The Billionaire's Lost Flame

"Stop it! Don't do this" Katherine pleaded, struggling against the burly men who dragged her out of the exhibition hall.

Her voice echoed with plea, but the men showed no indifference. Her heels skidded against the pavement, but it was no use. Her mind raced as she helplessly watched them lock the museum, and the whispers of customers outside buzzed in curiosity.

She finally broke free from their hold, stumbling forward as she trembled with rage. "How dare you lock up this establishment without proper investigations? This museum belongs to me! Who authorized this?"

The man in charge moved past her with a sigh to the museum. He locked the doors then placed a seal on his clipboard bearing "SOLD" in bold red letters on its double doors.

Her eyes paled as she saw the seal, the world tilting around her. The murmurs of the onlookers were drowned out by the rapid pounding of her heart. The man finally glanced at her, but it was with a scowl etched on his face, handing over some papers to her.

"Lady, if you have a problem, then take it up with the court. I only do as I'm told, and these are official directives to close down this property."

Katherine snatched the paper, her eyes hastily scanning through them and her mind swirled on seeing that the property was indeed sold.

"What?" She uttered, her eyes falling on the name of the seller of the property. Boldly written under the signature was Robert Stanford, her uncle's name.

She staggered backwards with a small gasp, blinking at the paper rapidly in hopes that it would disappear, but it was real.

Before she could recover, the paper was snatched from her, then the man in charge continued walking towards his car with his men. Katherine followed with desperate pleading, but it fell on deaf ears. They only ignored her, driving off leaving a trail of dust behind and Katherine's knees almost gave out.

Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and the comments from the crowd behind her soon got louder.

"I didn't know she was a scammer! I want my money back!" someone called out angrily, thus the murmurs of disagreement grew stronger.

She turned to face them, her eyes wide with panic. "N-no, I'm-"

"She isn't even the owner of the museum, yet she stood here so boldly to collect money. Thief!" Another said loudly, causing Katherine's heart to sink to her stomach.

Their words sliced through her, and tears stung her eyes as she stared at their accusing words. She did not know what to say to them because she had already used the money to pay the staff on ground today. At the moment her mind was blank , she had no words to say.

"The thief is not speaking! Let's have her arrested if she doesn't give us our money back!" they said, immediately moving towards her.

Katherine braced herself, her hands held up in weak defense against the angry mob. As they were about to reach her, someone came in between, and she sighed in relief on seeing her friend.

"Enough!" She declared, her voice echoing through the streets, causing the crowd to freeze in their spots.

Giving them a sharp glare, Tiffany continued speaking firmly.

"There's no need for all this. Your money will be refunded before the end of today. Just drop your details with the staff behind you."

"We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Have a nice day" she said evenly, leaving no room for questions.

Katherine's eyes shone in gratitude as she watched the crowd turn to the direction of the staff waiting.

"Tiffany thank you so much, thank you" Katherine choked a sob, hugging her friend tightly.

Tiffany held her firmly, patting her head gently as her arms wrapped around Katherine as well. "It's okay. Thankfully, I got here on time, otherwise those people would have mauled you."

Unable to hold the heavy feeling in her chest anymore, Katherine sobbed quietly and Tiffany only held her quietly.

"It's okay Kat. Let's go somewhere else before any of them change their minds." Tiffany assured, pulling her away from the museum to a coffee shop.

*********************

The calm atmosphere of the coffee shop with the smell of freshly baked pastries calmed Katherine down a bit. However, as she looked through the windows to see the glaring seal on her museum's doors, her heart sank into her stomach.

"It was the only thing left for me from my parents ..... Now it's gone as well" Katherine whispered.

Tiffany reached for her hands across the polished table, squeezing them gently. "Everything will be fine, Kat. Just tell me what happened first."

"What do i say, Tiffany?" Katherine responded, her voice trembling as she settled her gaze on her. "My uncle has finally sold my museum, they came to seal the property."

