All Chapters of THE BILLIONAIRE'S SECRET SON: BETRAYAL AND BLOODLINE: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

"Can I ride in Lucas's car this time?" Ethan's yell came from the doorway, booming and anticipatory. He had his jacket half-zipped, flapping behind him, a shoe untied, and his backpack sloppily slung over one shoulder. I blinked at him from the kitchen, where coffee was steaming in my cup. "Why? What's wrong with my car?" “Nothing,” he said innocently, “but Lucas plays better music. And his seats are warm.” Lucas, who had just walked in behind him with grocery bags in both hands, laughed softly. “I’ve been dethroned by seat warmers and pop playlists. I’ll take it.” I gave Ethan a mock glare, then turned to Lucas. “This was supposed to be my drop-off day.” "And I just thought I'd pick up donuts on the way," he said easily, setting the bags down. "Extra sprinkles for a certain third grader." "Best. Day. Ever," Ethan bellowed. I groaned, but it wasn't frustration. It was something else—something deeper and something more perilous. The kind of sigh that escapes when life starts han

"Be careful, baby," I yelled, trying not to sound as panicked as Ethan sprinted towards the edge of the lawn. "Don't run with it pointed like that!" "It's not even lit yet, Mom!" he yelled back, waving the unlit sparkler wildly. "Lucas said it only works with magic." "Magic?" I raised a brow and turned to Lucas, who was grinning behind me like a proud, mischievous uncle. Or… something more. He shrugged, his eyes glinting. "Magic. And a lighter." I rolled my eyes, but my smile betrayed me. Lucas had appeared that morning with one arm full of groceries and the other full of a pack of fireworks. "It's Independence Day," he'd said at the door. "We're celebrating." It had been years since I permitted myself to acknowledge a holiday. They were loud, chaotic things built around people who had the luxury of comfort, of laughter, of tradition. But Lucas didn't invite. He simply made space for celebration—and expected I would attend. And I did. --- Ethan shrieked as Lucas c

I stood by the glass wall in the office, my ring catching the sunlight like it had its little heartbeat. When I turned, all eyes were on me. “I said yes,” I whispered. There was a pause—like the moment before a balloon bursts. Then came the cheers. Marcy squealed first. Michael clapped. Sharon gasped and threw her hands in the air. Ms. Morris walked up to me with tears in her eyes. She pulled me into a tight hug. “You deserve this, Sophie,” she whispered. “You deserve to be loved like that.” I smiled. Because I hadn’t told him. Because I was still hiding Ethan’s truth. Because the ring on my finger came with a weight in my chest. Lucas sent me a message: “Lunch at our spot?” I texted back: “Yes. Can’t wait.” Ethan danced around the kitchen that night when I told him. “You’re going to marry Lukey?” he shouted. “Yeah, sweetheart,” I said, laughing. “I think we’re ready.” He hugged me so tight I felt my ribs press together. He didn’t call him Lukey th

Lucas received a call from his father early that morning, his voice filled with urgency and restrained excitement.He looked at me across the breakfast table and said, "Damien is back."My hand froze mid-air, toast inches from my mouth, my heartbeat thundering in my ears.I swallowed hard, not the toast, but the lump rising in my throat."We’re going to the mansion tonight. There’s a welcome party," Lucas added, oblivious to the storm brewing behind my eyes.I forced a smile and nodded, my fingers trembling slightly as I reached for my juice.The day moved slowly, each tick of the clock dragging me closer to a moment I wasn't prepared for.I dressed carefully, choosing a pale blue gown Lucas loved, trying to look composed while my insides churned.Lucas held my hand as we entered the grand mansion, already brimming with family members and music.The lights glittered overhead like stars, and the hum of laughter filled the air.I kept my grip tight on Lucas, searching every corner, ever

Damien's POVI sat quietly in my office on a Thursday morning, drifting away with thought.My phone suddenly beeps. “Official Invitation – Guest Host for Willow Creek Elementary Annual Talent Contest.”I scanned through the message and raised a brow. “Hmmmm, this school once partnered with one of the charity foundations I had supported years ago. It would be good PR to attend, a good way to distract myself from the awkward air that still lingered after my return to Houston.” I mutteredSophie's POVEthan's school contest day finally arrived.The school auditorium was bright and packed with excited parents, teachers, students, and guests. The energy buzzed with innocent joy and nervous tension as Damien arrived in a dark blue suit, sunglasses shielding his eyes from the sun and unnecessary attention.I watched Damien arrive at the school auditorium earlier than expected.The staff members rushed to welcome him, some clearly starstruck, others professionally composed.He nodded in