The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

"Everything... all of it went to Brittany?"

Such a vast fortune handed over to an outsider, how could they swallow that?

"Where is Brittany?"

"It's none of your business where she is," Noel leaned forward, his hands braced on the desk, his gaze icy. "I'll say it once and only once. Keep your greedy thoughts off my brother's estate."

The relatives turned pale, fear etched on their faces. It took them a minute to realize that Noel wasn't the little boy they remembered.

He had grown up. He was becoming more and more like Isaac-no, even more ruthless!

After the Salters had left, Noel slumped into his chair, burying his face in his hands, remaining motionless for a long time. He didn't want to grow up; he wanted Isaac to be alright.

Daniel left the city a week later.

Noel cleared his schedule, packed Daniel's bags, and drove him to the airport. "Daniel, call me and don't forget me, okay?"

Clutching a batch of Emily's homemade cupcakes in his arms-afraid that Craneville wouldn't have his favorite flavors-Daniel nodded.

"Uncle Noel." His voice wavered, "I'll come back soon, with Mommy."© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"Good." Noel gave him a gentle squeeze on the cheek, still in denial about Isaac's passing. "Take care of your mom. Make sure she doesn't get sad, got it?" Daniel nodded vigorously. "I will."

Before boarding, Daniel hugged Noel tight, whispering with determination, "Uncle, Daddy will come back."

Noel's heart clenched. "Yes, he will."

In front of the child, he couldn't let the tears fall. Handing Daniel to the bodyguard, he instructed, "Take good care of him."

"Don't worry, Mr. Salter."

The bodyguards, all loyal to Yuri, treated Daniel with utmost respect.

"Little master, let's go."

"Bye, Uncle Noel."

Daniel looked back three times with every step he took.

Noel stood still, long after Daniel had gone, until his assistant interrupted, "Mr. Salter, there's a meeting at Grandeur Capital. We should head back."

"Have someone keep an eye on Daniel in Craneville. Make sure he's well looked after."

"Yes, sir."

The bodyguards expected some turbulence from the little boy on such a long flight. But once on board, Daniel reclined his seat and, wrapped in a cozy blanket, fell asleep with his cupcakes in hand. The bodyguards exchanged glances but let him be.

The journey from the Imperial City to Craneville was over twenty hours.

Brittany had managed to find out about Daniel's flight and, against hospital advice, escaped to meet him at the airport with her driver.

When Daniel landed, it was deep into the night. Awoken before disembarking, he followed the bodyguards off the plane, feeling groggy and unsteady.

"Little master, do you need us to carry you?"

Daniel shook his head. "No need."

His daddy had told him he was a big boy now, he shouldn't trouble anyone. He had to protect his mom!

The bodyguards noticed his stubborn streak and said no more.

At the exit, Daniel suddenly sped up.

"Mommy!"

The bodyguards watched as Daniel rushed into Brittany's arms, his little hands clinging tightly to her neck, burying his face in her embrace. His independence just moments ago seemed like a distant memory. The bodyguards approached. "Miss, you shouldn't have come."

Brittany's health was still fragile; she shouldn't be at the airport.

"I'm here for Daniel." She held him close, kissing his cheek, soft and fair. "Let's go; I've got a little surprise for you."

"Mommy, your health..." Daniel was worried for her.

"I'm fine, really."