All Chapters of The Heir They Denied: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

If that’s how it was going to be, then I would forge my ultimate revenge with my own two hands, using my own life and the life of the baby he refused to claim.The scent of antiseptic filled the hospital corridor.I sat on a waiting room chair in the obstetrics wing, the screen of my phone glowing with a message from Matteo: [Family business. Can't make it. We'll talk later.]It was always some excuse.I remember the day I found out I was pregnant. I told Matteo, my voice trembling with excitement. But his reaction was strangely cold. There was no joy, only a deep frown. When I asked when we would finally have our wedding, he deflected, his panic obvious.And for the last three months, every single one of my prenatal appointments had been interrupted by one of his "emergencies.""Ms. Prescott?" a nurse called my name.I stood and walked into the examination room alone. The cold transducer slid across my belly, and a tiny shadow flickered on the screen. Our child."The baby is very he

He finally looked up, his black eyes deep and bottomless, devoid of any warmth."This isn't a discussion, Ava. I'm telling you what's happening."His voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to shatter my soul.I let go of his arm completely, my body trembling. In his eyes, I was a subordinate, a pet, a plaything. Whatever I was, I was not his equal."The Falcone family is in turmoil," he said, zipping the suitcase shut, his tone all business. "I'll be staying by her side to ensure her safety.""If you need anything, go through my underboss."He picked up the suitcase and walked to the door without a hint of hesitation."Matteo," I called after him, my voice choked with tears.He stopped at the door but didn't turn around. Moonlight spilled through the window, casting his long shadow on the floor."If you ever realize this was all a mistake, will you regret it?"His back stiffened, his shoulders twitching for a fraction of a second.After a few moments of silence, he spoke.He answered,

The sound of footsteps descended the stone staircase, the arrogant click-clack of high heels.The iron door creaked open, and a blinding sliver of light pierced the darkness.Stella stood there, dressed in an exquisite white suit, a massive diamond bracelet on her wrist and a ruby necklace at her throat. She had been well cared for, her baby bump more prominent than mine, as if she were showing off a trophy."Well, look at you," she said, pinching her nose. "Right where you belong. It smells like rot down here.""What do you want?""Just visiting my future prisoner," she said, elegantly stroking her necklace. "Do you know how much this necklace costs? Eight million dollars.""Matteo put it on me himself last night. He said it represents the Gallo family's respect for me."She stepped closer, making sure I got a good look at the pigeon's-blood ruby."And this," she held up her left hand, a massive pink diamond glittering on her ring finger. "Twelve carats. The only one of its kind in t

Seeing the terror on his face, a mask of disbelieving despair, a wave of dark satisfaction washed over me."What did I do?""You should ask your sister."I looked at Matteo's ashen face and smiled, my shoulders shaking with a silent, bitter laugh. I couldn't resist twisting the knife."Although, this suits me just fine."I paused, letting the words hang in the air. Then, with a voice filled with all the hatred I could muster, I forced the next words out from between my teeth."This child was a ghost to his own father. So I erased him."Matteo's body shook as if he'd been struck by lightning. The muscles in his face twitched uncontrollably, his eyes wild with horror. His voice was a raw, rasping sound, as if he hadn't spoken in years."No... impossible... How could you...""How could I?" I sneered. "You tell me. What's the point of a child coming into this world when his own father won't even claim him?""To be called a bastard by everyone? To be despised by his own family?""I was on

Matteo's fists were clenched so tightly the veins stood out on his arms. "Ava, I..."Before he could finish, Stella let out a bloodcurdling scream. "No! My baby!"A fresh wave of blood gushed from between her legs, pooling on the ground. Matteo's face went chalk-white."Matteo..." Stella's call was faint. "Please... don't let me die here... If I die, the Falcone family will declare war on the Gallos... So many more innocent people will die..."Of course. Stella knew exactly which strings to pull. The greater good. The family's interests.Matteo's hand fell away from mine. But he looked at me, his eyes filled with a desperate resolve."Ava, give me three days. Just three days to end this farce with the Falcone family. I will make this right. I swear it."With that, he ran toward Stella.I stood there, watching his back disappear, the last flicker of hope in my heart dying out.In Matteo's world, the "greater good" would always be more important than me. No matter how many times he sa