Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 29 Summary
In Chapter 29 of “Shattered Dreams Find Light,” Simone finds herself cornered by Sydney and Lewis, who confront her about a troubling message that has caused chaos in her life. The chapter opens with Simone feeling overwhelmed and contemplating escape, but it’s too late as they close in on her. Sydney’s triumphant demeanor and Lewis’s accusatory tone create a tense atmosphere, with Simone struggling to maintain her composure amidst their accusations. The emotional weight of the situation bears down on her, and she grapples with the humiliation of being publicly confronted.
As the confrontation escalates, Simone tries to explain the misunderstanding, but Sydney’s anger and mockery only intensify the situation. Simone’s frustration grows as she realizes that she is being unfairly blamed for the blackmail, a situation she did not instigate. Despite her attempts to assert herself and clarify her position, she is met with hostility and derision. The humiliation peaks when Sydney physically shoves her, causing her belongings to spill onto the floor, further exposing her vulnerability in front of onlookers. The scene is charged with emotions of anger, shame, and a desperate need for validation.
Just as the situation reaches a boiling point, Carter arrives, providing a sense of protection for Simone amidst the chaos. His authoritative presence shifts the dynamics, and although Simone initially tries to downplay the incident, the tension remains palpable. Carter’s intervention offers a glimmer of hope, yet Simone is aware of the potential fallout from the confrontation. As she navigates her feelings of gratitude and guilt, the chapter ends with a chilling message from Jasmine, revealing that her friend has been taken. This abrupt turn plunges Simone into a state of panic, shifting her focus from the confrontation to the urgent need to rescue Jasmine.
The chapter concludes with Simone feeling a mix of determination and fear. The earlier warmth and excitement of her day evaporate, replaced by a resolve to confront the darkness that threatens her friend. She reflects on the support she has received from Carter and her loved ones, which fuels her strength. With a fierce determination ignited within her, Simone prepares to face the challenges ahead, knowing that her journey is now about more than just her shattered dreams; it’s about protecting those she loves and reclaiming her agency against the shadows closing in on her world.
Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below
**Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost**
**Chapter 29**
“Oh no, not now,” Simone murmured under her breath, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag tightly, as if it could somehow shield her from the storm that was about to unfold.
65 vouchers.
The number echoed ominously in her mind, a cruel reminder of the chaos that had ensued. She briefly considered making a hasty retreat, perhaps pressing the elevator button in a desperate bid for escape, but it was far too late. They had closed the distance between them with alarming speed.
“Hey,” she managed to utter, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace than anything genuine.
“I told you we’d find you here,” Sydney shot back, her arms crossed defiantly across her chest, a glint of triumph dancing in her eyes as if she had just won a long-fought battle.
Lewis stepped forward, his expression a confusing mix of irritation and confusion. “Didn’t you receive my message?” he asked, his brow furrowing deeply, as if he were trying to unravel a puzzling mystery.
Simone pressed her lips together, struggling to maintain her composure amidst the rising tension. “I did,” she replied, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her like a heavy cloak.
“And you’re just okay with it? You didn’t think to call and plead for mercy?” Lewis’s voice was sharp, laced with accusation, as if he were daring her to deny his claims.
Simone raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback by his audacity. After everything he had done, he expected her to grovel before him? What was truly puzzling, however, was how he had even obtained her number in the first place.
“How did you even get my number?” she asked, genuine curiosity mingling with a hint of suspicion.
Sydney let out a derisive laugh, her tone dripping with mockery. “Oh please, Simone. Only a foolish blackmailer would leave their number attached to a threat.”
Simone felt a surge of disbelief wash over her. Jasmine had sent that message, and she had included her own number? What was she thinking?
The answers eluded her, but one thing was painfully clear: she needed to focus on the volatile duo standing before her, ready to pounce.
“Listen, there’s been a misunderstanding,” she began, her voice steady yet gentle, as if trying to soothe a wild animal. “I’ll sort this out, and—”
“Liar!” Sydney interrupted, her voice rising in anger, slicing through the air like a knife. “You think you can spin a web of lies and just call them misunderstandings when we don’t buy into them?”
So, Sydney was aware of the message’s content and was somehow complicit in this twisted charade?
Simone glanced at Lewis, searching for any sign of remorse, but his expression remained impassive, as if he were carved from stone, devoid of any empathy.
“I’m not apologizing for the message itself,” she asserted, her tone calm yet firm, a glimmer of defiance shining through. “I only regret the blackmail aspect, which isn’t my doing.”
