Chapter 54
Hannah’s POV
46
I clutched the velvet box containing my family’s locket tightly against my chest as I descended the Grant mansion steps. The weight of it
in my hands felt like holding a piece of my past–something tangible from the life I once had. My victory still hummed through my veins,
but the feeling quickly gave way to unease when I spotted the sleek black sedan that had stopped in front of me.
The tinted window rolled down smoothly, revealing Finn’s sharp profile. His face remained impassive behind those dark glasses, but there
was something different about his posture–less rigid, almost curious.
“Been playing dress–up with the high society crowd?” His voice carried that familiar cutting edge. “Being the center of attention at
another family’s charity event?”
I stood my ground, still holding the velvet box. “I came for this,” I said, lifting the box slightly. “It belonged to my family.”
Finn’s attention shifted to the box in my hands. “You spent the evening being gawked at by those socialites just for that little trinket
box?”
“It’s not just any box,” I replied, my voice steadier than I expected. “It’s an antique locket case–a love token my grandmother gave to my grandfather when they got engaged. It means everything to me. And I didn’t use your card, if that’s what you’re worried about. Victoria paid me for the surrogacy arrangement, remember? That’s where the money came from.”
Something flickered across his face–surprise, perhaps, that I’d spoken so directly. The corner of his mouth twitched, almost forming a
smile before he controlled it.
“Get in,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for discussion.
The driver–Jack, I realized–immediately stepped out and opened the rear door for me. I hesitated, looking back at Edward who was hurrying down the steps toward us, concern etched across his features.
“Hannah?” Edward called, his voice tense as he approached the car and tapped on the window. “Are you alright?”
I gave Edward a reassuring nod. “It’s okay,” I said quietly. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Edward’s worried gaze shifted between me and the dark window hiding Finn. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” I replied, then turned to Finn. “Where are we going?”
“To rest,” Finn answered simply, adjusting his sunglasses before leaning back against the leather seat.
With one last look at Edward, I slid into the car beside Finn, still clutching the velvet box to my chest. Jack closed the door with a soft click, and we pulled away from the curb.
10:13 Tue, May 5
Chapter 54
From the corner of my eye, I could see a small crowd gathering at the entrance of the Grant mansion. Olivia stood with her mouth
slightly open, shock evident on her face.
“She’s just eager to be Sterling’s plaything,” I heard Olivia hiss to her friends, loud enough to carry through the open window.
46
Several security personnel from the Grant family started forward, then stopped abruptly, clearly unwilling to challenge a Sterling vehicle.
As we accelerated away from the mansion, I realized we weren’t heading toward Long Island and Sterling Estate. The car turned onto a
different highway, and I watched the familiar route disappear behind us.
“We’re not going back to Sterling Estate?” I asked, noticing we were heading toward the Hudson River.
Jack’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. “Mr. Sterling has a private residence overlooking the Hudson,” he explained. “Nobody’s ever
been there before. You’re the first lady he’s ever brought to-”
“Enough, Jack,” Finn cut in coldly. “You talk too much.”
Jack immediately fell silent, focusing on the road ahead.
We drove into one of New York’s most exclusive waterfront districts, where glass–walled penthouses commanded views of the entire city.
The car entered a private garage beneath one of the tallest buildings, proceeding directly into an elevator large enough to accommodate
the vehicle.
When the elevator doors opened, we were in a private indoor parking area. Jack parked the car and exited with a respectful nod, casting
me a meaningful glance before disappearing through a service door.
The penthouse was stunning–minimalist luxury with floor–to–ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Manhattan’s glittering skyline.
Everything was in shades of black, gray, and white, expensive but cold, lacking the warmth of a home.
Finn moved with surprising confidence through the space, making his way to the open kitchen where he poured himself a glass of whiskey, his movements fluid and practiced. I stood awkwardly by the entrance, still holding my precious box.
“Come here,” he said suddenly, his voice softer than before.
I approached cautiously, and he reached out, his fingers closing around my wrist. I nearly dropped the velvet box in surprise, but his grip was gentle as he guided me through the penthouse and into what was clearly the master bedroom–a spacious room dominated by a large bed with charcoal gray bedding.
Finn’s eyes fixed on the box in my hands, his expression unreadable behind his glasses. “So this is what you got me for my birthday?” His tone carried a hint of sarcasm, but also something else–curiosity, perhaps.
I froze, suddenly remembering Amy’s words about today being his birthday. My mind raced as I weighed my options. The truth might make me seem selfish, but claiming the precious family heirloom was his gift felt wrong too. Then again, as his wife–at least on paper- what was mine was his anyway.
10:14 Tue, May 5
Chapter 54
“Yes,” I said softly, deciding to go along with his assumption. “This is for you.”
His fingers reached for the box, and I handed it over, watching as he traced the ornate pattern on its surface.
Without warning, Finn leaned forward and pressed his lips against mine. His hand gripped the back of my neck with unmistakable
authority, fingers tangling in my hair as he deepened the kiss.
There was nothing gentle about it–his mouth moved with practiced precision, stealing my breath, making my head spin. The pressure was
overwhelming, his body leaning into mine with a weight that made retreat impossible.
Comments
T Tracy Gordon
1 Comments >
ok you lost me in this chapter. he was at the auction, she told him it was an heirloom and then he just decides to take it as a a “gift“? up to this … More
7 days ago
LIKE
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire