The Billionaire Accidental Heir.

Annabel's POV

I stood before my father's creditor, my hands shaking slightly as I pleaded with him, my eyes brimming with tears.

"Please, sir. You have to understand. We're trying our best to repay the loan. But taking away our belongings isn't the solution. I took a step forward, my voice cracking with desperation.

The man stared at me impassively, his lips curling into a smirk, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Your father's promises of repayment have fallen on deaf ears, Annabel Green." He strode towards the front door of my house, his gaze glinting with greed, his footsteps echoing through the silent room.

"But don't worry. I'll make this quick and painless."

He surveyed the room, his eyes roaming over the family's collection of antiques and paintings, his fingers drumming against his leg.

"Those should be more than enough to cover the debt, don't you think?" He reached out to touch a nearby vase, his hand hovering over it like a hawk ready to pounce.

My heart sank as I realized the man was serious.

"But those are family heirlooms!'I protested, my hands spreading wide in a futile attempt to protect our belongings.

"My mother would never forgive me if I let you take them away. Please, I beg of you. Is there no other way?" I took another step forward, my voice a desperate whisper.

The man chuckled mirthlessly, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Please, sir. You have to give me more time." I implored, my voice cracking with emotion. I grasped his arm, my fingers digging into his sleeve.

"Time is not something I can afford to give." the creditor said, his tone cold and dismissive, his eyes flicking to my hand on his arm before returning to my face.

"Please, just one more week." I begged, my eyes welling up with tears.

"I'll find a way to repay the loan. I swear it."I fell to my knees, my hands clasped together in a desperate prayer.

The man's eyes narrowed, his mouth curling into a cruel smile.

"Fine. I'll give you one more week. But if I don't see the money by then, I'm taking the house. And believe me, I will enjoy seeing you and your family out on the street."

With those final words, the man turned on his heel and left, taking the family's antiques with him.

I sank to my knees, burying my face in my hands, my body shaking with sobs. "What am I going to do?' I whispered to myself, my world crumbling around me.

I sat in stunned silence for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Audrey, my 15-year-old sister, walked up to where I was sitting, her eyes wide with concern. She twisted her hands together nervously. "What are we going to do now? He said he will come back and take our house, Anna."

I forced a confident smile for my little sister, trying to reassure her. "Audrey, it'll be okay," my voice steady. But Audrey's uncertainty was palpable. She took a step closer, her voice wavering.

"How can you be so sure?" She glanced around the room, her eyes lingering on the familiar surroundings.

I knelt down, taking Audrey's hands in mine, my grip warm and comforting. "Because I won't let that happen," my gaze serious.

"You need to trust me, okay?" Audrey's eyes searched mine, her brow furrowed with worry.

"What are you going to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. I took a deep breath, my mind racing with possibilities.

"I'm going to find a way to make the money," I replied, my jaw set in determination. "But I need you to promise me something."

Audrey's eyes narrowed slightly, her hands tensing in mine. "I need you to focus on your studies," I continued, my gaze intense. Audrey's face fell, her lips parting in protest. "But I can work," her voice rising.

"I can help."

I shook my head, my ponytail swishing behind me.

"No, Audrey. You're still a child. And you're not well."

Audrey's face flushed with determination.

"But I'm fifteen," she persisted. "I'm not a child anymore. I can do this. I have to help."

I softened my tone, my eyes filling with empathy. "I know you want to help," I said, my voice gentle.

"And I appreciate that. But the best way you can help right now is by getting better and doing well in school.

Okay?"

Audrey bit her lip, her gaze falling to the floor. After a moment, she nodded slowly, her shoulders slumping in resignation.

"Okay."

"Thank you, Audrey. I promise I will find a way to save our home." I gave my sister a reassuring smile.

Audrey returned the smile, though it was still tinged with worry. "I believe in you, Annabel.

But please, be careful."

"I will," I said, standing up and squeezing Audrey's shoulder.

"Now go upstairs and get some rest. And don't worry, okay? Everything will be fine."

*******

While I was still thinking about the next plan of action, the buzzing sound of my phone brought me back to reality. I checked the caller ID and realized that the call was from my boss at work, Mrs. Clarke. I hesitated for a moment before answering, my mind still preoccupied with the creditor's visit.

"Hello, Annabel. How are you today?" Mrs. Clarke asked, her voice cheerful and oblivious to my current struggles.

I sighed inwardly, trying to sound more enthusiastic than I felt. "Hello, Mrs. Clarke. I'm fine, thanks," the urgency of my situation weighing on my voice. I paced around the room, my eyes scanning the familiar surroundings as I tried to focus on the conversation.

"Glad to hear it," Mrs. Clarke replied, her tone warm and encouraging.

"Listen, I've got a favor to ask of you. We have a delivery that needs to be made tonight, but it's outside our normal hours." She paused, and I could sense her hesitation.

"I was wondering if you could handle it?"

I hesitated, my mind already churning through the logistics. I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on.

"What time is the delivery?" I asked finally, my voice laced with resignation.

"Um...The delivery is for 7 pm tonight. It's to a hotel suite at the Blanchard Hotel. One of our most prestigious clients."

Mrs. Clarke's voice was persuasive, but I was still unsure. I raised an eyebrow, my eyes narrowing as I considered the request.

"I know the hotel, of course. But I would have to decline. I'm sorry, Mrs. Clarke, but I'm not sure I can handle another shift today. I've got a lot going on at home." I shook my head, my ponytail swishing behind me.

Mrs. Clarke's voice softened. "Annabel, I understand. But I assure you, this is a quick and easy delivery. And I'll throw in a bonus for your trouble."

She paused, and I could sense her smile over the phone.

"I'm willing to offer you an extra $100 for this delivery, Annabel. It's important to me that our client is happy, and you've always been a reliable and trustworthy employee."

My eyes widened at the mention of $100. That could go a long way toward the money I needed. I chewed my lip, my mind racing.

"Alright, Mrs. Clarke. You have yourself a deal," I said finally, resignation in my voice.

"Excellent. Thank you, Annabel." Mrs. Clarke sounded relieved.

"I knew I could count on you. The client's name is Mr. Nathan Blake, and he's staying in the penthouse suite. Make sure the package is delivered safely and securely, and don't forget to get a signature."

I nodded, jotting down the details in my notepad. "Got it." my voice more confident now.

"I'll make sure it's delivered promptly."

I felt a chill as I hung up the phone. Something didn't feel right about this delivery.

I tried to ignore it and headed out the door. But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

And then, I heard a soft whisper in my ear:

"Annabel, don't do it....