THE BILLIONAIRE's HIDDEN HEIR

ENCOUNTER

At the airport, a sense of urgency filled the air as guards rushed to clear the road, their guns at the ready. "Everyone, please stay out of the way!" they shouted, securing the area. Moments later, the sound of footsteps echoed through the terminal, and a figure emerged from the crowd.

It was Ethan, and he looked every bit the powerful and enigmatic figure Aurora had remembered. His chiseled features seemed carved from granite, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into those around him. His black suit was tailored to perfection, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean physique. His dark hair was slicked back, revealing a strong jawline that seemed set in determination.

As he walked, his security detail stuck close, their eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of vigilance and reverence. Ethan's presence was commanding, his confidence and authority radiating like an aura around him. When he reached the car, the driver sprang into action, opening the door with a nod. Ethan slid into the sleek vehicle, his movements fluid and graceful. As the driver started the engine, the car glided away, leaving a trail of whispers and awestruck gazes in its wake.

As the car glided through the streets, Ethan gazed out the window, taking in the familiar sights of the neighborhood. He thought to himself that nothing seemed to have changed since he'd left two years ago. His eyes then fell upon a piece of paper in his hand, a letter that Aurora had written on the night of their passionate encounter.

He read the words, his eyes scanning the page with a mix of nostalgia and longing. The letter was a poignant reminder of their complicated past, and the pain they had both endured. The words danced on the page, a bittersweet melody that echoed in his mind:

"I'm very sorry for what happened last... but since we are both adults, I hope we can forget this and let it go without any future encounters. from Aurora"

Ethan's eyes lingered on the page, his thoughts consumed by the memories of their time together. He whispered to himself, "I hope you haven't changed too, Aurora."

After a short drive, the car arrived at the house, a grand estate filled with the who's who of the country's elite. The president, commissioners, stockholders, and board members of the company had all gathered to pay their respects to the late Mr. Kennedy, Ethan's father. All were dressed in black, a somber reminder of the occasion.

Ethan stepped out of the car and into the house, his eyes scanning the room with a mix of sadness and determination. He made his way through the crowd, his face a mask of calm composure, revealing nothing of his inner emotions.

In a private room, he was greeted by his mother, Catherine Kennedy, the acting chairman of the company. She welcomed him back home after a two-year absence at the subsidiary office abroad. "I'm happy to see you back, Ethan," she said, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and warmth.

Catherine's gaze lingered on her son, her expression a reminder of the weight of responsibility that now rested on his shoulders. "You're now going to carry a huge legacy, Ethan. Your father's legacy."

Ethan's face remained impassive, his emotions locked deep within. He nodded slightly, his eyes never leaving his mother's face. Catherine knew her son well; despite his handsome features, he had never been one to show his emotions. He was a master of restraint, a trait that would serve him well in the days ahead.

"Rest for today, Ethan," she said, her voice softening. "Tomorrow, we'll begin the journey of taking your father's place."

After leaving his mother's room, Ethan ran into Jew, one of the company's executive managers and his closest friend. Jew welcomed him back from his travels, and as they walked together, Ethan tossed him the keys to the Maybach S-Class. "Take me to the hotel, I'm not sleeping in the house," he said.

They stepped into the luxurious vehicle, and the soft hum of the engine filled the air as they drove through the beautiful city and along the fascinating beachfront. The Maybach's tinted windows offered a private sanctuary, shielding them from prying eyes.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Ethan was struck by its opulence. The Kennedy Oasis was one of his father's flagship properties, and it exuded luxury. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and lavish furnishings created an atmosphere of refined elegance.

After checking in, Ethan finally rested, taking a refreshing shower before gazing out at the city from the top floor. His eyes wandered to the street below, and he thought he saw a woman who looked like Aurora. His heart skipped a beat, but as he watched, a little girl followed her, and he realized it wasn't Aurora after all.

Despite the disappointment, Ethan couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being drawn back to the past, to the memories he had tried so hard to leave behind.

Ethan sank into the bed, his mind still reeling from the events of the day. Later, in the following day, he decided to clear his head with a stroll around the hotel. As he walked, he noticed a beautiful piece of fine art on display outside a gallery. He felt an sudden urge to own it and punched open the door to inquire about the purchase.

As he entered, a soft voice greeted him. "Welcome, sir." Ethan's eyes widened in shock as he saw Aurora standing before him. Memories of their passionate night together came flooding back, and he couldn't believe his eyes. Aurora looked just as surprised to see him, her eyes locked onto his with a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

Time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, the silence between them thick with tension. Finally, Aurora broke the silence with a gentle smile. "Hello, Mr... what brings you to our gallery?"

Ethan's mind reeled in shock. What?Doesn't she recognize me? Has she forgotten our past? He thought to himself, Why is she treating me like a total stranger?