Tiffany slammed her fist on the table. "Katherine, that man is despicable! You have to do something about him before he sells you as well."

Her heart burned in bitter regret, as she knew she had no say in this matter. Her father had foolishly given the power of attorney to her uncle before he died five years ago, and after he passed away he has sold a lot of her father's estates so he could acquire his instead.

"What do you suppose I do?" Katherine asked bitterly, "I have not spoken to my uncle in the past five years. Even if I do speak with him, will it change anything?"

"Then we can go to the courthouse, or speak with-" Tiffany tried to suggest again, but Katherine held her hand up.

"And how much can you do for me, Tiffany? You've already done so much earlier by paying off those people. How much can your salary really bear?" Katherine reasoned, and her friend gave a small pout in response.

Katherine felt more burdened by her friend's selflessness. She had taken her in for the past five years since her father passed away, and she was thrown out by her uncle's family. Tiffany footed all the bills for both of them, always helped her when in need and did much more with her small salary as a desk worker. However, she knew that there was a limit to everything, and she would not let Tiffany cross that limit.

"This is a battle I have to fight on my own, but the problem is how to fight it" Katherine stated, her shoulders falling as she leaned into the chair.

Tiffany leaned back with a sigh. "If you say so, at least let me help you find out who sold the museum."

"Okay then, if that'll get you off my back. " Katherine relented with a sigh, and Tiffany smiled.

As the waiter returned with the pastries and coffee, Tiffany stood up to leave the shop with the phone to her ears and Katherine's heart pounded. She bit into the fluffy pastry, waiting unbearably for the minutes to pass by and for her friend to return. After a while, Tiffany rushed back with urgency.

"I have spoken to my contact at the courthouse, and he has sent the pictures of the sales documents" she started hesitantly, handing her phone to Katherine.

"The new owners are Turner Development. They plan to demolish the building in four days."

Katherine's blood ran cold on seeing the name written boldly. Turner Development is the largest rising development company controlled by an elusive CEO, and they are notoriously known for ruthlessly acquiring properties to construct commercial buildings.

Katherine sank back in her chair, her hands falling limply to her sides. Tiffany leaned forward to save her phone, which fell freely from her hands.

"There is still time Kat," she said, her voice firm. "If you can somehow manage to meet the CEO, then you can prove the museum's value or at least postpone the demolition."

Katherine felt a flicker of hope rise in her at Tiffany's statement. "Do you really believe so?"

"Yes I do, Kat." She stated firmly, thus a firm resolve flowed through Katherine's veins.

She clenched her fists firmly, her gaze hardening as she looked back at the museum.

"Then I'm going to find the CEO." Katherine vowed. "No matter what it takes."

"The CEO will be supervising a demolition tomorrow at Florence Planetarium. Address: [XXX]. Be there by 9 AM."

Katherine read the message again, her grip on the phone tightening. She was not supposed to be here. The signboard at the entrance of the planetarium loomed above Katherine, bringing with it a flood of memories she had spent years trying to bury.

A memory of starry-eyed dreams, whispered promises, and a man she had vowed never to see again. Her fingers trembled as she shoved her phone into her bag and curled them tightly around the strap, as if holding on to something solid could steady the storm raging inside her.

"This isn't about him," she reminded herself.

"This is about saving the museum." Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the line at the entrance.

The security checked through everyone thoroughly, and she soon noticed that those who came with the hope to meet the elusive CEO were turned away.

"Just who exactly is this man and how powerful is he?" She thought to herself.

Even after hours of endless searching the previous day, she and Tiffany had found nothing substantial about him-not a single verified image, no interviews, no personal details. Even the wealthiest elites had articles written about them, scandals and rumors following their every move.

But him? It was as if he had erased himself from the world entirely. Katherine knew secrecy was common among the powerful, her own father had shielded their family's affairs when he was alive, but this was something else.

"And who are you?" a sharp voice cut through her thoughts. She met the cold assessing gaze the uniformed guard, his presence imposing and his voice suspicious.

