The Secret Heir Of the Billionaire

The morning air inside Ashford Tower's conference room was as cold as the polished steel table at its center. Vivian sat across from Liam, the city skyline stretching behind him like a kingdom he controlled. But today, she wasn't here to bow to his throne.

A team of lawyers filled the room suits, briefcases, cold eyes that assessed her as if she were part of a hostile merger. At Liam's side sat a man she recognized from the tabloids: Victor Shaw, Ashford's legal shark.

Vivian had brought her own counsel, a woman named Diane who, despite being smaller in stature, radiated quiet confidence.

Victor slid a thick document across the table. "Miss Cole, this is the preliminary agreement. Mr. Ashford's legal team has ensured it covers all protections and stipulations regarding your son's legitimacy, media control, and the financial security of both mother and child."

Vivian didn't touch it. "And my terms?"

Victor's smile was shark-like. "Of course. You'll find reasonable accommodations have been made."

Diane picked up the document, flipping through it with practiced speed. Her brow furrowed. "This clause Vivian would require approval from Mr. Ashford for certain travel arrangements? And joint custody isn't defined here; it's written as sole guardianship with fatherly discretion."

Vivian's jaw tightened. She met Liam's gaze, steady. "I said no tricks."

Liam leaned back, eyes unreadable. "It's not a trick. It's protection. I need to know where you and Daniel are at all times. We've both seen how dangerous the world can be."

"Don't dress up control as concern," she said quietly. "Either we are equal parents in this, or there is no deal."

Victor tried again. "Perhaps we can redraft the section. There are…flexibilities."

The negotiations stretched on, hours marked by tension and thinly veiled barbs. Each point Vivian raised, Liam countered not always out of malice, but because he was a man used to having the last word.

Finally, as afternoon light slanted through the windows, Diane closed the document. "We'll need revisions before my client can consider signing."

Liam dismissed the lawyers with a glance, and one by one they filed out, leaving him alone with Vivian.

"You're making this harder than it needs to be," he said.

"No," she replied. "I'm making it fair."

For a moment, neither spoke. The city hummed below them, a reminder of the stakes.

Liam rose, hands braced on the table. His voice was softer now. "I'm trying, Vivian. You may not believe that, but I am."

Vivian stood too, matching him in height and will. "Then prove it. Stop trying to win, and start trying to do what's right."

Their eyes locked two warriors on opposite sides of the same battle.

"I'll have them redraft it tonight," Liam said at last. "Come back tomorrow. We finish this."

Vivian nodded, but before she turned to leave, she paused. "And Liam no hidden clauses. If I find one, the deal's off. I mean it."

He gave a small, almost rueful smile. "I wouldn't dare."