The Billionaire Accidental Heir.

Annabel's POV

I stood before my father's creditor, my hands shaking slightly as I pleaded with him, my eyes brimming with tears.

"Please, sir. You have to understand. We're trying our best to repay the loan. But taking away our belongings isn't the solution. I took a step forward, my voice cracking with desperation.

The man stared at me impassively, his lips curling into a smirk, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Your father's promises of repayment have fallen on deaf ears, Annabel Green." He strode towards the front door of my house, his gaze glinting with greed, his footsteps echoing through the silent room.

"But don't worry. I'll make this quick and painless."

He surveyed the room, his eyes roaming over the family's collection of antiques and paintings, his fingers drumming against his leg.

"Those should be more than enough to cover the debt, don't you think?" He reached out to touch a nearby vase, his hand hovering over it like a hawk ready to pounce.

My heart sank as I realized the man was serious.

"But those are family heirlooms!'I protested, my hands spreading wide in a futile attempt to protect our belongings.

"My mother would never forgive me if I let you take them away. Please, I beg of you. Is there no other way?" I took another step forward, my voice a desperate whisper.

The man chuckled mirthlessly, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Please, sir. You have to give me more time." I implored, my voice cracking with emotion. I grasped his arm, my fingers digging into his sleeve.

"Time is not something I can afford to give." the creditor said, his tone cold and dismissive, his eyes flicking to my hand on his arm before returning to my face.

"Please, just one more week." I begged, my eyes welling up with tears.

"I'll find a way to repay the loan. I swear it."I fell to my knees, my hands clasped together in a desperate prayer.

The man's eyes narrowed, his mouth curling into a cruel smile.

"Fine. I'll give you one more week. But if I don't see the money by then, I'm taking the house. And believe me, I will enjoy seeing you and your family out on the street."

With those final words, the man turned on his heel and left, taking the family's antiques with him.

I sank to my knees, burying my face in my hands, my body shaking with sobs. "What am I going to do?' I whispered to myself, my world crumbling around me.

I sat in stunned silence for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Audrey, my 15-year-old sister, walked up to where I was sitting, her eyes wide with concern. She twisted her hands together nervously. "What are we going to do now? He said he will come back and take our house, Anna."

I forced a confident smile for my little sister, trying to reassure her. "Audrey, it'll be okay," my voice steady. But Audrey's uncertainty was palpable. She took a step closer, her voice wavering.

"How can you be so sure?" She glanced around the room, her eyes lingering on the familiar surroundings.

I knelt down, taking Audrey's hands in mine, my grip warm and comforting. "Because I won't let that happen," my gaze serious.

"You need to trust me, okay?" Audrey's eyes searched mine, her brow furrowed with worry.

"What are you going to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. I took a deep breath, my mind racing with possibilities.

"I'm going to find a way to make the money," I replied, my jaw set in determination. "But I need you to promise me something."

Audrey's eyes narrowed slightly, her hands tensing in mine. "I need you to focus on your studies," I continued, my gaze intense. Audrey's face fell, her lips parting in protest. "But I can work," her voice rising.

"I can help."

I shook my head, my ponytail swishing behind me.

"No, Audrey. You're still a child. And you're not well."

Audrey's face flushed with determination.

"But I'm fifteen," she persisted. "I'm not a child anymore. I can do this. I have to help."

I softened my tone, my eyes filling with empathy. "I know you want to help," I said, my voice gentle.

"And I appreciate that. But the best way you can help right now is by getting better and doing well in school.

Okay?"

Audrey bit her lip, her gaze falling to the floor. After a moment, she nodded slowly, her shoulders slumping in resignation.

"Okay."

"Thank you, Audrey. I promise I will find a way to save our home." I gave my sister a reassuring smile.

Audrey returned the smile, though it was still tinged with worry. "I believe in you, Annabel.

But please, be careful."

"I will," I said, standing up and squeezing Audrey's shoulder.

