THE BILLIONAIRE'S HIDDEN DAUGHTER

Chapter 5:A Brother or an enemy

Lucas Ashford's words hung in the air.

"I finally get to meet my little sister."

The room fell silent.

Ava stared at the handsome young man standing before her, unsure of what to say. She had just discovered she had a father, and now she was being introduced to a brother she never knew existed.

"You're... my brother?" she asked softly.

Lucas smiled.

"Half-brother, technically."

"But family is family."

Before Ava could respond, Victoria stepped between them.

"Lucas, don't encourage this nonsense."

Lucas sighed.

"Mother, enough."

Victoria looked at him in disbelief.

"You're taking her side already?"

"I'm taking Father's side."

Adrian smiled faintly from his hospital bed.

"For once, you're making me proud."

Victoria's face hardened, but she remained silent.

Lucas turned back to Ava.

"I know this must be overwhelming."

"If I were in your position, I'd probably think this was some strange dream."

Ava managed a small smile.

"It definitely feels like one."

Lucas chuckled.

"Trust me, life in the Ashford family is stranger than any dream."

William cleared his throat.

"There is something Miss Cole should know."

Lucas nodded.

"You're right."

He looked at Ava with a more serious expression.

"The moment Father publicly acknowledges you as his daughter, the media will go crazy."

"Newspapers, television stations, bloggers... everyone will want your story."

Ava frowned.

"I don't want attention."

"Unfortunately," Lucas replied, "you won't have a choice."

"You've just become the daughter of one of the richest men in the country."

"And with that comes enemies."

Grace tightened her grip on Ava's hand.

"I knew this day would come."

Adrian looked at William.

"Increase Ava's security immediately."

William nodded.

"It has already been arranged."

Ava blinked.

"What do you mean?"

William handed her a small folder.

"Beginning tonight, you'll have personal security, a driver, and a private residence inside the Ashford Estate."

Ava stared at him.

"I... I can't leave my apartment."

"My mother lives there."

Grace smiled gently.

"We'll go together."

"You've spent your whole life taking care of me."

"It's time someone takes care of you."

Tears filled Ava's eyes again.

Before she could answer, Daniel, the family lawyer, received a phone call.

His expression changed instantly.

"Mr. Ashford..."

He lowered the phone.

"We have a serious problem."

Everyone turned toward him.

"What is it?" Adrian asked.

Daniel took a deep breath.

"The media has found out."

"They already know your missing daughter has been found."

Lucas cursed under his breath.

"That was fast."

William immediately walked to the window and looked outside.

His face became grim.

"They're already here."

Ava slowly walked over and looked through the glass.

Her heart nearly stopped.

Dozens of reporters surrounded the hospital entrance.

Television cameras pointed toward the building.

Microphones were raised into the air as journalists pushed against security barriers, shouting questions no one inside could hear.

Camera flashes lit up the night like lightning.

Ava stepped back in shock.

"How did they find out so quickly?"

Lucas looked at the crowd below before turning back to her.

His expression grew serious.

"They didn't."

He paused for a moment.

"Someone inside this family told them."