Katherine swallowed and forced a steady breath, pulling out the ID card she had hidden in her pocket.

"I'm with the welfare team," she said evenly. The man took the card, his gaze fl8ckering from the card to her face.

Katherine fought to keep a calm expression, though her pulse pounded in her ears. Tiffany's hacker assured that the card was undetectable, but still....

"You look familiar," he muttered, his eyes flashing in recognition.

"Where have I seen you before?" Her heart stilled.

"Wait a minute... aren't you that-" "No," she cut in quickly, forcing a casual laugh.

"People say I look like her all the time. Must be a coincidence." She held his gaze, willing him to believe her.

Her fingers curled at her sides. A tense silence stretched between them before he finally shrugged.

"Hmph. Maybe." Katherine exhaled quietly as he handed the ID back, relief flooding her as the gates swung open.

"You're clear. Go in." Without another word, she walked through the gate, adjusting her mask higher over her face.

Each step heavier than the last and her chest burned as she recalled the life she lived ten years ago as the daughter of a billionaire. The lavish life, extravagance and dazzle was on display for the world to see, whilst underneath her father had been drowning in debt, desperately trying to maintain an illusion of wealth. If only she knew what it'd cost at the end.

"Not here, not now." She muttered to herself, attaching the card to her blouse.

Katherine moved into the space and saw that Florence Planetarium still stood tall, but the years of neglect were obvious-cracks in the walls, vines creeping over the stone, faded plaques that once bore names of donors and scientists. Amidst it all, it remained breathtaking. Her gaze drifted toward the tall machinery on the other side of the site.

A massive crane stood with a wrecking ball attached, like a silent executioner waiting for its command. Something about the sight made her stomach twist uncomfortably. Deep down within her, she felt that more than this building will be destroyed today.

"And why are you standing there like an idiot? Get to the tent!" A sharp voice came besides her, and she turned to see a short woman staring her down with a stern expression.

Her badge read "Welfare head."

"Sorry ma'am," Katherine apologized, lowering her head slightly. "I couldn't locate the place." She apologized, walking past her to the place she pointed out.

The woman scoffed but motioned at a white large tent nearby which Katherine hurried to immediately. Inside, workers bustled about, setting up trays of finger foods, sandwiches, tea, and coffee. Katherine quickly fell into step with them, doing her best to blend in. As she worked, she listened.

"Such a shame," one of the younger workers sighed as he stacked the plates.

"I came here as a kid once on, took a field trip with my school." Katherine bit her lip, the memory of her own special visit flooding her memory washing over her.

"You better keep it in your memories," an older worker sighed.

"Because once Mr. D sets his sight on a place, it's gone." Katherine stiffened, her ears perking up at the name.

"Mr. D? His nickname is still secret?" She thought to herself, fumbling with the trays. "And the owners can't convince him to stop?"

She asked casually, earning chuckles from the group of people around her.

"That's assuming you can meet him. Mr D rarely comes to these things, he just signs the papers and assigns a team to do the job. Then it's on to the next project."

Katherine felt sick in her stomach as she realized that the museum will be the 'next project'.

"He is coming today though," one of the workers added.

"The owners of this planetarium have forced their way in since yesterday and are refusing to leave" Katherine's gaze shot towards the entrance and she saw an elderly man and woman sitting on the ground.

Their hands were clasped together tightly, their faces aged worn with grief. The security personnel along with some staff hovered over them, talking to them but they didn't move. Katherine clenched her fists.

"And when is the CEO arriving?" She questioned further, earning curious looks from the group.

The middle aged worker eyed her with suspicion.

"And why do you care so much, Ava?" She asked.

Katherine hesitated for a bit, before remembering her tag bore a different name.

She forced a neutral expression. "I just think if he's going to do this, he should have the decency to tell them to their faces."

The woman hummed in amusement. "Bold of you. But don't hold your breath. The CEO doesn't do confrontations."

