Chapter 2 The Hidden Billionaire Heir

The sports car sped through the night, its engine purring as Miranda sat silently in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the scenery outside the window. Eric glanced at her, his tone gentle as he asked, “Feeling any better?”

Miranda snapped out of her thoughts and managed a faint smile. “Thank you, Eric.” She paused, a hint of suspicion flickering in her eyes as she looked at him. “But I’m curious—how did you know I’d be at Flavorz?”

Eric turned the steering wheel, his voice light. “Just happened to be passing by and saw you leaving.”

Miranda frowned slightly, her gaze skeptical. “Really?”

It was clear she didn’t believe his appearance was merely a coincidence.

Eric turned to look at her, his expression earnest. “Of course. Or do you think I was following you?”

Miranda didn’t reply. Instead, she sighed softly.

After a brief pause, Eric asked in a warm tone, “Was that man earlier your husband? You seemed to be having a disagreement.”

Miranda’s voice turned cold, laced with weariness. “Correction—he’s my ex-husband now. He betrayed me, and I’m divorcing him.”

Eric’s eyes remained focused on the road ahead as he smiled and suggested, “Congrats, then! Since you’ve decided to move on, maybe we can help each other out.”

“How?” Miranda frowned, eyeing him warily.

Eric chuckled, his tone casual. “You’re dealing with a breakup and might need a ‘boyfriend’ to get back at your ex. Meanwhile, I need a ‘girlfriend’ to fend off my family’s constant pressure to get married…”

Before he could finish, Miranda cut him off, her voice icy. “I don’t need any man.”

Eric wanted to say more, but the car arrived at the apartment Miranda had purchased before her marriage.

“Right here. Thanks,” Miranda said curtly.

Eric hit the brakes, bringing the car to a smooth stop. Miranda unbuckled her seatbelt, opened the door, and stepped out without a backward glance, heading straight into the building.

Eric watched her retreating figure, a faint smile tugging at his lips. This woman was more intriguing than he had anticipated.

As an heir to the prestigious Wilson family, Eric had a dazzling background and striking looks that made him the dream of countless admirers. Yet, no woman had ever truly captured his attention—until Miranda.

Their first encounter had been dramatic. He had been harassed by several drunken men drawn to his extraordinary looks, and Miranda had stepped in to rescue him. From that moment, he had been captivated by her and quietly investigated her background.

When he discovered she was married, Eric had felt a pang of disappointment. But upon learning of her troubled relationship with her husband, he began to discreetly keep tabs on her. That was why he had been able to appear so quickly when she left the restaurant earlier.

As for Miranda’s ex-husband, Eric silently vowed he would pay for the hurt he caused her. In fact, the upcoming charity dinner would be his first chance to strike back. First, though, he needed to convince Miranda to go with him.

Eric sat in the car, his gaze lingering on the lit window of her apartment. Then, with a soft sigh, he started the engine and drove off into the night.

At home, Miranda had barely set down her bag when her phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she saw her father’s name. Her heart tightened.

She answered the call, and Bruce’s deep, raspy voice came through. “Miranda, I know everything you’ve been through.”

“I… Dad…” Her voice broke, and tears welled in her eyes.

“If you’re feeling overwhelmed, come home. I’ve been waiting for you,” Bruce said, his tone filled with tenderness.

Miranda’s heart clenched. After a brief pause, she replied softly, “I have a few things to take care of first. Once they’re done, I’ll go home.”

“You don’t need to face this alone, Miranda. I’ll make him pay for what he’s done,” Bruce said, his voice brimming with anger.

Though her father’s words warmed her heart, Miranda firmly shook her head. “Dad, I want to handle this myself. Once everything here is settled, I’ll come back and help you manage the family business.”

Bruce was silent for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh. “Alright, I respect your decision.”

“Thank you, Dad,” Miranda said, her voice tinged with gratitude.

“Happy birthday, my dear,” Bruce said, his tone suddenly soft. “I’ve prepared a gift for you. It’ll arrive in a few days. I hope it brings you some comfort.”

His words filled Miranda with a wave of warmth. It was in that moment she realized how much pain she had caused him in the past by prioritizing Broad over her family. Now, she found herself eagerly looking forward to her father’s gift, wondering what it might be.

After hanging up, Miranda took a deep breath and dialed Broad’s number. She was determined to finalize their divorce as quickly as possible.

“Broad, the divorce agreement will be sent to you by my lawyer. We’ll meet in court in three days,” she said, her tone calm and resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

Broad was caught off guard. He hadn’t expected Miranda to call him directly about the divorce. Still, it suited his plans.

“Miranda, as long as the divorce goes smoothly, you’ll get the financial compensation you want…” Broad began.

But before he could finish, she hung up on him.

Frowning, Broad felt a flicker of irritation. Miranda was becoming increasingly defiant. Did she really think doing these silly things would make him change his mind?