The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Twila was all smiles, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Mom, is that handsome guy getting married?"

Hestia's eyes lingered on the TV, a mix of emotions swirling within her. "Yes, he is."

"That guy's wife looks a lot like you, Mom." Twila snuggled closer, her innocent eyes wide. "But you're way prettier."

Hestia chuckled softly, her heart warmed by her daughter's words. "You sure know how to cheer me up."

Back in her youth, Hestia had indeed been a beauty - it was what caught Eltham's eye in the first place. But the years had taken their toll, carving lines of life's hardships deep into her face. Brittany, on the other hand, seemed to have been kissed by time, appearing even more graceful and composed at thirty-something than ever before.

Twila, however, wouldn't have it any other way. "In my eyes, Mom, you're the most beautiful."

Hestia smiled, touched. "Oh, you-"

After Twila drifted off to sleep, Hestia tucked her in and stood up, only to be startled by a knock on the door.

Who could it be at this late hour? Nathan?

Approaching the door, she hesitated. "Who is it?"

"Ms. Bennett."

A deep voice replied, "It's me."

Realization struck Hestia like a cold wave as she opened the door, meeting the assistant's icy gaze. "Ms. Bennett, we need to talk."

Hestia stumbled backward, confusion written all over her face. "How did you know I was back?"

The assistant stepped inside the modest apartment. "We didn't, until today. His Highness was with Ms. Lynette for a prenatal appointment when he stumbled upon you." Hestia shivered, a sense of dread washing over her. "I—"

"Ms. Bennett, let's cut to the chase," the assistant interrupted, his voice cold. "You went off the grid for eight years. Why come back now?"

Hestia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her earlier resolve crumbling. "This... I came back because "

"It doesn't matter why you're back," the assistant cut her off again. "What do you want?"

"What?" Hestia echoed, perplexed.

The assistant's gaze hardened. "Coming back to Craneville, making yourself known to us... What's your angle? Money? Something else?" Hestia clenched her fists, feeling as though she had been slapped. "I don't want anything-"NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

"Five million? Ten? A hundred million?"

The contempt in the assistant's eyes was palpable. "Ms. Bennett, your appetite has certainly grown over the years."

Feeling like she had been struck by lightning, Hestia's face went pale don't want the money, I don't want anything. I'll leave Craneville,dll go-"

From the start, she should have never returned to Craneville!

Watching Hestia tremble, the assistant couldn't help but smirke pulling out a bank card. "This card has enough to last you a lifetime. Don't come back to Craneville."

He paused, his expression serious. "You know His Highness is getting married soon. He doesn't want anyone to dredge up your past relationship, especially not to upset Ms Lynette."

Hestia, her voice barely a whisper, asked, "Does Eltham really love Ms. Lynette?"

The assistant raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Lynette is to be the queen. If His Highness didn't care for her, who could force him into marriage?"

That made sense. Despite Eltham's easygoing facade, he was incredibly determined. If he wasn't interested, no one could make him do anything. Hestia let out a heavy sigh. "Keep the money. I'm leaving Craneville."

The assistant chuckled lightly, a mocking edge to his voice. "Take the money. Consider it a clean break from your past with His Highness."

As the assistant turned to leave, a thought struck him, and he glanced back at Hestia. "Ms. Bennett, there's talk of you having a daughter?" Hestia's reply was firm, laced with a hint of defiance. "She's not Eltham's."