All Chapters of Sold For A Night, Bound For A Lifetime : Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Kayla's POVFive years.Five whole years had passed since that rainy, terrifying night at the New York docks, and Oakridge had slowly helped heal the scars of my past. I was twenty-six now, standing on my own two feet and running the front of Mr. Thomas's bakery and cafe.I wasn't just surviving anymore. I had built a real, comfortable life for us. We had a cozy little rental, food on the table, and peace.And then there was Amber.At five years old, she was absolutely adorable. She had a head full of soft dark curls, bright, clever eyes, and a stubborn streak that made me shake my head every single day. Whenever she smirked or tilted her head, I saw Lucien staring right back at me.She was loud, independent, and talked so fast that her little mouth could barely keep up with her thoughts.She absolutely adored Mr. Thomas. Even though she knew he wasn't her real grandfather, she called him "Grandpa Thomas" with so much pride. The old man spoiled her, leaving little cinnamon treats on t

Lucien's POVNew York Five years had passed, but time meant nothing in a city built on cold stone and endless ambition.My reflection in the glass window of my executive office in Manhattan looked sharper, harder, and completely empty of warmth. At thirty-four, I was richer, more powerful, and more feared in the business world than I had ever been.Thorne Enterprises had tripled its global value, acquiring shipping ports, technology companies, and real estate groups across three continents. I had built my name into the international market until no one dared cross my path.Yet every dollar still felt like ash in my mouth.I turned away from the skyline and walked toward my large desk. Beside my encrypted tablet sat a sleek silver cigarette case. I rarely smoked, but the silence in this office became unbearable whenever the sun went down.A quiet knock came from the double doors before Vance stepped inside.He looked older now. A few silver hairs had appeared at his beard and head, bu

Lucien's POVThe sleek black SUV sat in the private garage beneath Thorne Tower, flanked by three identical armored vehicles filled with my elite security detail.I buttoned my dark blue suit jacket, adjusting the silver cufflinks at my wrists. Vance stood nearby, checking his tablet and running through the final route for our drive down to Oakridge.Just as I turned to step toward the car door, high heels clicked loudly against the polished concrete floor. Chloe hurried over, wearing a bright pink trench coat and heavy oversized sunglasses.She wrapped her thin arms tightly around my neck, standing on her tiptoes to press a dramatic kiss on my lips."I still can't believe you're abandoning my gala prep for some random, middle of nowhere town," Chloe pouted, resting her manicured hands against my chest. "But fine. Go play hero for the day. Just promise you'll bring me back something nice, okay? I'll be waiting at the penthouse when you get back tonight.""Don't wait up," I said flatly

Kayla's POV"She isn't yours!" I snapped, my voice high and frantic as I got up from the gravel, yanking Amber firmly behind my skirt. "She's not your daughter, Lucien! You don't know anything about her!"Lucien didn't flinch. He slowly rose to his full height, towering over us, a bitter, dark chuckle escaped him."Really?, She has my eyes, Kayla," he said, his voice terrifyingly calm as he took a slow step closer. "She has my hair. She carries a five year old photograph of us in her pocket, and her legal school file lists your maiden name. Do you really take me for a fool?""Mommy?" Amber whimpered, her small hands clutching tightly to the back of my floral skirt. Her big doe eyes darted back and forth between us, terrified by the sudden tension between the two adults. "Who is the big man? Why is he mad? And why does he look like the picture""He's nobody, sweetie," I said, tears burning my eyes as I backed away until my shoulders hit the wooden fence post. "Just stay behind me, okay

Lucien's POVThe air in the quiet living room went completely still.My eyes moved from Kayla’s tear-stained face to the tiny, girl standing at the end of the hallway. She looked so small, holding that faded stuffed rabbit against her bright yellow dress, her sharp eyes searching mine with a mix of fear and curiosity.I didn't think. I didn't care about my tailored suit or my pride.I dropped down onto both knees on the wooden floor, lowering myself until I was completely at her eye level. The cold, dangerous presence I had carried for years disappeared in a single second.Amber took a slow, unsure step forward. She reached into the little pocket of her dress and pulled out the worn, folded photograph again. She looked down at the paper, then raised her head to look at my sharp jawline and dark hair. She looked back at the paper, then back at me, her little brain trying to put the pieces together.She took three tiny steps until she was standing right in front of me. Slowly, her small