Chapter 7 The Heir’s Secrets
As Killian’s breath brushed past Anne’s ear, it felt as though it stirred some forgotten memory, making her shiver uncontrollably, her entire body reacting involuntarily.
Anne stared at the gemstone pendant in her hand and suddenly struggled free from his arms, putting some distance between them. When she pulled away, his gaze darkened slightly, and the displeasure in his demeanor was evident.
“Since this is your payment, I’ll take it without hesitation.” Killian toyed with the 143–dollar bills in his hand, a smug expression on his face. “Why don’t we exchange numbers, Ms. Chastain? That way, if you ever need my services again, you can call me, and I’ll be there in no time. I guarantee… top–notch service until you’re fully satisfied.”
Anne shot him a glare, annoyed by the mischievous smile on his face, and her expression turned cold. “I don’t think there’s any need for us to meet again,” she said sharply. With that, she spun around, pulled the door open, and walked out without hesitation.
Justin was waiting just outside the door. When he saw her, he gave a respectful nod and said, “Ms. Chastain.”
Before Anne could say anything, Killian’s voice rang out behind her. “Justin, go send Ms. Chastain home.”
Chapter 7 The Heir’s Secrets
2/4
“There’s no need.” Anne ignored Justin’s polite stance and dismissed Killian’s instructions, striding off without hesitation.
Justin stood where he was, glancing back at Killian before leaning in to say, “Mr. Kendrick, you’ve never shared the King Villa’s location with outsiders. Should we investigate Ms. Chastain-”
Before he could finish, Killian interrupted him, “No need.”
Justin frowned slightly at the response, thinking to himself, “Mr. Kendrick has always kept his identity hidden from the world. If the location of King Villa were to leak because of Ms. Chastain, what would we do?”
Killian looked up, staring in the direction Anne had gone. After a long pause, a faint smile tugged at his lips. “She’s not an outsider.”
Justin froze for a moment, startled by Killian’s words. Hearing something like that left him slightly dazed.
Anne left King Villa and immediately hailed a cab back to the Chastain Villa. Sitting in the backseat, she replayed her conversation with Killian in her mind and huffed inwardly, “That guy’s tone screams spoiled rich kid. Who knows what’s true and what’s just lies?”
Thinking about the things Killian had said softly in her ear–how he’d be there if she needed him–made her face heat up in a
Chapter 7 The Heir’s Secrets
flash. Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts aside, reminding herself there was no reason for her to have any further involvement with him.
Even so, Anne couldn’t help but wonder, “Is that guy really as much of a playboy as the rumors say?”
3/4
In her memories, she vividly recalled how, after the Chastain family went bankrupt and her parents met a tragic end, she was condemned and ridiculed by everyone. Hugh humiliated her, brazenly bringing Alicia to Celestine’s most elite gathering in an attempt to secure a deal with the world’s wealthiest man.
It was during that event the world discovered the identity of the mysterious billionaire everyone underestimated–Killian Kendrick, the so–called playboy of the Kendrick family.
Thinking of Killian–the notorious, scandalous heir turned global tycoon–Anne couldn’t deny it was a shocking leap. “What’s really going on behind the scenes?” she wondered.
Right now, the power in the Kendrick family was still in the hands of Killian’s grandfather, Herbert Kendrick. Killian was just a frivolous spendthrift in the public’s mind. Anne didn’t care to dig into it any deeper; she had more pressing matters to deal with.
As these thoughts swirled in her mind, her phone kept buzzing. It was Alicia calling. She’d blocked Hugh’s number but had forgotten to block hers.
Anne thought irritably, “Great. I haven’t even gone to settle the
Chapter 7 The Heir’s Secrets
score with her yet, and here she is coming to me urst.” She hit decline on the call, ignoring it completely. “At this stage, there’s no running from the truth. The way Alicia and Hugh ruined me, my parents‘ tragic deaths, and how everyone close to me was dragged down because of them… I won’t let them get away with it this time. Not again.”
As soon as Anne arrived at the Chastain Villa, a figure darted in front of her, blocking her path. Before she could react, a voice called out. “Anne!”
When Anne finally saw who it was, her expression darkened instantly. Running into Hugh again left a bitter taste in her mouth. She ignored him completely, intending to walk past him into the house, but he quickly stepped in her way. “Anne, please, just hear me out!” he blurted out, his voice almost pleading.
