The Billionaire's Secret Spy

Chapter One

Seraphina

Darkness settled over the hall before a tiny flame sparked to life, casting soft light across the room. A dozen pairs of eyes widened, turning warm shades of amber as everyone shouted, "Happy Birthday, Aria!"

On cue, Marisa the housekeeper flipped the lights back on. I stepped toward the coffee table and gently placed the strawberry cake in the center. Sitting on top was a custom candle shaped like the number seventy-six.

Unable to hold back my laughter at the way everyone eyed the dessert like starving wolves, I clapped my hands. "Come on, come on, everyone. It's time."

Like a swarm of elderly bees, forty residents hurried forward, circling around a blushing Aria who, even at her age, looked straight out of a fairy tale in her fluffy pink gown.

"Cut it already, Laurie. I'm not getting any younger," Ben called out, bouncing his fragile body as much as his old bones allowed. The whole room erupted into laughter.

Handing the knife to Aria, I stepped back a few feet and raised my camera. "Ready."

When the birthday girl blew the candle out, the hall rang with another enthusiastic chorus of happy birthday, and I snapped picture after picture.

Another memory for the keeper.

Aria carefully sliced small triangle pieces and fed the eager mouths one by one until her soft blue eyes landed on me. "Seraphina, darling, what are you doing standing over there? Come here." She held out a rather generous slice.

"Yes, yes go on. I'll take the pictures," Joseph said, taking the camera from my hands.

"Alright!" I smiled and made my way through the crowd.

The pure happiness glowing on Aria's face showed just how grateful she was.

"Thank you for everything, Seraphina!" She pulled me into a warm motherly embrace. "I don't know if I'll be here for my next birthday, but I'll die peacefully knowing you're here to look after these Oompa Loompas." Her voice wavered as she finished speaking.

Pulling away gently, I wiped the tears on her wrinkled cheeks and readjusted her party hat on top of her little gray bun. "Don't talk like that. You're going to live to a hundred, and all these Oompa Loompas will make sure of it." I giggled and nudged her hand, the one holding the cake toward her lips.

She offered it to me instead, so I leaned forward and took a bite. My taste buds sang in delight at the soft, sweet goodness.

Once every crumb of the cake was gone, everyone began presenting their gifts, one after another. When my turn came, I pulled out the flat red-wrapped present and handed it to Aria

"Thank you, sweetheart." She tore the wrapping delicately.

All eyes watched, breath held. I knew they would love it. I had been preparing this gift for the last two months.

When she revealed the velvety book inside, confusion clouded their faces. But Aria opened it anyway.

The moment the cover turned, the room filled with gasps. Everyone crowded around her, flipping through each page, laughing and marveling at the collection of memories.

A single tear slipped down my cheek, and my heart felt impossibly full watching these elders light up like children again. I had spent weeks arranging pictures I'd been storing since Mom first brought me here. She wasn't here anymore, but I still had her family, the people she loved, the place she called home.

A gentle pat on my shoulder made me quickly wipe my eyes. Joseph stood beside me, his warm brown eyes gleaming with the same happiness.

"Your mother would be proud of you, kid."

"Thanks." I wrapped one arm over his hunched shoulders, exhaling softly. "I'm never leaving you guys again."

"Hey now, don't go making us your burden, alright?" he teased, ruffling my hair.

"Correction," I said, mussing up the few strands left on his head, our long-standing tradition. "You all are my strength, old man."

A sudden gasp stole our attention.

"Oh look! It's a picture of Joseph picking his nose!"

Oops. My eyes widened as I fought back a laugh.

Of all the elders, Joseph prided himself on acting cool and composed and never caught slipping. But when I was younger, I made it my mission to expose him. And one lazy summer morning, I finally captured the photo that doomed his perfect image.

The hall roared with laughter.

"Seraphina, you did it!" Chester cheered.

I gulped, released Joseph, and darted behind the L-shaped sofa. He followed limping but determined, holding his cane high like a weapon.

"Where do you think you're going, kid? You're not escaping me today."

