STOLEN LEGACY: The Heiress's Revenge

What She Wants

Chapter 9

“No…” I muttered under my breath, rising to my feet a little too quickly.

My mind raced, searching for something… anything to cover what she had just overheard.

“It’s… it’s a friend of mine,” I said quickly, forcing my voice to steady. “She meant she’ll take care of my goddaughter.”

There was a brief pause as I swallowed hard.

“Yes… that’s it.” I forced a small, shaky smile, hoping she wouldn’t question further.

“Ohh…” she exhaled slowly, relief softening her face. “Alright then.”

Her expression relaxed, completely convinced.

For a second, I almost believed my own lie. Then I exhaled and turned back toward her, trying to regain control of the moment.

“Mum, you aren’t asleep?” I asked gently, steering the conversation away from dangerous ground.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she replied softly, her eyes warm as they rested on me. “I kept thinking about whether my princess had rested well.”

Her gaze softened further, and suddenly, her eyes narrowed playfully.

“And…” she tilted her head slightly. “Do you have a man in your life?”

I froze for half a second.

The question struck too close to everything I had buried, but I forced a light smile and lowered myself onto the bed as she sat beside me.

“No, Mum,” I said calmly. “I’m single.”

“That’s bad,” she replied immediately, though her tone was teasing rather than judgmental. “But don’t worry. The moment you fall in love, tell me. I’ll personally make sure I get him for you.”

I let out a quiet laugh despite myself.

Only a mother like her could say something so simple… and mean it with such sincerity.

She reached out and gently brushed my hair away from my face; her touch was soft.

“I love you, Mum,” the words slipped out before I could stop them.

And truly… I meant every syllable.

Maybe fate had allowed everything that happened with Lucien… just so I could recognize what real love felt like when I saw it; a love that didn’t demand anything in return… a love that simply existed.

“I love you more,” she whispered back, pulling me into a warm embrace.

When she finally released me, she helped me lie on the bed and adjusted the blanket over me like I was still a child.

“You should rest now,” she said softly. “You have a lot of people to meet tomorrow.”

I nodded slightly.

She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead before quietly leaving the room.

The moment the door closed, my hand reached for my phone almost instinctively.

The screen lit up instantly; over fifty missed calls from Lucien.

My jaw tightened.

Then I saw the messages.

[Where are you, Liora? Please come back.]

[Please return home. I’m sorry. Your stepmother and sister are worried sick.]

A bitter scoff escaped my lips before I could stop it.

“Fools,” I whispered.

I placed the phone aside as though it had burned me, as if their words still had the power to reach me… but they didn’t… not anymore.

The next day, the building loomed in front of us as Trisha met us at the entrance and immediately began guiding me through the halls.

Her steps were precise and controlled, but something about her felt… off.

Eventually, we reached my office. And the moment I stepped inside, I paused.

The space was breathtaking, with expansive glass panels and refined furniture. For a brief second, I forgot everything else.

“I love it,” I said honestly, unable to hide my admiration.

“I’m glad it meets your expectations, ma’am,” Trisha replied, her tone clipped; professional, but distant.

With a quiet nod, I stepped forward and took my place behind the desk, sinking into my chair.

“Trisha,” I called, already flipping open the files on my desk, but she didn’t respond.

I lifted my gaze to see her staring at me with clear disdain.

The moment she realized I had noticed, she quickly masked it with a forced smile.

“What’s wrong with you?” I asked calmly, watching her carefully.

“Nothing, ma’am,” she replied immediately. “I think I must have bumped my nose earlier. I’m fine.”

“Really?” I tilted my head slightly.

“Yes, ma’am,” she answered without hesitation.

I exhaled slowly.

She was lying, and I hated dishonesty.

“You…” I began, but my phone cut me off.

I glanced at the screen: Mrs. Sinclair.

I answered immediately. “Hello, Mum.”

Her voice was calm but firm. “Tell Trisha to come to my office. Now.”

With that, the line ended.

I frowned slightly, lowering the phone. That was… unusual.

“Trisha,” I said, turning toward her. “My mother wants you in her office.”

Her entire expression shifted as the color drained from her face.

“Mrs… Sinclair?” she stammered.

She froze for a moment before quickly straightening herself, forcing a small, uneasy smile.

“I… I didn’t mean to offend you earlier,” she rushed out.

I blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“That’s not why she called you,” I said firmly, standing straighter. “She needs you in her office. Now.”

Without another word, she hurried out of the room in panic while I watched her leave.

“Silly…” I muttered under my breath, returning to my desk.

My phone rang again, this time, it was Ava.

I answered instantly.

“Ava,” I said quickly. “How are you…?”

Her voice cut through mine. “Ma’am… I’m not fine.”

My grip tightened around the phone. “What happened?”

She breathed shakily. “Ma’am… it’s your husband. He said he’ll lock my family and me up at the station if we don’t…”

Suddenly, the phone dropped on her end…

“Hello?” I called sharply. “Ava?”

But there was silence… then another familiar voice came through.

“You think running away will save you?” Lucien’s voice cut through the line like a blade. “Liora… because of you, I’ve lost everything I worked for.”

My entire body stiffened as anger surged instantly.

“Lucien, leave her out of this,” I snapped.

He let out a low, dangerous laugh. “Get my company back… or I’ll make her life a living hell.”

My breath caught as my fingers tightened around the phone.

“No,” I said sharply. “Tell me, why would I? After everything you did?”

My voice rose before I could stop it.

“You replaced my baby for your mistress’s. You destroyed my father’s company and pretended to save me afterward. Do you have any idea what you turned my life into?”

Lucien stayed silent.

“My entire marriage was a lie. You used me. You discarded me. Divorcing you was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

My voice cracked, but I didn’t stop.

“And stop touching innocent people. If you don’t, I will sue you for everything. Including what you did to my child.”

Lucien said nothing. With that, I ended the call.

My hands trembled slightly as I wiped away the tears I hadn’t noticed falling.

The door opened slowly as Trisha stepped in.

A faint smirk curled on her lips.

“You’re a divorcee?” she asked softly, raising a brow.

My chest tightened.

So she had heard everything.

“And so what?” I replied instantly, my voice steady again. “You are here to assist me, not to pry into my personal life.”

Her smile faded.

“I don’t stand with people who are against me,” she said quietly, stepping closer. “And right now… you are against me.”

My brows furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

She let out a soft, mocking laugh, then leaned slightly forward.

“You have what I want.”