Semua Bab Swept Away by the Billionaire: Bab 1 - Bab 3

Maria Dela Vega knew the scent of disinfectant better than she knew her own perfume. It clung to her clothes, her hair, even permeated her dreams, mingling with the metallic tang of hospital corridors and the faint, sweet smell of the herbal teas her grandmother swore by. Every sunrise found her already moving, a blur of efficiency in the grand, silent houses of Cebu’s elite. Her hands, despite their constant labor, remained surprisingly soft, a testament to the myriad lotions she applied each night—a small indulgence, a whisper of the life she could not afford.Her apartment, a cramped space in a bustling, sun-baked street, was a stark contrast to the opulent homes she cleaned. Here, every peso was meticulously accounted for, every expenditure weighed against the ever-present, crushing burden that was her brother, Mateo. Mateo, ten years her junior, was her anchor and her cross. His small, frail body, ravaged by a congenital heart defect, dictated the rhythm of her life.Today, the b

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee usually signaled a moment of quiet contentment for Maria. It was the one small luxury she allowed herself before the whirlwind of her day began. But this morning, the rich, invigorating scent was tainted by a creeping sense of dread. Sebastian Montemayor had been back at the estate for a little over a week now, and his presence, though often unseen, was a palpable, chilling force. The air felt charged, expectant, as if the grand old house itself was holding its breath.Maria was in the main dining room, meticulously polishing the antique silver cutlery, when the door swung open. She didn’t need to look up to know who it was. The sudden drop in temperature, the faint scent of expensive cologne, and the subtle ripple of anxiety among the other house staff were all undeniable indicators.Sebastian strode in, his gaze sweeping over the room with a critical intensity that made every surface feel under scrutiny. He carried himself with an almost unnerving