"Now go upstairs and get some rest. And don't worry, okay? Everything will be fine."

*******

While I was still thinking about the next plan of action, the buzzing sound of my phone brought me back to reality. I checked the caller ID and realized that the call was from my boss at work, Mrs. Clarke. I hesitated for a moment before answering, my mind still preoccupied with the creditor's visit.

"Hello, Annabel. How are you today?" Mrs. Clarke asked, her voice cheerful and oblivious to my current struggles.

I sighed inwardly, trying to sound more enthusiastic than I felt. "Hello, Mrs. Clarke. I'm fine, thanks," the urgency of my situation weighing on my voice. I paced around the room, my eyes scanning the familiar surroundings as I tried to focus on the conversation.

"Glad to hear it," Mrs. Clarke replied, her tone warm and encouraging.

"Listen, I've got a favor to ask of you. We have a delivery that needs to be made tonight, but it's outside our normal hours." She paused, and I could sense her hesitation.

"I was wondering if you could handle it?"

I hesitated, my mind already churning through the logistics. I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on.

"What time is the delivery?" I asked finally, my voice laced with resignation.

"Um...The delivery is for 7 pm tonight. It's to a hotel suite at the Blanchard Hotel. One of our most prestigious clients."

Mrs. Clarke's voice was persuasive, but I was still unsure. I raised an eyebrow, my eyes narrowing as I considered the request.

"I know the hotel, of course. But I would have to decline. I'm sorry, Mrs. Clarke, but I'm not sure I can handle another shift today. I've got a lot going on at home." I shook my head, my ponytail swishing behind me.

Mrs. Clarke's voice softened. "Annabel, I understand. But I assure you, this is a quick and easy delivery. And I'll throw in a bonus for your trouble."

She paused, and I could sense her smile over the phone.

"I'm willing to offer you an extra $100 for this delivery, Annabel. It's important to me that our client is happy, and you've always been a reliable and trustworthy employee."

My eyes widened at the mention of $100. That could go a long way toward the money I needed. I chewed my lip, my mind racing.

"Alright, Mrs. Clarke. You have yourself a deal," I said finally, resignation in my voice.

"Excellent. Thank you, Annabel." Mrs. Clarke sounded relieved.

"I knew I could count on you. The client's name is Mr. Nathan Blake, and he's staying in the penthouse suite. Make sure the package is delivered safely and securely, and don't forget to get a signature."

I nodded, jotting down the details in my notepad. "Got it." my voice more confident now.

"I'll make sure it's delivered promptly."

I felt a chill as I hung up the phone. Something didn't feel right about this delivery.

I tried to ignore it and headed out the door. But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

And then, I heard a soft whisper in my ear:

"Annabel, don't do it....

Annabel's POV

--------

"Knock! Knock!! Knock!!!"

I stood outside the hotel room door, my hand raised and my knuckles white as I waited for a response. "Yes, who is it?" a voice from inside called out, the sound muffled by the door.

"Um...sir, I was sent by my boss Mrs. Clarke to deliver a package to you." I replied, my voice clear and professional.

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, my eyes fixed on the door as I waited for a response.

There was silence inside, and I didn't understand why. I just stood outside the door, waiting patiently for whoever was inside to come and open up so that I could deliver my package, earn my money, and leave.

I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my unease growing with each passing second.

The voice within the room remained silent, the stillness hanging heavy in the air. As the seconds ticked by, my unease grew. Was the recipient simply busy, or was there something more sinister at play?

I knocked again, my knuckles rapping against the door with a sense of urgency.

"Sir, Mrs. Clarke sent me to deliver a package to you, so I need you to sign it."

There was still no response. My patience was wearing thin, but I knew I had to wait. I needed the money desperately. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my racing thoughts.

Just then, the door opened, and standing before me was a strikingly handsome man.

His dark hair was slightly disheveled, and he wore a plush bathrobe, cinched loosely at the waist.

