CLAIMED BY THE BILLIONAIRE'S ENEMY

Family Rivals

Chapter Six

Damien arrived at the Cross family estate just before sunset. Nestled on the outskirts of the city, Cross Manor was less of a home and more of a symbol of the family's legacy. The sprawling mansion had belonged to the Cross family for generations, and every room carried echoes of triumph, sacrifice... and loss. As he entered the grand dining room, his grandfather, Richard Cross, was already seated at the head of the long mahogany table. "You kept me waiting," Richard remarked without looking up from his newspaper.

"I came straight from the office." Richard folded the paper and studied his grandson. "You should still be recovering." "I've had enough rest." A servant quietly placed dinner before them before leaving the room. For a few moments, they ate in silence.

Finally, Richard broke it. "Ethan tells me he may have found the young woman who saved you."

Damien nodded, "He isn't certain yet.” "If it is her, invite her here." Damien looked up, "I don't want to overwhelm her." A faint smile crossed Richard's face, "You've changed." "I've become curious." "No." Richard shook his head. "You're concerned."

Damien didn't deny it, the thought that his rescuer could be in danger hadn't left his mind all day.

"If my accident wasn't accidental," Damien said quietly, "anyone connected to me could become a target." Richard's expression darkened, "I've been thinking the same thing." He pushed his plate aside. "There are things you need to know." Damien leaned forward. "You remember the Hamilton family." His jaw tightened immediately.

"How could I forget?"

For over twenty years, the Crosses and the Hamilton’s had been bitter rivals. Once, the two families had built businesses together and celebrated holidays under the same roof. Then everything changed. A multimillion-dollar investment disappeared overnight. Each family blamed the other, lawsuits followed, business partnerships collapsed, friendships turned into hatred. Then came the greatest tragedy of all.

Damien's father, Alexander Cross, died in what investigators called a tragic car accident. Richard had never believed it was an accident, and he had never forgiven the Hamilton’s. "I spent years believing Victor Hamilton ordered your father's death," Richard admitted. "You still believe it." Richard hesitated. "I don't know what to believe anymore." Damien frowned. "What do you mean?"

"There have been... inconsistencies." "Inconsistencies?"

Richard stood and walked toward an old portrait hanging above the fireplace. It showed the Cross and Hamilton families smiling together decades earlier. The children laughed, the parents stood shoulder to shoulder, there wasn't a trace of hatred.

"We were once like family," Richard said softly.

Damien stared at the portrait, "I've never seen this before." "I kept it hidden." "Why?" "Because it reminded me of everything we lost." A heavy silence settled between them. Finally, Richard turned. "If someone orchestrated your accident, we must consider the possibility that our real enemy has been hiding in plain sight."

Across the city, another luxurious estate overlooked a quiet lake. Inside the Hamilton residence, Victor Hamilton sat in his study reading a financial report when his daughter, Isabella Hamilton, entered. "Dad?" He looked up. "Yes?" "I heard Damien Cross survived." Victor nodded, "I heard the same."

She studied her father carefully, "You don't seem surprised." "I'm relieved." Her eyebrows lifted. "Relieved?" Victor closed the file in front of him.

"Believe it or not, Isabella, I've never wanted Damien dead." She frowned. "But everyone says."

"Everyone says many things." He sighed deeply.

"The feud between our families has lasted too long." Before Isabella could respond, Victor's phone rang. His expression hardened as he answered. "What is it?" A voice spoke urgently from the other end. Victor's face paled. "What do you mean the deal failed?" He stood abruptly. "No... do not make another move until I give the order." The call ended.

Isabella looked confused, "What's wrong?" Victor slipped the phone into his pocket. "Someone is trying to reignite this war."

The next morning, Ethan parked across the street from Hart's Blossoms once again. This time, he had no intention of simply observing. Straightening his tie, he stepped out of the car and crossed the street. Inside the flower shop, Lena looked up as the bell above the door rang. A tall man in a tailored navy suit entered with a polite smile. "Good morning." "Good morning," Lena replied warmly. "How can I help you?" Ethan looked around at the colorful bouquets before meeting her eyes. "I'm looking for someone." Lena smiled. "You've found her." Neither of them realized that this simple conversation was about to pull Lena into a dangerous family rivalry that had been burning for more than two decades.