"Not my fault! Donald dared me!" I shrieked between laughs.

"What? No!" Donald protested in horror.

Everyone feared Joseph except me. I knew him better than anyone.

Then Joseph suddenly froze, clutching his chest, and my heart dropped to the floor. I sprinted toward him, and so did the others.

"Joseph! Joseph, are you alri "

Before I could finish, his arm hooked around my shoulder and his pained look morphed into pure mischief. "Gotcha!"

I gasped. His hand lifted, and my eyes squeezed shut.

The room went dead silent.

One second...

Two...

When nothing happened, I cracked an eye open. He was smirking, his hand landing on my back in a gentle pat. "You got me, kid."

The tension dissolved instantly, the room bursting into warm laughter again.

"You got me too, old man," I chuckled.

Looking at all those joyous faces of people who had once forgotten how to smile my heart felt lighter than it had in six long years. For the first time since Mom died, I felt... whole. I felt home.

The sudden crash of the front door slamming into the wall jolted everyone.

"What was that?" someone whispered.

Frowning, I hurried down the hallway toward reception and froze in horror.

A group of men in black stormed in, wielding baseball bats. Before I could react, they began smashing furniture and decorations things Mom had carefully put together with her own hands. Every blow shattered something inside me.

Jeremy, the security guard, rushed to my side.

"Seraphina, stay behind me," he ordered, drawing his gun. "Stop right now, or I'll shoot!"

"Jeremy, boy, no need for all that fuss," a gravelly voice replied, one I recognized instantly.

My head whipped in the direction of the sound.

Ryan, my stepfather's head of security, walked in with a wide smirk, his eyes settling on me.

My jaw tightened, anger surging through me like molten lava. Shoving Jeremy aside, I charged forward. "Stop this now!" I yelled.

But the destruction continued. Glass shattered across the hardwood floor, pieces of the walls crumbling under each hit.

Exasperated, I turned my fury on the smug man in a suit. "Ryan," I growled.

He chuckled as if bored and lifted one hand, palm open.

"Stop."

The men obeyed instantly, bats resting on their shoulders like they were ready for the next order to burn the place down.

"What the hell is happening?" I demanded.

"Calm down, princess. Boss's orders. We need to clear this place out."

"What are you even saying? This is my mother's property."

"Not anymore," he smirked. The scar on his cheek stretched with the motion, making him appear twice as sinister. "Perfect spot for a new resort."

"What? Have you lost your mind?"

Ryan stepped forward, the smirk never leaving his busted lips. "Why don't you ask your daddy?"

I glared at him but said nothing. My gaze drifted to the end of the hall. The elders were huddled together, terrified. My heart, which moments ago soared, now plummeted into a dark pit.

He took everything once. And now he wanted the last thing I had left.

I swiped my tears away. Over my dead body.

Facing the devil's watchdog again, I glared. "I'm going to talk to him. Get your men out."

Turning to the staff, I said, "Take care of them until I return." Then, pausing at the exit, I tilted my head with a cold smirk. "Ryan... if anyone here gets hurt, your wife will hear about it."

His eyes widened the exact reaction I expected. I had photos of him cheating, and he feared his gangster wife more than anything. Knowing someone's weakness was always an advantage.

I jumped into my Chevrolet and drove straight to Creed Inc.

After riding up to the fifteenth floor inside one of the most corrupt buildings I'd ever stepped foot in. I headed for his office. His secretary, who gave strong Amy Dunne vibes with her bobbed hair and piercing dark eyes, rushed to stop me.

"Ms. Vale, wait! You can't go in-he's in a meet-"

I didn't let her finish. I pushed through the door, fury burning in every breath. "Mr. Creed!"

Three heads turned two startled, one annoyed.

The feeling was mutual. But I couldn't hide the flicker of fear crawling up my spine.

"Sir, I tried to stop her, but she"

"Out." He flicked his hand at the men and the secretary. They scrambled out.

Silas Creed rose from his chair, his tall sculpted frame rounding the desk. With everything perfectly groomed and tailored, he could fool anyone into thinking he was some respectable gentleman-but his eyes betrayed him. They were dark, deep, cold... and deadly. One look could make your soul cower.