His eyes, deep and soulful, surveyed me with a hint of surprise. He leaned against the doorframe, his shoulder resting against the wood as he regarded me.

"I...I'm sorry for the wait," he said, his voice rich and smooth.

"I just got out of the shower." He smiled, his lips curling up in a charming smile.

I was surprised by how handsome the man was, and I had trouble speaking. My mouth went dry, and my heart raced as I took in his appearance. I couldn't help admiring him, and wow, he looked really good.

His eyes were a stunning blue, his smile could melt anything, his shoulders showed he was strong, and his hair was wet and shiny from the shower. His lips looked full and inviting, and I imagined them touching mine.

I wanted to look away, but I couldn't stop staring at him because he was so charming and confident. My eyes were fixed on his, my gaze locked in a silent battle of attraction.

I felt my face flush, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.I found myself captivated by the man's presence.

He was just so...alluring. My cheek became red as my heart raced, threatening to leap out of my chest.

I shook my head and gathered myself to say something, but my words stumbled out awkwardly.

"I...I'm here to deliver a package," I stammered, finally finding my voice again.

My eyes darted away from his hypnotizing gaze, only to land on his glistening muscles. I felt my pulse quicken once more.

The man, sensing my discomfort, chuckled softly, breaking the tension with his warm laughter.

"Please, come in,"

His voice smooth and inviting. He gestured me to come in with his hand, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

"I don't want to keep you out in the hallway. It's rude of me to keep you standing there." He stood aside, allowing me to enter, his bathrobe fluttering open slightly as he moved.

I nodded, taking a few tentative steps into the room. My gaze drifted around the opulent space, adorned with rich fabrics and expensive furniture.

I felt small and insignificant, like I was trespassing in someone else's world. As I took in the lavish surroundings, the man closed the door behind me, the click of the lock echoing through the room.

"I apologize for not being dressed when you arrived."

He ran a hand through his damp hair, his eyes never leaving mine.

"I wasn't expecting visitors."

He padded across the room, his bare feet making barely a sound on the plush carpet.

"May I ask who sent you?"

His question drew my attention back to him, my gaze locking with his once again.

The air between us seemed to crackle with an unfamiliar energy, making my pulse race even faster.

I swallowed hard, attempting to steady my nerves.

"Mrs. Clarke, my boss, sent me."

I managed to say, my voice wavering slightly. I held out the package, a small, unremarkable box wrapped in brown paper.

The man's eyes shifted from my face to the box, then back again. Then a sudden smirk played on his lips, which made me confused.

"Oh....the package you say?"

His eyes gleamed with amusement, his voice low and husky.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he took a step closer, his eyes intense and unwavering.

"Yes, the package."

I repeated, my voice firmer this time. "I'm here to deliver it and to get your signature."

I extended the box toward him, holding it steady despite the growing tension in my muscles.

The man didn't take the package. Instead, he took another step closer, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my heart race.

The man's eyes narrowed, his lips pressing together in a thin, hard line. There was a moment of charged silence, the air between us taut with unspoken tension.

I could feel my blood boiling, my heart pounding in my chest. I took another step back, trying to put some distance between us.

But the man followed me, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he were stalking his prey.

His eyes never left mine, his gaze burning with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

"Sir, I really must insist that you sign for the package."

The man ignored my pleas, his eyes never leaving my face. He stepped closer still, his hand reaching out again.

This time, he brushed a lock of hair behind my ear, his fingers trailing along the curve of my jaw.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Fear and anger warred within me, the fight-or-flight instinct rising up like a sudden surge of adrenaline.

"Please, don't touch me." I whispered, my voice low.

The man smiled, the expression dark and possessive.

His smile sent shivers down my spine. He continued to walk towards me, cornering me against the wall.

His hand moved from my face to my shoulder, his grip tightening like a vise.

"You're not leaving this room until I get what I want." he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

My mind raced, frantically searching for a way out of this situation.

