The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Holden was the quiet type-introspective, cool-headed, and not given to flashy displays. Ivy, on the other hand, was accustomed to people bending over backward for her, making it unlikely for her to take the initiative to charm anyone.

As time went by, they ended up becoming friends.

“I heard that the Lynette family’s long-lost daughter has been found?” Ivy remarked, her voice betraying a hint of surprise.

The news was unexpected. If the Lynette’s biological daughter was back, Holden’s already precarious position within the family could become even more threatened.

“Yeah,” Holden replied, handing Ivy a flute of champagne. “She’s just been found.”

“The Lynettes are throwing a welcome party,” Ivy said, her expression unreadable. “It seems your father Mr. Lynette is quite fond of her.”

“He values what’s important,” Holden affirmed, always the one to stick to the facts.

Ivy massaged her temples, a sign of her brewing concern. “What about you, then? With the real daughter back, will things change for you and Saskia?”

Holden didn’t believe that Yuri would become hostile towards him or kick him out of the family just because Brittany was back. Yuri recognized his capabilities, and even without the warmth of kinship, vested interests would keep him from acting against Holden.

“Actually, you could easily become a true member of the Lynette family,” Ivy pondered, her mind racing with possibilities. “The biological daughter has been missing for years, but now that she’s back, if she

meets someone as capable as you, Holden, it would only tal a little persuasion to win her over.”

The suggestion had never crossed Holden’s mind, and he certainly didn’t appreciate the condescension in Ivy’s tone.

He frowned. “Princess, she’s Ms. Lynette. I’m just an adoptee. Once she’s back with the Lynettes, she’s my sister.”

Ivy let out a derisive laugh, thinking Holden too old-fashioned. “Holden, I’m looking out for you. Just think about it-once you’re officially a Lynette, you’d have the whole estate in the palm of your hand. Would anyone dare to look down on you then?” Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Holden had indeed suffered bullying and humiliation in his earlier years for being an adoptee. Now, with a chance at redemption at his doorstep, Ivy couldn’t fathom his reluctance.

“Holden,” she tried to reason with him, but he cut her off. “Princess.”

Knowing he disliked the subject, Ivy dropped it. “Fine, forget I mentioned it. Where’s Saskia tonight?”

“Our mom’s not feeling well. So she stayed home with her.”

Saskia had been eager to attend the banquet, but with their mom Leila feeling down, she had to keep her company.

Ivy felt a twinge of disappointment. She had hoped to introduce Saskia to some influential people and possibly arrange a good match for her.

Their conversation was drawing attention from the other guests. Holden’s close ties with the royal family were hardly a secret. Rumors had circulated about Ivy’s interest in forming a marital alliance with Holden, but his lack of response had eventually quelled the gossip, especially after Ivy was linked with foreign Princes and Dukes.

Now, seeing them together again, chatting amicably, sparked fresh speculation among the attendees.

As the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, outside the banquet hall, a sleek black Bentley came to a stop.

Isaac emerged from the car, and the doorman hurried over to greet him.

“Mr. Salter, right this way, please.”

Isaac had come to Craneville mainly to clear his head but ended up receiving a call from his old friend Dominic Hartman.

They had been close since their college days, and after seven or eight years, a reunion was long overdue.

The doorman led Isaac through a side entrance to the second floor. “Dominic Hartman has been waiting for you.”

Once upstairs, Isaac was immediately embraced by a tall, robust man. “Long time no see Zac.”

With the warmth of cherished brotherhood, Isaac smiled. “It’s been too long.”

…

Back at the banquet, Ivy and Holden wrapped up their chat. Ivy rubbed her temples and asked, “Where’s Dominic?”

“He’s upstairs, waiting for a friend.”

Ivy was nonchalant. “I’ll go check on him.”

Dominic was the suitor the royal family had chosen for Ivy. They had known each other for years, and Ivy was curious to see which of Dominic’s friends could be a stranger to her.