One heir One night with the Billionaire

KATHLEEN'S POV

"Kathy, you can't leave the kitchen unattended. That's why you're the chef. En un entorno profesional, es mejor ser formal." (In a professional setting, it's better to be formal).

Aunt Dolores snatched my phone from my hand, her tone sharp. I opened my mouth to protest but closed it just as fast.

"Fine. I should have thought better before leaving, but I just couldn't stay back-not with government officials coming today.

We haven't paid our taxes in a while," I explained as I covered the account book on the table. "Plus Dinner has been running at a loss for weeks, but that doesn't mean we're giving up on what your father built for years. No podemos hacer eso." (We can't do that.) "I know... but at this point, I can't help myself, Aunt Dolores. You know how things have been for us since Dad's accident. I barely made it out of college, only to end up jobless.

I can't think straight anymore. Dad's surgery needs to happen, our rent is due, we can't keep up with taxes and-" My voice cracked, lips trembling.

"Are you going to cry now? Because if you do, I swear I'll laugh," Andrew teased, dropping flour on the counter.

"We haven't had customers in days. They're all going downtown to other diners. The business needs renovation and more staff when things pick up.

If only you'd let me-" he stopped short.

"No, Drew. You've done enough for me already. I can't drag you deeper into this mess. It's not fair," I said, tying my hair into a ponytail.

"Let's just focus on work," I declared before heading out. I checked my empty credit cards and the keys to my dad's old truck. I felt the lump rise in my throat. Everything was sinking-and I had no idea how to fix it. I hated how helpless I felt, like nothing I did was enough.

"You're late, Miss Brook," the landlord snapped as I stood in his office. "I don't think we have anything left to discuss if you keep bringing up new stories every time rent is due."

"We've never owed you before, sir, and you know that. Things have just been really hard for my family lately..."

"And your father's in a wheelchair, your sister needs tuition, your restaurant's failing, and now you're mourning your dead cat. What's the next excuse, Miss Brook? I'm losing my mind."

"Sir-fine. I lied about Lucifer dying. I didn't know what else to say," I admitted.

His secretary stifled a laugh. "You named your cat Lucifer and expect me to help? I've tolerated your madness long enough. ¡Que Dios te ayude!" (May God help you!)

"Amén, señor. Pero realmente necesito su ayuda." (Amen, sir. But I really do need your help.)

"What am I? Santa Claus?" he scoffed, rubbing his bald head.

I stuttered, trying to form a reply, but he cut me off. "Shut the door on your way out, Miss Brook."

I left his office and went straight to the hospital to get my father's medication.

When I got home, there wasn't a cent left in my pocket. "Buenas noches, Papi," (Good evening, father) I said, bending to kiss his forehead. "Oh, Kathy. I've been worried.

You're home so late again," he said gently. "Papi, I just had some things to handle. But I'll try to be home for dinner next time."

Just then, Ina stepped out of the kitchen. At eighteen, the youngest in the family had a sharp tongue and wild dreams I couldn't afford to feed.

"Ina," I called. She turned to me, her grey eyes cold. "I know our last conversation didn't end well. But can we at least try to talk again?

" She scoffed. "Not after you made me feel like the selfish one. Like I'm not a good daughter because I'm too young to understand."

"Ina, you don't know what I'm going through. You don't know what it's like to carry the burden of-"

"Qué bueno saber que papá y yo somos una carga para ti, Kathy." (Good to know Dad and I are a burden to you, Kathy.) "But in the end, we never begged for your help," she spat.

"Say that again, Katrina!" I snapped, my eyes stinging.

"I don't see what you've done for us, Kathlyn. Yes, you've paid the bills since Mom died and Dad's accident, but the business is failing because of you. Dad can't get his surgery because of you-"

Her words hit me like a slap. "So it's all my fault? I'm supposed to die for this family? I gave everything-my blood, my joy, my happiness-and it's still not enough?" I screamed, tears spilling.

"That's enough, Kathy. Ina, go to your room!" my father shouted.

"But Papa-" "A tu habitación, Ina." (To your room, Ina.)

She stormed off. My father turned to me with pain in his eyes. "Es solo una niña, hija mía." (She's just a child, my daughter.) "I know what you've sacrificed for this family. If there's one thing I'm proud of in this life, it's you. You are my daughter. My Kathlyn." "At this point, even if I die, I'd be happy to end this suffering," he whispered.

"No, Papi I'll do everything to keep you alive. I don't care what it takes-I won't lose you. We're in this together. Familia, juntos y siempre." (Family, together and always.) "Familia, juntos y siempre, mi paz." (Family, together and always, my peace.)

He kissed my hands as we cried together.I didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but I knew one thing: I had to fight. Giving up wasn't an option.

ARTHUR'S POV

"Lawson Legal Groups has been organizing a lot of seminars lately, especially for intern students..."

