All Chapters of The Billionaire's Accidental Surrogate: Chapter 161 - Chapter 168

Clarisse got home, the intensity of the meeting with Devon still buzzing in her mind. Ian was there, sitting on the rug, helping Lucia construct a massive, fantastical castle out of plastic bricks. They both looked up, their faces alight with domestic happiness.Clarisse rushed over, hugging them both fiercely, kissing Ian and then burying her face in Lucia’s hair. "How are my favorite castle builders doing? Did you finish the royal stables?""Almost, Mommy!" Lucia chirped, completely engrossed.Ian noticed the subtle tension etched around Clarisse’s eyes. She was smiling, but it wasn't her relaxed, home-smile. It was the tight, exhausted smile of someone who had a lot on her mind."You good, my love?" he asked softly, standing up.She nodded quickly. "Yeah. Just... emotionally wiped. I need a shower and about three hours of quiet."He nodded, concern clouding his eyes as he watched her go upstairs. He felt a heavy mix of relief and dread. Relief that she was talking to Devon and work

Yvonne had been driving for what felt like forever, switching out of her own vehicle into a plain, older car her mother had cleverly arranged. The journey ended at a house, quiet and secluded, nestled right by the calm, gray water of a lake. She felt a shiver, a mix of fear and relief, as she killed the engine. This place looked like the end of the world, but for now, it was safe.She got inside quickly, locking the heavy door behind her. The house smelled faintly of dust and old wood, unused for a long time. Yvonne went straight upstairs where her mother had said she would find clothes. There, hanging in the small wardrobe, were simple, new clothes, tags still on them. She realized she was still covered in the stress and grime of running away. She needed a hot bath. She went into the bathroom, ready to clean herself, but saw there was only a dusty bar of plain soap. Her mother hadn't thought of everything, she realized with annoyance.Just as she was about to turn on the tap, she hea

Ian got home much later than he had planned. The hospital visit, the awful news, and that heavy, unexpected talk with Devon had taken all his energy, draining him down to empty. He walked into the living room and found Clarisse waiting for him, the dinner table already set for three. The girls, Hope and Lucia, were sitting patiently on the couch, watching a cartoon but ready for food.Clarisse rushed over to him, her face tight with worry. "Ian, you're late! Everything alright? You were only supposed to be out for a drive."He forced a weary smile, kissing her forehead. He held her tight, needing the feel of her more than anything in the world. He was a man, and he’d been told his whole life to bottle up his feelings, to be the rock that never moved. But standing here, knowing the time he might have left was a coin flip, knowing he might leave this incredible woman alone, he felt weak, completely exposed, like a raw wound."I’m sorry, love, I really am," he apologized, his voice sound

The emergency room was loud and confusing, all bright lights and that sharp, clean smell of medicine. Devon stood right next to the doctor outside the room where they had rushed Ian. Devon’s bulletproof vest was still on, his face was smeared with dirt, but he didn’t even notice. He only cared about Ian.“How is he, doctor?” Devon asked, his voice rough and tired. He got straight to the point. “Look, will it be possible to do the surgery now? The one for the tumor? If we get him in right away, maybe we can deal with this head injury and the original problem at the same time.”Clarisse was right behind Devon, held up by Sarah, but she pushed forward when she heard those words. Her eyes were wide and fixed on Devon, completely shocked.“What was he saying? Tumor?” Clarisse asked, her voice breaking. Her world had already been shattered by the kidnapping and the violence, and now this, another terrible secret.