The CEO'S Forbidden Secret

Chapter 01

~~~SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA~~~

~~~TIAGO MANSION – EVENING~~~

The guards didn't even have time to react before Tessa stormed through the grand double doors, her fury slicing through the silence of the mansion like a blade. Her heels struck the marble floor sharply, her hand clutching a file so tightly her knuckles turned white.

"Dad!" she screamed, bursting into his office.

But the moment she saw who sat behind the mahogany desk - the one that once belonged to her mother - her voice faltered.

Monica.

Smiling. Relaxed. Sitting where her mother used to sit.

"What are you doing here, witch?" Tessa spat, her voice shaking. "And what the hell is this nonsense?"

Monica raised her head with a slow, infuriatingly calm smile. "Tessa, darling, I know this is difficult for you-"

"Difficult?" Tessa's voice cracked as she slammed the file onto the desk. "My mother would never leave a will like this! What the hell is the lawyer even saying?"

Monica's smile didn't waver. "Your mother was a wise woman. She entrusted the company to me - to protect you, your sister, and your father. It was her wish, and your father supports it."

Tessa's eyes burned. "You? You shouldn't forget your place, woman. You're just the other woman my father dragged in after my mother died. You're nothing but a parasite leeching off her hard-earned empire!"

"Tessa." Monica stood slowly, still smiling - that kind of smile that hid poison behind it. She reached out, but Tessa swatted her hand away like fire.

"Your mother was a strong woman," Monica said softly, almost mockingly. "But look how she ended."

Tessa's voice trembled. "I don't care about your pathetic lectures. Why you? Why do you have control of my mother's company?"

"Because," Monica said, stepping closer, "your father supported it. He agreed with me. It's what your mother would have wanted."

"Dad would never do that!" Tessa shouted, tears streaking down her cheeks. "He would never hand my mother's legacy to a lying bitch like you!"

"Watch the way you talk to your mother, Tessa."

The deep voice came from the doorway.

Tessa froze. She turned, and there he was - Roman Tiago, her father - the man who used to lift her up on his shoulders as a child, now looking at her like she was a stranger.

"Dad, what the hell is this bitch saying?" she demanded, tears burning behind her fury. "Why don't I have access to Mom's company? It's mine, not hers!"

"You'd better lower your voice when you talk to me, young lady," Tiago said coldly. "And you'll really regret it if I hear you call your mother that word again."

Tessa's voice broke. "She's not my mother! You can't expect me to stand here and watch you destroy everything she built! Did you really give her control over Mom's company?"

Tiago's voice thundered. "It was your mother's wish!"

"Liar!" Tessa shouted back. "My mother would rather die than let a vulture touch what she worked for!"

The crack of the slap echoed through the office.

Tessa staggered, her cheek stinging, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Learn to respect me, you useless child," Tiago growled.

"Stop it, honey. She's just a kid," Monica cooed, though the smirk tugging at her lips betrayed her.

"Dad!"

Mia's voice quivered from the doorway. The younger girl stood frozen, eyes wide, tears already gathering.

Tessa turned toward her sister, her anger collapsing into something rawer - grief, disgust, exhaustion.

"I knew this day would come," she said hoarsely. "Mom spent her whole life trying to make you happy. She gave you everything - her love, her devotion - and you repay her by bringing this into our home?" Her gaze cut to Monica like a knife. "You're a disgrace, both of you."

"Enough!" Tiago roared, his hand lifting again, but Monica caught his wrist midair, smiling faintly.

"Tell me, Dad," Tessa's voice broke, tears blurring her vision, "did you ever love her? Did you ever love Mom - without her money, her company, her power?"

Silence.

And in that silence, Tiago's face said everything.

Tessa let out a shaky breath. "I knew it. You only ever loved her fortune. If she'd had nothing, you'd have never even looked her way."

Mia's small hand slipped into hers.

"Leave," Tessa said coldly. "This mansion was our mother's, not yours. And I have more right to it than anyone here."