“Whose fault is it then?” Sydney fired back, her eyes narrowing, the challenge evident in her posture. “Why shift the blame when you clearly wrote the message and attached your number?”
Frustration bubbled within Simone, rising like a tide. This was her moment to defend herself, yet she hesitated. Jasmine was still working for Nathan, and Nathan was Lewis’s best friend. She couldn’t betray her.
Instead, she forced a tight smile and tightened her grip on her bag, feeling the fabric dig into her palm. “I understand your frustration,” she replied evenly, “and I assure you, I will fix this.” She turned her gaze to Lewis, her eyes narrowing with defiance. “But if you think I’ll apologize for your ridiculous actions, you’re sorely mistaken!”
Sydney paused, confusion flickering across her face for a brief moment. “What are you talking about?” she demanded, then whipped around to Lewis. “What is she talking about?”
In that instant, Simone caught a flicker of fear in Lewis’s eyes before he regained his composure, his bravado slipping slightly. “I have no idea! She’s just trying… to cover her shame!” he barked, desperation creeping into his voice.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Sydney moved in closer, shoving Simone with a force that sent her staggering backward, her bag tearing open and spilling its contents across the floor like a burst piñata.
“Oh my God!” Sydney exclaimed, her voice dripping with disdain. “I knew it! You really do live in a hotel like a—like a—slut! No wonder you’re trying to blackmail us!”
Her loud, cutting words drew the attention of bystanders, and Simone felt the heat of humiliation rush to her cheeks as she knelt to gather her clothes. But Sydney was quicker, deliberately stomping on the scattered garments with her heels, crushing them beneath her.
“Trash deserves to be treated like trash,” Sydney sneered, her voice filled with contempt, as if she were relishing every moment of Simone’s downfall.
“Stop it,” Simone managed to say, her voice trembling under the weight of her emotions, a mixture of anger and shame swirling within her.
Whispers rippled through the corridor like a wave, and her cheeks burned hotter. Her stomach twisted in knots as she caught sight of Lewis chuckling at her misfortune, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
Then, as if summoned by her despair, Carter appeared, a beacon of strength amidst the chaos.
“What’s happening here?” he asked, striding toward them with purpose, his eyes locked onto Simone, radiating concern. He moved closer, though he didn’t touch her. It felt as though he were a protective shield, standing guard against the onslaught.
“Mr. Wilde,” Sydney said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, her facade cracking under the pressure. “Nothing serious, just putting trash where it belongs.”
Carter’s jaw tightened, his expression darkening as he assessed the situation. “Excuse me?”
Lewis jumped in, eager to deflect. “This isn’t something you need to concern yourself with, Mr. Wilde. Sorry to ruin your day.”
Simone tucked a stray hair behind her ear, her heart sinking at the palpable tension in the air, feeling small and vulnerable.
Carter’s demeanor shifted, a cold protectiveness radiating from him, and it was comforting to have someone stand up for her. Yet, the thought of the scandal that could erupt made her anxious, her mind racing with the potential fallout.
Before Carter could speak again, she leaned in and whispered, “It’s not worth it, sir. They are not worth it.”
Sydney scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I think you’re mistaking this hoe for someone important, sir. She’s—”
“Leave while you still can, miss,” Carter interrupted, his tone icy, leaving no room for argument.
Sydney blinked, momentarily taken aback by the forcefulness of his words. “But Mr. Wilde—”
“Out!” Carter snapped, his voice authoritative and unwavering. “Or I’ll have security throw you out!”
Simone didn’t wait for their reactions; she quickly crouched down to gather her clothes once more, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her.
Carter halted her midway. “Leave it. They’ll take care of it.”
Grateful, she nodded and turned toward the elevator, relief washing over her like a cool breeze.
“You’ll be hearing from our lawyers!” Sydney called out as the elevator doors slid open, her voice laced with venom.
Carter didn’t follow her into the elevator, and she savored the brief moment of peace that enveloped her. This entire humiliation could have been avoided if Jasmine hadn’t texted Lewis. She needed answers, but she resisted the urge to call Jasmine—she would see her at five. Answers would come then.
As the elevator doors closed with a soft ding, she stepped out and barely made it into the hallway when she heard Carter’s voice calling her name.
“Simone?”
She turned, waiting for him to catch up, her heart fluttering with gratitude. “Hey, thanks for earlier,” she said, her voice laced with sincerity.
He frowned slightly, his brow furrowing in concern. “What was that all about?”
“They’re not important,” she replied dismissively, trying to brush off the incident, though the sting of humiliation still lingered.