I felt trapped, my heart pounding like a caged animal. His grip tightened on my shoulder, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me.

I tried to pull away, but he was too strong.

"Let go of me!" I cried out, my voice breaking with fear.

"I won't stand for this."

The man chuckled, a dark, mocking sound that chilled me to the bone.

"You think you can fight me off?

How adorable."

His free hand moved to my waist, pulling my body flush against his. My stomach churned with terror as the man pressed himself against me.

I could feel the hardness of his body, the heat of his breath against my skin. My mind screamed for me to run, to fight, to do anything I could to escape. But I was frozen, paralyzed with fear.

"You're in my world now." the man whispered, his lips brushing my ear.

"And I always get what I want."

He slid his hand up my back, his fingers tangling in my hair.

As the man's fingers tightened in my hair, I let out a choked sob of terror.

I could feel him pressing himself against me, his arousal unmistakable. I felt nauseous, the fear and disgust twisting in my gut like a poison.

"Please."

I begged, my voice shaking.

"Don't do this. I just want to leave."

But the man only chuckled again, his lips grazing my neck.

"You're not going anywhere." he murmured.

"Not until I've had my fill."

My mind was racing, desperation clawing at my insides. My hands groped for anything I could use as a weapon, but I came up empty.

I knew I had to do something, anything, to fight back.

Suddenly, I thought of the package in my hand. Without warning, I swung it at the man with all my might, slamming it against his face with a sickening crunch.

He cried out in surprise and pain, staggering backward, his hands clutching at his injured face.

"You bitch!"

The man roared, his voice low and furious.

"I'm going to make you pay for that."

I took my chance, shoving him away with all my strength. I turned and ran, looking for the door.

I ran out of the hotel room, my heart beating in my chest. I could hear the man's angry shouts behind me, but I didn't dare to look back.

I kept my eyes fixed on the elevator, my legs shaking as I ran towards it.

I burst through the doors just as they were closing and leaned against the wall, panting heavily.

My phone started ringing and I pulled it out from my pocket. I looked at the screen, my eyes opened wide in shock.

"Oh my god!"

Annabel's POV

---------

"You are fired, Annabel!" Mrs. Clarke yelled, her face red with rage, her finger pointing at the door like a dagger.

"Get out of my office this instant!" She slammed her fist on the desk, making me jump.

I stood in front of Mrs. Clarke's desk, my shoulders slumped under the weight of the past 24 hours. I tried to explain what had happened at the hotel, but Mrs. Clarke wouldn't listen. She cut me off with a dismissive wave of her hand.

"You assaulted a client and damaged company property!" Mrs. Clarke shouted, her voice echoing off the walls. "You are lucky I'm not pressing charges." She leaned forward, her eyes blazing with anger.

I hung my head, tears stinging my eyes. "But...but I had no choice," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Mrs. Clarke laughed cruelly, her eyes glinting with mockery. "No choice? You always have a choice, Miss Green," she sneered, her face contorted with disgust. "You could have just accepted his advances and gotten paid, but you chose to act like an animal." She spat out the words like venom. "You are fired. Now, get out before I call security."

I felt a surge of anger at her words, my hands shaking with rage. "I...should stay and allow him to violate me? For what, because he is a client?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

Mrs. Clarke scoffed, her eyes narrowed with contempt. "Violate you?" She repeated the words like they were distasteful. "You make it sound like he was a monster. He's a good man, one of our best clients. And you were more than willing to take his money for your services." She raised an eyebrow, her expression dripping with sarcasm. "But when it came time to deliver the goods, you decided to play the victim."

I clenched my teeth, anger seething inside of me like a volcano. "He wasn't 'delivering goods,'" I spat, my voice shaking with rage. "He was assaulting me." I took a step forward, my fists clenched at my sides.

