THE BILLIONAIRE AND WIFE

Chapter Five: Meet the Family

I walked back toward the mansion, my heart pounding in my chest.

Mr. Hayes stood waiting for me at the front door.

“Mr. Gammey is in the main lounge,” he said. “He’s expecting you.”

I nodded, trying to act calm, even though my hands were shaking.

Before following him, I turned for one last look toward the garden.

Eli was gone, It was like he vanished.

I pushed that thought aside and stepped inside.

As I entered the lounge, I froze, Leey wasn’t alone.

Sitting on the long leather couch were two strangers a man and a woman, both dressed

like they’d just stepped off the cover of a business magazine.

The man looked to be in his early fifties. Tall, with graying hair, sharp cheekbones, and a

permanent frown glued to his face.

The woman may be mid-forties, with cold blue eyes, flawless makeup, and a designer

handbag clutched tight in her lap.

They both turned to stare at me the second I walked in.

Their eyes are full of judgment.

Full of hate, Leey motioned for me to sit beside him.

“Whitney, meet my children,” he said. “This is Charles and Victoria.”

Children? I almost laughed at the word. They were full-grown adults both probably old

enough to be my parents.

Charles didn’t bother standing. He just glared at me like I was dirt on his shoe.

Victoria gave me a tight, fake smile. “So you’re the famous Whitney Bells,” she said in a

sweet but deadly voice.

I swallowed hard. “Uh, nice to meet you.”

Neither of them said “Nice to meet you” back.

Leey cleared his throat. “They heard the news coverage,” he said, sounding tired. “I

thought it was better they heard things directly from me and you.”

I blinked. “From me?” Charles scoffed loudly. “You mean the stripper who’s now trying

to marry our father?”

My face turned hot, Leey slammed his cane on the floor, making everyone jump.

“Enough, Charles,” he barked. “You will show her respect while she’s in my home.”

Charles sat back but kept glaring, Victoria just crossed her legs and smiled like she was

watching a reality TV show.

I opened my mouth to speak, but honestly I didn’t even know what to say.

Victoria tilted her head. “So, tell us, Whitney what is it you love most about our father?

His sparkling personality? Or his billions of dollars?”

I clenched my fists. “I care about him,” I said quietly. “He’s been kind to me.”

Charles laughed like I just told the best joke of the year.

Leey’s face turned pale, and I noticed he looked more tired than usual almost like the

stress of all this was too much for him.

I wanted to stand up and leave, Walk straight out that front door and never come back.

But I didn’t, Because deep down a part of me still wanted this chance.

Leey reached over and placed a frail but steady hand on mine.

“She’s not going anywhere,” he said firmly to his children. “So get used to it.”

That only made Charles and Victoria angrier. “Dad,” Charles snapped, standing now,

towering over both of us. “This is a mistake. And we’re not going to sit by and watch you

throw everything away for her.”

Victoria nodded quickly. “We’ll contest everything. The will, the estate, everything. She’s

using you, and you’re too blind to see it!”

Leey’s voice dropped low and dangerous. “I’m not blind. And I know exactly what I’m

doing.”

For a long second, no one said a word. Charles gave me one last look full of pure hate.

Then he grabbed his coat. “We’re done here. But trust me this isn’t over.”

Victoria followed close behind, muttering something under her breath that I couldn’t

catch.

I stayed frozen on the couch, heart racing, staring at the door even after they were gone.

Leey sat back, letting out a long, tired breath.

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” he said quietly. I shook my head. “It’s not your fault.”

He turned to me, his eyes soft now. “I told you this wouldn’t be easy.”

I nodded. “I know.”

But the truth was I didn’t know. Not really.

Not until now. Not until I saw the pure hate in their eyes.

Not until I realized they were willing to destroy me to stop this wedding.

I stood up, I need some time to think,” I said softly.

Leey nodded as he understood.

I rushed back to my room, locked the door, and sank to the floor.

I pulled out my phone and started typing a message to Jenna

But just as I was about to hit send

A new message popped up on my screen.

From an unknown number.

No name, No warning, Just six simple words that made my blood run cold:

“Stop now or regret it forever.”