As the PR manager droned on, the conference room door burst open and my youngest brother stumbled in, adjusting his tie. "I-I'm so sorry," Elijah mumbled and headed to his seat. Mom shot him a look of pure disappointment. I, on the other hand, was seething.

"You're late, Elijah," I said coldly. "I overslept, I-" "Always an excuse. You let procrastination destroy your chance to prove your worth. You're a Lawson, aren't you?" Silence. The tension thickened.

"This meeting is cancelled. I don't want to see Elijah in any meetings this week," I snapped, standing to adjust my own tie. "Leave."

Everyone scrambled out of the room.

Elijah sighed and removed his tie. I glared at him until he disappeared.

Mom stayed behind. "I know you're the CEO and the highest-paid lawyer in the country, son, but that doesn't give you the right to treat your brother like the other workers-"

"Isn't he one?" I asked, adjusting my cuffs. "What makes him different?"

"He's your brother."

"Who is an employee at Lawson Legal Groups. Let's hope you remind him of that." I left before she could argue more.

KATHLYN'S POV

"Dad, I bought your medication. Hopefully, I'll get the loan from the bank and we can prepare for your surgery," I said, and Dad stared at me with a look of pride in his eyes.

"Oh, dear. It pains me to see you like this. You don't deserve any of this. All I can do is pray that things turn out right for you," he said, gently holding my hand.

"It's time to pay my tuition fee. I haven't been able to take the special classes because you haven't paid for them, Kathy. How am I supposed to graduate?" Ina asked, adjusting her headset.

"Maybe you should talk to your sister politely for a start and try to show some respect," Dad said, and Ina looked away.

"I'll see what I can do about it, Ina. You will graduate," I replied, and she stood up and left the dining room without a word.

"See you later, Papi" I said, kissing his forehead before leaving the house. I got into our old truck and drove toward the restaurant.

"Thank goodness you're here, Kathy. We haven't made any sales this morning. I don't even know what to say. Our portions dropped, and the quality too. The restaurant needs renovation, please," Aunt Dolores said, rubbing her forehead anxiously.

"I understand how frustrating it must be, Aunt. But give me a little more time-please don't give up on the business," I said, and she gave a small nod.

"Be strong, sweetheart," she encouraged before walking back to the counters.

I took a deep breath, thinking of our dwindling options. Should we sell off the restaurant? I wondered, just as my phone rang. It was Sheryl.

While Andrew and I had been best friends since childhood, Sheryl and I met in college. She's been working as a stripper in one of the clubs in the city. Not many people know this, but I do-because she trusts me.

"Let's meet up at my place," she said, and I nodded, even though she couldn't see me.

"Take care of the shop, Aunt," I said, getting into the car and driving toward her place.

When I arrived, my eyes fell on the used cigarette packs and open condom wrappers scattered across the floor.

"Sheryl," I called with a frown, as she placed an envelope on the table. "What's this?" I asked calmly. She looked exhausted.

"Last night was good business. One of the rich clients finally showed up, and I think I can lend you money for your dad's medication and Ina's tuition fees now," she said, and my eyes clouded with emotion.

"Don't cry or I swear I'll laugh at you," she added, trying to lighten the moment, but I felt the tears threatening.

"I know you don't support how I make my money, babe. But this is reality. Not all of us have the patience to suffer when we can get things done with a little shamelessness and a lot less thinking," she said, pouring wine into her glass.

"You could stop at some point. They're not going to stop milking the life out of you, Sheryl," I snapped, and she chuckled bitterly as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"I'm the first child. I've got bills to pay. My whole family is depending on me to make things work. Who better than you would understand that?"

"I thought so. Don't try to advise me when you haven't walked away from your family either, babe. We're all in this together," she added, wiping her face.

"Close the door on your way out," Sheryl said. I picked up the envelope. She was right-we all have something holding us back from true happiness.

"I'll let you know if anything else turns up. Say hi to Mr. Brooks," she said, and I smiled faintly as I walked out of her house.

The rest of the day flew by quickly.

"Hey bestie, want to grab some ice cream?" Andrew asked as he stopped his bike in front of our house.

"Sure," I replied, pulling my hair into a ponytail as I joined him. We were on our way to the joint when we noticed the street had cleared out for an entourage to pass by.

"What's going on?" I asked, my eyes catching the plate number on the most exotic car.

"Arthur Lawson."

"Who's that?" I asked, and Andrew raised his eyebrows.

"You don't know the Lawsons?"

"I don't know them. But if they have it in them to shut down the street like this, I believe they're worth knowing," I teased, and he chuckled.

"The Lawsons are one of the most influential families in the country. Their father died when they were still young. The eldest son took over the firm pretty early in life-didn't even get the time to have fun. You can find all the info online," he teased, and I rubbed my forehead.

