THE BILLIONARIA’S DANGEROUS DEAL

Chapter 4

Samantha pov

Five years, that's how long it had been since I walked away from Xavier Cole — since I left with a broken heart and no intention of ever looking back.

A lot has changed since then.

The first few months after leaving Xavier had been difficult. I had no money, no home, and no idea how I was going to start over.

Then, a week after I signed the divorce papers, an anonymous transfer appeared in my account.

There was no name, no message, and no explanation. Just enough money to pay my aunt’s medical bills and give us a fresh start. I never found out who sent it.

My aunt completed her treatment, and months later, the doctors finally cleared her. She was completely healed.

With my aunt healthy and a chance to start over, I focused on building a life of my own.

Wilson Cybersecurity had started with nothing more than a laptop, a few small contracts, and a determination to survive.

Now, it is one of the fastest growing cybersecurity firms in the country.

And somehow, despite the endless meetings, contracts, and deadlines, I had never allowed the company to take me away from the two people who mattered most.

My children.

“Mommy, we're going to be late!”

I looked up from the dining table.

Lucas was already wearing his backpack while Lily stood beside him, struggling with the zipper on her jacket.

“I'm coming, I'm coming.”

My aunt laughed from the doorway, arms crossed. “You've been saying that for five minutes.”

“I had an important email.”

“You always have an important email.”

“That's because I'm the CEO,” I said, grabbing my handbag, and she just shook her head, smiled, and reached for her own coat.

A few minutes later, we were on our way.

The twins were already fighting over the last piece of chocolate in the backseat.

“It’s mine!”

“You had the first one!”

Their aunt sighed. “Can you two survive five minutes without fighting?”

I glanced at them through the mirror, hiding a smile.

By the time we reached the school gates, the chocolate fight was already forgotten.

“Have a good day, sweethearts.”

“Bye, Mommy!” “Bye, Auntie!”

They both leaned forward from the backseat, and I kissed them before they climbed out.

I watched them disappear through the doors before I let myself smile properly. Five years ago I had no idea what my life would become. Now I couldn’t picture it any other way better than this.

By eight-thirty, I was sitting behind my desk at Wilson Cybersecurity after dropping my aunt at home.

The morning disappeared into meetings as usual. A new contract needed my approval. One of our biggest clients had discovered a security breach.

By lunchtime, I had barely looked away from my screen.

“Ms. Wilson?”

I glanced up. My assistant stood in the doorway, another folder tucked under her arm.

“Please tell me that's not another problem.”

“Not a problem,” she said, fighting a smile. “Another contract.”

I leaned back and let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. “Put it there.”

“You have a conference call in twenty minutes then the development team meeting after that.”

“I know.”

“There's also an interview request from—”

“Decline it.”

She nodded, already turning for the door. “Already done.”

“See?” I said. “That's why I keep you.”She laughed on her way out.

I looked around my office, five years ago, I was trying to survive. Now, I was sitting at the head of a company I had built with my own hands. I had worked for this. Every sleepless night, and every time I wanted to give up but couldn't. None of it had been wasted.

By afternoon my phone buzzed against the desk. A text from my aunt. Don't forget, school pickup at four.

“I won’t,” I typed back.

I set my phone aside and went back to work. I barely looked away from my screen, completely focused on everything that needed my attention.

When I finally glanced at the clock, it was almost four.

I sat up immediately. “Damn.” School pickup.

I quickly shut my laptop and grabbed my handbag.

“Leaving already?” My assistant blinked at me from the doorway.

“Yes.”

“There's still —”

“It can wait until tomorrow.”

I headed for the parking lot and drove away. When I got home, my aunt was already waiting downstairs with her bag.

“We're already five minutes late.”

“I know, I know.”

She grabbed her coat, and we hurried out together. We were halfway to the door when the bell rang.

My aunt stopped.

“Are you expecting anyone?” I frowned.

“No.” The bell rang again.

I set my handbag down. “I'll get it.”

I walked toward the door. I wasn't expecting anyone so I had no reason to be nervous.

I reached for the handle, but when I then pulled it open, I froze.

My children.

My heart slammed against my ribs. They were supposed to be at school. My gaze climbed slowly upward, and the whole world tilted sideways beneath me.

He was standing on my porch, holding both their hands like he had every right in the world to be there.

After years of making sure he could never find me and now he was standing on my doorstep.

Lily's face lit up. “Mummy!”

I couldn't speak. She turned toward him, then back at me.

“Mummy, Daddy brought us home from school.”

My breath caught.

Daddy.

The word echoed through my head. I lifted my eyes and our gazes locked. The past I had spent so long burying had found its way back to my door.