CHAPTER VI

The Billionaire's Hidden Granddaughter

Episode 6 – Shadows from the Past

The morning after the incident, Nomie tried to convince herself that life should go on.

She stood in front of the mirror inside her small apartment, adjusted her oversized glasses, tied her hair into its usual messy ponytail, and smiled at her reflection.

"You're here to study, not to be afraid," she whispered.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her backpack and headed to the university.

What she didn't know was that two unmarked vehicles were already stationed near the campus.

Don Emilio had quietly doubled her security.

---

Inside the classroom, Professor Reyes made an exciting announcement.

"Next week, the university will hold the Business Innovation Challenge. Every group will compete, and the winning team will represent National University Manila in a national competition."

The class erupted in excitement.

Cedrick looked at Nomie with a grin.

"We have a real chance of winning."

Nomie smiled.

"If we work together, we can."

Fatima remained silent. Deep inside, she knew Nomie was the reason their group had become one of the strongest in class.

For the first time, guilt began to creep into her heart.

---

After class, the group met in the library.

As they discussed their presentation, Cedrick noticed Nomie rubbing her temples.

"You don't look well."

"I'm fine," she replied with a smile.

"You've been saying that a lot lately," Cedrick said.

Fatima looked at Nomie for a moment.

Without saying a word, she quietly handed her a bottle of water.

Nomie looked surprised.

"Thank you."

Fatima simply nodded.

It wasn't forgiveness...

But it was the first crack in the wall of jealousy surrounding her heart.

---

Meanwhile, across the library...

A young man wearing a university jacket secretly took several pictures of Nomie.

He immediately sent them to an unknown number.

Target confirmed.

A reply came seconds later.

Keep watching her. Do not approach until I give the order.

The student quickly deleted the messages before anyone could notice.

---

That evening...

Nomie returned to her apartment carrying groceries.

As she reached her door, she noticed something unusual.

The door was slightly open.

Her heart pounded.

"I locked it this morning..."

Slowly, she pushed the door open.

The lights were off.

The apartment was silent.

"Hello?"

No answer.

She cautiously stepped inside.

Everything looked normal...

Until she reached her study table.

The family photograph was gone.

In its place was another envelope.

Her hands trembled as she opened it.

Inside was a single chess piece—a black king.

Along with it was a typed message.

"Every queen eventually returns to her kingdom."

Nomie's breathing became heavy.

Whoever had entered her apartment hadn't stolen money.

They hadn't taken jewelry.

They had taken only one thing...

The photograph proving her real identity.

---

Frightened, Nomie immediately called the only person she trusted.

"Grandfather..."

The moment Don Emilio heard the fear in her voice, he stood from his chair.

"What happened, my child?"

"Someone... someone was inside my apartment."

His expression darkened.

"Stay where you are."

"I'm coming."

---

Less than thirty minutes later...

Several black luxury SUVs quietly arrived outside the apartment building.

The residents looked through their windows in confusion.

Who could possibly deserve such high-level security?

Don Emilio stepped out of the first vehicle.

Without caring who was watching, he rushed upstairs.

The moment he saw Nomie, he hugged her tightly.

"My child..."

"I'm sorry."

"I should have protected you better."

Tears filled Nomie's eyes.

"I'm scared, Grandfather."

He gently held her shoulders.

"Listen to me."

"No matter what happens..."

"You are not alone."

His security team began searching the apartment.

One of the agents soon approached.

"Sir..."

"We found something."

He handed Don Emilio a small gold cufflink engraved with the image of a falcon.

The old billionaire froze.

His face turned pale.

"It can't be..."

Nomie noticed the sudden change in his expression.

"Grandfather..."

"Do you know who this belongs to?"

Don Emilio slowly closed his hand around the cufflink.

His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I prayed..."

"...that this day would never come."

Before he could explain further, his phone rang.

The caller ID showed only one word:

UNKNOWN

He answered.

A calm, chilling voice spoke from the other end.

"Good evening, Don Emilio."

"I see you've finally found my calling card."

Don Emilio's eyes widened.

"You..."

The voice chuckled.

"It's been twenty-five years."

"And now..."

"I'm coming back for what's mine."

The call ended.

The room fell into complete silence.

Nomie looked at her grandfather, whose hands were shaking for the first time in her life.

She had never seen him afraid.

Not until now.

End of Episode 6

Cliffhanger: Who is the mysterious enemy from Don Emilio's past, and what claim could he possibly have over the Dawson family—and Nomie herself?