He scrutinized her, but didn’t press further, sensing her need for space. As they reached her door, her thoughts drifted back to the previous night, and warmth flooded her cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and fondness.
“Time to go?” she asked, positioning herself to block the entrance, a playful smile dancing on her lips.
He frowned but nodded, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “Yes.”
“Alright then, let me get ready.” She slipped inside before he could say more, locking the door behind her with a soft click.
Her heart raced as she gasped at the sight of Salma lounging on the couch, a wave of guilt washing over her at the sight of her friend.
“I’m so sorry! I totally forgot you were here,” she exclaimed, feeling the weight of her oversight.
“It’s okay,” Salma replied with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with understanding.
Ethan sat beside her, munching on cereal while engrossed in a cartoon. Simone’s heart swelled with pride at his progress, and she leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on his forehead, cherishing the moment.
“Mommy, you’re distracting me,” he mumbled, his eyes glued to the screen, completely absorbed in his animated world.
“Kids,” Salma chuckled, shaking her head, her laughter lightening the atmosphere.
Simone smiled softly, her heart warming at the sight. “I’ll be out for a while. Is that okay—”
“Oh, it’s fine,” Salma reassured her, her tone comforting. “I enjoy his company.”
“Thank you,” Simone said, leaning down to kiss Ethan again, her heart full. “Be good for Auntie Salma, okay?”
“Yes, Mommy,” Ethan replied, still fixated on the television, his attention unwavering.
Straightening her jumpsuit, Simone stepped back into the hallway, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
“Ready?” she called to Carter, her voice carrying a hint of eagerness.
“I don’t take standing outside a room from anyone,” he muttered, leading the way with a determined stride.
A pang of guilt tugged at her heart, but she kept silent, not wanting to disrupt the fragile peace that had settled between them.
They exited the hotel, where Carter’s car awaited them, sleek and polished under the afternoon sun. He opened the door for her, and she slid into the seat, feeling a rush of gratitude wash over her.
“Thanks,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yeah,” he replied softly, settling in beside her, the air between them thick with unspoken words. “We’ll be meeting an interior designer. She’s a good friend of mine.”
“Okay,” she nodded, glancing out the window, her mind racing with thoughts of the day.
Should she bring up what happened last night? Did he even recall coming to the hotel, the way he had looked at her with concern?
She bit her lip, ultimately deciding against it, not wanting to delve into the past when the present was already so tumultuous.
The ride flew by, the city blurring past in a kaleidoscope of colors, and soon they arrived at her new apartment. Joy bubbled within her as she stepped out, the promise of a fresh start igniting a flicker of hope.
An older woman stood waiting at the door, her smile warm and inviting, radiating a sense of comfort.
“Hello, you must be Simone,” she said, extending her hand with a friendly gesture. “I’m Veronica.”
“Nice to meet you, Veronica,” Simone replied, shaking her hand, feeling a sense of ease wash over her.
“I’d love to hear your vision for the house,” Veronica said, her enthusiasm palpable, igniting a spark of excitement within Simone.
“Sure,” Simone smiled, feeling a flicker of inspiration begin to bloom.
“Alright, ladies, I’ll leave you to it,” Carter announced, his tone lightening as he stepped back. “I’ll be back soon.”
Simone nodded, watching him go as she followed Veronica inside. They spent the next few hours discussing colors and furniture choices, each idea sparking more inspiration and igniting a sense of possibility within her.
“That was fun,” Veronica said, closing her scrapbook with a satisfied smile, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
“Yes, it was. Thank you,” Simone replied, her heart feeling lighter than it had all day.
“I’ll start the prep tonight. Work officially begins tomorrow,” Veronica informed her, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
“Perfect,” Simone said, pulling her into a quick hug, feeling a sense of camaraderie blossom.
They walked outside together, the sun casting a warm glow around them.
“That’s my ride,” Veronica said, pointing to a jeep parked across the street. “Bye!”
“Bye!” Simone waved, watching her leave, a smile lingering on her lips.
Checking her phone, she noticed it was twenty minutes past five, but there were no missed calls from Jasmine, and a knot of anxiety began to form in her stomach.
Feeling a surge of concern, she dialed Jasmine’s number. No answer. She tried again and again, but the line remained silent, a deafening void echoing in her ears.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a chilling message from Jasmine.
*Jasmine has been taken. If you want to see your friend alive, wait for our call.*
Simone’s stomach plummeted, her heart racing as panic seized her. What in the world was happening?