Tiago laughed bitterly. "You have no right to anything under this roof."

Tessa blinked back tears. "I never thought I'd be ashamed to call you my father."

"Go get your bag, Mia," she whispered. "We're leaving. I won't stay another night under the same roof as a coward and a leech."

Mia nodded fiercely, and the two disappeared upstairs.

Minutes later, they came down with their bags, faces pale but determined. Just as they reached the front door, Tiago's voice thundered across the hall.

"If you walk out that door, Tessa, you're no longer my daughter! You'll never bear my name again-and you'll never see a dime of your mother's estate!"

Tessa froze, her back to him.

"Not like we had any of it to begin with," Mia said bitterly. "Mom's been gone only a few months, and you already brought your bitch to feed off everything she built. What chance do we have a year from now when we have nothing today?"

"Let's go, Mia," Tessa said quietly.

Tiago sneered. "I'd love to see how an eighteen-year-old girl plans to survive with a sixteen-year-old sister. You're both fools."

Tessa turned one last time, eyes blazing through her tears. "Maybe," she said softly. "But at least we're not leeches, Mr. Tiago."

And with that, she opened the door and walked out of the mansion-her mother's home-for the last time.

~~~FOUR YEARS LATER~~~

~~~ Velvet Ember Bar, Sydney ~~~

The bar pulsed with its usual rhythm - clinking glasses, low laughter, and the hum of neon lights cutting through dim smoke.

Until suddenly, it didn't.

The chatter faded. Music softened. Even the air seemed to tighten, thick with anticipation.

Tessa noticed it immediately. Years behind the counter had sharpened her instincts - something was off.

She wiped the polished bar top in steady, deliberate motions, eyes flicking toward the entrance where whispers began to stir.

Her manager approached, his tie slightly crooked, the edge of nerves tugging at his smile.

"Tessa," he said, lowering his voice, "we're expecting someone important tonight. One of the most influential figures in Australia. I want you to personally attend to them."

Her brows knit together. "Why me?"

"Because I trust you," he replied quickly. "You've been with us the longest. Just... don't mess this up."

She forced a polite smile, though her stomach knotted. "Yes, sir."

As he walked off, the low murmurs spread like wildfire through the staff.

"I heard it's Kingsley Voss," one whispered, eyes wide.

"Kingsley Voss? The Kingsley Voss?" another gasped, clutching her tray. "Oh my God."

"I would do anything just to have him look at me," someone giggled breathlessly.

"What do you think, Tessa?" one of the waitresses nudged her. "At least you should be happy you're attending to him!"

Tessa froze mid-wipe, a humorless smirk curling her lips.

"There's no way I'd ever wish to be in contact with that kind of person," she said coolly. "I heard he's a playboy. Someone like him disgusts me - he probably thinks the world revolves around him."

"You're just jealous," one of them teased with a grin.

Tessa froze mid-wipe, her jaw tightening. "You mean of that arrogant playboy who thinks the world revolves around him? No, thanks. Someone like him disgusts me."

One of the waitresses smirked. "Whatever."

Tessa gave a quiet chuckle, shaking her head. If only they knew.

Her little sister, Mia - now in college - was obsessed with Kingsley Voss. Posters, magazines, interviews... she could recite his quotes like scripture. Thanks to Mia, Tessa knew more about him than she'd ever wanted to.

A self-absorbed superstar. Scandal magnet. Every woman's fantasy - except hers.

Still, she couldn't deny the strange ripple crawling up her spine as the energy in the room shifted again.

"They're here!" a bartender hissed, nearly dropping his tray.

The staff scrambled into position, straightening uniforms, fixing hair, rehearsing smiles.

Tessa exhaled slowly, steadying herself. She needed this job - badly. With Mia's tuition and the rent piling up, this wasn't just work; it was survival.

She adjusted her name tag, plastered on her professional smile, and whispered under her breath,

"Please, God, just don't let me get on his bad side."