"Seems living abroad ruined your manners," he said.

My teeth clenched. This was the first time I'd seen him since he forced me to Canada. Back then, I hadn't been brave enough to fight him.

But now I am twenty-four. He wasn't my guardian anymore. He had no power over me... or so I wanted to believe.

"You can't do this."

"As the testament states, I can do whatever I wish."

"The testament is forged!"

Mom died before writing her will. Miraculously, a shiny new one appeared days later-with her signature. Everything went to him except my tiny two-bedroom apartment.

Even a drunk lunatic could smell the fraud.

"That place is prime gold. Right in the center of the city. Perfect for my resort. Most profitable one yet," he said, greed gleaming in his eyes.

"How can you be this cold? Where will they go? They're homeless!"

"Not my problem. Now if you're done, go escort your friends off my property," he said dismissively, emphasizing the last words as he turned away.

Fear coiled around my heart, squeezing until breathing felt impossible. If he tore down the home, where would they end up? On the streets?

My chest tightened painfully. I had to protect them. I promised Mom. I promised myself.

So I swallowed everything, even my pride and let the desperation spill.

"Please. Don't do this. Please."

He looked at me with a smile that vanished instantly. "No. My business is suffering because of those Thornes. Why would I give up such a perfect location?"

"I'll do anything. Please." Even I could barely believe the words escaping my mouth.

His brow rose. "What?"

My fists trembled. "I'll do anything you want. Just don't touch that place... or the people."

His grin widened like he'd been waiting for this exact moment. "Anything?"

I nodded, terrified but determined.

"On second thought, maybe I won't demolish it. I'm not entirely heartless." His wicked smile twisted into something monstrous.

My breath hitched. "What do you want?"

"It's simple." He stepped closer, bending down. "Bring me information."

I frowned. "Information about what?"

"The Thornes."

My frown deepened. Thorne Corporation owned more than a hundred thriving hotels, motels, and resorts worldwide. Creed had sixty-five half failing miserably.

He circled back to his desk, poured himself wine, and continued, "Their plans, their strategies, their future projects. Bring all of it to me."

"What?" I blurted, utterly baffled. "How am I supposed to get that?"

"By working for them, of course. My little spy."

His nauseating nickname made my stomach twist. "Th-that's illegal."

"Not unless you choose to think of it that way. Think of it as a daughter doing her father a favor."

"You're not my father!" I snapped.

His jaw ticked. "Watch your tone if you want to keep your elders well fed and sheltered."

My rage had to be swallowed again. I was trapped. "Please... not this. I can't hurt anyone."

"In that case..." He tapped his lips thoughtfully, then looked up with icy finality. "Watch your people rot."

My blood went cold. Expecting kindness from him was like begging snow to fall in hell.

I looked away, biting hard on my lip. If this was the only choice, then I would take it. I'd do anything whatever it cost to save my family. Even if it meant breaking laws. Breaking morals. Breaking myself.

How bad could it be to steal a little from a billionaire? They were all monsters anyway corrupt and heartless.

"How?" I whispered. "They won't just hire me."

"Oh, they won't." His smirk sharpened. "Someone else will."

He already had a plan. Of course he did.

"What position? I can't get anything important enough to access confidential info."

"Oh, you'll hold a very, very important position." He took another sip of wine. "You'll be the secretary."

My stomach dropped.

How could he have arranged something like that? "Secretary to who?"

"Jaxon Thorne."

My eyes almost shot out of my skull. "WHAT?"

Chapter Two

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and the woman looking back at me barely resembled someone ready to face the day. My eyes were rimmed with fear, the stress between my brows carved deep like a permanent mark. I hadn't slept a single second last night but thanks to a generous hand of concealer, it didn't look as awful as it felt.

I let out a long breath, only one name echoing over and over in my mind.

Jaxon Thorne.

