The Unseen Heiress
As the illegitimate daughter in a household that scorns her, Emilia has learned to endure a life of cruel whispers and cold glares. But her fate takes an unexpected turn when her spoiled half-sister disappears on the eve of her arranged marriage. The family forces Emilia to wed the rumored crippled and disfigured groom in her sister's place—an ominous task they hope will rid them of her for good. Yet, when Emilia meets her new husband, Damien Blackwood, she is stunned. This mysterious man is neither crippled nor disfigured. Instead, he’s handsome, powerful, and hiding secrets as dark as her own. With the Blackwood family’s treacherous history looming over them, Emilia realizes she has entered a world far more dangerous than her own home—a world where alliances are built on lies and love can turn into a weapon. As she delves deeper, Emilia uncovers shocking secrets that link her family’s downfall to Damien’s ruthless kin. Now, torn between the man she’s come to trust and the whispers of betrayal around every corner, Emilia must decide: will she seek revenge on those who’ve wronged her or fight alongside Damien to claim her rightful legacy? In a game where love, power, and loyalty are tested, Emilia must face her past to shape her future… even if it means risking her life.
Chapter 85: The First Challenge
If there's one thing I've learned about success, it's that it always comes with a cost. That morning, as I walked into the estate's sunlit dining room, I had no idea that our first real challenge as a couple was already waiting for us, masked behind a polite knock on the door.
Sophie was the first to break the news. She strode in, phone in hand, her usual confidence shadowed by a furrowed brow.
"Emilia," she said, setting her phone on the table. "We have a problem."
I glanced at her, trying to gauge the seriousness in her tone. "What kind of problem?"
Damien, who had just returned from his morning run, entered the room in time to hear her response.
"It's about your international accounts," Sophie said, her voice clipped. "Someone's been spreading rumors that your company is involved in questionable financial practices. It's already made waves overseas."
I froze. "What kind of rumors?"