Because if even half of what she'd heard about Kingsley Voss was true...

one wrong move could destroy everything she was trying so hard to hold together.

Tessa exhaled slowly as she reached the restricted area, her pulse steady but her mind alert. The private lounge sat behind a velvet rope, guarded by a wall of suited men - six of them, all stone-faced, standing like statues outside the door.

She blinked, scoffing quietly.

"It's not like he's going to get kidnapped in a bar," she muttered, rolling her eyes as she approached.

One of the guards stepped forward, scanning her from head to toe before opening the door without a word.

Tessa stepped in, her head bowed out of habit, and was immediately met with a chill. The room felt colder than the rest of the bar - silent, sterile, as if even the air bowed to whoever was inside.

"Who are you?"

The voice came from behind her - low, smooth, but laced with authority.

She turned.

Kingsley Voss stood there in a white bathrobe, damp hair slicked back, droplets of water trailing down his neck. His bare chest glistened under the soft amber light, and yet, to her, there was nothing godly about him. Just arrogance draped in silk.

Her eyes moved over him once, searching for what made millions swoon - and found nothing.

"Done looking?" he asked coldly.

Her throat tightened. "I'm sorry. I was ordered to attend to you and make sure you have everything you need. I didn't mean to intrude."

He smiled - a sharp, mocking curve of his lips.

"I never imagined this bar would have such poor maintenance... and even poorer taste in staff. Why the hell would they send you to serve me? Do you have any idea who I am?"

Tessa inhaled slowly through her nose, fighting to keep her composure. "I'm sorry if I'm not suitable to serve you. I'll get the manager to-"

"Manager?" He scoffed. "Do I look like someone who deals with lowlife managers? Get me the owner of this place."

"I'm afraid that's not possible," she said evenly. "The owner isn't available. That's why the manager and the staff are here - to assist you."

He smirked, stepping closer, voice dripping disdain.

"Oh, I know your game. You're just another one trying to leech off me - trying to get close, brag to your little friends about serving Kingsley Voss. You have no idea how many girls pull this same stunt wherever I go."

That was it.

Tessa's control snapped. Her voice cut through the air like glass.

"And what made you think I'm one of those stupid girls crying after your van or screaming at your posters? You should learn to tell the difference between normal people and your pathetic, obsessed fans."

His eyes widened. "What did you just say?"

She didn't flinch. "I knew attending to you would mean trouble. But I still came because I need this job. So tell me what you want - and stop deluding yourself that every woman on this planet is dying for your attention."

The silence that followed was thick - dangerous. No one had ever spoken to Kingsley Voss like that. Not in public. Not in private.

Something dark flickered in his eyes - not anger, but intrigue.

"I like girls like you," he murmured, stepping closer, "the ones who pretend they don't know me but always end up in my bed anyway."

Tessa's back hit the wall as he closed in, his scent thick with confidence and entitlement.

His next words sliced through her like a blade.

"So tell me, how much do you need? How much to have you in my bed tonight?"

For a moment, she couldn't breathe. The humiliation hit like fire beneath her skin - the kind that burns slow, deep, and cruel.

She had once been the daughter of privilege. A woman who never imagined she'd be offered money for her body. And yet here she was - standing before a man who thought he could buy anything, even her dignity.

Her hand flew before she realized it.

The sharp crack of her palm against his cheek echoed through the room.

Kingsley stumbled back a step, eyes wide, hand pressed to his face.

Tessa's voice trembled with fury. "How dare you?"

No one had ever humiliated him like that. Ever. The sting of her slap cut deeper than pride - it cracked something inside him, something he didn't know could break.

"You... slapped me?" His voice was low, dangerous. "You have no idea what you've just brought upon yourself."

Tessa let out a breathless, bitter laugh and stepped forward until he fell back onto the couch. Her eyes blazed with righteous fury.

"Don't ever think every girl will swarm around you like flies do to sweet things," she hissed. "The world doesn't revolve around you, dummy."

Her words hung in the air like smoke - sharp, unforgettable.