The same name I'd been hearing nonstop since returning to Chicago. He was the miraculous billionaire who resurrected his father's failing empire and pushed it so far up the ladder that other corporate giants were scrambling to keep up. No one could deny the man's brilliance.

But that wasn't what had me trembling like a brittle leaf in a freezing storm.

It was the legend surrounding his reputation for being cold, brutal, and utterly void of mercy. They said he was the most dangerous businessman in Chicago.

That he had sent his own mother to prison.

That he kept a gun for people who dared cross him.

My God...

Working under a man like that?

Stealing information from right beneath his watchful eyes?

It felt as insane as resurrecting the dead.

If he discovered what I was doing, I might as well dig my grave beforehand. A violent shiver ran down my spine.

Please, God... I need help.

My phone buzzing broke me out of my spiraling thoughts. I walked over and watched the caller ID blink until the final ring sounded before I picked up.

"Your appointment is at exactly 10:00."

"Hm."

"Seraphina, don't try anything clever. If I find out and trust me, my gray-haired friends won't even get the chance to say goodbye."

My fingers clenched around the phone. "If you hurt even one of them, I swear, Mr. Creed"

He hung up.

Cowardly bastard...

A glance at my watch told me it was 9:27. I was already dressed, waiting for that call like a nervous prisoner awaiting judgment. Steeling myself, I grabbed my documents, walked to my car, and drove toward the Thorne Corporation headquarters. With every mile closer, my heartbeat sped up, and panic clawed higher in my chest.

Why did life insist on being so cruel?

When the skyscraper came into view, I parked and stepped out. My hands smoothed down my knee-length skirt and my blue blouse, trying to flatten out nervous creases more than actual fabric wrinkles. Inhaling deeply, I forced myself to enter the building. After the receptionist directed me, I took the elevator to the top floor.

The devil's nest.

When the doors slid open, I stepped out and wiped my sweaty palms on my skirt. The floor was sleek and modern white, gray, and black tones with splashes of color from the tasteful paintings lining the walls.

"Ms. Seraphina Vale?"

I turned to see a neatly dressed man walking toward me. Late twenties, confident stride, professional expression.

I nodded though my grip on my documents tightened. For a horrifying second I imagined him pointing at me and yelling TRAITOR!

Instead, he smiled and reached out his hand.

"Milton Cortez. Manager of Thorne Corporation. Please follow me."

He opened the door to his office and motioned for me to sit. As I settled, my eyes darted to the corner where a small, black security camera blinked quietly.

My stomach twisted.

If even the manager's office was under heavy surveillance, that meant the entire floor had eyes. This job was becoming harder by the second.

I rubbed my temple instinctively, then dropped my hand when I remembered I was being watched. Looking up, I found him studying me with sharp eyes, as if calculating risks.

"So, you're Sarah's cousin," he said, voice pointed but not unkind. "You're filling in until she returns from her treatment abroad?"

"Yes."

Sarah-Jaxon's previous secretary. I had no idea how Creed convinced her to be part of his scheme.

"And your mother is unwell, so you're urgently in need of a job."

"Yes."

He leaned back, folding his arms. "Tell me, why should we hire you?"

Because I need to save people who rely on me.

"Because I believe a good secretary makes their boss's work more efficient and more pleasant," I replied calmly. "And I'm confident I can be that secretary."

His lips curved in approval. He flipped through my documents. "You're qualified. Experienced."

Then his eyes lifted again. "Ms. Vale, is there anything you need to disclose before we proceed?"

My stomach dropped. Did he know? No, Creed made sure my real documents had no link to him. Even my last name came from my biological father.

I pushed back my fear and forced a straight spine. "Only that I'm a little... perfectionist."

He stood and extended his hand. His expression didn't give away his decision. I smiled weakly and shook it.

Please, God... let me get this job. For them. For my family.

"Congratulations, Ms. Vale. The job is yours."

I gasped. "Thank you!"

I felt excited and terrified all at once thrilled I could protect the people I loved, terrified I would be forced to betray a man even the bravest feared.

Mr. Cortez opened a drawer and handed me a folder. "Here are your responsibilities. Sign at the bottom."

