STOLEN LEGACY: The Heiress's Revenge

The Secret He Didn't Tell

Chapter 14

“Of course not,” I replied, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the car window.

“It’s hard not to like Derek,” my mother continued thoughtfully. “He’s handsome, intelligent, respectful, humble… and much more. But if you truly don’t like him, I understand.” Her eyes lingered on me, searching.

“…I’m not ready for a relationship, not now.” The words felt forced as I turned to meet her gaze, only to find she hadn’t looked away.

“I would never force you into something you don’t want,” she said gently. “But when you do find someone you love… don’t wait even a minute before telling me.” Her smile brightened with teasing warmth.

“I won’t wait even a second,” I replied, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

“Good.”

The car rolled into the mansion grounds as I stepped out and headed straight to my room. After a quick shower, I slipped into my pajamas and collapsed onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

“Was I too harsh?” I murmured, as though the silence might answer me.

A sigh escaped my lips. “That sounded… rude.”

Reaching for my new phone, I opened my contacts to see my mother’s name and Derek’s.

“You can do this, Liora… just apologize.” I inhaled deeply and moved to call him… but paused. “Would that make me look foolish?”

A knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Who is it?” I called.

“It’s Wayne, ma’am. Dinner is served.”

“I won’t be…” The words died in my throat, refusing would only worry my mother. “…I’ll be there soon.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

As his footsteps faded, I glanced back at my phone and began typing an apology message… then deleted it.

“Shit.”

Dropping the phone onto the bed, I made my way to the dining room, where my mother was already seated.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” I said, taking my seat as we began eating.

I forced down three spoonfuls before my thoughts overtook me, the spoon clinking softly against the plate.

“Lio, darling, aren’t you eating? Or don’t you like the meal?” my mother asked, concern threading her voice.

I forced a smile and lifted another spoonful. “It’s delicious.”

“I’m glad.”

Her gaze lingered on me as I struggled through each bite.

“I’ve been thinking,” she began slowly, “trying to understand why you don’t like Derek…” She paused, and my smile faded instantly. “…and I believe I know the reason.”

I set the spoon down, pressing my hands to my face.

“Is it because of his daughter, Aurora?”

My head snapped up as my eyes widened and my breath caught.

“He has a daughter?” I asked, stunned.

“He hasn’t told you?” she replied, equally surprised. “I assumed you knew, I thought perhaps that was why you were hesitant… but it seems you don’t even know.”

My chest tightened.

“Well,” she continued, “Derek only tells people who truly matter to him about his daughter…”

“Are you saying I don’t matter?” I cut in sharply.

“I didn’t say that,” she replied lightly, returning to her meal.

Any appetite I had left vanished.

“Good night,” I muttered, rising from my seat.

“Not even a kiss?” her voice called after me.

I paused, then turned back, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

As I turned to leave again, I hesitated. “What about Aurora’s mother? Why isn’t she with Derek?”

My mother’s expression softened. “That’s not my story to tell, you should ask Derek yourself.”

“…Alright.”

I nodded and left, shutting my room door behind me.

“A single father?” I murmured, sinking onto my bed. “Why would any woman leave a man like that… if he’s truly as good as he seems?”

A darker thought crept in.

“Or… is he like Lucien? Maybe she left him for a reason… just like I left Lucien.”

The questions tangled in my mind until sleep eventually claimed me.

*The next day*

I woke early, showered, and dressed quickly. After forcing down two slices of bread and a cup of coffee, I grabbed my bag and hurried outside.

A man in a suit stood beside my car, probably in his mid-forties.

“This is Mr. Gab, your new driver,” my mother introduced. “You’ll be using your car from now on. Just tell him where to go.”

Mr. Gab bowed slightly. “The pleasure is mine, ma’am.”

“Likewise,” I replied, offering a polite handshake.

I slid into the car as my mother entered hers. Moments later, both engines roared to life, my car trailing behind hers.

When we arrived, I stepped out just as Trisha approached, taking my bag as we walked toward my office.

The moment I sat down, exhaustion washed over me.

“Where exactly did he take you yesterday?” Trisha asked coldly, perched on the edge of my desk, her eyes sharp and probing.

My jaw tightened. “And who exactly are you to…”

Her hand struck my cheek before I could finish as the force snapped my head to the side, hair falling across my face as shock rippled through me.

“When I ask you a question, you…”

I didn’t let her finish as my hands connected with both her cheeks hard, the sharp sound echoed through.

Her eyes widened as she staggered back, clutching her face. “You dare hit me back?”

I rose slowly to my feet, my voice steady but laced with warning. “This is just the beginning. I told you before, never raise your hand at me again. And yet, you did.”

My fists clenched at my sides as I fought the urge to do more.

Her expression twisted with fury. “You’ll regret this, be ready to watch your mother disown you, you bastard.”

With that, she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

“Why is everyone trying to push me?” I muttered, sinking back into my chair, my heart racing.

I stood again, pacing the room.

“Trisha wouldn’t dare… would she?”

Swallowing hard, I moved toward the door and stepped out.