single word and just fired.
Mark screamed, clutching his leg as pain shot through him.
“Please–I’m begging you, don’t do this! I swear I’ll never mess around again! There’s really nothing going on with me and Yolanda!” Mark choked out between sobs.
The masked man sauntered closer, a mocking grin curling at his lips as he sized up Mark’s miserable, ugly state. “You think you stand a chance with her? With that face? Ever seen yourself in a mirror? Or maybe just use the toilet water as a reflection?”
Just as he finished, a nasty stench hit the air–Mark had actually wet himself from fear, a puddle spreading out beneath where he sat.
The masked man stepped back with a look of utter disdain, idly twirling the gun in his hand. “How many texts have you sent her?”
Mark was shaking so hard he could barely think straight, let alone answer.
Seeing Mark’s silence, the masked man pulled out a lighter, flicked it on, and tossed it onto the curtains. Flames erupted instantly, spreading across the room like wildfire.
The hotel was way out in the middle of nowhere, and by the time the fire really got going, most of the place was already engulfed.
Mark was screaming his lungs out, scrambling downstairs through the thick, choking smoke, looking every bit like a ghost fleeing the underworld.
The masked man kicked back in his car, watching the whole thing from a distance. He nodded to the guy behind him, “Send some money to the hotel owner.”
The guy let out a long sigh, eyes on the burning hotel outside. “Did it really have to get this wild?”
“Mind your own business,” the masked man shot back.
“Not like I want to meddle, but you’re seriously losing it. You can’t let anyone know who you are. Do you how many people are after you right now? Charles is one of them.”
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Chapter 176
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The car fell silent for a moment. The guy sparked a cigarette and smirked, “So, did you finally score?”
“Why the hell do you care?” the masked man snapped back.
“Just thinking of throwing my buddy a ‘first time‘ bash, you know? But I’m kinda worried you’ll get all wrapped up in her without even realizing it. You’ve been pent up like a monk for ages–if you finally break your streak, can she even handle you going all out?”
“Don’t you think you’re kind of a perv?” the masked man shot him a glare.
After that, neither of them said another word.
Yolanda was still at home, waiting until 10 p.m. Just as she was about to head upstairs to bed, her phone buzzed–it was Simone.
“Charles is coming to pick you up from my place tonight, Yolanda. Where are you right now?” Simone said over the phone.
Yolanda frowned, ‘Has Charles totally lost it lately or what?‘ she wondered as she jumped up, feeling a rush of anxiety. “Aunt Simone, are you at home?” she asked quickly.
Simone sounded relieved over the phone. “No, I’m not home. I’ll send you the address. Come over–I’m at one of our Sinclair family hotels.”
Yolanda exhaled, thankful she’d already teamed up with Simone beforehand.
Charles trusted Simone completely–he’d never suspect she’d lie to him.
Yolanda headed straight to the Sinclair family hotel where Simone was waiting. She’d barely gotten comfortable when Charles‘ car rolled up.
Charles had actually stopped by Aunt Simone’s house first, which was why he showed up so late.
He spotted Yolanda sprawled out on the couch with her laptop open, and finally relaxed, dropping down right beside her like it was the most natural thing in the world.
He lifted her chin with his fingers, searching her face for any sign of trouble.
She’d done her makeup earlier that afternoon, expertly hiding the telltale marks on her face.
Sitting off to the side, Simone noticed the look on Charles‘ face and arched a brow. ‘Looks like Yolanda’s finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,‘ she mused. ‘Even with Joelle Monroe in Beloris now, Charles still made the effort to come here–seems like Yolanda still holds a place in his heart after all.
Simone gave a little cough and closed her laptop. “Our Yolanda’s been more diligent and inquisitive than ever lately. I can’t help but be proud of her.”
Charles smiled and leaned over, giving Yolanda a quick kiss on the lips. “Working that hard, are we?”
Yolanda lowered her lashes, looking sweet and obedient as ever.