I went through everything, signed the papers, and followed him to a small office adjacent to the CEO's. There, he told me to wait until Mr. Thorne returned from a meeting. I glanced around and sure enough, another camera glinted from behind me.

Like I'd been dropped into an ocean full of sharks and told to steal from them.

Sighing, I walked to the window, watching the busy city below. I had always been known for loyalty. For honesty. But fate shoved me into a situation where I'd have to betray someone all to keep my family from falling apart.

The desk phone beeped suddenly, making my pulse jump. I clutched the spot over my heart and paced.

"You can do this. You have to do this," I whispered. "Deep breaths, Seraphina. Deep breaths..."

The phone beeped again, snapping me out of it. I grabbed the tablet, hurried out, and knocked on the CEO's door.

"Come in," a sharp voice commanded.

I entered and froze.

The office was enormous. Nearly five times the size of mine and larger than Creed's. A massive window took up the entire back wall, showcasing Chicago's skyline in all its steel-and-glass glory. In front of it stood a man, tall and broad-shouldered, hands in his pockets. His vest clung to his sturdy frame like it was tailored for no one else.

"Sir, you cal-"

"Since you're new," he said, voice deep and controlled as he cut me off, "there are three things you should know about me."

Slowly, he turned.

"First"

His gaze landed on me like a physical weight.

"I do not tolerate lateness."

I swallowed.

"Second"

His eyes locked with mine, harder than stone.

"My dealings stay private."

My breath caught.

"And third"

His jaw tightened as a dangerous fire burned in his stare.

"I despise liars."

The air left my lungs.

He hadn't even finished looking at me... and already, I was drowning.

The way the words spilled from his lips sharp, cold, and dripping with venom left me frozen, the same terror clutching me since I stepped into this office. I sat across from him, dutifully recording his schedule while my fingers trembled over the iPad. But fear wasn't the only thing making my pulse race. No, my heart pounded because of the dangerously captivating man sitting right in front of me, and because every syllable of his smooth, metallic voice slid over my skin like a blade.

His beauty was the kind that stopped people mid-stride, forcing them to look again, unable to resist absorbing every inch of his impossible perfection. His features were carved with such precision they looked sculpted from granite. His midnight-black hair was so thick and glossy that my fingers actually twitched with the urge to run through it. And those stormy gray eyes, eyes capable of exposing the deepest, darkest parts of someone's soul with a single, effortless glance.

I kept telling myself to get a grip, to look away, to breathe. But I couldn't not until he finally lifted his gaze from the laptop. Heat rushed to my ears as I yanked my stare away, looking down at the screen in front of me. A whirlwind of emotions, fear and fascination, excitement and anxiety stormed through me so fiercely I felt light-headed.

"Here."

My head jerked up. He was sliding a bottle of water across the desk toward me. I took it quickly and drank half of it in one go, hoping it would steady me.

"Thank you," I whispered, pushing it back to him. He nudged it aside with one long finger, his eyes never leaving mine.

Then he pulled a thick manila folder from the stack of documents on his dark desk and held it out. "Read it, analyze it, and prepare a presentation for tomorrow's meeting."

"Yes, sir." The response escaped me automatically, drawn from my lips by his calm, commanding tone.

With a dismissive flick of his finger, he returned to attacking his keyboard, ending the conversation.

I stood, legs wobbling and stepped out of his office.

What was wrong with me? Why did I react like that around him?

I shook my head, inhaling sharply. I needed to remember why I was here, what I had been forced into. The quicker I finished this job, the quicker I could get out. But could I actually do it? Could I betray someone, even someone like him when my entire body rebelled against the idea?

"Ms. Vale."

I jumped violently, the folder slipping from my hands as papers scattered across the hallway floor.

Perfect.

"Oh gosh, did I scare you? I'm really sorry, Ms. Vale," Mr. Cortez said as he rushed over to help.

"No, no, it's fine. I was just... somewhere else in my head," I muttered, bending to gather the pages.

