Bought By The Paralyzed Billionaire

CHAPTER 4

There's something about the look in his eyes that makes me feel that if I don't look away, he'd read straight into my soul.

I quickly avert my gaze and slide into my car seat.

He's one of the Hiltons...

Of course! He's Adam Hilton, and that old lady is his grandmother.

I've heard that the heir was paralyzed after a ghastly accident that claimed his leg and his mother’s life.

That’s the most I know about him—and that his name is Adam.

My eyes widen, my heart racing in my chest at the sudden realization. Did he send his granny to me on purpose? I mean, why would she give me his card or even accept a ride from a stranger?

Christ, what have I gotten myself into? I need to get out of here.

I quickly pull the car into reverse, but just as I’m about to move back, I slam on the brakes when I realize someone is standing behind, waving his hands at me.

“Miss Riley!” God, he knows my name. “Mr. Hilton would love to speak with you.”

I swallow hard, staring forward, trying to keep calm as he walks to my window.

“I’m running late for a party tonight.”

“It will just be for a minute or two,” he coaxes.

I nod crookedly and carefully step out of the car. I have no other option—it’s impossible to race out of here.

I wrap my arms tightly around myself as I walk to the Mercedes. Adam is already seated in his wheelchair, waiting. His gaze is intent, analytical, taking in my disheveled hair, tear-streaked face, and soaked clothes in one swift, assessing glance.

“Darling, what a pleasure to see you again.” He gives me a tight-lipped smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

I don’t bother to hide the scowl forming on my face. “Do you want to pretend like you didn’t set this up?”

His head tilts a fraction, his expression shifting from polite greeting to keen interest. “Set what up?”

I scoff, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Why did you call me here? Is it because of the report?”

He doesn’t respond but only stares at me, his brows narrowing. I shake my head and chuckle bitterly. I’ve been to too many parties not to know how elites are, including my family. They’d twist every piece of information and turn it into a scandal.

“What are you going to do now? Blackmail me? Or tell the press?”

His frown deepens. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Oh my Lord! I laugh so hard that tears begin to roll down my cheeks.

I thrust the card back at the bodyguard behind him. “If you’re as innocent as you look and sound, stay away from me. I promise I’ll find a solution to this”—I point at my stomach—“soon. So please, for the love of God, don’t tell anyone.”

I turn around to leave.

“Riley!” he calls immediately.

I wipe the tears streaming down my cheeks.

“I assure you, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he says almost carefully, veins like stems standing out on his hand as he grips the wheelchair. “I apologize for reading your report, I didn’t know it was confidential.”

A bitter scoff escapes my lips.

He finally looks away, exhaling deeply. “You’re drenched. Why don’t you come in before you catch a cold?”

“I was just leaving before you requested me.” I don’t even know why I’m still standing here.

I turn on my heels just for him to speak again.

“I just want to repay your kindness, Miss Riley. There are no strings attached.”

I don’t stop walking. “There’s no need for that.” I open the driver’s door and look at him with a condescending smile. His jaw tightens. “You shouldn’t be so concerned. There are way harsher things than the cold. Have a good night!”

I slip into my car and slam the door shut. I run a hand through my hair, my heart pounding wildly. A scream threatens to escape my mouth. I lift my fist to hit the steering wheel but stop midway, throwing my head backward.

Stupid! Goddamn! Cheater!

___________

The moment I get back home, I rush to my room and change into the red and black fitted dress for the dinner party.

Stepmother messaged me on the way back, saying they were already at the hall.

I check my face in the mirror after putting on my makeup, hoping it will conceal every ounce of sadness.

When I’m done, I drive to the city hall, where multiple fancy cars are already parked.

“Finally, you are here!” Lucinda, Diana’s biological mother, coos with a bright smile as I step into the hall.

She lifts her cocktail and engulfs me in a warm hug. For a moment, I feel a little comfort.

She pulls away and squints, studying me closely. “Too much sleep, or were you crying?”

“Neither. Just the rain.” I look away and grab a glass of wine from a passing waiter. “I’ll, uh… find a seat.”

She nods. “I’ll go back to your father. Enjoy the party and actually make some friends.”

She kisses my cheek before running off. My smile fades. I sip the wine before heading to sit on an empty chair.

My gaze flickers to three ladies giggling while chatting with each other. My heart clenches as nostalgia hits me. I remember when everything used to be so cool between me and Diana.

No one would believe we once considered each other actual sisters. Even though she got all the love while I was labeled a bastard, she still became jealous over the little gifts I received from school, her mother, and her brothers.

When we got to middle school, she disgraced me in front of everyone, claiming I was flirting with her boyfriend and accusing me of cheating with him.

Everything went downhill from there. All she ever wanted was for me to suffer. And now she’s having an affair with Ray.

“All right, everyone, silence.” Father says from the stage, clicking his glass.

The air vanished from my lungs. The world tilted on its axis, the chatter of the party fading into a high-pitched ring in my ears. There they were, Diana and Ray standing next to father, wearing matching clothes. His arm is on her back while he grins like a child.

What? Why is Father not looking surprised? He knows Ray and I were together.

“So, since everyone is here, I’d like to make an important announcement.”

I catch Lucinda’s gaze, and she’s staring at him with wide eyes filled with shock.

He looks at Diana and Ray, then smiles proudly.

“On the sixteenth of next month," he starts, just as Diana's gaze meets mine.

She smirks. " My one and only daughter, Diana, will be getting married to this gentleman over here, Ray Andersen.”