I took a job bathing a paralyzed billionaire because my children were starving and I had no other choice. I told myself it was only work, only a paycheck—but the moment I unbuttoned his shirt and saw what was hidden beneath it, my legs gave out. In one terrifying instant, I realized the man I was supposed to care for was tied to the darkest secret of my entire life.

"Get your hands off my daughter!" I screamed.

I lunged forward and snatched Emma away from the massive security guard.

Emma buried her face in my neck, crying softly.

Julian’s wheelchair surged forward, placing him directly between me and the guard.

"Marcus," Julian said, his voice dangerously low.

"If you ever touch a child in this house again, I will have you thrown in prison."

Marcus narrowed his dark eyes, clearly unfazed by the paralyzed man's threat.

"Just doing my job, Mr. Bennett," Marcus sneered before turning and walking away.

I held Emma tightly, my heart hammering violently against my ribs.

Julian looked at my daughter, his harsh expression softening instantly.

"Is this why you took the job?" he asked gently.

I nodded, tears finally spilling down my cheeks.

"My son is at home with a fever, and we have absolutely nothing left."

Julian did not hesitate.

"Go get your son."

"Bring him here immediately."

"You will all live in the east wing, and my private doctors will treat his fever."

I was completely overwhelmed by his sudden generosity.

That evening, a private ambulance brought Brandon to the estate.

The mansion’s doctor gave him proper medication, and for the first time in months, my son slept without shivering.

I sat in Julian’s bedroom later that night, holding the marriage contract he had offered me.

"I will sign it," I told him.

"But we keep our distance, strictly business."

Julian smiled a sad, knowing smile.

"Strictly business," he agreed.

For the next two weeks, my children experienced a life they had only seen in fairy tales.

They ate warm meals, slept in silk beds, and Julian even read them stories by the fire.

I caught myself staring at him, wishing he could remember the vows we had made during that storm twenty years ago.

One afternoon, I returned to my luxurious bedroom to grab fresh clothes.

I noticed a small red light blinking from inside the eye of a stuffed bear on the dresser.

My blood ran completely cold.

Someone had planted a hidden camera in my private room.

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My father bet twenty dollars that I would walk through his front door al...

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I reached for the bear, my hands shaking.

Suddenly, a heavy hand clamped over my mouth from behind, dragging me into the dark walk-in closet.

Chapter 3 - The Devil In The House