Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Hannah’s POV

The morning sun bathed the Sterling estate’s rose garden in a gentle golden light. I walked slowly among the perfectly pruned bushes, their vibrant blooms standing in stark contrast to the tension that had filled the dining

room last night.

I touched a crimson rose, its petals still wet with dew. In the distance, gardeners and household staff moved efficiently across the grounds, their practiced routines creating an illusion of peace and normalcy. But after last night’s dinner disaster, I knew better. Beneath the manicured perfection of Sterling Manor, currents of power and

manipulation ran deep.

“Hannah! What a lovely surprise to find you here.”

I turned to see Sophia Miller gliding toward me, dressed in what looked like casual designer wear that probably cost more than my monthly salary. Her oversized sunglasses couldn’t hide her practiced smile, and her voice carried that Hollywood warmth that never quite reached her eyes.

“Good morning, Ms. Miller,” I replied, trying to sound natural.

“Please, call me Sophia.” She settled gracefully beside me on a stone bench. “I hope you’re adjusting well to life at

the estate? It must be quite overwhelming for someone… not accustomed to this lifestyle.”

The slight pause before her last words made her meaning clear. Outsider. Not one of us.

“I’m managing, thank you,” I said simply.

“Last night’s dinner was unfortunate,” she sighed dramatically. “But that’s life with the Sterlings, I’m afraid. Drama is practically the family business.” She laughed lightly. “I imagine you must feel rather lost in all this family

politics.”

I said nothing, waiting for her to reveal her true purpose.

“You know,” Sophia leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorially, “it’s not easy being new to this world. Everyone needs a guide… a friend.”

She stood suddenly, gesturing toward the east wing. “Why don’t you join me for tea in my suite? It’s much more comfortable than sitting out here.”

As we walked, Sophia pointed out priceless artwork and antiques lining the corridors, casually dropping their

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values and histories. That Ming vase? William bought it for me after Richard was born. Seven million at auction.” Her message was clear: she had status here. She belonged.

“I heard about your little… incident at the auction,” she said as we approached her suite. “Social faux pas can be so damaging, but don’t worry. With the right connections, anyone can be rebranded. I know everyone who matters

in New York.”

Her suite was opulently decorated in cream and gold. Photos lined an entire wall–Sophia with movie stars, politicians, and royalty. Power and influence on display.

What I hadn’t expected was finding Olivia Grant already seated in Sophia’s sitting room, teacup in hand.

“Look who I found in the garden,” Sophia announced cheerfully.

Olivia’s smile was tight and unnatural, completely at odds with the open hostility she’d shown at the auction.

“Hannah. Lovely to see you again.”

I looked between them, confused by Olivia’s sudden change in attitude.

“I’ve had a little talk with Olivia about her behavior toward you,” Sophia explained, gesturing for me to sit. “We all

make mistakes, don’t we, Olivia?”

“Yes,” Olivia said stiffly. “I… apologize for any misunderstanding at the auction.”

The words came out mechanically, but her eyes flashed with resentment. This was no genuine apology.

Sophia poured tea with practiced elegance. “You see, Hannah, in our circles, one word from the right person can

open doors… or close them permanently.”

She set down the teapot and reached for a black velvet box on the coffee table. “I’ve been wanting to show you

something special.”

Inside was a stunning pearl necklace, the glossy orbs catching the light from the window.

“Sixty South Sea pearls, each perfectly matched. Quite rare.” Sophia lifted it, holding it against my neck. “They would look lovely on you.”

I stiffened at her touch.

*Hannah, I’ll be direct. I’d like you to help me understand more about Finn. His moods, his… plans. Her voice dropped. “William is considering putting Richard in charge of key divisions very soon. Finn’s temper makes him…

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unreliable.”

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“And what would I get in return?” I asked quietly,

Sophia smiled, pleased I was engaging. “Protection. Security. For you and the child. A beautiful townhouse in the Upper East Side. Freedom from whatever arrangement you’ve made with Finn.”

“I could help too,” Olivia added suddenly. “People already have… impressions about you, Hannah. But I could change that narrative.”

She pulled out her phone, scrolling through a calendar. “The Robinson gala next month, the Whitney Museum fundraiser, the Hamptons summer series… You could be my personal guest.”

1 took a deep breath, looking from Sophia to Olivia and back. “That’s very generous, but I must decline.”

Sophia’s smile faltered. “Pardon?”

“I won’t betray Finn’s trust,” I said simply. “I didn’t come to the Sterling family for money or social status.”

“Don’t be naive,” Sophia chided. “We all know-

“What we all know,” I interrupted gently, “is that you’re asking me to spy on Finn to weaken his position. I won’t

do that.”

The change in Sophia was instant and chilling. Her warm demeanor vanished, replaced by something cold and

sharp. She set down her teacup with a hard click against the saucer.

“You have no idea who the real Finn Sterling is,” she said, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Has he told

you what happens to people who threaten Sterling interests?”

She leaned forward, eyes glittering. “He’s the Sterling family’s killing machine, Hannah. Always has been.”

“That’s not true,” I said, but my voice wavered as I recalled the night Finn had returned to the estate covered in

blood.

Sophia stood, looking down at me with contempt. “You think you can change him? Save him? Many women have tried. His violence isn’t just business–it’s who he is. That underground fighting circuit where they found him? He was their star because he enjoyed hurting others.”

Olivia jumped in eagerly. “I heard he once broke a business rival’s fingers one by one during negotiations. The man signed with his left hand before Finn finished with his right.”

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Chapter 66

“Finn Sterling doesn’t have a heart,” Sophia concluded cruelly, “He will never truly love anyone.”

I rose slowly to meet Sophia’s gaze. “I understand now why you’re working so hard to discredit him. You’re afraid. If Finn takes full control of the family business–where does that leave Richard? Where does that leave you?”

Her eyes widened slightly.

“I’ve learned more about Sterling family politics than you realize,” I continued calmly. “I won’t be anyone’s pawn

in this game.”

I thanked them both for the tea and “honest conversation” before walking out with as much dignity as I could

muster.

In the long corridor outside, I leaned against the wall, trying to calm my racing heart. What if some of what

Sophia said was true?

The blood on Finn’s clothes that night, the news reports about the West Coast project, his reputation that made even hardened businessmen pale…

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