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Billionaire's Heir Julian Saint Claire has everything-power, wealth, and the promise of a billion-dollar empire. What he doesn't have is freedom. Trapped in an engagement he never wanted and under the ruthless control of his father, Julian plays the part of the perfect heir. Until Elma walks into his life. She's smart, grounded, and not the least bit impressed by his title. One stolen moment turns into a forbidden connection, threatening to unravel the world Julian was raised to protect. But secrets run deep-Elma has a past she's trying to escape, and Julian has a future he's been forced to inherit. When love collides with legacy, how much is Julian willing to risk for the woman he wasn't supposed to love?
Chapter 1 THE SAINT CLAIRE'S EMPIRE
The Manhattan skyline glittered like scattered diamonds against the velvet night. From the top floor of Saint Clair Tower, Julian Saint Clair, billionaire CEO of the empire that bore his name, stood by the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office. A glass of aged scotch dangled from his hand as he stared at the city below, lost in thought.
"Hello," came a soft voice behind him.
Lexi Reginald-heiress to the Reginald Empire-stepped into the room with the grace of someone born to command attention. Dressed in tailored black pants that hugged her figure perfectly, her porcelain skin practically glowed beneath the soft overhead light.
"Lexi. What are you doing here?" Julian's voice was a deep baritone, calm yet commanding.
She smiled, radiant and unbothered. "Checking up on my fiancé."
He turned slightly but said nothing, his gaze drifting back to the city.
"You looked miles away," she added, walking toward him with effortless poise. "What could possibly distract the great Julian Saint Clair?"
"Work," he replied curtly, though the hint of reluctance in his tone didn't go unnoticed.
Lexi tilted her head. "Hmm."
"I have a meeting," he said abruptly. Without another word, he walked past her. She watched him go, curiosity flickering in her eyes as the door clicked shut behind him.
In the Hallway
His footsteps echoed down the marble corridor, steady and purposeful.
Rounding a corner, he collided with someone-soft fabric, perfume, and surprise all at once.
"Oh!" the woman gasped.
Julian's hand shot out instinctively, catching her elbow. She was dressed in flowing silk, elegant yet... slightly off. Too much makeup. Jewelry that looked cheap.
"Sorry," he muttered, his tone rough but steady.
"I'm fine, sir. Thank you," she replied, her voice sweet, her crimson lips pulling into a smile.
He released her without a word, his expression unreadable.
"Elma! Where have you been?" a male voice called from nearby.
A young man appeared, brows furrowed. "Your hair's a mess."
"I got lost... bumped into someone," Elma said quickly.
"And you, Alex?" she shot back.
"Doesn't matter. You're about to be late. Your interview's in Room 17, ten minutes from now. Go!"
"Thank you so much, Alex!"
Back in Julian's Office
Silence.
Lexi remained, staring at the door Julian had disappeared through. Her eyes lingered, unreadable. After a beat, she turned and quietly left.
Room 17
"Good morning, sir," Julian's secretary, Albert, greeted as he entered.
Julian gave a small nod. "Any applicants for my father's caregiver?"
"Yes, sir. One in particular-Elma Gomez. She should be arriving shortly."
A knock came at the door.
"That must be her," Albert said. "Shall I let her in?"
"Do."
The door opened, and in walked the same woman from the hallway. Elma. She carried herself with a bold kind of grace, her appearance still a mix of elegance and something rough around the edges. Yet her confident smile lit up the room.
"Good morning, sir," she said in a soft, husky voice that seemed to warm the air.
The interview began.
Julian leaned back in his chair, studying her. Elma spoke with clarity and poise, her answers measured and insightful. She held herself with quiet confidence, and even the stern-faced interviewer couldn't help but nod along, increasingly impressed.
By the end, the energy in the room had shifted-curiosity turned into respect.
"You'll start tomorrow morning," the interviewer said warmly. "At Saint Clair Mansion."
Elma's smile widened. "Thank you, sir."
Julian stood and extended his hand. Their handshake was brief but firm-an unspoken acknowledgment that something had just begun.
Moments Later
Elma rushed through the hall, her heels clicking in rapid beats on the polished floor. Her eyes darted around, searching.
"Hey, calm down!" Alex called out as she nearly ran past him.
She skidded to a stop and grabbed his arm, beaming.
"I got the job! I'm going to work at Saint Clair Mansion!"
Alex laughed and pulled her into a hug. "That's amazing, Elma. I'm proud of you."
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