Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire novel Chapter 53

Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire

Chapter 53

Hannah’s POV

The staff member approached with the velvet lined box containing the Lancaster family locket and a mobile payment terminal. The

collective anticipation in the room was palpable everyone waiting for my humiliation when I couldn’t produce three hundred thousand

dollars

I kept my expression neutral as I turned to Edward. Edward, please sign here, I said calmly, sliding the payment terminal toward him.

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To everyone y visible shock, Edward didn t hesitate or appear nervous at all. His hands were steady as he took the stylus, signed his name

with a flourish, and entered his card information. The complete transformation from his earlier confused old man act was striking. The

terminal beeped in confirmation as the payment went through.

Three hundred thousand dollars, paid in full, the staff member announced, handing me the velvet box.

A murmur swept through the crowd. Olivia s perfectly made–up face paled as she hurried down from the podium, frantically checking her

phone I watched her expression change from disbelief to confusion when she saw the transaction had indeed been completed.

I don’t understand, a society matron at the next table whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Why would you let that old man waste hus retirement on you? Have you no shame, taking advantage of someone his age?”

I clutched the velvet box to my chest, feeling the weight of my family’s legacy in my hands. Before I could respond, Edward spoke up.

Excuse me,” he said, his voice strong and clear. But this is Hannah’s money, not mine. I merely helped with the transaction.” He smiled at me with genuine pride. She earned every penny herself.

The woman’s mouth snapped shut in surprise. I took the opportunity to stand, carefully cradling the packaging that contained the Lancaster family locket My heart was racing, but not from fear from triumph.

I walked directly to Olivia, who was still standing near the podium checking her phone. When I approached, she looked up, composing her features into a brittle smile

Thank you, Dicia. I said warmly I appreciate everyone’s generosity in letting me reclaim this piece. I held up the box. “Though I m bute youre wondering why I was so determined to get this particular item.

The thought had crossed my mind, she replied, her voice tight

This bucket box has been in the Lancaster family for generations, I explained, loud enough for nearby tables to hear. I recognized it immedutely in your catalog I’ve been saving up specifically to buy back my family’s heirlooms when they surface.

Olivia s eyes widened as understanding dawned ‘You you knew about this auction before I invited you

1 smiled. 1 ve been tracking Lancaster family items for three years. When I saw this listed in the auction preview last month, I knew I had

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Chapter 53

to be here.”

“You planned this,” she hissed.

“I came prepared,” I corrected. “There’s a difference.”

Edward joined us, standing supportively at my side. Olivia’s gaze darted between us, and I could see the wheels turning in her head.

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“I think there’s been a misunderstanding about Edward and me,” I said, holding up my left hand where my wedding ring caught the light. “Edward is a dear family friend and mentor. Not my sugar daddy, as you’ve been implying.”

Olivia’s cheeks flushed red. “I never said-”

“My husband is a wonderful man,” I continued. “Someone I care for deeply.”

“Husband?” Olivia sputtered. “You’re married? To whom?”

I smiled politely. “That’s my personal business, Olivia. But I would appreciate it if you’d stop spreading rumors about me and Edward. It’s inappropriate and frankly, beneath you.”

Her face contorted with anger. “Are you threatening me?”

“Not at all,” I replied calmly. “I’m simply asking you to stop. If you continue, my lawyer will be in contact. I think we’ve both moved past high school gossip, haven’t we?”

I turned to Edward. “Shall we go? I think we’ve accomplished what we came here for.”

As we prepared to leave, I glanced toward Finn, who remained seated, his expression unreadable behind his dark glasses. “Finn, I’ll be

leaving now,” I said quietly as I passed his table.

“Stop her!” Olivia called out suddenly, her voice shrill with embarrassment and anger.

To my surprise, Finn stood up and headed for the exit as well, brushing past me without acknowledgment. Brian looked startled by Finn’s abrupt departure, half–rising from his seat.

“Wait,” I called, following Finn out as several of the Grant family’s security staff moved toward me. I quickened my pace, staying close behind Finn as we exited the ballroom.

Outside, I could hear Olivia’s angry voice, but the security staff hesitated to pursue us. Through the open doors, I caught snippets of

conversation.

“She’s delusional if she thinks Sterling cares about her,” one woman laughed.

“Maybe she thinks he was defending her honor earlier,” Olivia said with a cold smile. “When he put William Green in his place.”

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Chapter 53

“Pathetic,” someone else chimed in. “Absolutely pathetic.”

“Let’s go see what happens,” Olivia suggested, and I could hear footsteps approaching the door.

Edward helped me down the steps of the Grant mansion. By the time we reached the circular driveway, Finn was nowhere to be seen. I

wasn’t disappointed–I hadn’t actually expected him to wait for me. I’d only used his departure as a convenient excuse to make my own

exit.

“Our Uber is waiting,” Edward said, checking his phone.

I clutched the box containing the locket to my chest, feeling a surge of satisfaction. “It was worth every penny,” I whispered. “If I can’t

have my family back, at least I can reclaim pieces of our history.”

As we waited for our car to pull around, my phone rang. It was Amy.

“Hannah!” Amy’s excited voice came through the speaker. “Did you really get the locket box for three hundred thousand? That’s amazing!”

I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. “I did. It worked perfectly, Amy. The money arrived just in time.”

“You’re smarter than they give you credit for,” Amy said admiringly. “Oh, by the way, did you know today is Finn’s birthday?”

“His birthday?” I repeated, surprised. “No, I had no idea.”

“Yes, it’s why he rarely attends events on this date. Victoria mentioned it while arranging his medication schedule.”

“I should get him something,” I said thoughtfully.

A sleek black luxury sedan drove past us, then suddenly reversed, coming to a stop directly in front of me.

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