Page 1

Chapter 1 The Kingsley Manor
The wind stilled as a private jet came to a halt on the sprawling estate of one of Manhattan’s most powerful billionaires.
From the jet, a tall, broad-shouldered man descended the stairs. His dark hair, streaked with silver, was slicked back, revealing a face once handsome but now hardened by time and grief. A harsh, black scar under his right eye stood out like a permanent shadow, turning his once-charming features into something cold and intimidating. He looked to be in his late fifties, but he moved with the power and control of a man in his prime.
On either side of the jet’s path, bodyguards in black suits stood in perfect formation, straight and silent as they parted for him.
“Mr. Carter,” they greeted in unison, their voices sharp with respect.
As Charles Carter made his way down the steps, a younger man approached quickly, tall and composed, radiating a quiet confidence."
Luca Stanson — the son of Charles’ best friend — was a striking man in his late twenties. With sharp cheekbones, intense brown eyes, and a jawline that made magazine covers jealous, he carried the effortless charm of someone born into wealthand power. His tailored navy suit clung to his lean, athletic frame, and a platinum watch peeked out from under his cuff, unmistakably expensive.
Though Luca had made a name for himself as one of New York’s youngest and most eligible billionaires, there was a weight in his gaze, one he carefully masked behind charm and professionalism.
“Uncle,” the younger man said with a slight smile.
Carter’s expression softened. “Luca.” He pulled the young man into a brief, firm hug. “Any news yet?”
Luca nodded, his face lighting up. “Yes, Uncle Charles. We found Annie.”
For a second, Charles Carter, the man who once built empires and destroyed rivals, looked as if the air had been knocked out of him. His usually steely eyes shimmered with hope.
They walked side by side, their footsteps synchronized.
“She’s going by the name Anya now,” Luca continued. “We confirmed it just before your jet landed.”
Charles’s eyes sharpened. “Where is she? Did you meet her?”
Luca shook his head. “Not yet. The intel came in just before your plane landed. I thought we could go together.”
Charles drew in a deep breath, regaining his composure. “Where is she now?”
“She’s living with the Fox family in Manhattan. They’re well known in business circles.”
“Fox…” Charles muttered under his breath. His jaw clenched. “Let’s bring my daughter back home.”
***
Meanwhile, at the Fox estate…
A suitcase hit the pavement with a loud thud, scattering clothes onto the snowy street.
“Mom, please!” Anya cried, her voice cracked and desperate as she stumbled after it, tears streaking down her cheeks.
Valentina Fox stood tall in the doorway, her flawless makeup untouched, her straight dark hair flowing over her designer coat. But her expression was twisted in rage and disgust. With a cold grip, she yanked Anya by the arm and dragged her outside before shoving her down beside the suitcase.
“Get out. Now!” her voice was sharp, venomous, her breathing heavy. “I’ve had enough of this. I raised some random bastard’s child for years?! If I had known the truth back then, you would’ve never set foot in my house.”
Anya’s voice shook as she sobbed. “Mom… how can that be true? I’ve lived here my whole life! I’m your daughter. Why are you doing this?”
Valentina pulled a folded document from her coat pocket and threw it at Anya’s face.
“There’s your truth,” she spat. “I had the DNA tested. You’re not mine. The only reason I mistook you for my daughter and brought you home was because your face looked so much like hers back when she went missing at that amusement park. You were around the same age—just two. Even your goddamn name was almost the same. You kept babbling, ‘I’m Annie,’ and I was so stupid! I thought you just couldn’t say ‘Anya’ properly. I made a mistake.”
She turned to another girl standing quietly nearby—Zara—who bore a striking resemblance to her. Her voice suddenly dropped into a softer, emotional tone. “My daughter suffered all these years outside. But she searched for us. She found us. And now, she’s back. She’s the only one I care about now.”
Zara leaned into Valentina with a soft, pitiful look, then glanced at Anya with a hidden smirk.