The gala face slapping night

The three makeup artists Julian had hired worked in silence. They painted Elara’s face with practiced precision, turning her into a porcelain queen. Around her neck sat the "Vance Heart"—a diamond so large it felt like a heavy shackle. Elara sat motionless, her eyes fixed on a point on the wall, her expression a mask of heavy, dark resignation."You look like you’re going to a coronation," Marcus muttered from the doorway, his tuxedo looking uncomfortable on his rugged frame. "Or an execution.""In this family, brother, they’re usually the same thing," Elara replied, adjusting her earring with trembling fingers."Try to smile. For the kids' sake.""I’ll smile when I'm back in Brooklyn, Marcus," she replied, her voice hollow.The door burst open, and the heavy atmosphere shattered. Mia and Leo ran in, looking like miniature versions of the elite world they were about to enter."Mommy! You look like a star!" Mia squealed, throwing her arms around Elara’s knees.Elara’s gloom evaporated

Last Updated : 2026-01-28

Shadow daddy

The silence following the kids' shout was deafening. Julian stood frozen, his hand still half-raised to protect Elara, his eyes fixed on his elder brother. Kaleb Vance. The brother who had vanished years ago, the one who had always looked at Elara with a silent, aching hunger while she was still a maid scrubbing their floors."Daddy!" Mia squealed, burying her face in Kaleb’s expensive trousers.Kaleb didn't look at his father, whom he still held by the wrist. He didn't look at the flashing cameras. He looked straight at Julian, a slow, mocking heat in his eyes. "Long time no see, little brother. I see the family business is as charming as ever.""Kaleb," Julian rasped. "What is this?""An affair!" Cynthia shrieked, finding her voice as she pointed a trembling finger at Elara. "She didn't just crawl into one Vance bed, she crawled into both! You’re a tramp, Elara! Who’s the father? Do you even know?"Elara didn't flinch. She stepped toward Kaleb, her eyes pleading. She had called him

Last Updated : 2026-01-28

Sign it

He didn't wait for her response. He simply tapped the manila envelope on the marble counter and walked toward the master wing.Elara’s hands shook as she reached for the envelope. She pulled out the thick stack of bond paper, her eyes blurring as she scanned the legalese. It wasn't a marriage proposal; it was a merger.Clause 1: Legal Guardianship. Julian Vance would be listed as the sole provider, with Elara granting him shared custody in exchange for the dismissal of "abandonment" charges he had already drafted.Clause 2: Public Image. Elara would attend all social functions as Mrs. Julian Vance. No exceptions. No communication with the press without his clearance.Her eyes skipped down to Clause 4, and the air left her lungs.Clause 4: Co-habitation and Marital Rights. To maintain the validity of the union and prevent further "bastardization" rumors from the board of directors, the parties shall share a primary residence and private quarters. The Party of the Second Part (Elara) sh

Last Updated : 2026-02-07

Fraud marriage

The bedroom felt smaller than the rest of the penthouse, despite its massive floor-to-ceiling windows.Julian was already by the bed, stripping his watch from his wrist. He didn’t look at her, but he was tracking her every movement."The sofa is fine," Elara said, her voice sounding thin."The sofa is for guests." Julian turned, his shirt unbuttoned halfway down his chest. "You signed the contract, Elara. You’re not a guest. You’re a Vance. And a Vance doesn't hide from her husband."He walked toward her, his pace deliberate. He didn't stop until he was close enough. He reached out, his thumb catching the edge of the red silk gown at her shoulder."I spent five years wondering who was touching you," he whispered, his voice a low, jagged rasp. "Wondering if you were looking at someone else the way you used to look at me. And tonight, I find out it was my own brother.""Kaleb only ever protected us," Elara hissed, her eyes snapping to his. "While you were building this glass kingdom, he

Last Updated : 2026-02-08

All Chapters of The billionaire’s hidden heirs: Chapter 11 - Chapter 14

The gala face slapping night

Shadow daddy

Sign it

Fraud marriage