The Billionaire's Lost Bloodline

New Rules

Chapter 3

"What did you mean earlier?" Abigail's voice followed Melissa before the older girl reached the doors. The tears from minutes ago had dried unevenly on her face and her head still felt heavy from signing papers she didn't fully understand. Melissa stopped immediately. Her eyes moved toward the servants passing nearby. Then toward the cameras fixed discreetly near corners. When she spoke, her voice dropped.

"Not here." The answer came too fast.

Melissa forced a small smile afterward and stepped closer. "Come with me, Madam." The title still sounded strange.

“Abby…. Just call me Abby”. Melissa nodded and led her to her bedroom.

The mansion looked endless from inside. Long hallways stretched beneath crystal chandeliers while expensive paintings hung against cream walls taller than village houses. Gold traced the edges of mirrors and furniture. Her footsteps softened against polished floors. Every servant they passed lowered their heads slightly.

“ Good evening Mrs Hayes.”

Those greetings unsettled her. Melissa stopped before double doors and pushed them open gently. Abigail stepped inside and then paused.

The bedroom was larger than the home she'd grown up in. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked endless gardens lit beneath the night sky. White roses curved around fountains outside while expensive artwork covered sections of the walls. The bed sat at the center beneath soft lights, large enough to seem unreal. Her attention moved slowly around the room. Bookshelves, fresh flowers and paintings. One artwork hung opposite the bed. A woman holding three children. The image felt strangely heavy.

"Your bath is ready." Melissa's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Abigail turned. The girl smiled softly before approaching.

"I'll help you change."

Abigail stepped back immediately, heat climbing into her face.

"No." The answer came quicker than intended.

"Of course." Melissa smiled. Embarrassment followed immediately. Abigail lowered her eyes.

"I mean... I can manage."

Melissa nodded. "I'll wait outside." The bathroom doors closed behind her and silence returned.

For several seconds Abigail only stood there. Then slowly, her fingers moved toward the expensive wedding dress. The fabric loosened gradually before pooling near the floor in soft ivory folds.

Her collarbones rested softly beneath smooth skin, delicate but noticeable. A slim waist curved naturally into fuller hips, giving her body quiet balance. Her breasts were soft and proportionate against her frame, while years beneath sunlight left her skin warm, even and glowing without effort. Beauty sat on her the way it sat on expensive things.

The bathroom itself looked absurd. Marble surfaces reflected warm lighting while soft music played somewhere hidden. Fresh flowers floated in water and bottles filled with oils, creams and unfamiliar perfumes covered entire shelves.

Who needed this much to bathe? Abigail stared looking confused. The tub alone looked larger than her childhood bed.

By the time she finished, the mirror looked unfamiliar. She looked cleaner and prettier. Melissa returned afterward carrying a silk night robe and several boxes. Her movements seemed practiced and effortless.

"This will be more comfortable."

Melissa helped arrange her damp curls afterward before placing simple jewelry against her wrists.

"I'm sleeping." Abigail stared.

Melissa smiled. "Yes."

"Then why all this?"

"You're Christopher Hayes' wife now." The sentence settled strangely. Melissa adjusted a strand of hair near Abigail's shoulder. "Mrs Hayes must always look elegant."

Abigail blinked. Always?

Melissa continued working while speaking casually. "You'll have beauty appointments daily. Pilates four times weekly. Nutrition schedules. Skin treatments."

Abigail frowned in confusion. Melissa kept going. "Your wardrobe arrives tomorrow. The stylists too. As Mrs Hayes, appearance matters."

Abigail laughed, not because anything sounded funny but because the absurdity arrived all at once. Melissa finished adjusting the robe before stepping back. "There."

"What were you trying to tell me earlier?"

Melissa's hands stopped moving as she hesitated. Her eyes shifted briefly toward the closed doors and then back. When she spoke, her voice lowered.

"Mr Hayes isn't... ordinary."

Abigail waited. Melissa swallowed.

"You seem brave. Keep that bravery away from him."

Her brows pulled together immediately.

"What does that mean?"

Melissa looked toward the doors again. "Christopher Hayes can be ruthless." Her fingers twisted together. "I've worked here for years." Her voice softened. "I've seen powerful people come here believing they could challenge him."

Abigail stayed quiet and Melissa looked down.

"They never returned."

"You're exaggerating."

Melissa laughed once. "I wish. People call him many things." Her eyes lifted slowly. "Some say he's the devil's son."

That unsettled Abigail more. Her voice lowered again.

"Never stand against him when he's angry. He destroys people brutally and continues eating dinner afterward."

Abigail looked in disbelief. Part of her wanted to dismiss everything, another part remembered the contracts.

Melissa stepped closer. "There are things about this house you need to learn and—"

The bedroom door opened. Immediately, both women turned. Christopher stood there. His tie had disappeared and the top buttons of his shirt remained undone as though he'd changed after returning. One hand rested against the door. His gaze moved first toward Melissa and then Abigail. The room became quiet as Melissa straightened instantly.

"Sir."

Christopher didn't answer immediately.

His attention remained on Abigail several seconds longer than necessary before shifting away.

"Leave."

Melissa moved quickly without any hesitation. By the time she reached the doors, Christopher spoke again without looking at her.

"And Melissa."

She froze.

"Yes, sir?"

His voice stayed even. "Be careful discussing me." The warning sounded mild.

Melissa lowered her head and then disappeared. The door closed behind her. A second later, the lock clicked. Abigail looked up immediately. Christopher stood near the entrance still while watching her as neither spoke. Then slowly, he started walking toward her.