The Man She Had To Hide

mily estate, a glass of champagne in my hand. The room was silent, all eyes on m

hrough the microphone, "that my grandson, Alex Miller, will be tak

smiled, raised my glass, and played my part. Inside, my

n to reach me. He pulled me into a fierce h

lled over the noise. "CE

amazing. He' s brilliant and strong and he' s finally getting every

embrace and his mental shouting.

We were so close, our little moment so intense, that we didn't notice

his eyes flicking from me to

a quiet corne

he said, his tone surprisingly gentle

you, Gr

sharp. "A legacy isn't just about business. It's about blood. You're eighteen.

course. This was alw

atching us with a worried expression. "He's a good friend. A

ith Chris was a political

said, my voice steady des

." He gave my shoulder a f

ve and family. I looked over at Chris, and my resolve hardened. My love for him wasn't a trans

was interrupted by

. The man o

lass of wine in her hand, her smile like a sla

Lisa?" I asked, kee

glinting with something ugly. "You must be so pleas

." I tried to walk past her

inger," she sneered, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "He threw away

t friends," I said t

. But don't get too comfortable. He's not here, is he? I saw him leave the ballroom a few minutes

, but a different kind of al

ft? Look

Lisa' s eyes were filled with a triumphan

emanded, my voice

ps. "I have no idea what you're talking about.

tered away, disappe

ers of guests, my eyes scanning a sea of faces. He

a frantic, terrified beat. Where