He straightened with one sheet in his hand. "The ILL and Project." He returned it to me with a friendly smile. "If you need any help with it, feel free to ask me." Then he added almost too quickly "Or anything else."

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

Unlike his boss, Mr. Cortez was warm and courteous. His soft blue eyes and wavy dark-brown curls gave him an approachable, dependable aura completely opposite from the razor-sharp authority and danger Mr. Thorne radiated. Under different circumstances, I might have even considered being friends with him.

I hurried back to my desk and opened the file. From what I could gather, Mr. Thorne was planning to purchase several plots of land from a real estate company to build an exclusive resort for some influential aristocrat. My job was to outline the strategy, provide the cost analysis, and conclude convincingly why we should be granted the contract.

What a lovely task for my first day, insert sarcasm.

It was already 12:20 p.m. Even if I skipped lunch, there was no way I'd finish before tomorrow morning's meeting. With a sigh, I got to work until my phone buzzed beside me. Seeing the caller ID, I nearly leapt out of my chair, quickly blocking the screen from the office camera.

What now?

Clutching my phone, I slipped out of the office and checked the surrounding rooms. Luckily, both the CEO and the manager were at lunch. I rushed into the washroom, shut the door, and answered.

"I can't do this. You need to find someone else."

"Congratulations on landing the job. Now, I assume you have some information for me," he said, ignoring every word I'd just spoken.

"Did you not hear me? I can't do this!" My voice snapped under the pressure.

"Oh, apologies, I can barely hear anything over your loved ones' suffering." His cheerful tone sliced through me, making my heart clench painfully.

"You monster."

"Time is running, Seraphina. Tick tock, tick tock."

My head thudded back against the wall. A broken breath escaped me. "H-he's... working on striking a deal with someone named Mr. Vancouver," I forced out, my hand curling tightly into a fist.

"Good. Now get closer to Thorne. Find out his upcoming projects and keep me updated."

And he hung up.

I slid down the wall as tears streamed freely hot and unstoppable. My morals and my fear battled violently inside me, and fear was winning. Why was this happening to me? All I ever wanted was to give those helpless people a safe place for the little time they had left. And now... this.

Mom... why aren't you here? I need you.

My phone buzzed again. This time, it was my reminder for Mr. Thorne's conference call with a client. I wiped my face, reapplied my smudged eyeliner as best as I could, and hurried toward the conference room.

He was already inside, speaking on the massive screen across from him. When he saw me enter, he lifted one long finger and signaled me to leave without even looking directly at me.

"Sorry, sir," I murmured as I stepped out. His earlier words echoed in my mind: I prefer my business private.

Please, by all means keep everything private so I don't learn anything.

My stomach protested, reminding me I'd skipped lunch, but I pushed through. By the end of the day, the presentation was complete. All that remained was printing the slides and making copies. I hoped I could take care of that. In the morning my eyes burned, and every inch of my body begged for sleep.

Dragging myself to the CEO's office, I knocked.

"Hm," he answered, sounding just as exhausted as I felt.

I stepped inside. He didn't so much as glance up. His eyes stayed glued to the laptop, his brows slightly furrowed, his jaw ticking with focus. In another situation, I would've melted at the sight of him or maybe I already had.

Where on earth did these thoughts even come from?

Clearing my throat, I tried again. "Sir, the presentation is done." And thank you for making my first day one of the most stressful days of my life not that I didn't deserve it.

"Hm."

I crossed my fingers behind my back and prayed silently. "Only the printing and copying are left. Hopefully I can take care of that tomorrow morning?"

"Hm."

I blinked. Was that... agreement? Relief tugged a smile onto my lips.

That's when he finally looked up, removing the small device from his ear. "You were saying?"

My smile evaporated instantly. He'd been on a call? The entire time? And I'd just been rambling? He could've at least used that signature finger of his to warn me.

Before I could repeat myself, a knock sounded. At his nod, Mr. Cortez entered quickly, tension etched on his face.

"Sir, we have another bidder for the IL project."

Mr. Thorne's brows drew together, barely showing concern. "Who?"

"Silas Creed."