All Chapters of The Billionaire’s Secret Heirs : Chapter 171 - Chapter 180

~CELINE~The penthouse overlooking Central Park was exactly what I had expected for Caroline and Fredric's engagement party…elegant, sophisticated, and filled with the kind of people who belonged in magazines.Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over groups of guests sipping champagne and making polite conversation. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city lights, and everything from the flower arrangements to the perfectly coordinated catering screamed expensive taste."This is incredible," Blake whispered as we stepped inside, her eyes wide as she took in the wealthy surroundings.I smoothed my hands over my navy dress one more time, grateful that Hunter's impeccable taste had guaranteed I had fit right in. Around us, women wore designer gowns and men sported tailored suits that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent."Celine!" Caroline's voice stood out as she approached us. radiant in a stunning champagne-colored gown that made her look li

~MIA’S POV~I watched Hunter from across the room like I was planning my next move in a game.He stood at the bar, looking dangerous in his expensive black suit. His hand gripped a whiskey glass so tightly I thought it might break. But he wasn't looking at his drink or the fancy people around us.He was staring at her.Celine was laughing at something Clancey said. The sound carried across the room, bright and happy. Even from here, I could see how her whole face lit up when she smiled. She looked beautiful in that navy dress…Hunter probably picked it out for her. He always had good taste.Most of the time.I grabbed two whiskeys from a waiter and walked over to Hunter. He didn't even notice me coming—too busy watching Celine and her friend. His jaw was tight, his shoulders stiff. He looked like he was about to explode.Perfect."You still drink this, right?" I said quietly, holding out the second glass.He took it without looking at me. His eyes stayed glued to Celine and Clancey

~HUNTER POV~The words hit me so hard."The only reason she stays is because she doesn't see a way out."Something snapped inside my chest. All the careful control I had built over years of boardroom meetings and nasty negotiations was crushed in a flash.He thought he knew her better than I did? Thought he understood what we had?The sane part of my brain—the part that usually kept me civilized….went completely quiet. All I could hear was my heartbeat and the echo of his words bouncing around in my skull.Without warning, without thought, I swung.My fist connected with his jaw with a satisfying crack that sent him struggling backward. He crashed into a high-top table, sending champagne flutes flying. The sound of breaking glass mixed with gasps from the crowd around us.For a split second, the entire room went dead silent.Then chaos exploded.Clancey recovered faster than I had expected. He wiped blood from his lip and came at me with a growl, grabbing the front of my jacket and s

~CELINE POV~I sat at the dining table with Ceasar, watching him swing his little legs while he chattered about wanting to visit the waterpark."Mama, when will we go to the waterpark? Tomorrow?" Caesar bounced in his seat, syrup from his toast smeared across his grin."We'll see, baby," I said, cutting his toast into small triangles the way he liked them."But I want to go with Papa too! Papa swims really good, right Mama?"Before I could answer, I heard footsteps on the hardwood floor. Hunter walked into the kitchen, barefoot and shirtless, wearing only black sweatpants.His hair stuck up in three different directions, and the bruise on his cheekbone had turned purple overnight."Papa!" Caesar practically launched himself from his chair.Hunter's shoulders dropped. The hard line of his mouth relaxed as he ruffled Caesar's curls and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek."Good morning, buddy."I kept my eyes on my plate, but I could feel Hunter moving around the kitchen behind me. The re

~MIA POV~I stared at my phone screen, waiting for Hunter's name to appear. It had been three days since our meeting in his office, and nothing had happened. Not even a text about the charity gala contracts I'd conveniently left on his desk.Three days of silence while that woman got to wake up next to him every morning.I set the phone down harder than necessary and walked to my apartment window. From here, I could see the top floors of Hunter's building. Somewhere up there, Celine was playing house with my future husband.My phone buzzed. For a split second, my heart jumped."Lunch tomorrow? - Mom"I deleted the message without responding. I wasn't in the mood for another conversation about patience and proper timing.But maybe I should be.I grabbed my keys and headed for the parking garage. Eleanor Reid always had good advice, even if I didn't always want to hear it.Eleanor's villa was exactly as I remembered—elegant, intimidating, and cold enough to make you forget it was some