Semua Bab The Heir Clause: Bab 61 - Bab 70

The night deepened over the Vellaria estate. The chandelier in Aster Vellaria's study flickered softly, casting golden light across the old portraits that lined the walls — each frame holding a piece of a dynasty built with both brilliance and blood.Aster sat by the grand mahogany desk, a cup of tea untouched beside her. She had dismissed all the servants hours ago. The house was silent, save for the ticking of the antique clock and the soft hum of the wind brushing against the curtains.The old matriarch's fingers traced the edge of a photograph — one that never failed to reopen old wounds. It was a family portrait, taken almost thirty years ago: Aurora and Catleya, her two daughters, smiling under the sun. Lincoln and Ledger Velmore stood beside them, dashing in their crisp suits. And in front, two boys barely a year apart — Lucian and Caelum — laughing together, unaware of the cruel twist that awaited them.Aster's eyes glistened as she whispered to the empty room, "History repeat

The rain poured heavily that morning, soft thunder echoing above the Velmore Tower. Inside the building, the whispers had spread — Lucian Velmore hasn't shown up in three days. He's gravely ill.Caliste tried to ignore it at first, drowning herself in sketches and deadlines, but her hand trembled as she reached for her coffee. Something inside her wouldn't rest. Lucian was stubborn when sick — always locking himself in, refusing help, surviving on pride and pain.By noon, her thoughts betrayed her. She found herself standing in front of the private elevator that led to his penthouse.The doors slid open. Lucian's assistant, Elias, nearly stumbled when he saw her."Miss Winslow? You shouldn't be here—Mr. Velmore… he doesn't want to see anyone."Caliste's eyes narrowed. "Is he worse?"Elias hesitated. "He hasn't eaten or taken anything since yesterday. But he insisted no visitors.""Then you should be glad I'm not a visitor," she said firmly, brushing past him."Miss Winslow—please—!"B

The annual Velmore-Vellaria Foundation Gala was an event that gathered the most powerful families in the city — a grand celebration of wealth, influence, and prestige.Reporters swarmed the red carpet, whispering about business alliances, new ventures — and the rumored rivalry between two heirs: Lucian Velmore and Caelum Vellaria.Caliste Winslow arrived early. Her gown was sleek and simple — black satin that framed her figure with quiet elegance. She never liked attention, but tonight the cameras found her anyway. Her name was already trending online — the woman caught between two Vellaria-Velmore.Her heart, however, wasn't focused on the gossip. She was trying not to think about the man she had avoided since that night — Lucian. The memory of his touch still lingered on her skin, haunting her each time she tried to sleep.She had promised herself to stay composed. To work professionally. To move forward.But every time she saw his name on the building, every time she heard his voic

Victoria Velmore never visited without reason. When she stepped into Lucian's office that morning, her elegant steps and calm poise carried the weight of a storm.Lucian looked up from his desk, his cold eyes narrowing slightly. "Grandmother. To what do I owe this visit?"Victoria didn't answer immediately. She walked toward the glass wall, gazing at the city below. "I needed to talk to you… about Lucca."Lucian's grip on his pen tightened. "What about him?"She turned to face him, her eyes sharp and unyielding. "Whose blood runs in that child's veins, Lucian?"He froze for a moment, then leaned back in his chair with an emotionless expression. "He's my son. That's all you need to know."But Victoria's intuition honed by years of reading people and guarding family secrets didn't falter. "At the gala," she said quietly, "I saw how Caliste looked at him. That gaze… it wasn't of mere affection. It was of a mother watching her child from afar."Lucian's mask wavered. "You're imagining thi

The elevator chimed softly as it reached the top floor. Leina's heart fluttered in her chest as she stepped out into the familiar scent of polished wood, coffee, and faint floral perfume.She passed through the glass corridor, glancing around the office she."Good morning, Ma'am," a young receptionist greeted politely. "Do you have an appointment?"Leina smiled warmly. "No appointment. I'm here to surprise someone."The receptionist blinked in confusion. "And who might that be?""Caliste Winslow," Leina said softly, her lips curving with affection. "She's expecting me.. she just doesn't know it yet."---Inside her office, Caliste sat behind a mountain of reports, her pen gliding neatly across the pages. Her brows were slightly furrowed.. the same expression she always had when deeply focused. Her soft brown hair was tied in a low bun, and the sunlight through the blinds framed her face like gold silk.She didn't hear the knock."Miss Winslow?" came a teasing voice from the door.Cali