All Chapters of THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

“What did you say, love? Is it true?” Rosalia asked, her voice full of disbelief as she turned to face her husband.Douglas nodded and brushed his lips against her forehead, a comforting gesture."Why did you not tell our son?" she inquired, her gaze scanning his face for an answer. "To save him from sleeplessness and heartbreak."Douglas sighed deeply before gently guiding Rosalia to sit on the edge of their bed. "Selene asked me not to tell him where she was.""But, love, you saw how miserable our son had become. How could you make a compromise with Selene when he has clearly lost his spark, his joy since she left?" Rosalia's voice wavered with frustration and concern, the hurt in her words palpable. She had watched their son suffer in silence, and her guilt about the situation was palpable.Douglas chuckled softly and leaned in to kiss her lips, offering tender reassurance. "We are expecting a grandchild, my dear," Douglas said."Selene is six weeks pregnant. She promised to return

"Goodbye, my love," Ingrid muttered as she gazed at the door that was slowly closing.Even though she did not cry, something inside of her broke—quietly and permanently.Duke's retreating footsteps down the hallway were more than just a goodbye. They were the conclusion. A confirmation that her loved one had chosen someone else. Someone he never truly stopped loving.Selene....Duke did not waste another second. He rushed to Addison's office, his heart pounding with a strange combination of fear and excitement. When he entered, Addison looked up from her desk, surprised by the urgency in his eyes."I need your help," he said, his voice low and taut. "I need to find Selene."Addison's expression became sober. She did not ask why.She would always know Selene was the ghost Duke could never shake. With a nod, she picked up her phone and began calling immigration officers she knew from school, airline company friends, and travel agents who owed her favors.Time passed in tense silence, Duk

Selene returned to the Philippines exactly three months after she had left.She had selected a late-night flight for a reason. She did not want to be seen by reporters, fans, or anyone who could recognize her. After all, she would vanished without a word. She was not prepared to answer questions she had not even gotten the courage to ask herself.For nearly two months, she had lived a quiet life in Paris, away from the lights and noise. And, while she once craved the spotlight, she had grown accustomed to the stillness. To be anonymous. Now, the prospect of being recognized again made her stomach twist—but then again, everything did these days.Her plane arrived at NAIA around two in the morning. She stepped out of the plane with a heavy heart and heavy legs, feeling the familiar Manila humidity cling to her skin. Despite the heat, she wore her jacket and large sunglasses to protect her weary eyes. Her long, dark hair was tucked under a cap. Even at night and exhausted, she could not

Selene did not leave her condo for the entire day.The moment Duke walked out of her life for the second time, she shut the door, curled into herself, and remained motionless. She did not eat until hunger gnawed at her insides, and even then, she only ordered food to be delivered, barely touching what came.Her heart felt as if it had been shattered into pieces too small to collect.She was exhausted—emotionally, mentally, and physically. The baby growing inside her made her body heavier every day, but she had no one to talk to. Nobody knew.Not even Duke was present.The next morning, she forced herself out of bed and called Ming, her manager. Her voice was still hoarse as she said, "I am back in the Philippines."There was a beat of stunned silence on the other end, followed by—"What the hell is going on, Selene?" Are you aware of the challenges this situation has created for me? You and Richard both have caused me trouble!" Ming's irate voice rang through the phone, sharp and thun

"You don’t have to attend the interview with me, Duke," Selene said softly, her voice still raspy from the earlier tension."I already told your manager I'm coming with you."He was by the fridge now, peering inside."Have you eaten?""You have work to do at the hacienda and at SGC. I don’t want to distract you from that.""I can manage my time," he said calmly, like he’d rehearsed it. As if he'd already decided he wouldn’t take no for an answer."Are you seriously having just a sandwich for breakfast? I’m starving.""I… I’m used to it," she murmured.She didn’t tell him the truth—how her stomach churned violently from stress, and how anything she ate lately would end up down the drain. Her appetite had vanished days ago when everything started unraveling."No. We’re eating at the hotel restaurant across the street. That’s where I’m checked in."She snapped her head toward him. Her heart thudded at the revelation. He’s not leaving yet…"You should go back to Zambales, Duke. I can hand