THE BILLIONAIRE'S FIANCÉE AND THE CHILD OF SECRETS

Natalie’s sharp voice echoed off the high ceiling, bouncing against the priceless oil paintings that lined the grand hallway. The silence that followed was suffocating. Lily’s hand tightened around the small gold button, her bottom lip beginning to tremble, though she fought bravely against the tears.

Rosa burst out from the service corridor, her apron still tied around her waist, her face pale with terror. She didn't dare look at Natalie. She dropped to her knees, scooping Lily into her arms, pressing the child’s face into her shoulder.

“I am so sorry, Miss Voss,” Rosa stammered, her voice shaking violently. “She wandered off. It won't happen again. Please—I'll take her to the staff quarters right now.”

Natalie didn’t look down at Rosa. Instead, she adjusted the silk belt of her robe, her green eyes narrowing with cold disdain. “Get her out of my sight, Rosa. And frankly, get her out of this house permanently. I won't have feral children running loose through the foyer like this place is a public park.”

Rosa froze. The room seemed to tilt. Her mind raced through the terrifying reality of rent, food, and medicine. Without this job, she and Lily had nothing. “Please, Miss Voss. She’s just a baby. She didn't mean any harm.”

“Did I stutter?” Natalie took a step down, towering over the kneeling housekeeper. “You have an hour to clear your locker. Tell Mr. Patel to process your final check.”

“That won't be necessary.”

The voice was low, devoid of emotion, yet it cut through the tension like a razor.

Natalie turned, her expression instantly shifting into a warm, practiced smile as she looked up the staircase. But the smile faltered when she saw Ethan Harmon’s face. There was no answering warmth in his dark eyes. As he descended the grand staircase, his stride was steady, his tailored shirt unbuttoned at the collar, and his expression set in stone. He had heard every single word.