The billionaire’s hidden heirs
Five years ago, Elara Thorne died in a wreckage of twisted metal and flames. Or so the world believed.
In reality, she was running from the powerful Vance family who wanted her erased, and running from Julian Vance, the man who had shattered her heart before she could even tell him she was carrying his twins.
Now, Elara is a shadow in the city, a mother living on the edge of survival. But the "Ice King" of New York has a long memory and even longer reach. When Julian catches a glimpse of a familiar face at an elite gala, his world of cold calculation turns into a furnace of obsession.
He doesn't find a grieving ex-lover. He finds a woman who has become a lioness, and two children who are the perfect, sapphire-eyed images of himself.
Julian doesn’t ask for forgiveness. He demands a debt. He drags Elara from the gutters of Brooklyn into the heights of his glass palace, forcing her into a Marriage of Convenience. He wants his heirs. He wants his revenge. And most of all, he wants to possess the woman who dared to make a fool of him.
But Julian has forgotten one thing: a woman who has already survived death has nothing left to fear.
As Elara steps back into the world of the elite, she isn't there to play the dutiful wife. She is a Trojan horse in a red silk dress, ready to dismantle the Vance empire from within.
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Chapter: Are you angry at my mom?Mia uttered the words careful enough not to upset Julian. “Are you guys fighting?” Elara was on her knees before Mia in a heartbeat, her hands trembling as she smoothed the little girl’s hair. "No, baby, we’re not fighting. We were just... discussing things. Very loudly."Leo didn't buy it. He marched past his mother and stopped inches from Julian’s polished shoes. "Are you angry at my mom?"Julian looked down at the boy. He crouched, bringing himself to Leo’s level. "No, Leo. I’m not angry at her. I could never be."He saw Mia’s lip tremble, a single tear threatening to fall. Julian didn't hesitate; he moved to her, his hand gentle as he brushed her cheek. "I don’t ever want to see those eyes cry, Mia. We were just having a debate. Do you know what that is?"Mia shook her head, clutching her rabbit."It’s when two people care about something very much and talk about it until they find an answer," Julian said, his voice a low, soothing hum. "And I think we’ve talked enough. How about
Last Updated: 2026-01-24
Chapter: Cynthia SterlingJulian stood in the security hub, the blue light of the monitors washing over his sharp features. On the main screen, Cynthia Sterling was all expensive blonde waves and heavy, indignant makeup. She was practically vibrating with rage, her designer bag swinging dangerously near a security guard’s face.Julian watched for a heartbeat longer than necessary, his expression a mask of cold calculation. He tapped the intercom. "Open the gate, Matt. I’ll deal with this."He met her on the front steps, stepping out into the cool evening air before she could set a single heel inside his lobby."Julian!" Cynthia shrieked. She surged forward, but he stepped into her path, his body a solid wall. "Your men! They touched me! They actually stopped me at the gate! Do you have any idea how humiliating…""They’re new, Cynthia," Julian interrupted, his voice smooth, devoid of the disgust curling in his gut. He tucked his hands into his pockets, looking down at her with a practiced, indulgent smile. "And
Last Updated: 2026-01-24
Chapter: Cynthia SterlingChapter 7: The Poisoned GiftJulian stood in the security hub, the blue light of the monitors washing over his sharp features. On the main screen, Cynthia Sterling was all expensive blonde waves and heavy, indignant makeup. She was practically vibrating with rage, her designer bag swinging dangerously near a security guard’s face.Julian watched for a heartbeat longer than necessary, his expression a mask of cold calculation. He tapped the intercom. "Open the gate, Matt. I’ll deal with this."He met her on the front steps, stepping out into the cool evening air before she could set a single heel inside his lobby."Julian!" Cynthia shrieked. She surged forward, but he stepped into her path, his body a solid wall. "Your men! They touched me! They actually stopped me at the gate! Do you have any idea how humiliating…""They’re new, Cynthia," Julian interrupted, his voice smooth, devoid of the disgust curling in his gut. He tucked his hands into his pockets, looking down at her with a pra
Last Updated: 2026-01-24
Chapter: The wolf in dad’s clothingThe penthouse living room had been transformed into a private atelier. Three assistants in black turtlenecks stood silently by racks of garment bags, but Julian dismissed them with a sharp wave of his hand. He wanted to do this himself.He stood in the center of the room, holding two velvet boxes. He didn't look like the ruthless corporate raider who had decimated a rival firm that morning. He looked... patient."Leo. Mia. Come here," Julian called out, his voice dropping that terrifying boardroom octave to something softer.The twins emerged from the hallway, still hesitant. Mia was clutching her tattered rabbit, and Leo was eyeing the floor-to-ceiling windows as if expecting a trap."Is it time to go?" Leo asked, stepping in front of his sister."Not yet," Julian said, sinking to one knee. He was now at eye-level with them, his expensive suit straining slightly at the thighs. "A Vance never walks into a room unprepared. And tomorrow night, we have a very important party. We need arm
Last Updated: 2026-01-23
Chapter: Play my wife for the galaThe transition from the salt-of-the-earth chaos of Brooklyn to the suffocating luxury of the Vance Plaza penthouse happened in a blur of motion and muffled orders. Julian’s men moved with the efficiency of a clean-up crew after a crime."Leave the plastic toys," Silas said, his voice void of emotion as he looked at Leo’s favorite battered fire truck. "Mr. Vance has already ordered a custom-built playroom. Educational sets. Hand-carved wood.""He plays with the truck because I gave it to him, not because of what it's made of," Elara snapped, snatching the toy and shoving it into her duffel bag. She looked at Julian, who was standing by the door, watching her every move like a hawk counting its gold. "If you want us to come, my children’s memories come with us. Or you can call the police right now and see how well a scandal suits your stock price tomorrow morning."Julian’s eyes narrowed, but he gave a curt nod to Silas. "Let her take the junk."The ride back was silent. The twins were
Last Updated: 2026-01-18
Chapter: “You always did love a monster”Julian’s claim—they’re mine—hung in the air like a death sentence."The DNA doesn't lie," Julian repeated, his voice dropping to a whisper that only Elara could hear. "But you do. You’ve been lying for five years.""I was surviving!" Elara hissed, her hand white-knuckled on the door handle. "Survival and lying look the same when you’re being hunted by a man who thinks people are property."Behind her, Marcus stepped forward, his hand resting visibly on the counter where his holster was hidden. "The lady told you to leave, Vance. DNA or no DNA, you’re trespassing."Julian’s eyes flickered to Marcus, dismissive and cold. "Silas," he murmured.The lead security guard behind Julian stepped into the light. He held up a tablet. "Marcus Thorne. Former Tier 1 operator. Dishonorable discharge following a 'disagreement' with a superior officer in Kabul. Currently working off-the-books security for high-risk targets. Do you really want to play this game, Marcus? I have a warrant for your arrest
Last Updated: 2026-01-18
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