The Billionaire's Forgotten Heir

SLAP! "All you've ever done is bring shame to me and the entire family! You worthless piece of trash!" Slap again. "You still have the guts to look me in the eye?" Slap. Slap. Slap. Mr. Thompson's body shook violently with rage, his chest heaving. "You uncultured waste of money and effort. I should have tossed you into the sea long ago when you were born." KICK! "Look at her, all wide-eyed and pretty-faced, but with no shred of decency! Just like her mother." Saying that, he kicked the luggage as well, sending it sprawling on the muddy ground, his eyes bloodshot. "Dad..." "Please..." "Out of my sight! And never show your face here ever again. The next time I see you, I'll make sure I chop your fingers off, you object of disgrace!" * "... Ma'am?" "Ma'am?" Skyler's head jerked up with more force than necessary. She looked around, only just realizing she was seated in a car and not on the muddy street. "Yes?" She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, then looked up at Mark. The young man had been staring at her through the rearview mirror, his face etched with worry. "I asked if you would like me to join you inside." He asked again, slower this time. Skyler dragged in a breath, then turned her head to look out the window. The bustling street of Green City was still the same as it had been five years ago. Nothing had changed. "No need. I can handle it," she said, stepping out of the car. Mark gave her a few more glances. "If anything goes wrong, notify me immediately." Only after saying that did he have the heart to leave. Once alone, Skyler looked up at the luxurious and elegant mansion before her; five years ago, she had left this hell she called home. Now, she hesitated, fingers curled at her side as she pursed her lips. But the doctor's words were clear and echoed in her ears, blocking out every rational thought buried inside her. *Miss Skyler, I'm sorry, but at this very stage, there's nothing we can do. Lumina Syndrome is autosomal. We need genetic confirmation from both biological parents to create the serum. Without it, the next flare could be fatal. I think it's best if you come with the child's father for the test.* Her son was in the hospital, fighting for his life, counting on her to save him. She had done her research; Damon Carter would be here tonight—the man she had a passionate affair with five years ago. With that in mind, she lifted her legs and stepped in. The hallway was decorated with expensive balloons floating mid-air, creating a joyous atmosphere, but Skyler barely spared it all a glance. It was expected given today's occasion. It was her stepsister Victoria's engagement party, and her father had gone all out. Skyler was just about to make her way toward the balcony to wait when a deep electronic voice came through the speakers, causing her to stop in her tracks. "As a father, I must say I'm really proud of my daughter. Ever since she was young, she has always elevated the family's honor—from her clear decision-making in the company to getting engaged to Nathan Carter. I feel fulfilled to have her as my daughter." Her father's words filled the air, and Skyler couldn't help the sudden laugh that escaped her lips. Heads turned at the sound of the laugh, and soon everyone was staring at her. Victoria's face drained of color. "Is that... Skyler?" "What is she doing here?" "That witch. Even after dragging the family's name through the mud, she dares to show her face here again?" "Really? Does she really think Nathan would give her a chance after what she did to him?" The words of the guests were ugly, but Skyler paid them no attention. She turned and was about to continue on her way when a loud voice broke out. "Skyler! What are you doing here?" It was the voice of Margaret Thompson, her stepmother. Skyler turned slowly, not wanting to deal with them just yet. "So what if I'm here? I'm still a member of this family, aren't I?" Margaret stumbled as if her heart was going to fail her, her face twisting with cruelty as they stared at her. But Skyler couldn't be too bothered by them. She scanned the guests with her eyes, noticing that the one she came for wasn't there yet. Where was he? The thought made her heart skip. Was he unable to show up because he hasn't really recovered from the accident five years ago? These thoughts ran through her mind just as Victoria's cry rang out. "Skyler, it's your fault Nathan called off your engagement. Why have you come here to ruin mine?" Nathan's face turned ugly at Victoria's words, but before he could open his mouth to speak, voices erupted from the guests. "He's here!" "Damon Carter?" "Oh my God, he's so handsome!" Skyler mirrored their gaze, just in time to see the young man emerging from the hallway. His tall figure was so imposing that it made her breath hitch. Her heart beat two times faster, and memories of that night five years ago flooded her mind, making her feel like she'd gone back in time. Seeing him so strong and healthy made her release a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. She blushed hard, his deep voice resounding in her head. "I'll take responsibility; I promise." She pushed the thoughts aside and stepped forward in big strides. Meeting him halfway, she clutched his sleeves tightly. "Damon," she breathed, eyes wide with joy and something else inside. But he looked at her with a frown—a stark contrast to the gentle expression she once remembered. His cold eyes emitted an aura that made her take a step back, confused. "Damon?" She made to speak again, but her eyes caught someone behind him. Only then did she notice the delicate hands wrapped around Damon's and the slender figure emerging from behind him. Damon brushed his sleeve where she had just touched, as if he had encountered filth. Then, with a fleeting look, he said, "Ms., please refrain from married men."