"You're right," I said, and he smirked.

"Arthur Lawson and Elijah Lawson-Lawson Legal Group. Look them up in your free time," he said, and I nodded.

"Their mom, Selena Lawson-fondly known as 'Power Lawson'-is the president of the firm, while Arthur is the CEO. The billionaires have it all going for them-it's obvious," Andrew said as we stood in line for ice cream.

"Indeed. Billionaires have it going for them," I muttered under my breath with a sigh.

ARTHUR'S POV

"Can I come in, Arthur?" Elijah asked, standing at the door with a bottle of my favorite wine.

"What exactly do you want to discuss? The fact that you showed the board last Monday how incompetent you could be by not showing up for the meeting with the senator's wife? Or the stunt you pulled at the office the other day?" I asked, adjusting my glasses.

"I didn't mean for things to turn out that way, bro. I..." he trailed off with a sigh. "Law has never been my thing. I know I'll never meet your achievements in this field-not Mom's, not Dad's-but I'm trying my best."

"Your best is clearly not enough, Elijah! You're a Lawson. We have a legacy to uphold. You have no idea what it took me to walk this path," I snapped, fixing my tie.

"I understand, Arthur. I really do," he said, eyes falling to the floor.

"Sometimes I just wish I could have my brother back. The one who didn't care about power or family legacy. The one who showed me he cared. Not the CEO of Lawson Legal Group. Not my boss," he muttered, then walked out of the office.

I clenched my fist and slammed it on the table, glaring at the door as the pain in my chest intensified. Another fight with Elijah. Another reminder of how fractured things had become.

Mom and I had a bad argument during dinner too.

"I want you to start a family, Arthur. You're not getting any younger," she said, staring into my eyes.

"That's not on my list right now," I replied, and disbelief washed over her face.

"You keep making excuses. I can't stand it anymore, son. First, it was building the company-fine, you've done that. But now? You won't even look at a woman. You're afraid of love and commitment!" she said, almost in panic.

"I have you and Elijah. I'm not about to start a family with a woman who has no idea what we've been through. If I want sex, I can get it myself," I said, and she rubbed her forehead.

"Arthur..." she said, voice trembling.

"Your dad died because it was his time. That's not the reason our family fell apart. Loving him-" she began.

"I don't want to hear anything about Father. It's late, and I have work to do," I cut her off. She adjusted her glasses and stood.

"Suit yourself, Arthur Lawson," she snapped and walked away.

Memories flooded back.

"Richard, don't do this to me... I'm begging you!" Mom cried, clinging to his hand as the doctors moved around the room.

"Time of death: 2:00 AM, April 20th," the doctor announced.

"No. No-you promised me, Richard. You said it was for life. That's what you said."

I had stood by the door that night, watching her crumble. She tried to take her life more than once. I stayed back to help her find herself again.

I guess I lost myself in the process.

"I don't do love, family, or romance. Mom and Elijah are enough," I muttered, pouring water into a glass.

"What's the use of making promises I can't keep? Dad made promises-he made us believe in forever, then left. I won't do that to anyone else." "What's the point of bringing children into this world if I might not be around to watch them grow?"

Bullsht.*

KATHLYN'S POV

"You have to give me some time to figure something out, sir. You can't kick us out of the house on such short notice-I'm begging you," I pleaded, my voice trembling as fear gripped me.

This was beginning to feel like a nightmare. Where was I supposed to get money for the rent?

"My men will be coming by in the morning to move you and your family out," he said coldly. I nodded as hot tears streamed down my cheeks.

"Don't cry, Kathy. You're a strong girl. You've always been strong. You can't let this break you," I whispered to myself over and over again.

I watched him drive out of the compound and took a deep breath. "Sheryl. I need to call Sheryl," I said, tapping rapidly on my phone before pressing it to my ear, biting down on my bottom lip.

"Pick up, Sheryl. Please pick up," I muttered under my breath, my eyes drifting back to the house. No matter what, I couldn't go to bed without sorting this out. I walked out into the street and flagged down a cab.

"Luscious," I said to the driver. He glanced at me with a raised brow. I'd just named the most expensive club in the city while looking like I didn't belong.

"Whatever's on your mind, I just want you to know-you're a strong girl," he said with a nod.

"Thank you, sir. Thank you so much," I whispered, tears sneaking out as I chuckled bitterly.

When we arrived, I paused outside the club, inhaling sharply. How was I supposed to get in?

I was still standing there when a fancy car pulled up, and a guy stepped out. Mid-twenties, lush brown hair, and hazel eyes that gleamed under the night lights.

I moved toward him like we were supposed to walk in together. His brows lifted in amusement.

"Who the f*ck gave you this kind of audacity, baby girl? 'Cause it's quite alarming," he said. I took another deep breath.