Kingsley stood frozen for a long moment. His cheek burned where her hand had met his skin. His pride burned even worse.

When she reached the door, his voice came low and dangerous.

"You don't know what you've brought upon yourself," he said.

Tessa didn't even turn. "We'll see about that."

And as the door shut behind her, Kingsley's lips curled into a slow, vicious smile.

> "She's so done for."

Chapter 02

~~~ Velvet Ember Bar~~

Same Night

The air was heavy the moment Tessa walked in.

Every head turned. Every whisper sliced.

She didn't need to hear her name to know they were talking about her - the girl who had the nerve to turn down Kingsley Voss.

"What did you think she did to him?"

"I heard she talked back."

"Can you believe it?"

"She's finished."

"She must be stupid to humiliate the boss's favorite star."

Tessa kept her eyes down, her steps small and quiet. Her heart thudded so loud she could barely hear the clinking of glasses. She'd been at the Velvet Ember for years - worked double shifts, covered for others, smiled through exhaustion - but all it took was one moment with him to burn everything to ashes.

She slipped behind the counter, praying to at least keep her dignity. Maybe they'll just dock my pay... please, just don't fire me. I need this job. Mia needs me to have this job.

But the moment she heard her name, she already knew.

"TESSA!"

The manager's voice cracked through the air.

Everyone turned.

And in that second, she stopped breathing.

He didn't hesitate. Didn't lower his tone. Didn't even blink.

"You're fired."

It was like being stabbed without a sound. Her throat went dry. Her fingers trembled as she clutched the edge of the counter.

Laughter echoed behind her. "Serves her right."

"She thinks she's better than the rest of us."

"She deserves worse."

She blinked hard, her lips parting - but her voice refused to come out. Her chest ached with the pressure of words she couldn't say.

"Sir... please-"

"No word from you," the manager cut her off coldly. "Just leave. Now."

She froze. Something inside her cracked - the same quiet way her world had cracked when her mother died.

It was the same sound. The same emptiness.

But this time, it wasn't death - it was humiliation.

Tessa's voice trembled, low but sharp. "I've worked here for years. You know me. You know I've never disrespected anyone-"

"You talked back to a client. Not just any client - Kingsley Voss. You made him look bad. You made us look bad. You think I'd risk this bar for you?"

Her tears threatened to fall, but she swallowed them down. "You don't even know what he said to me."

"I don't care what he said to you, you lowlife. You should've smiled and kept your mouth shut."

Her vision blurred, and she let out a shaky breath - half laugh, half sob.

He didn't even see her as human. None of them did.

For a moment, she wanted to beg. But pride was all she had left.

She nodded slowly, forcing her trembling hands to gather her things. "Fine."

Her voice cracked but didn't break. "You'll remember this one day. You'll remember me - and the way you treated me like dirt - and it'll haunt you."

She didn't wait for a response.

She just turned and walked out - her back straight, her face blank, but her eyes burning.

The moment the cold night air hit her face, she stopped pretending.

Her body shook. She covered her mouth with her hand as a sob tore out of her chest.

She'd faced loss before - but never humiliation like this.

Kingsley had destroyed her without even lifting a finger.

~~~TESSA'S RESIDENCE~~~

Tessa inhaled deeply before unlocking the small metal gate, her fingers trembling around the key.

The small house she shared with her sister had never felt so quiet - so heavy.

It was supposed to be home... yet tonight, it felt like a reminder of everything she was about to lose.

Her legs dragged with every step toward the staircase.

Each one felt like it was pulling her deeper into something she couldn't climb out of.

The due rent notice taped to her door fluttered slightly in the breeze - red ink glaring at her like a wound that refused to heal. She stared at it for a long, silent second, her lips parting as if she might finally let herself cry. But she couldn't.

She couldn't - not here. Not when Mia was home.

She tore the paper down, forcing a smile onto her face like a mask she'd worn a thousand times. You can't break now, Tessa. Not in front of her.

