0007

Meanwhile, downstairs…

Lilian paced nervously back and forth in the lounge area of the building, her heart pounding despite Sebastian’s earlier reassuring nod. She couldn’t calm herself—not until she saw him again.

Daemon and Rose sat curled up beside her on the sofa, clinging tightly to her hands. Their little faces were still damp with tears, their eyes wide and fearful.

Sophie sat quietly nearby, trying to gather her thoughts. She still looked shaken. What she had witnessed upstairs felt like something out of an action movie. She had never seen that terrifying side of Sebastian before.

Lilian bent down and kissed her children’s foreheads gently. “It’s okay now,” she whispered. “Daddy is coming. Everything’s going to be fine.”

She stroked their cheeks, trying to ease the worry written all over their little faces.

Daemon looked up at her, rubbing his eyes. “Will Daddy hurt that man again?” he asked, remembering how Sebastian had punched Wilson like one of the heroes in his favorite superhero movies.

Lilian hesitated for a moment. “Daddy won’t let anyone hurt us again,” she said softly. “That’s the most important thing.”

“Daddy!” Rose suddenly cried out, pointing toward the hallway.

Sebastian was walking toward them with steady steps. As soon as he reached them, he scooped both kids into his arms without hesitation.

“Are you okay?” he asked gently.

They both nodded, wrapping their arms around his neck tightly.

Sebastian looked at Lilian, stepping closer. “Are you okay, baby?”

“I am,” Lilian said with a soft sigh. “But let’s just leave this place, please.” She reached out and took Rose from his arms.

Just as they turned to leave, a wall of flashing lights and shouting voices greeted them at the front entrance. The press had already gathered outside—and they were ready to pounce.

The reporters surged forward, shoving microphones in their faces.

“Mrs. Barker, is it true that Mr. Wilson Barker is the biological father of your twins?”

“Mr. Barker, did you know your wife’s ex-husband was your stepbrother before you married her?”

“Is it true you’ve adopted Daemon and Rose as your own children?”

The noise was overwhelming.

Sophie quickly stepped in front, using her body to block the reporters. “Please give them space!” she called out, trying to clear a path to the car.

With Sophie’s help, they managed to reach the vehicle. Sebastian opened the door and helped Lilian and the kids inside before getting in himself.

As soon as the door shut, he started the engine and drove off, leaving the chaos behind.

Inside the car, Lilian let out a long breath, resting her head against the seat. Daemon and Rose snuggled up beside her.

A few minutes later, they arrived home. The maid gently carried the kids to their room to get them changed, while Lillian and Sebastian headed to their bedroom.

“Are you sure you’re okay, baby?” Sebastian asked, concern in his eyes.

Lillian gave a small nod. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just didn’t expect to see him there… I’m sorry for causing all that drama.”

Sebastian stepped closer, shaking his head. “Drama? Lillian, you’re my woman. It’s my job to protect you—and our family. I love you, and I’ll never let anyone disrespect you.”

“I love you so much,” Lillian whispered. “And I always will.”

“I’ll love you forever,” Sebastian replied softly, then leaned in and kissed her.

Their kiss deepened, warm and reassuring. After a few moments, they slowly pulled apart.

Lillian looked up at him, her worry returning. “What if he tries to come and claim the kids?”

Sebastian’s jaw clenched. “Then he’d better be ready to face the law. Rose and Daemon are mine—our children—and no one is taking them from us.”

A smile spread across Lillian’s face as she wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you, Seb,” she said, planting a quick kiss on his lips.

“I need to check on the kids,” she added, turning to leave the room.

“I’m coming with you,” Sebastian said, following close behind.

Meanwhile...

Wilson drove home, the engine's roar marching the storm brewing inside him. He parked his car, but instead I stepping out, he sat there, fits clenched on the steering wheel. He couldn't shake the memory of Sebastian hitting him.

His jaw tightened. “How dare he… He’s nothing but trash.”

"The battle has just started, Lillian and Sebastian's better be prepared because I'm coming for you fools" he muttered, slamming the car door behind him as he stormed into the house.

Inside, he walked straight to the living room bar, He sight the whiskey bottle offered a quick escape from his thoughts. He poured himself a generous glass and downed it in one go. 

Just then, Emily came down the stairs, holding her phone.

“Wilson,” she said sharply, “what’s the meaning of this video going viral online?”

He set the glass down with a clink. "I met Emily today at the  French Touch Global Empire meeting" Wilson said.

"And?" Emily asked.

"All our deals with Luxe Fashion have been shut down. She made the announcement herself — right in front of the board, and the entire team."

Emily eyes widened. "What? Just like that? But you’ve worked with for that company for years. Why would she do that? Who the hell did she think she's" 

Wilson raked his fingers through his hair. "She's now the CEO, I never new she was pregnant. Her children won the Uprising Singing Stars contest, putting all awards in her name" .