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Charles teasingly pinched her cheek with those long fingers of his. “Come on, let’s go home. Whatever you want to learn, wait till tomorrow.”
Yolanda stood up and glanced over at Simone. “Sorry to trouble you, Aunt Simone.”
Simone let out a big yawn and waved her hand. “Go on, run along.”
Yolanda’s mind was all over the place. ‘Why is Charles coming for me tonight, anyway? Is it because I’ve been acting so guilty lately?‘
But she quickly brushed off the thought. ‘No way, that’s not like him–when it comes to relationships, Charles is practically a robot. The only one he ever acts soft for is Joelle Monroe.
‘Seriously, what’s up with Joelle? She’s got Charles, and even that can’t keep him from wandering off?‘ Yolanda griped to herself, irritation bubbling up.
She pulled out her phone and fired off a quick tweet.
[Thanks, honey, for coming to get me so late at night. You’ve had a long day at work–you deserve a break.]
This time, she didn’t dare block Ian. She was worried he’d throw another fit if he saw it later.
So, after posting the tweet, she sent Ian a private message.
[This is for Joelle–don’t make it weird.]
Ian replied almost instantly. Just two words-[Got it.]
Yolanda was just about to look up when Charles suddenly pulled her into his arms and kissed her, catching her completely off guard.
Her phone nearly slipped from her hand, so she hurried to shove it into her bag.
“Honey, you do know we’re in an elevator, right?” Yolanda muttered, a hint of embarrassment in her voice as Charles kissed her.
Charles just grinned at her, teasing, “Getting shy already?”
His expression softened, a playful smile flickering at his lips just as he was about to say something–then, suddenly, the elevator doors slid open. On the other side stood Leo and Xavier.
Xavier was looking utterly fed up, still laying into Leo. “I set you up on a blind date and you spend dinner glued to your phone playing games? Leo, what did I do in my last life to deserve a brother like you? Seriously, keep this up and I’m done bailing you out.”
“Oh please, Xavier, you literally just got engaged and Mom’s already trying to marry me off? She must be in full–on menopause mode,” Leo grumbled.
“Watch your mouth!” Xavier shot back, his temper flaring.
Leo was about to throw another comeback when he spotted two people inside the elevator.
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Yolanda was trapped between the elevator wall and Charles, his arms locked possessively around her waist, and her lips were unmistakably freshly kissed.
Leo was so furious it felt like his whole body was about to blow a fuse–he was literally ready to explode.
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.
Part 1: The Discovery of BetrayalYolanda Grant’s marriage was built on patience, sacrifice, and quiet endurance — but that illusion shattered in one night. It was late when she arrived at a dark, empty alley after receiving a mysterious message with an address. At first, she thought it was a misunderstanding. After all, her husband Charles Sinclair — a man of wealth, power, and refined taste — would never lower himself to something so vulgar. But when she saw him holding a young woman in his arms, kissing and touching her like a man possessed, every ounce of denial drained from her. Charles, the proud and disciplined businessman, was cheating — and in a filthy alleyway, no less.Part 2: The Scene of HumiliationFrom the safety of her car, Yolanda watched as the scene unfolded. The woman clinging to Charles was frail, trembling, and emotional, like a flower blooming in the mud. The surroundings — the stained floor, damp walls, and suffocating darkness — mocked everything Charles had always claimed to be. This wasn’t just infidelity; it was degradation. Yolanda’s mind swirled with disbelief. Her husband, who obsessed over class and perfection, had become a man of impulse and dirt. She didn’t confront him or make a scene; she didn’t even cry. