Semua Bab THE BILLIONAIRE SECRET TWIN HEIR : Bab 21 - Bab 30

"I can't believe how much your company has grown in just three years," Tina said, her eyes wide as she surveyed the office space. "You've really built something special here, Anna."I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and allowed myself a small moment of pride as I gazed around the bright, open space that now housed my design business. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the modern workstations where three designers worked diligently on client projects."Thanks, but I can't take all the credit. My boys are my motivation," I replied, sipping my coffee and savoring the rich caramel notes. "Speaking of which, we need to pick them up from Mrs. Jenkins in two hours."Tina wasn't just my first employee; she'd become my confidante over the last year. At twenty-eight, she was a tornado of efficiency wrapped in designer clothes with a keen eye for business opportunities I sometimes missed while juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship."The Westbrook propos

"Mom, can we get ice cream after your big meeting?" Austin tugged at my sleeve, his wide blue eyes—Michael's eyes—pleading up at me. I smoothed his dark hair, so like his father's. "If you and Alex behave for Tina while I'm gone, absolutely."My heart hammered against my ribs as I adjusted my blazer in the hotel mirror. Five years of building my business from nothing had led to this moment—a major conference presentation just outside Newark. Dangerously close to the Walton territory, but too important to pass up."You look different," Alex said, studying me with that unnervingly perceptive gaze. At only five years old, he noticed everything. "You're scared.""Not scared, just... focused." I knelt to his level, straightening his little collar. "Sometimes big opportunities make grown-ups nervous.""Like when I had to introduce myself to the whole kindergarten class," Austin chimed in."Exactly like that." I hugged them both, breathing in their scent—soap and that indefinable sweetness

*Next Day*"Mom, why is your name on that building?" Austin's small finger pressed against the car window, leaving a smudge on the glass as we drove past the newly erected Collins Design headquarters.My stomach twisted. Five years had passed since I fled New Jersey with nothing but a broken heart and a secret growing inside me. Now, my company logo gleamed in the afternoon sun, impossible to miss from the highway."Because that's where Mommy works, sweetie." I adjusted the rearview mirror to catch a glimpse of my boys. My miracles. My revenge.Alex's eyes narrowed in that calculating way that always made my breath catch. At eight years old, he already possessed his father's shrewd perception. "But Tommy at school said most mommies don't own buildings.""Most mommies aren't as awesome as yours," I quipped, forcing lightness into my tone while my knuckles whitened against the steering wheel.The truth hovered between us, unspoken. Most mommies didn't flee from billionaire husbands who'

My knuckles whitened as I gripped the edge of my desk. "Book the flight for tonight. I need to be in Millbrook by morning."Daniel shook his head, his expression grim. "With all due respect, Mr. Walton, that would be a catastrophic mistake.""They're my *sons*," I hissed, the words still foreign on my tongue. "My flesh and blood, who've lived eight years without knowing their father.""Exactly." Daniel remained unflinchingly calm. "Eight years. Another few days won't change anything."I paced the length of my office, past the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Manhattan skyline. The city lights blurred through unshed tears I refused to acknowledge."You don't understand. Every minute that passes is another minute lost.""I understand better than you think." Daniel's voice dropped. "I have three kids of my own. And if I've learned anything as a father, it's that rushing in without a plan when emotions are running high is how you make mistakes you can't take back."I stopped pacin

Morning sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows as I poured orange juice into twin glasses. My hands were steady despite the hurricane raging inside me. Today was the day."Mom, can we wear our new sneakers to the park?" Austin asked, shoveling cereal into his mouth at a pace that made me wince."Slow down before you choke," I said, sliding a napkin toward him. "And yes, you can wear them."Alex studied me over his glass of juice. "You look different today."I glanced down at my outfit—a cream silk blouse tucked into tailored black pants, pearl earrings, designer heels I hadn't worn in years. The Anna Collins my sons knew typically dressed in comfortable business casual, not power outfits designed to intimidate."I have meetings," I said, which wasn't a lie. "Important ones."Tina arrived as the boys finished breakfast, carrying a portfolio and my favorite coffee."The car's outside," she said, handing me the steaming cup. Her eyes darted to the twins. "Everything's in place."I