Alle Kapitel von The Heiress He Failed To Keep : Kapitel 11 – Kapitel 13

Alexander’s POVThe crystal chandeliers of the Grand Hyatt illuminated the ballroom, where four hundred of the state's most influential investors, banking executives, and prominent families had gathered.The clinking of champagne glasses and the music of a live string quartet filled the air, but to me, it felt like standing in a courtroom, waiting for a verdict.Beside me, my mother gripped my forearm with damp, trembling fingers. Eleanor had spent two hours in makeup trying to hide the exhaustion around her eyes. She wore an emerald satin gown that seemed too tight for her shallow breathing. Behind us, Vanessa walked slowly, clinging to my elbow in a cream maternity gown with a high neckline. Her eyes kept darting nervously across the crowd."Stand straight, Alexander," Eleanor hissed, forcing a strained smile for a passing society photographer. "If anyone asks about the stock halt, tell them it's routine restructuring ahead of our offshore expansion.""They've all read the news, Mot

Alexander’s POVRain poured against the Maybach's windshield, blurring the streetlights as we drove through the gates of Hayes Manor.No one spoke.Eleanor sat in the back, her face pressed against the cold window as she stared into the darkness. Her makeup had run, leaving gray streaks down her neck. Beside her, Vanessa huddled against the opposite door, wrapping her arms tightly around her stomach as she shivered. Every few seconds, a sob escaped her, but neither my mother nor I turned to look at her.I pulled into the circular driveway, switched off the engine, and slammed my palms against the steering wheel."Get inside," I said, my voice rough and lifeless.Eleanor remained still for several seconds. When she finally stepped out, she moved like an old woman, dragging her soaked emerald gown through the gravel without even waiting for an umbrella.Vanessa lingered in the backseat, her eyes swollen and bloodshot."Alexander... my coat is inside. It's so cold...""I said get inside,