Mrs. Clarke's expression hardened into a mask of indifference. "Assaulting you?" She repeated the words like they were a joke. "He was trying to give you a little pleasure, and you overreacted." She shrugged, her shoulders barely moving. "You've ruined your career over a little fun."

I felt my anger boil over, my nails digging into my palms. "That wasn't fun," I hissed, my voice low and deadly. "That was...that was-" I faltered, unable to find the right words.

Mrs. Clarke sighed, leaning back in her chair and folding her hands like a queen dismissing a servant. "You're young, Miss Green. You'll learn one day that life isn't fair." Her gaze hardened, her eyes like two chips of ice. "I think it's time for you to leave. Don't bother coming back." She waved her hand, dismissing me like a piece of trash.

My hands clenched into fists, feeling angry inside. But I knew I couldn't win. Mrs. Clarke had all the power, and I had nothing left.

I turned around quickly, feeling upset and mad. As I walked through the lobby, I promised myself I wouldn't let anyone treat me badly again. I'd stand up for Audrey and fix things somehow.

Outside, the bright sun made it hard to see as I walked on the busy sidewalk. I took deep breaths to calm down.

I couldn't understand why the world was so wicked. I only stood up for what was right and it cost me my job and that month's pay.

My eyes burned with unshed tears as I thought about the injustice of it all. The world was cruel and unfair, and I was paying the price for standing up for what was right.

But I wouldn't back down. Not now, not ever.

I didn't know how I got home, but I found myself standing in front of my apartment door, my mind still spinning from the day's events.

My hand trembled as I struggled with the keys, my fingers feeling numb from fear and exhaustion.

I stumbled inside, closing the door with a dull thud. The silence of the empty apartment felt suffocating, pressing down on me like a heavy burden. I sank to the floor, covering my face with my hands as tears streamed down my cheeks.

How was I going to do this? How could I pay off our debt and pay for my sister's medication? I was just one person, alone in the world, with no money and no support.

Suddenly, I stopped thinking sadly and noticed that my sister, Audrey, was missing. I felt scared as I searched the apartment.

"Audrey!" I called, my voice shaking.

I looked in every room, but I couldn't find her. It felt like everything was closing in on me, making me feel trapped.

"Audrey!" I yelled again, looking around the empty apartment.

"Please, Audrey, answer me," I pleaded, my voice breaking. "I can't lose you."

I sank to the floor, my hand covering my mouth as a sob escaped my lips. My mind raced, imagining the worst-case scenarios.

Then it came to my mind to check the kitchen and so I rushed towards the kitchen.

There, on the floor I saw my sister Audrey on the floor unconscious.

I felt scared when I saw Audrey lying unconscious on the floor. I dropped to my knees, holding her in my arms.

"Audrey, wake up," I whispered, tears running down my face.

But Audrey didn't respond. I wondered how long she'd been like this.

My heart was pounding like crazy, fear and desperation clouding my thoughts. "I need to get her to the hospital," I muttered to myself, my hands shaking as I tried to lift Audrey's small body gently.

"Please, Audrey, don't leave me," I begged, my voice cracking. "I need you. I can't lose you too."

With a lot of effort, I managed to carry Audrey out of the apartment and down the stairs, my legs threatening to give out beneath me.

Sweat trickled down my forehead as I struggled to carry Audrey's limp body. My arms ached, and I gasped for breath as I rushed down the stairs.

With every step, my heart pounded faster, fear and adrenaline coursing through me.

When I finally reached the street, I looked around desperately for help. Spotting a passing car, I flagged it down.

"Please," I gasped, my voice desperate. "My sister, she's...she's unconscious. I need to get her to the hospital."

The driver looked surprised, but he didn't waste any time. "Get in," he said quickly.

"I'll take you to the nearest hospital."

I got into the backseat, holding Audrey carefully as the car rushed off into the night. The streetlights passed by quickly as I held my sister close, thinking about the past few hours.

"Please, hang on," I whispered, my tears falling onto Audrey's face.

"You're going to be okay. I promise."