The Hidden Heir

Chapter 8-Zane Grey

I scan the party scene, but there’s no sign of Bella. One way to keep a low profile is to not show up at all—but where the hell could she have wandered off to?

I spot Aidan with some drunk girl clinging to his arm, practically throwing herself at him. He looks utterly uninterested. Our eyes meet—he can tell something’s wrong.

Pushing through the crowd on the dance floor, I made my way toward the bar, still no sign of her. Frustration builds as I climb up to a semi-private sky deck— an exclusive area only a few people are allowed into—hoping for a better view. No luck.

My phone vibrates in my pocket just as my Apple Watch lights up with a message from Aidan. I f*****g hate wearing this watch, but Aidan gets on my case about “never responding,” so here we are.

What’s up with you? She’s fine. Stop worrying.

I roll my eyes. God knows what—or who—she’s doing.

I continue searching when a narrow, dimly lit corridor catches my eye. Without thinking, I head down it—and there she is.

Bella.

Swaying to the music.

To my favorite song, no less.

“Who are you dancing for?” I ask.

She turns around slowly, her face pale. I can practically feel steam rising from my skin.

“I said—who are you dancing for?” I repeat, sharper now. I’ve half a mind to just throw her over my shoulder and drag her out of here.

Then, suddenly, she smirks. That cold, infuriating smirk.

“Aww... does someone have a crush?” she taunts.

I just roll my eyes.

Right then, a small brunette girl slips out of the bathroom nearby.

“Uhh… hi? Can I help you, Zane?” she asks, nervously glancing between Bella and me.

Bella bats her lashes, her gray eyes shining with mock innocence. “Anything you need, Zane?” she purrs.

“Yes, actually. We’re leaving. Pack your things,” I say, eyes scanning the hallway to make sure nothing else is going on.

I turn to leave, Bella quick on my heels.

“What was that for?” she whines behind me.

“I decide where and when you get to be,” I snap. “Right now, you need to leave.”

As we walk toward my car, Aidan calls.

“What do you want?” I answer flatly, skipping the pleasantries.

“Where the f**k are you? You’ve been gone for thirty minutes,” he grumbles.

“I found Bella. We’re leaving. Meet me outside in ten.” I hang up.

I start pushing through the crowd again.

“Bella, hurry up,” I mutter, glancing over my shoulder.

But no one’s there.

My chest tightens. I turn in a slow circle. She’s gone.

Fuck.

I retrace my steps, my heart pounding in my ears. The corridor’s empty now. The music thunders from below, loud and chaotic.

“Bella!” I call, but my voice is swallowed by the bass.

I shove past more people, not caring who I knock into.

Then—just for a second—I see her.

A flash of her hair. A glimpse of her back.

She’s slipping into the far end of the hallway.

With someone.

My stomach drops.

I follow.