All Chapters of The billionaire’s hidden heirs: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

Elara adjusted the strap of her catering uniform, her palms sweating against the silver tray she carried. She didn’t belong here, among the elite of New York, but the paycheck for one night of serving hors d'oeuvres would cover her twins' preschool tuition for the next two months.Just two more hours, she whispered to herself, a mantra for survival. Two hours, then you go home to Leo and Mia. They are the only things that matter.She moved through the ballroom of the Grand Hyatt with the grace of a ghost, weaving between CEOs and socialites. She had spent five years perfecting the art of being invisible. In the small town in Maine where she’d fled, she was just "Elara the Baker." Here, she was a nameless servant. It was safer that way."Champagne, sir?" she asked, her voice a practiced, neutral low.The man didn't turn, merely took the glass. Elara moved on, her heart hammering. She was doing fine. She was safe. The world was big, and the chances of seeing him in a city of eight milli

Julian Vance did not wait. He did not hope. He commanded.As the elevator doors closed on Elara’s defiant face, he didn't smash his glass or roar in frustration. Instead, he stood perfectly still. The scent of her still hung in the air, mocking him.“A man who stayed.”The words felt like a serrated blade twisting in his gut. He reached for his phone, his thumb hovering over a speed dial he hadn't used in years."Sir?" the voice on the other end answered. It was Silas, his head of security, a man who specialized in finding things that didn't want to be found."I need a full sweep of the catering staff from tonight’s gala," Julian said, his voice dropping into a register that would have made his board of director tremble. "One woman in particular. Elara Vance. No... she’ll be using her maiden name. Elara Thorne.""We’ll have it within the hour, sir.""I don't want an hour, Silas. I want her address, her bank statements, and the name of every male she has spoken to in the last five year

The transition from the salt-of-the-earth chaos of Brooklyn to the suffocating luxury of the Vance Plaza penthouse happened in a blur of motion and muffled orders. Julian’s men moved with the efficiency of a clean-up crew after a crime."Leave the plastic toys," Silas said, his voice void of emotion as he looked at Leo’s favorite battered fire truck. "Mr. Vance has already ordered a custom-built playroom. Educational sets. Hand-carved wood.""He plays with the truck because I gave it to him, not because of what it's made of," Elara snapped, snatching the toy and shoving it into her duffel bag. She looked at Julian, who was standing by the door, watching her every move like a hawk counting its gold. "If you want us to come, my children’s memories come with us. Or you can call the police right now and see how well a scandal suits your stock price tomorrow morning."Julian’s eyes narrowed, but he gave a curt nod to Silas. "Let her take the junk."The ride back was silent. The twins were

Chapter 7: The Poisoned GiftJulian stood in the security hub, the blue light of the monitors washing over his sharp features. On the main screen, Cynthia Sterling was all expensive blonde waves and heavy, indignant makeup. She was practically vibrating with rage, her designer bag swinging dangerously near a security guard’s face.Julian watched for a heartbeat longer than necessary, his expression a mask of cold calculation. He tapped the intercom. "Open the gate, Matt. I’ll deal with this."He met her on the front steps, stepping out into the cool evening air before she could set a single heel inside his lobby."Julian!" Cynthia shrieked. She surged forward, but he stepped into her path, his body a solid wall. "Your men! They touched me! They actually stopped me at the gate! Do you have any idea how humiliating…""They’re new, Cynthia," Julian interrupted, his voice smooth, devoid of the disgust curling in his gut. He tucked his hands into his pockets, looking down at her with a pra

Mia uttered the words careful enough not to upset Julian. “Are you guys fighting?” Elara was on her knees before Mia in a heartbeat, her hands trembling as she smoothed the little girl’s hair. "No, baby, we’re not fighting. We were just... discussing things. Very loudly."Leo didn't buy it. He marched past his mother and stopped inches from Julian’s polished shoes. "Are you angry at my mom?"Julian looked down at the boy. He crouched, bringing himself to Leo’s level. "No, Leo. I’m not angry at her. I could never be."He saw Mia’s lip tremble, a single tear threatening to fall. Julian didn't hesitate; he moved to her, his hand gentle as he brushed her cheek. "I don’t ever want to see those eyes cry, Mia. We were just having a debate. Do you know what that is?"Mia shook her head, clutching her rabbit."It’s when two people care about something very much and talk about it until they find an answer," Julian said, his voice a low, soothing hum. "And I think we’ve talked enough. How about