All Chapters of Love, Lies, and Billion-Dollar Secrets: Chapter 31 - Chapter 35

I couldn’t even find my voice. My hands were shaking—guilt, worry, nerves all crashing over me like a tidal wave.She walked right into my room and shut the door behind her. Locked door? Yeah, I have no idea how she managed that.“E-Elyse…” I stammered.She smirked, then turned her gaze to the guy next to me. The smile dropped. She straightened up, folding her arms like a pro.“So… what do we have here?” Her voice was sharp. My mouth wanted to open, but Ryoushin stepped right in front of me, blocking the way.I peeked at Elyse from behind him and caught her serious stare locked on Ryoushin. Their eyes met like they were silently trading secrets. I frowned and saw her clench her fist.“See? I knew it. You’re not human,” Elyse said, half teasing but dead serious enough to make my lips tremble.“W-what do you mean?” I barely managed.Ryoushin’s fist clenched too, but he didn’t say a word. Elyse stopped laughing, adjusted her glasses, then gave me a cold warning.“Alright. I’ll leave you

I stood frozen at the front door, heart pounding as I stared at the man I never thought I’d see again—my father.He stood up quickly and rushed toward me, pulling me into a tight hug.I glanced over at Ryoushin, who was watching us with a serious, unreadable look.When he caught me staring, he turned away and walked toward the stairs. Lorenzo followed close behind.Miss Pen gently tapped my arm before my dad and I were left alone.“Hey, kiddo. How have you been?” he asked, cupping my cheeks in his hands.I just stared back, disbelief heavy in my chest—couldn’t believe he was actually here.Slowly, I pushed his hands away and swallowed the lump blocking my throat.“What are you doing here?” I finally asked.He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he pulled me down beside him on the couch.“Didn’t Mr. Castillian tell you I’m here?”I looked away, crossing my legs tightly. So he did know I was here, but kept it from me. My grip on my dress tightened. I heard him sigh.“I never expected you

The next day, I actually woke up before my alarm clock went off. That never happens, so yeah, miracle status. I got ready, slipped into my maid uniform after a quick shower, and stepped out of my room.Tiffany passed me in the hallway and greeted me. I grinned and greeted her back. The hallway was quiet—too quiet. When I reached the Servant's Hall, I spotted Miss Pen talking to the executive chef, and they looked deep in convo.The moment she saw me, Miss Pen dismissed the chef and walked toward me. Her eyes scanned me from head to toe."Amara, change into something casual. You're no longer working as a maid."My jaw dropped. I automatically covered my mouth in shock. Was this why Ryou didn't yell at me last night? Because he was planning to fire me? Was he seriously kicking me out?"Wait... am I being asked to leave the mansion?" I asked, double-checking.Miss Pen chuckled and shook her head. "You're not being kicked out. You’ll still be staying here, just not as one of the staff."M