Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Hannah’s POV

Following lames through the mansion’s pristine corridors, I felt like a lamb being led to slaughter. My heartbeat quickened with each step toward the grand

hall.

Whatever Victoria had planned, the urgency in James’s voice suggested it wasn’t something I could postpone.

As we approached the double doors, a symphony of voices drifted out–too many for a simple family greeting. James opened the door without announcing me, and I froze at the threshold.

The grand hall had transformed. At least twenty people in expensive suits and cocktail dresses stood in small clusters, champagne flutes glinting in their hands. Their conversations died as heads turned toward me, eyes narrowing in assessment.

Before I could retreat, Victoria appeared at my side, her bony fingers gripping my elbow with surprising strength.

“There she is, Victoria announced, her voice carrying across the room. “Hannah Sterling, my grandson’s wife.”

A collective intake of breath followed her declaration. I felt my face flush as strangers stared, their expressions ranging from curiosity to barely concealed

disdain.

“Come, dear, Victoria said, steering me deeper into the room. “It’s time you met the family properly.”

As we moved through the crowd, Victoria introduced me to cousins, board members, and family friends whose names blurred together. She spoke with

practiced warmth, emphasizing our relationship as if we’d been close for years.

“Hannah has been a blessing,” she told a silver–haired woman. “Finn is fortunate to have found someone so devoted.”

I struggled to maintain a polite smile, wondering at Victoria’s sudden change in attitude. Just days ago, I was merely a surrogate vessel for the Sterling hert

Now she presented me as a cherished family member.

William is eager to meet you, Victoria whispered, guiding me toward a man standing by the fireplace.

My first glimpse of Finns father sent a chill down my spine. William Sterling stood tall and imposing in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, his silver streaked

dark tour combed back from a face that echoed Finn’s features. Even from across the room, I could feel the power radiating from him.

Willem Victone called Come meet Hannah

He approached with measured steps ins eyes the same striking green as Finn’s scanning me from head to toe I fought the urge to folget solder ha

$$

So, he said, Jus with deep and sold, you’re the une

Hannah Sterling. I replied. Extending my hand and mesting his gens dirvitly. It’s nice to finally they! you

His handshake was brief and formal indeed My mother speaks highly of you

I doubted that very much, but I smiled anyway Your So as remarkable

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Something flickered across his face–surprise, perhaps, or suspicion. Before he could respond, a woman in a crimson dress glided to his side

“Hannah!” she exclaimed with exaggerated warmth. ‘I ve been dying to meet you!”

Victoria’s subtle stiffening told me everything I needed to know about the newcomer.

“Sophia Miller, the woman introduced herself, air–kissing both my cheeks. “William’s partner. Your beauty is refreshing! No wonder Finn was so taken with

you.

I recognized her name from Amy’s gossip the actress who had given William two children but never received a wedding ring. Her practiced smile didn’t reach her eyes, which studied me with cold calculation.

“Thank you,” I replied simply. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

“And this is Richard, Sophia said, beckoning to a young man nearby. “Our son.”

Richard Sterling approached reluctantly. Tall and handsome like his father, but with a petulant twist to his mouth that made him appear perpetually dissatisfied. He gave me a slight nod, his eyes dismissive.

“Charmed,” he said, the word dripping with insincerity.

An elderly man nearby cleared his throat loudly. “Quite the spectacle, Victoria. Introducing the girl while Finn himself couldn’t be bothered to attend.”

The room quieted. Victoria’s smile remained fixed, but her fingers tightened on her champagne flute.

A shame,” the old man continued, gesturing toward Richard. “At least some members of the family understand respect and obligation. Richard hasn t missed a family gathering in years.”

“Uncle Harold,” Victoria said smoothly, “Finn is still recovering from his injuries.”

“Yes, yes, Harold waved dismissively. “Always an excuse with that boy. First that ridiculous underground fighting, now this business with his eyes. Meanwhile, Richard has been instrumental in the Asian expansion.”

Richard straightened, clearly pleased with the praise.

And what exactly does Finn contribute these days?” Harold continued. “Besides scaring the staff and disappearing for weeks? His loyalty to this family bas adways been questionable.

Something hot and protective flared in my chest. Before I could stop myself, I spoke up.

Actually, Finn has been overseeing the West Coast merger, I said, my voice steadier than I felt The one that secured Stering Group a twenty percent Market in seast last quarter

Harold’s busily eyebrows shot up in surprise.

He was injured during that negotiation. I continued, remembering the night Fin returned covered in blood. And despite his current challenges, he assured me he would be here tonight

A heavy silence fell over the room William’s gaze locked unto mine, his expression dangerously neutral

And what exactly are you suggesting happened during those negotiations?” he asked, each word precise and weighted

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6:15 pm P M

Chapter 59

My throat tightened. I’d stepped into dangerous territory without realizing it.

“Nothing, I said quickly. “Only that Finn works hard for this family, even when it costs him personally. I don’t think it’s fair to question his loyalty.”

The tension in the room thickened. Victoria’s face had gone pale, and William’s eyes narrowed to slits.

Even on such an important day,” Harold continued, his voice rising with indignation, “he can’t be bothered to arrive on time. Injured or not, he should have been here hours ago. It’s not as if his legs are broken–he can still walk!”

Several family members murmured in agreement, and Richard smirked openly.

Then, from the doorway: ‘Mr. Finn! You’re back!” A startled voice of a servant cut through the tension.

Every head turned. Finn stood leaning against the doorframe, dressed in a black shirt open at the collar, dark sunglasses concealing his eyes.

“Finn, Victoria breathed, relief evident in her voice.

“Granc mother,” he replied, then tilted his head slightly. Father. I heard you were looking for me.”

I stepped toward him, concern overriding my caution. ‘How are you feeling?”

His lips curved into a sardonic smile. “My legs aren’t broken, so I managed to walk here,” he replied, the mockery in his tone clearly directed at Harold’s

earlier comment.