The Billionaire's Forgotten Daughter

Chapter One

Torrential rain battered the car as Lia and Julian dashed inside, soaked to the bone. Julian started the engine with haste, droplets flying from his clothes. Lia shivered, clutching the photograph for warmth. Her thoughts raced—who was this man after her? And why?

“Graves will stop at nothing to damage Gabriel,” Julian warned, swerving through the deluge. “He views you as leverage, a c***k in Gabriel’s armor. We must vanish before Graves discovers your location.”

Lia stared into the gloom, the town dissolving into a watercolor blur. “I don’t understand—I’ve never met Gabriel. How could this man think I matter?”

Julian’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. “To a villain like Graves, anyone close to his prey is a target. He aims to wound Gabriel by threatening you.”

Lia turned to Julian with questioning eyes. “If you work for Gabriel, why escort me rather than guarding him?”

Julian glanced at Lia briefly before fixing on the road once more. “Protecting you protects Gabriel. Whether you realize it or not, his heart is tied to yours.”

Lia frowned, confusion evident on her face. “How important? I barely know the man.”

Julian sighed wearily. "There's much you don't understand, Lia. Gabriel has his reasons for distancing himself, though make no mistake - he cares deeply for your well-being."

Anger and bewilderment swirled within Lia. "Wellbeing from what? What threat could possibly endanger me?"

"Ones like Graves," Julian explained grimly. "Those who would stop at nothing to hurt Gabriel, even using his own daughter against him."

Lia drew a sharp breath. "Daughter," she echoed softly, still struggling to accept the billionaire Gabriel Stone was truly her father. "Why then did he never attempt contact? Why keep me in the dark?"

Julian paused cautiously before replying. "Gabriel's past is... intricate. He believed involving you in his world only put you at risk."

Lia shook her head frustratedly. "Yet now I'm worried whether I wish it or no."

Julian's expression softened sympathetically. "I know this is much to process. But for now we must focus on your safety. The rest can come later."

Lia nodded slowly, steeling herself. "Alright, what's our next move?"

Julian accelerated down the highway. "We're heading to a secure safehouse where we can plan our next steps more carefully."

Lia leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes, attempting to steady her racing thoughts. Questions swirled in her mind – about Gabriel, her mother, her past. But one thought stood out among the chaos: she needed answers from Gabriel Stone. She was tired of being kept in the dark and wouldn't stop until she found out the truth.

As they drove through the dark, stormy night, Lia felt resolve growing within her. She didn't know what lay ahead but was determined to uncover her history, no matter the cost. The long ride was filled with an heavy silence as both occupants were lost in their own contemplation. Lia glanced over at Julian gripping the wheel, his brow furrowed in focus on navigating the treacherous conditions. She opened her mouth to break the stillness when suddenly the vehicle jerked sharply, the tires losing traction on the wet pavement.

Lia's heart leaped into her throat as she grabbed hold, bracing for what may come. Through the rain-splattered window, approaching headlights could be seen weaving erratically behind them. A dark SUV was closing in at an alarming speed, its engine roaring over the storm. "Graves is here," Julian grunted through clenched teeth, fighting for control. "Brace yourself, this won't be smooth."

He yanked the wheel hard, swerving onto a narrow side road. The tires squealed and slipped as Julian struggled to maintain control on the slick surface. Lia was thrown against the door from the force, momentarily stunned. "Julian, what's happening?" she managed, fear filling her widened eyes. "They've found us," he replied tightly, "but I'll get us out of this, I promise."

The Ford Expedition tailed them closely, its headlights blindingly bright in the rearview mirror. Lia could discern the silhouette of a man behind the wheel, his face set with unwavering intent and threat.

Julian glanced sidelong at her, expression earnest. “Crouch down, Lia. Stay low and keep your head dowm,” he urged.

Lia followed instructions promptly, heart hammering loudly in her ears. She knelt low in her seat, hands clutching seat edges for support. The car swerved again, narrowly evading a parked car along the roadside.

Suddenly, a resounding bang echoed through the car, and Lia felt a sharp jolt as the rear dipped. Her eyes widened in horror. “Julian, what was that?!” she cried.

“They’re firing at us!” Julian shouted over rain and engine noise. “Hang on tight, Lia!