"Are you paid to chit chat? Go on, serve the trays to the staff!" The welfare head came in barking loudly, and they scrambled to leave the tent to serve the trays.

Minutes turned to hours and Katherine kept glancing at the entrance, yet there was no sign of the CEO. By noon the air was thick with anticipation as the wrecking crew began setting up and with a loud roar the crane came to life. Katherine's stomach churned at the sound of the rumbling engine, and she stood up to leave the tent. She needed to meet the CEO, if she missed this chance the museum would have no chance of survival.

Her breath grew shallow and her vision became blurry as she stumbled to the nearest hallway.

"What if I never meet him?"

A sharp pain bloomed in her temples. The sound of the wrecking ball swinging into place made her heart hammer against her ribs. The voices of the elderly owners pleading desperately, rang in her ears. She pressed her hands over them, trying to drown out the noise.

"Think, Katherine. Think!"

The pressure in her head grew unbearable. Katherine felt her knees go weak. Her knees buckled as she began falling, but she crashed into a solid warmth. The scent of cedarwood wrapped around her, warm and familiar sending shivers down her spine. A scent she hadn't breathed in years. Her breath hitched as she gripped his sleeve in a desperate attempt to ground herself, but her consciousness slipped.

As the world faded, her last thought was a panicked realization- She knew exactly who he was, then one final thought surfaced.

"Fate is cruel."

TEN YEARS AGO

"You know I love you Katty, why are you saying we should break up?" He voice trembled, laced with desperation .

She couldn't look at him. Instead, she turned her gaze away from him, curling her fingers into her trousers tightly. How could she tell him the truth, that she needed to leave him, or her father will not destroy him and his family completely?

"I know that," she said instead, her voice flat. "You don't have to keep saying it."

The breeze flowed gently through the grand halls of the planetarium, stirring her hair while butterflies flitted around her. Yet, her heart felt ice-cold.

Suddenly, his arms wrapped around her, his scent of cedarwood surrounding her like a shield.

" This is not you Katty," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "This is not the woman I love, surely someone has-"

"Enough!" She shoved him away, stepping back to create a distance between them.

He stood there stunned, his tears dripping to the worn out shirt she had bought for him. Her gaze flickered to his scrawny appearance, his faded jeans and the shoes she bought for him. The sight nearly caused her to relent, but she had to be cruel.

"Your love won't do anything for me," She stated sharply, forcing a steely expression. "I came here as a courtesy to tell you in person. Tomorrow is our convocation, and I don't want to hang over me."

He took in a sharp breath, flinching.

"We were never meant to be. We come from different worlds and backgrounds, and I was naive to think otherwise. Now I've grown up and realized the truth, I deserve better."

His eyes darkened slowly, filled with something unreadable.

"And you are not that person, Damien." She whispered, her words cutting through the air. "So stay away from me from now on."

She turned to walk away before she could see the tears in his eyes.

"I won't be with a beggar like you."

*********************

"Panic attack... she should be waking up anytime now, sir" a voice drifted through the haze.

Katherine's eyes fluttered, her head throbbing as she struggled to open her eyes. Once they were open, light flooded her vision.

She sat up abruptly to assess the situation, placing her hand on her pounding forehead. "W-what am I doing here?"

"Are you alright Miss?" the voice asked, but before she could respond, another deep and commanding voice cut through the air,

"She's fine. Leave now"

Katherine froze. She knew that voice.... No, it couldn't be.

Her heart pounded as she turned slowly, locking eyes with the last person she expected to see again.

Damien Sullivan. The boy she had shattered years ago.

But this was not the same boy she used to love ten years ago, his scrawny frame was replaced by broad shoulders and an aura that sent chills down her spine. He stood tall, dressed in a crisp black suit that accentuated his build and his hair was styled to perfection with a few strands falling on his face.

The scent of cedarwood still clung to him, but it brought fear to her now.

