The Billionaire’s Secret Baby

6

The car came to an abrupt stop, and Hazel lurched forward, nearly hitting her head, but his hand shot out quickly, shielding her before she could get hurt.

Her breathing turned uneven as she struggled to steady herself. Everything had happened too fast for her to fully understand. He said nothing, and slowly, she lifted her gaze to see where he had brought her.

Her breath caught instantly.

The building in front of her dragged back memories she had tried so hard to bury, memories that refused to fade no matter how much she tried.

Memories of their first night together…A heavy feeling settled deep in her stomach. “Does it remind you of something?”

Raven’s cold voice cut through the silence.

He turned to her, but she kept her eyes forward, refusing to meet his gaze. How could she? Not after the lie she had kept from him… not after everything that had happened between them.

“It meant nothing… just a building. That’s all I see,” she said quietly, her voice betraying her more than she wanted.

She didn’t expect his fingers to suddenly grip her chin, not enough to hurt, but firm enough to force her to face him.

They were too close.

“Then look me in the eyes,” he said, his tone dropping colder, “and say it again.”

A shiver ran down her spine…Her lips parted, but no sound came out. Being this close to him again after so many years… she hadn’t realized how much her body still remembered him.

She had never truly gotten over him, she had only convinced herself that she had, but now…looking into his eyes

Everything came rushing back, her heart pounded painfully, too fast and loud. Her vision blurred as tears gathered without her permission.

For a brief second, something shifted in his eyes, softened. But it disappeared just as quickly, his lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.

“What?” he murmured. “You can’t say it now?”

His voice hardened.

“Or do you think your tears will move me?” he added, leaning closer. “That part of me is gone, darling… and now….” his voice dropped lower, almost a whisper, “I’d rather watch you cry.”

Each word sank deep, he watched her carefully until he saw it, the fear in her eyes. Then he let go of her face.

She flinched slightly, the sting lingering as she tried to make sense of the man in front of her. This wasn’t the same person she once knew.

She reached for the door, and this time, he unlocked it. Her hand paused on the handle. “You really have nothing to say to me?” he asked.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, then she stepped out.

The door had barely shut before he was out too.

She had only taken a few steps when he grabbed her arm, pulling her back and pinning her against the car.

Her breath hitched.

“What are you doing?” she asked, startled.

“Did you really think I’d let you walk away?” he said.

She finally met his eyes, confusion flickering through her fear. “W-what do you mean?” she stammered, trying to stay calm.

But he could see right through her. Her fear…He could almost feel it. He leaned in slowly.

Hazel leaned back instinctively, but the car stopped her, his lips hovered close to her ear. “That child… from years ago…” he began.

Her heart dropped.

She gasped softly.

How does he know? “What child?” she asked, forcing her voice to remain steady. She lifted her chin slightly, a faint smirk forming.

If she wanted to protect Owen…

She couldn’t afford to be weak.

“The only child I remember,” she said coolly, “was the one I lost.” He scoffed, her sudden confidence only feeding the bitterness he already held toward her.

“I heard your father’s company is going bankrupt,” he said quietly. “And he’s looking to Karina for help.”Her eyes widened instantly.

“Judging by your reaction,” he added, a mocking edge to his tone, “I guess you didn’t know.” Her chest tightened.

“Good luck with that.”

He pulled away, a deep smirk forming, one that showed his dimple but carried no warmth. Then he walked back to the car and got in, leaving her standing there.

Alone.

Her heart raced…not just because of him, but because of what he had said…Her father had told her nothing.

Nothing at all.

And Karina…of all people, she would never help them.

Not after what Hazel had done to her son.