All Chapters of The Heiress Returns: Reclaiming My Legacy: Chapter 171 - Chapter 180

Chapter 171 Lucas' POV The sound of waves was the only thing that existed for a while. No phones ringing with urgent business matters, no reporters shouting questions, no boardroom tension crackling through the air, just the rhythmic crash of water against sand and the soft hum of the ocean breeze brushing through the palm trees that lined the private beach. The world had narrowed to this perfect moment, and I wanted to live in it forever. I saw Hannah smile the first genuine, unguarded smile I'd seen on her face in weeks. Her hair danced with the wind, the dark strands catching the golden light of the late afternoon sun. Her bare feet sank into the warm sand as she walked ahead of me, her sundress flowing around her legs, and I found myself mesmerized by the simple grace of her movements. I carried our picnic basket, its weight barely registering, watching her twirl playfully like a girl without a care in the world, the setting sun painting her in shades of gold and amber that m

Chapter 173 Gavin’s POVI’d spent the entire morning pacing around my apartment, running through every possible scenario in my head. It had been a long time since I’d felt this nervous about… anything. Not about lectures, not about grades, not even about public speeches — but about Piper. The moment she agreed to spend the afternoon with me, my heart had been racing like I was sixteen again. I wanted the day to mean something — not grand, not flashy, just real. Something that felt like me. So I took her to my favorite place in the city — a quiet little bookstore tucked between two tall buildings downtown, where the smell of old paper and coffee felt like safety itself. The owner, Mrs. Harlow, greeted us warmly, her silver hair pulled into a bun. “Professor Black,” she said, smiling. “It’s been a while.” Piper raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Professor Black, huh?” I scratched the back of my neck, feeling a blush creep up. “It’s… just what she calls me.” Mrs. Harlow winked at

Chapter 175 Lily’s POV I hadn't slept in three days. Or was it five? Time had become a smear of dull light and sharper, colder nights. The mirror in the motel bathroom showed a woman I barely recognized — cheekbones more pronounced, eyes rimmed with purple, hair clumped where I'd slept without caring. I touched my face like someone examining a stranger's photograph. This was the person who'd spent years learning how to smile at the right moment, how to bend an audience with one flutter of lashes. Now the smile felt stuck somewhere behind my teeth. The phone I had stolen buzzed again with congratulations I couldn't stand to read. They flashed across the screen: ENGAGED ❤, LUCAS + HANNAH, EVERYONE CELEBRATES. I watched the little video three times. Lucas on one knee, Hannah crying and saying yes. The world applauded two people who had ruined me. A laugh escaped me. It sounded ragged even in the tiny room. Of course they celebrated. Of course the hero and the victim would have the

Chapter 177 Hannah’s POVHalloween was just around the corner, and for once, I was determined to actually enjoy it. No scandals, no kidnappings, no chaos — just laughter, candy, and ridiculous costumes. Lucas had been teasing me all morning about my apparent obsession with "doing it right." He was sprawled on the couch in that effortlessly attractive way he had, one hand holding his coffee mug, the other lazily scrolling through his phone while I paraded different fabric samples and costume sketches in front of him like a fashion designer presenting to a particularly difficult client. "Morticia and Gomez," I announced proudly, holding up a sleek black dress sketch I'd been working on for the past hour, complete with detailed notes about fabric choices and accessories. "Classic, dramatic, mysterious—and I already know you'd pull off that pinstripe suit like an absolute dream." He lowered his phone slowly and arched a skeptical brow. "Morticia and Gomez?" "Yes," I said firmly, movi

Chapter 179 Piper's POV The city was alive with neon lights reflecting off wet pavement from an earlier rain, laughter spilling from every corner, and the electric buzz of excitement that only Halloween could bring. People in costumes filled the streets like a moving painting with superheroes striking poses, witches with elaborate makeup, vampires with fake blood dripping dramatically, and a few who clearly didn't understand the concept of dressing up at all and were just wearing their regular clothes with cat ears. I adjusted the black braided wig on my head, making sure it sat properly, and glanced at Gavin, who looked absolutely ridiculous in the best possible way. He'd gone all in on his Thing costume, wearing all black with one hand covered in a prosthetic that made it look pale and disembodied, complete with detailed knuckle wrinkles and painted fingernails. He kept making it "crawl" up his arm, which had already scared three different children and made me laugh every time.