The Billionaire's secret Queen

f up onto the ledge of her bedroom window. I'm in big trouble, she thought, b

father-still treated her like a rebellious teenager.She had hoped to sneak back int

gstone's stern face was illuminated only by the dim light spilling in from the ha

lying-her father always seemed to know when she wasn't telling the truth. "I was hanging out with Jade," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Jade had been her best friend since they were children, and h

e just lost track of time-""Sorry isn't good enough!" Maxwell stood, his presence filling the small bedroom. "You're 21 years old, Layla. You shoul

one, a businessman who had clawed his way to success. His image of control and respectability was something he

greed the last time you broke curfew that there would be consequences."Layla's heart sank. She had known that eventually, her father wou

ng. "You've given me no choice, Layla," he said finally. "I've made arrangements for you to be married."Layla's breath caught in her throat. Married? Her

o help me. In exchange, you will become his wife.""No," Layla said, her voice rising. "You can't do this to me. I won't marry someone I don't even know!"Ma

far. "But... why? Why would you do this to me?"Maxwell's face hardened, and for a moment, a flicker of something else passed through his eyes-something almost like regret

ettled, to have a life that's secure. That's the only way."Layla felt her stomach churn. "So you're doing this to protect me? Or to protect your business?"Maxwell didn't answer. I

staring at the ceiling in disbelief. Married? To a man she'd never