The warm scent of garlic and butter drifted from the kitchen. It almost made her want to cry. That smell meant comfort. It meant home. It meant her little sister had cooked again, waiting for her like always.

Mia turned around at the sound of the door opening, her face lighting up instantly.

"Tessa? What the hell- you didn't tell me you'd be home early! Are you okay?" she asked, walking closer, her brows furrowing in concern.

Tessa straightened her posture, forcing her lips to curve upward. "Of course I'm fine," she lied softly. "We just finished quite early today, so I rushed home to surprise my little bunny."

Mia's eyes softened, her smile returning. "Oh, that's good! I made pasta - your favorite. Want some?"

Tessa's heart clenched painfully, but she shook her head, pretending to yawn. "Nope, I already ate with my workmates." Another lie. The taste of her own words burned in her throat.

"Okay, Tess." Mia went back to the kitchen, humming lightly, her happiness filling the room with warmth that Tessa couldn't feel.

Tessa turned toward her room, desperate for silence, when Mia's voice stopped her again.

"You won't believe it - Kingsley Voss is releasing a new single soon!" she gushed, excitement bubbling in her tone. "He hasn't released one in years! I can't wait, Tess - it's going to be damn hot and crazy."

For a moment, Tessa froze. Her breath hitched.

That name - his name - hit her like a knife sliding into an open wound.

The smile she'd fought so hard to wear almost shattered right there.

"That's... that's good," she murmured, her voice strained, almost hollow. Then she walked away before Mia could see her face.

Mia frowned. That smile - it was the same one she'd seen too many times before.

The same fragile, forced smile her sister used when she was hiding pain so deep she couldn't talk about it.

But Mia didn't say anything. She never did. Not because she didn't care - but because she knew that when Tessa broke, she broke alone.

Inside her room, Tessa shut the door gently and leaned against it, her chest rising and falling unevenly.

The air felt heavy - thick with everything she couldn't say.

She sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers gripping the sheets tightly as memories crashed over her like waves.

Kingsley's cold eyes.

His mocking tone.

His cruel smirk.

"So tell me, how much is it to have you in my bed?"

Her body trembled.

"You're fired."

"Who does she think she is?"

Their voices overlapped in her mind - haunting, echoing - until she couldn't tell which one hurt more.

She clutched her head, pressing her palms over her ears, shaking violently as tears spilled down her face.

"Why?" she whispered brokenly. "Why me? What have I ever done wrong?"

Her voice cracked, but she covered her mouth quickly, muffling her sobs so Mia wouldn't hear. But outside the door, Mia was standing silently - her hand hovering in the air.

She could hear it. Every muffled cry. Every quiet gasp for air.

Her heart ached for her sister, but she stayed still - because she knew Tessa's pride wouldn't allow her to comfort her, not yet.

Inside, Tessa fell apart completely.

She thought of the bills stacked on her desk. The tuition letters. The rent. The groceries.

All of it depended on her.

And she'd ruined it - all because she couldn't stay quiet, couldn't let that man talk to her like she was nothing.

But the worst part wasn't losing her job.

It was that she couldn't get him out of her head.

His face.

His voice.

The way he looked at her - like she was something he could buy.

"You ruined my life, Kingsley," she whispered through tears, trembling as she pressed a hand to her mouth. "You ruined everything. I'll never forgive you for this."

Her sobs grew quieter, smaller, until all that was left was silence.

The rest of the night passed with her lying awake, staring at the ceiling, tears drying on her cheeks.

Every time she closed her eyes, his words echoed back - cruel, smug, unforgettable.

And as dawn crept in, she whispered one final promise to the darkness.

"One day, Kingsley Voss... you'll remember my name."

