Billionaire’s Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule

Chapter 10

The car slows to a stop in front of the Langston estate, and I can’t help but stare. The mansion is enormous, like something out of a movie. Marble columns stretch up to meet a beautifully detailed front, and perfectly trimmed gardens line the driveway. It’s both stunning and a little intimidating. No, it's more than intimidating. It's downright overwhelming, and I can't imagine what it must be like to live in such opulence.

Inside, it’s even more extravagant. The floor shines like glass, reflecting the glow of a massive chandelier above. Fancy furniture is arranged like an art exhibit, and the walls are covered in paintings that look like they’d belong in a museum. I’ve never felt more out of place.

An older woman in a crisp suit walks over. Her gray hair is pulled into a neat bun, and she’s holding a clipboard. Ella smiles as she greets her.

“Clara, this is Hilda, our head house manager. She runs everything around here.”

Hilda chuckles, shaking her head slightly. "Oh, Ella, you flatter me. I just make sure everything runs smoothly, keep things in order.”

Her eyes shift to Zachary, and her smile fades into a more professional expression. “Mr. Zachary, welcome back.”

Zachary gives her a quick nod. “Hilda, let the staff know I’ll need food in my room. I have a virtual meeting and can't join the others for dinner tonight." Without expecting for a reply, he heads up the grand staircase. Hilda watches him go and then turns back to us with a small sigh.

“What can I say? The man of the house is a busy bee, always on the go,” she says, then looks at me kindly. “You're such a pretty young lady, dear. I actually think you're familiar to me."

Before I can respond, an elegant older woman comes down the staircase. She’s wearing a flowing dress.

Ella beams at her. “Grandma Cecilia! Where is everyone?”

Grandma Cecilia sighs. “Hiding in their rooms, as usual. But don’t worry. They’ll come down for dinner.”

Zachary reappears at the top of the staircase. Grandma Cecilia’s face softens, and she pulls him into a hug as soon as he reaches her. He looks awkward, shifting in her arms.

“I can’t stay for dinner,” he says. “I have an important meeting with the men.”

Grandma Cecilia’s expression falters for a moment. “The club?” she asks quietly.

Zachary gives a small nod but doesn’t elaborate. Ella, oblivious to the exchange, cheers. “I’ll tell everyone you said hi, Zach!” Her voice echoes in the quiet mansion.

—

The dining room is as grand as the rest of the house. A long table is set with crystal glasses and fancy plates. I sit next to Ella, feeling completely out of place. This world isn’t mine.

The family trickles in one by one. Oliver, with his easy charm, greets everyone with a polished smile. His wife, tall and striking, follows close behind. Then there’s Theo, whose mischievous grin is impossible to miss. His bubbly blonde wife chats with Ella as they take their seats.

Beatrice arrives next, her nose slightly upturned as she surveys the room. She barely acknowledges me. Finally, Vincent bursts in, full of energy. His booming voice fills the room as he greets everyone.

Ella introduces me as her personal assistant. The reactions are mixed. Oliver gives a polite smile, Theo smirks like he finds it amusing, and Beatrice’s frown deepens. I sink lower in my chair, wishing I could disappear.

Despite the awkward start, the conversation eventually picks up. Oliver talks about a business trip. “It was a mess. Watching them negotiate was like watching kids fight over a toy.”

Theo grins. “And let me guess, you swooped in and saved the day?”

“Someone had to,” Oliver says with a laugh. “But enough about that. Theo, didn’t you have some drama at that charity auction?”

Theo chuckles. “Oh, you mean the one where they almost sold a fake painting? I had to step in and stop the whole thing.”

His wife rolls her eyes. “He just wanted to be the center of attention.”

“Guilty as charged,” Theo admits, making everyone laugh.

Vincent jumps in with a wild story about getting stranded with a flat tire. Beatrice cuts him off with a dry remark about his driving skills, and the whole table erupts in laughter. For a moment, I forget how out of place I feel.

But every now and then, Beatrice’s sharp gaze lands on me.

After dinner, Ella takes me to my room on the main floor. It’s smaller than I expected but still luxurious.

“If it were up to me, I’d put you upstairs,” Ella says. “But Grandma Cecilia has the final say.”

“This is fine,” I say, grateful to have a place at all.

A maid approaches, looking nervous. “Miss Ella, Mr. Zachary hasn’t eaten, and he won’t open his door.”

Ella sighs. “I’ll handle it.” She grabs a tray of food and waves for me to follow. At Zachary’s door, she knocks loudly. “Zach! Food’s here. Open up!”

Her phone buzzes, and she glances at it. “I need to take this. Be right back.” Before I can protest, she hurries off, leaving me alone.

The door swings open, and the sight of Zachary, his hair damp and a towel slung low on his hips, made my breath hitch. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly averted my gaze, but not before noticing the sharp definition of his chest and the faint droplets of water trailing down his skin.

My voice caught in my throat, but I managed to stammer, ‘Ella asked me to bring this

He steps aside, motioning for me to come in. The room is sleek and modern, with massive windows overlooking the gardens. A huge monitor on the desk catches my eye. Three shadowy figures are visible in a video call, each in a setting that shrieks danger. One sits in front of antique weapons, another is surrounded by stacks of cash, and the third is in a dimly lit club.

The hair on the back of my neck stood on end. I wasn’t sure what I’d just glimpsed, but I knew it was something dangerous. Something Zachary would never explain to me.

“Set it there,” Zachary says, snapping me out of my thoughts. I place the tray on the table, my hands shaking.

“Why are you bringing me food?” he says coldly.

“Oh, the staff was supposed to bring your dinner. But she said you weren't answering the door,” I mumble.

As I turn to leave, he suddenly asks, “Why are you so nervous now? You’re not like this back at the penthouse.”

My heart races. “I’m not nervous,” I lie, but my shaky voice gives me away.

He smirks faintly. “You’re a terrible liar.”

I lower my gaze. “It’s just this place. It’s overwhelming.”

He’s quiet for a moment. Then he sighs. “You’ll adjust. If you’re going to work here, you need to stay composed."

“Composed?” I let out a nervous laugh, and my gaze caught the display of firearms and weapons on the walls. "Right, composed," I mutter."

“You should go,” he says. “And tell Ella not to send you here next time. I don’t need a babysitter.”