"Wait, do you mean that the kids are yours. I mean your children" Emily said.

"Yes that's what I mean, the children are mine. Those awards are suppose to be in my name not hers" Wilson said angrily. He knew that if he was still married to Lillian the award would be his too and now Sebastian's is the one going to enjoy everything and the kids are not his. 

"Can you believe she remarried, not just any other person but to my stepbrother Sebastian's who's now claiming that the kids are now his" Wilson said.

"So what do you have in mind?" Emily asked.

"I'll sue them. I'm talking this to court" Wilson said firmly. 

Emily raised a brow and gave a bitter smile. “And what—do you think it’ll be that easy? Why do you even want the kids? Don’t tell me you want to go back to that bitch.”

"All I want is my kids" Wilson yelled.

"Really? You think it's going to be easy not after what we did to her seven years ago" Emily yelled and walked back upstairs leaving Wilson alone in the living room.

Wilson slammed his fist against the table. The glass cup fell to the floor, shattering into pieces.

Lilian stood by the kitchen counter, sipping her tea as she watched Rose and Daemon giggling and chasing each other around the breakfast table in their school uniforms.

“Daemon! Rose! Eat your breakfast—not each other!” she called with a laugh, setting down her cup.

“Yes, Mummy!” they chorused, still giggling as they finally settled down and started munching on toast and fruit.

Just then, Sebastian walked down the stairs, looking sharp in a navy-blue tailored suit, ready for work.

“Daddy!” Rose and Daemon squealed in delight.

He set his briefcase on the chair, gave them each a quick kiss on the forehead, then walked over to Lilian.

“Leaving without breakfast again?” Lilian teased, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Yeah, I’ve got an early meeting,” Sebastian said with a smile.

“Alright, take care, love,” she said, giving him a quick kiss. He smiled back, then headed out the door.

After the kids finished their breakfast, Lilian walked them outside to where their driver and bodyguard, Joe, was waiting by the car.

“Good morning, Mrs. Lilian,” Joe greeted with a grin.

“Morning, Uncle Joe—the responsible one,” Lilian said with a raised eyebrow. “Care to explain why my six-year-old twins were sneaking into a music competition behind my back while their bodyguard was busy cheering them on?”

Joe held up his hands, laughing. “Guilty as charged. But to be fair, they were amazing. Talented and confident—I swear those kids were made for the stage.”

Lilian chuckled. “Well, I’m proud of them. So, you get an award instead of a punishment today.”

“Much appreciated,” Joe said with a playful bow as he opened the car door.

Lilian knelt down, gently fixing Daemon’s collar and smoothing Rose’s hair. “Be good, okay? Listen to your teachers. And no sneaking off today—promise?”

“Yes, Mummy!” they sang in unison, wrapping their arms around her in a big hug.

She kissed their cheeks, smiling. “I love you both.”

“We love you too!” they said, climbing into the car.

Joe closed the door behind them, gave Lilian a small salute, then got into the front seat and the driver drove off.

The soft click-clack of Lilian’s heels echoed across the marble floor as she walked through the busy design studio. Designers moved quickly, flipping through sketches and fabrics, the air buzzing with creativity. Behind her, Sophie—her loyal PA—hurried to keep up, holding a tablet in one hand and a latte in the other.

“Congratulations again, ma’am,” Sophie said cheerfully. “As of this morning, you’re officially the CEO of French Touch Global Empire.”

Lilian stopped and turned slightly. “It’s official already?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Sophie nodded. “Mr. Cunningham’s legal team sent the final documents to the registrar this morning. Your name is now on everything—the shares, the buildings, the designs, and the patents.”

“That empire is worth millions…” Lilian said quietly as she stepped into her office and sat at her desk.

“Exactly,” Sophie confirmed, tapping on her tablet. “And it all belongs to you now. The award wasn’t just for show. The twins signed the final transfer papers yesterday—witnessed by lawyers—and the judges approved it. The sponsors were in full support.”

Sophie continued, “There’s also a press briefing tomorrow. You’ll need to give a short speech about your vision for the company. Investors and media will be there.”

Lilian let out a soft sigh. “So, I can’t hide from the cameras anymore, huh?”

“No, ma’am,” Sophie smiled. “But I’ve already started working on your speech. I’ll send you a draft soon.”

Lilian gave a small nod. “Anything else?”

“No, ma’am. That’s all for now.”

“Okay, you can go,” Lilian said.

Sophie nodded and quietly left the office.

A few seconds later, Lilian’s phone began to ring.

Unknown number.

She hesitated, her hand hovering over the screen, before finally answering.

“Hello?”

There was a pause.

Then a voice she hadn’t heard in years came through, calm and familiar.

“Hello, Lilian.”

She didn’t need to ask who it was. That voice burned deep into her memory.

“Emily,” she said coldly.