"I just need to get inside. I have to talk to my best friend," I said honestly, my voice soft.

"This better not be some journalist stunt. I've had a sh*tty day, and I don't need more drama," he said, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Trust me, sir, I don't even know who you are," I replied, and he chuckled.

"Name's Eli. That's all you need to know," he said, then surprisingly held my hand gently. One thing was clear-I had just met a gentleman.

"So... what's your name?" he asked once we got inside. Loud music pounded from the speakers as bodies writhed together in the haze.

It was clearly an adult club. Naked women strutted past. I panicked. "I gotta go," I said quickly and slipped away before he could ask more questions.

"Good evening, I'm looking for Sheryl," I blurted as I burst into the changing room. "Now girls! Step up your game and make some money! How else are you going to survive?" a harsh voice yelled, clapping her hands. She was an older woman, sharp and cold.

I flinched at her tone. The other girls looked desperate to please her. It made me sick.

"Why, hello there, beautiful. You must be new," she said, blowing smoke in my face.

"No, ma'am. I'm here to see-" I started, but she cut me off.

"Dom! Dominic!" she called, and a guy walked over.

"Get her dressed. The Boss said to expect new ladies tonight. I bet she's one of them. Make sure she's taken care of," he said.

I stared at them like they were insane, but Dominic led me to a room where girls applied makeup and put on ridiculously revealing clothes.

"Look at me. I know you're new, but can you stop staring like that? It's unsettling," Dominic snapped.

"You heard me-don't hate sinners for sinning differently. And don't sleep with a client unless he offers triple. You're new, beautiful, and that means you're serving VIP," he added.

My heart sank.

"Sir, I came here to find my friend. I'm not a stripper, and I don't know anything about this place. I'm just... really frustrated," I admitted, tears returning.

"Crying won't help you, honey. Strip or do the other thing. The world's wicked, princess. We've all got our stories, but nothing changes. These rich folks pay $1,000 a night. Double if you sleep with them," he said. I stared in disbelief.

"Why bother finding whoever you're looking for when you can just make yourself useful?" he teased.

"I hope whatever's troubling you gets sorted out tonight-then you'll see how useful this job really is. But first, sign some documents and change that outfit," he added, then left.

I sat on the floor and cried. When he returned, I didn't hesitate. I signed the insane contract and tied my hair into a messy bun.

"Your eyes are too puffy from crying. I have just the solution," Dominic said, returning with a mask and placing it gently on my face.

ARTHUR'S POV

"I heard it myself-Elijah was here. Don't you dare deny it," I said to my cousin, who looked at me like I'd lost it.

"So you're telling me you left your comfort zone just to keep tabs on your brother? Who the hell wears a suit and glasses to an exclusive club?" Noah Clayton teased.

Noah is my maternal cousin and the only person who tolerates my habit of pushing people away. He doesn't care how pissed I get.

"Noah, I think I should leave," I said, turning away.

"Why?" he asked, amused.

"I came because of the intel. Eli has already dragged the family name through the mud lately. I just wanted to make sure it didn't get worse. Now that it's clear, I'll go get some rest," I said. But he grabbed my arm.

"When was the last time you got laid? You've got this perfect idea of life, and it's insane. Stay a while. Get one of these girls to give you a good time," he suggested.

That's when I saw her.

One of the masked girls on stage. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere else but there.

Men chanted, "Go! Go! Go!" as she moved to the rhythm. Then she turned, and our eyes met.

"I want that girl," I said.

Noah looked at me like I was crazy. "Bro," he said, shocked.

"I want the girl in red. Thought you wanted me to have fun? You in or should I leave?" I asked.

He sighed and started typing on his phone.

"You'll need to book a suite or something," he said.

"Have her brought to my penthouse," I replied.

"You want a wh*re in your penthouse? Do you know what these women are capable of?" he asked, but he could tell I wouldn't back down.

"You're only getting away with this because you hold the illegal side of my business. This breaks every rule," he said, walking away.

I don't do random women. I prefer clean, classy, wealthy, off-the-grid girls. No public relationships. No family introductions. Ever.

"Bad news, Lawson. The girl refused. She's happy with the $1,000 and wants to leave," Noah said, smirking.

"Offer her $5,000. I want to see her," I replied.

"She said she'll only meet you in one of the exclusive suites. Take it or leave it," Noah said. I raised a brow.

"Fine. We do it her way," I muttered and walked toward the suite.

Still in my suit, I watched her walk in. I couldn't see her face clearly, but her body... she owned the room.

"I was starting to think you had some principles, rejecting that offer," I said.

"What song do you want me to dance to, sir? Or should I-" she began.

"I don't want you to dance, Pearl," I said, staring at the necklace around her neck.

"Then why the hell did you buy my time?" she asked icily.

"I want you to strip," I said.

And our eyes locked.