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, numb, realizing that her marriage was already over in spirit.Part 3: Two Years of DevotionAs she sat there, flashes of the past flooded her mind. Two years of marriage — two years of her trying to please him in every way. She had known from the start that Charles didn’t love her. On their wedding day, he had made it painfully clear that his heart already belonged to another woman. Still, Yolanda married him out of hope, out of love, out of the foolish belief that devotion could melt even the coldest heart. She gave up her career, her ambitions, and her independence, just to prove she was worthy of him. She cared for him like a nurse for her patient — cooking his meals, planning his wardrobe, and tending to every detail of his life. And in return, she got nothing but distance and silence.Part 4: The Breaking PointNow, watching him entwined with another woman, everything she had built inside her — the patience, the sacrifice, the illusion — collapsed. The man she had once called her husband had become unrecognizable. He had torn off his noble mask and revealed himself as nothing more than a beast driven by desire. Yolanda felt like she’d been slapped, her dignity shattered into pieces. But instead of screaming or crying, she felt an eerie calm. Her pain was too deep to express. All she could think was: This marriage must end.Part 5: Charles’s UneaseWhile Yolanda drove home, Charles suddenly sensed that something was wrong. The headlights of a passing car illuminated his face, and a chill ran down his spine. He didn’t know whose car it was, but unease stirred in his chest. The girl in his arms whimpered for his attention, but his mind was already elsewhere. Straightening his clothes, he pulled away coldly. “That’s enough for tonight,” he said flatly. “The company’s got big projects. I can’t afford divorce rumors right now.” His words revealed not love, but calculation — every move guided by image and control. The girl, blinded by her feelings, agreed softly, claiming she would wait. But to Charles, it was just another temporary indulgence.Part 6: The Return HomeWhen Yolanda returned home, the villa felt colder than ever. She had just come out of the shower when Charles entered the bedroom, carrying his jacket. He looked as immaculate as always — tall, handsome, commanding — but tonight, his arrogance seemed cruel. On his pristine white shirt, Yolanda noticed a faint smear of pink lip gloss. She had never worn lip gloss; she hated its stickiness. That small, shiny mark told her everything she needed to know. As she dried her hair, she kept her expression neutral, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain.Part 7: The Cold ConversationCharles glanced at her and asked casually, “When did you get back?”“This afternoon,” she replied.He loosened his tie, unbuttoning his shirt as if nothing had happened. “I was out playing golf tonight,” he added. The lie rolled off his tongue effortlessly. Through the reflection in the window, Yolanda saw the dirt on his back — proof that golf wasn’t the only game he’d been playing. With quiet fury, she shot back, “Then I guess you scored plenty of holes. Congrats.”Her sarcasm caught him off guard. For the first time, he frowned, slightly unsettled. He wasn’t used to this tone from her — the woman who once worshiped him now sounded indifferent, almost mocking.Part 8: His Cruel ArroganceInstead of apologizing, Charles smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you mad? I told you when we got married that I didn’t love you. If you’re that unhappy, find someone else to cheat with.” His words cut through her like a blade. It wasn’t just betrayal anymore — it was humiliation. He treated her heartbreak as an inconvenience, as if her pain were irrelevant. Inside, Yolanda’s chest felt like it was being strangled with wire, every breath searing. Yet she stayed silent. Her quietness, once a sign of love, now turned into armor.Part 9: The Memory of InnocenceIn that moment, Yolanda’s mind drifted back to when she first met Charles. She was young, freshly adopted into the Grant family, and he was already the picture of perfection — disciplined, confident, untouchable. Back then, she looked at him with admiration and love. To her, he was everything she aspired to be. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that this same man would someday make her feel worthless. All those years of love, of marriage, of giving — they now felt like a cruel joke.Part 10: A New Beginning Hidden in the Word “Fine”Charles chuckled when she finally said, “Fine.” To him, it was just another empty threat, another outburst that would fade with time. He kissed her cheek, confident that her love would keep her shackled to him forever. What he didn’t realize was that this time, “Fine” wasn’t surrender — it was goodbye. Behind her calm eyes, Yolanda had already made her decision. The love that once bound her had turned to ash, and from that ash, something new was forming — strength.Chapter 1 ends with Yolanda’s quiet determination to take back her life. She won’t cry or beg anymore. This time, she’ll walk away — not as a broken wife, but as a woman reborn through betrayal.