As the weight of Jasmine’s ominous message settled in, Simone felt the world around her blur into a haze of disbelief and dread. The warmth she had felt just moments before, buoyed by the excitement of her new apartment and the promise of a fresh start, evaporated in an instant. The confrontation with Sydney and Lewis had left her shaken, but this new threat felt like a chasm opening beneath her feet. Panic clawed at her insides, but she fought to hold onto the flicker of resilience that had sparked within her throughout the tumultuous day. She could not let fear consume her; she had to channel it into action. With her heart racing, she resolved to find Jasmine, no matter the cost, knowing that the strength she had discovered in herself would be her guiding light.
As she steadied her breath and prepared to confront the darkness that loomed ahead, Simone felt a renewed sense of purpose. The kindness and support she had received from Carter, Salma, and even the fleeting joy of her time with Ethan reminded her that she was not alone in this fight. The humiliation she had endured would not define her; rather, it would fuel her determination to protect those she loved. With a fierce resolve igniting her spirit, she clutched her phone tightly, ready to face whatever came next. This was not just about her shattered dreams; it was about forging a path toward light, reclaiming her agency, and standing up against the shadows that threatened to engulf her world.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the tension escalates, readers can expect Simone to grapple with the shocking news about Jasmine’s abduction. With the clock ticking and her friend’s life hanging in the balance, Simone will be thrust into a race against time. The stakes are higher than ever, and she must navigate the treacherous waters of blackmail, betrayal, and a web of secrets that threaten to ensnare her. Will she find the courage to confront her fears and uncover the truth behind Jasmine’s disappearance, or will the forces conspiring against her prove too powerful to overcome?
In the next chapter, the emotional turmoil will deepen as Simone seeks help from unexpected allies. Carter, who has already shown his protective instincts, may step up in ways that challenge their budding relationship. Meanwhile, Sydney and Lewis will likely continue their torment, adding layers of complexity to Simone’s struggle. As she delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Jasmine’s situation, Simone will have to confront her own vulnerabilities and make choices that could alter the course of her life forever. The chapter promises to be a whirlwind of suspense, revealing hidden motives and igniting a fierce determination within Simone that could either lead to her salvation or her downfall. Prepare for twists that will leave readers on the edge of their seats!
Conclusion
In the aftermath of chaos and humiliation, Simone stands at a crossroads, her heart heavy with the weight of Jasmine’s abduction. The confrontation with Sydney and Lewis has left her reeling, yet it has also ignited a fierce determination within her. As she grapples with the chilling message that shatters the fleeting sense of peace she had just begun to embrace, she resolves to reclaim her agency and protect those she loves. The flicker of resilience that sparked during her earlier moments of joy now fuels her desire to confront the darkness that threatens to engulf her world. With a heart pounding and resolve hardening, she prepares to navigate the treacherous waters ahead, knowing that the strength she has discovered will be her guiding light.
As she steps into the unknown, the kindness and support from Carter, Salma, and Ethan remind her that she is not alone in this fight. The emotional arc of her journey, from despair to empowerment, culminates in a moment where she understands that her shattered dreams do not define her; rather, they serve as a catalyst for her transformation. With each passing second, she embraces the urgency of the situation, knowing that her love for Jasmine and her newfound strength will propel her forward. The path ahead may be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but Simone is ready to face whatever challenges await her, determined to uncover the truth and reclaim the light that was momentarily extinguished.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the dust settles from the shocking confrontation, readers can anticipate a heart-pounding journey as Simone dives headfirst into the chaos surrounding Jasmine’s abduction. With the chilling message echoing in her mind, she will be forced to confront the depths of her fears while grappling with the reality that her friend’s life hangs in the balance. The urgency of the situation will propel her into action, igniting a fierce determination to uncover the truth and rescue Jasmine, no matter the cost. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions as Simone navigates the treacherous landscape of betrayal and deception, with every choice she makes leading her closer to danger or salvation.
In the next chapter, the stakes will rise as Simone seeks out allies in her quest for answers. Carter’s protective instincts will be put to the test, and their relationship may evolve in unexpected ways, revealing deeper layers of trust and camaraderie. However, the looming threat of Sydney and Lewis will persist, their malicious intentions serving as a constant reminder of the darkness that surrounds Simone. As she delves deeper into the mystery, readers can expect thrilling twists and unexpected revelations that will challenge Simone’s resolve and force her to confront her own vulnerabilities. The chapter promises to be a gripping blend of suspense and emotional turmoil, leaving readers eagerly turning pages to see if Simone can reclaim her agency and bring her friend back from the brink. Prepare for a whirlwind of tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.