Chapter 03

~~~NEXT DAY~~~

The beeping of her phone pulled Tessa out of her half-sleep. She groaned, dragging herself up from bed like a zombie.

Her screen blinked with a familiar name - Ashley.

"Morning, my beautiful queen. Hope you had a wonderful night of horror - sorry, I mean, cool fantasy 😁. Anyway, haul your gorgeous self out of bed and meet me at our favorite restaurant. Love, Ashley 💋"

Tessa couldn't help but smile at the message, even though her body felt heavy from everything that happened the night before. Then she glanced at the clock and gasped.

"Oh my God, I overslept! Mia's probably at school already."

She rushed out of her room - only to stop at the sight of a folded note taped to her door.

> I made your favorite for breakfast. Eat and stop thinking about it, Tess. I love you.

Her heart softened. Mia always knew.

Tessa smiled faintly and sat down to eat the meal her sister had prepared. The food was simple, but the love behind it hit her harder than any seasoning could. Just as she picked up her fork, her phone buzzed again.

"Don't stand me up, Miss Chaos."

Tessa rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Pushy as ever," she murmured before grabbing her bag.

~~~MIDWAY RESTAURANT~~~ 12:30 PM

Tessa walked in and spotted Ashley instantly - bold red lipstick, oversized sunglasses indoors, sipping iced Americano like she owned the place.

"That was such a lovely good-morning message," Tessa teased, sitting opposite her.

The waiter approached, notepad ready.

"Just water, please," Tessa said.

Ashley glared. "Ignore her. We'll have your signature dish. And make it extra good - she looks like she needs therapy in a plate."

The waiter chuckled and left.

"So," Tessa said, folding her arms. "What's with the early-morning emotional blackmail?"

Ashley leaned forward, her eyes glinting. "Your sister called me this morning."

Tessa froze. "Mia called you?"

"She said you came home early last night and wouldn't talk about it. So, being the responsible best friend that I am, I did some digging-"

Tessa groaned. "Ashley..."

"-and I found out you got fired."

"You should seriously get a degree in Detective Drama and Unnecessary Snooping," Tessa muttered. "Why drag me here? I've got job applications to send, rent to pay, and a sister to feed."

Ashley's voice softened. "I know, babe. But tell me what happened first."

Tessa sighed and recounted everything - from Kingsley's arrogance to that slap that ruined everything.

Ashley's mouth dropped. "Wait- the Kingsley Voss?!" she practically shouted.

"Keep it down!" Tessa hissed, swatting her arm.

"That's disgusting!" Ashley whispered loudly. "If I were you, I'd have given him more than a slap. I'd have flipped him into next week."

They both laughed, but the sound was tired - relief mixed with exhaustion.

Ashley leaned back, sipping her drink. "Anyway, forget that arrogant bastard. I actually called you because I found you a job. A good one. No stress, great pay."

Tessa raised a brow. "What kind of job?"

"A nanny position."

Tessa blinked. "A what?"

"A nanny," Ashley repeated cheerfully.

Tessa groaned. "Ashley, come on. I can barely keep up with Mia, and now you want me to babysit someone else's spoiled brat?"

Ashley smirked. "I knew you'd say that... until you hear the pay." She paused dramatically. "Twenty thousand AUD a month. Plus full accommodation, meals, transport - the works."

Tessa's jaw dropped. "That's... that's twenty times what I made at the bar! Who the hell pays that much for childcare? It sounds like a scam!"

Ashley folded her arms. "Wow. So now I'm the type to lure you into scams?"

Tessa bit her lip. "Wait - you're serious?"

"Completely. And the family's real - filthy rich, but super private. I already put in your name since I know you don't talk nonsense or run your mouth like half the people I know."

Tessa's eyes welled up despite her best effort to stay composed. "Ashley..."

Ashley grinned. "Don't you dare start crying on me, woman."

"I'm not crying," Tessa said with a wobbly smile. "Just... thank you."

Ashley waved her off. "Please. Save your tears for the interview tomorrow. That emotional-mess vibe might help you land the job."

Tessa laughed, finally feeling the weight in her chest ease - just a little. "I love you, Ash."

Ashley smirked. "Of course you do. I'm amazing."