As the room emptied out, Katherine forced herself to stand, her legs shaky but steady. Damien took a step forward, his polished shoes clicking against the floor in the silent room.

"Katherine Anderson" he said smoothly, as if testing it. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Her throat tightened.

For the past ten years, she had imagined what it would be like to see him again. Sometimes she dreamed of apologizing and explaining everything. Other times she imagined him forgiving her, then pulling her back into his arms. After her father's death, she wished for it even more.

But this was not what she imagined.

Katherine straightened her shoulders, pushing back the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

"I need to see the CEO of Turner Development," she said, forcing her voice to remain steady. "It's quite urgent."

Damien's eyes flickered with an unrecognizable emotion before settling into an unreadable expression.

"You're a staff here, right?" She pressed. "Just take me to him first, I'll explain everything later."

Damien didn't respond to her, he simply watched Katherine, his silence suffocating.

The door opened.

"Mr. D, the demolition team is waiting for your go-ahead. Everything is set sir."

Katherine stiffened, her pulse quickening.

"Sir?"

A slow smirk formed on Damien's lips as he turned away, walking past her to the window.

"Tell them to proceed" he ordered, his voice devoid of emotion.

Katherine sucked in a sharp breath as she stared at him. Damien is the elusive CEO she has been searching for?

No, it can't be possible.

"But sir," the man hesitated. "The couple is still refusing to leave the building."

Damien exhaled, irritated. "Have them removed then!"

Katherine snapped out her shock, spinning around in horror. "Removed? You'll throw them out after they waited all this time to see you?"

Damien didn't glance back at her. "I don't have time to waste on meaningless conversations."

Katherine's heart twisted painfully as the aggrieved faces of the couples flashed. Who was this man?

She turned to the window as the demolition team began their work. Her stomach churned as hefty security men dragged the couple off the premises, their loud cries echoing loudly through the premises. Marching up to him, she grabbed his hand, turning him to face her.

"Well, will you at least listen to me?"

"No, you are here to beg as well," Damien's smirk deepened. "And I don't entertain beggars."

His words struck like a whip, causing Katherine's body to turn rigid. Outside, the first blow of the wrecking ball sent a deafening crash through the air. Going with it was whatever lingering hopes she had for Damien.

As he was now a man she couldn't recognize, thus she needed to protect her father's legacy from this monster.

She bawled her fist as fury rushed through her veins. "What will it take you to leave my father's museum?"

Darian chuckled, the sound low and mocking.

"And what exactly do you have to offer me, Katty?"

"That is not what I'm asking Darian", she glared at him.

Darian moved closer to her, his hands grazing her chin before gripping her chin tightly. His gaze roamed over her with slow, deliberate cruelty.

"Marry me," he murmured. "That's my price."

Katherine's stomach twisted in revulsion, so her palm struck his face before she could think, the sound echoing in the room.

"I would rather die."

Damien didn't react, he simply gave a low, mocking laugh.

"Like you have a choice?" He asked with a cold smile, walking past her.

He strolled past her lazily, picking up a glass of wine and twirling it lazily between his fingers.

"You are broke," he stated smoothly, "And I paid far more than the worth of that building to your uncle."

"I still bought it as a good investment, but here you are now. So I need to be compensated for my time and efforts." He asked, leaning against the table unhurried.

"I'll find another way" she stated.

"You have till noon on Friday to get me one hundred and fifty million dollars." He said, glancing at his watch.

"Otherwise, you either face this," he gestured towards the wreckage that was the planetarium.

"Or," he added, a dark gleam in his eyes. "You belong to me."

Katherine stared at him, her mind racing. Where would she get 150 million dollars?

The number rang in her ears like a death sentence, but she would not give Damien the satisfaction of seeing her break.

"Consider it done then, Mr. Damien" she lifted her chin and raised her shoulders.

"Good for you, Katty. Go ahead and try then." he mused.

"But I assure you that no one will help you."