Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Hannah’s POV

The clattering of silverware against broken china echoed through the dining room as servants rushed to clean up the mess Finn had lett behind. Blood red juice from the barely cooked Wagyu steak had splattered across the pristine white tablecloth like a crime scene. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, and all eyes seemed to flicker between me and the doorway where Firm had just stormed out.

William’s face remained flushed with anger as he dabbed his napkin against his lips and stood. “This behavior is unacceptable,” he muttered to no one in particular. He gestured for Sophia to join him, and she rose with practiced grace, though I caught the satisfied gleam in her eyes. Their son Richard lingered behind as his parents headed for the door.

As he passed me, Richard leaned in slightly, “Welcome to the Sterling battleground,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear. “Try

not to become collateral damage.” His smile never reached his eyes as he straightened and followed his parents.

Other family members rose from their seats, some casting curious glances my way, others with thinly veiled judgment.

Victoria’s voice cut through my discomfort. “Hannah, dear. Come with me.” Her tone left no room for argument. She beckoned me to

follow as she rose from her seat with surprising agility for a woman her age.

I followed her through a maze of corridors to the east wing of the mansion, away from the commotion. She led me into a private sitting room I’d never seen before–more intimate than the formal spaces where family gatherings were held. The room was decorated in soft blues and creams, with comfortable furniture that looked actually used rather than just for show.

“Sit, please,” Victoria said, gesturing to a plush armchair. As I settled in, I noticed how her shoulders slumped slightly, the perfect posture she maintained in front of the family giving way to something more human. She looked tired.

“I apologize for what happened at dinner,” she said, surprising me. “Sophia has always tried to provoke Finn in various ways. Usu explodes and then William punishes him according to ‘family rules.“” She made air quotes around the words. “This is the first time he actually stood up for himself and walked away.”

Victoria studied me with those sharp eyes that seemed to miss nothing. “Perhaps not for himself,” she added meaningfully. “The question is, what made tonight different?”

I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. “I wouldn’t know, Mrs. Sterling.”

“Victoria, please.” She waved away the formality. “And I think you do know. I saw how you handled the situation with Harold earlier today. You prevented a confrontation without making Finn appear weak. That takes… understanding.”

She leaned forward, her gaze intensifying. “I want you to help him, Hannah. Help Finn become the Sterling heir he’s meant to be.”

“I… I don’t understand,” I stammered. “How could I possibly-”

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Chapter 55

He needs to learn control, rest just of his temper but of the family politics. He can! keep solving everything with anges and venee Victoria’s your softened I know you come from the Lancaster tamdly. You understand what it meare to be part of a legacy

4 felt a knot forming in my stomach Mrs Victoria, I’m just a special education teacher I don’t think I have any influence over sta bike Finn. He barely tolerates me. He doesn’t trust me at all.

60

My mind flashed to the coldness in his eyes when he looked at me, the suspicion that colored his every interaction. The way he’d left the behind tonight without a second glance.

He’s never let anyone close since he returned, I continued. And I’ve seen how tense things are between him and his father. The things William expects him to do… I thought of the bloodstains I’d seen, the news reports about the West Coast project, the injuries Finn

carried.

Victoria’s expression changed to one of disappointment. “I see. I thought perhaps you cared for him, but i understand if it’s just your

professional instinct–treating him like one of your special needs children.”

Her words stung unexpectedly. “That’s not what I meant-”

“It’s alright, dear.” Victoria patted my hand, her touch cool and dry. “People come and go in Finn’s life. You won’t be the first to walk away

when things get difficult.” She sighed deeply. “I had hoped for more, but I understand.”

“I do care about him,” I insisted, feeling a rush of protectiveness I couldn’t quite explain. “I just don’t know if I can be what you’re asking

for.”

Victoria’s eyes sharpened suddenly. “If you’re not willing to help him fully, at least don’t stand against him. Will you promise me that

much?”

I blinked, taken aback. “Why would I ever stand against him?”

“Oh, Hannah.” Victoria’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “The Sterling family is… complicated. People might try to use you, especially once they realize Finn has some interest in keeping you around.”

“Use me? For what?”

“To get to him, of course.” Victoria held my gaze with unnerving intensity. “I need to know where you stand. Are you with Finn, or can you be turned against him?”

The directness of her question knocked the breath from me. “I would never hurt him,” I said firmly. “No matter what happens.”

As I spoke the words, I realized how true they were. Despite everything–his coldness, his suspicion, even his cruelty at times–I couldn’t imagine myself being used as a weapon against him.

Victoria studied me for a long moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied. Her expression softened almost imperceptibly.

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Chapter 65

He was such a bright bay, you know, she said, her voice taking on a wistful quality. Before the accident, so quick to hear, sniper for please. He had the most wonderful laugh. She gazed past me, fost in memory. I believe you have the ability to help him find the basere again.”

She reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. Remember, Hannaly in this family, everyone has their own agenda, When in doubt, ask yourself who benefits.

I nodded, understanding that her warning was also a lesson. As I left Victoria’s sitting room, her final words echoed in my mind. I was being pulled deeper into the Sterling family’s web, becoming a player in their game whether I wanted to be or not.

I just didn’t expect her warning would be proven true so quickly, that someone seeking an ally would come so soon.

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