Tessa chuckled softly, but inside, her heart whispered a silent prayer - that maybe, just maybe, this was the one break she and Mia had been waiting for.

~~~THE DAY AFTER~~~

Tessa stood frozen before the towering mansion, clutching her bag to her chest. The iron gates had barely closed behind her, and already the sheer size of the place made her feel small - like she'd stepped into another world entirely.

It's not like I haven't seen wealth before, she thought, but this... this is a kingdom.

The guards led her up the marble steps and into the grand foyer. Chandeliers hung like falling stars, polished floors gleamed brighter than her future, and elegant maids moved with quiet precision. One of them, a woman in her late thirties with a calm smile, stopped and turned to her.

"Hi, I'm Teresa," she said. "You're the one applying for the nanny position, right?"

Tessa nodded quickly.

"The young miss can be... quite the handful. She's sweet when she wants to be, but also moody. If she doesn't like you, you'll know. If she cries because of you..." Teresa's smile faltered. "Well, I hope you packed fast legs."

Tessa bit back a nervous laugh. So basically, a tiny dictator.

Teresa motioned toward the living room. "You can wait here. The boss will be down soon."

As soon as she left, a soft giggle echoed through the hall.

"Auntie!"

Tessa turned just in time to see a small blur of curls and sunshine running toward her. The girl was breathtaking - big hazel eyes, chubby pink cheeks, and the kind of innocence that could melt stone.

"Oh-hello there," Tessa knelt down, smiling without realizing. "I don't think we've met before."

The little girl tilted her head. "You're not Aunt Teresa. Who are you?"

"I might be new around here," Tessa teased. "Don't you like new people?"

The child studied her face for a second, then broke into a grin. "You're so pretty! My daddy likes pretty ladies too. He's always on TV with them."

Tessa chuckled softly. "Is that so? Then I'm honored to make your list of pretty people."

The girl giggled and twirled.

"What's your name, little sunshine?"

"Luna!" she announced proudly.

"Aww, Luna. That's the perfect name for a cutie like you. Can I call you my little bunny?"

Luna gasped. "Bunny? But bunnies are rabbits!"

Tessa shook her head playfully. "No, bunny is my special nickname for adorable girls. I used to call my little sister that too."

"You have a sister?" Luna's eyes sparkled. "How old is she? Can she come play with me? It's so boring here sometimes."

Tessa's heart softened. "She's grown up now, but I can play with you every day - if you'll let me."

"Of course I will!" Luna squealed, throwing her tiny arms around Tessa's neck.

Tessa laughed, hugging her back. "You're too cute for this world."

Before she could say more, a deep male voice echoed down the hall.

"Luna!"

The little girl gasped. "Oh no, it's Daddy! He doesn't like me talking to strangers." She quickly pulled away. "See you later, Miss..."

"Tessa," she whispered with a smile.

"Bye, Miss Tessa!"

Luna turned - and ran straight into a tall figure entering the room.

"There you are, little husky," the man said, scooping her into his arms. The familiar smooth baritone froze Tessa's blood.

"Daddy, I made a new friend! Look, she's so pretty. Do you like her too?" Luna asked eagerly.

Kingsley's voice faltered mid-sentence as his eyes lifted - and collided with Tessa's.

Her pulse froze, disbelief washing over her face.

No. Not him. It can't be.

The man standing before her - the one holding the cute little girl - was none other than the arrogant, untouchable man who'd ruined her life just days ago.

Kingsley's expression shifted from surprise to something unreadable - dark, assessing, almost dangerous.

Tessa blinked, her throat tightening.

"Kingsley Voss?" her thoughts screamed. No way that spoiled, heartless man is this sweet angel's father. Mia never mentioned him having a daughter.

Their eyes locked - unblinking, heavy with unfinished words. Fate must have been laughing, watching how their worlds kept colliding like this.

But one question burned louder than all the rest-

> Since when did Kingsley Voss - the untouchable billionaire, the media's golden idol - have a daughter no one knew about?

And why, of all people, was she standing here... applying to be her nanny?