Chasing Back My Billionaire Heiress

An unwanted meeting

Eva's POV

Tonight I was not intended to be here. With their forced grins and hidden objectives, I had turned away these glittering gatherings. Max had urged, however, stressing that if I was to establish myself on my own and show that I didn't need the name of my family to succeed, networking was very vital.

Still, he was the last person I had anticipated seeing tonight.

Grant:

My gut tightened as his eyes locked with mine across the packed ballroom; just the sound of his name sent chills down my spine. I had developed the art of apathy, and spent months studying to control my feelings. But seeing him there, a year after I had left him, made me wobbly.

I had rebuilt myself from nothing, worked my way back from the wreckage of our marriage. And I was about to let him pull me apart right now.

"Are you ok??" Max's voice broke through my thoughts as his palm rested lightly on my arm. His voice was steady, cool, exactly what I needed right then.

I forced a smile, thinking he would be blind to it. "I'm fine."

Are you positive? Max's eyes flicked Grant's way, his jaw tightened as if he could see the tempest building between us.

Indeed, I said, my voice solid this time. "absolutely."

Still, I could sense Grant coming forward as I said it. He was like a shadow, stalking in and not going to be overlooked. Then he was standing in front of me before I could respond.

"Eva," His voice was low, harsh, rousing memories I had buried far down. Late night memories, whispered whispers, pledges he violated as readily as he had created.

"Grant," I said, maintaining my tone as objective as I could. I had come too far to let him see any frailty, any hint of the woman he had left behind.

He stared at me for a long, silent period, his eyes darting about as if he was attempting to make sense of what he saw. Eventually he spoke. "You seem... different."

"Funny, I could say the same about you," I said, crossing my arms and slanting my head to the side. "But some things don't change, do they?”

Max started forward, clearing his throat. Eva, we don't have to do this.

Grant's eyes flicked to Max, his mouth hardening. We haven't been exposed, in my opinion. Grant Lawrence. Max ignored his hand when he extended it.

"Max Rivers," he said with a cold tone. "Friends of Eva's,"

Grant's mouth drew a narrow line. I could just feel the quiet accusations he intended to toss at me, and I could see the strain developing. But I wasn't going to satisfy him knowing how much he still had influence on me.

Would you kindly let us have a moment? Max Keeping a light, conversational voice, I asked. Max stopped, his fingers hanging on my arm before he nodded at last.

He warned Grant, then turned away, "I'll be right over there if you need me."

Grant turned back to me hard as soon as Max disappeared from earshot. "So Max Rivers is only a friend right now?"

"What I do and who I spend time with is none of your business," I said, raising my chin fiercely. The instant you shoved me away, you lost that right.

"Eva, come on," he urged, his voice tinged with irritation. "I made an error." Since you departed, I have daily regrets.

I snorted and crossed my arms. "Regress?" Is that what we are dealing with? As I remember, you seemed not really remorseful when you signed the divorce papers without thinking twice.

His expression clouded, and I sensed agony flickering in his eyes. But he covered it fast, the elderly Grant reappearing, the guy constantly under control coming back.

His voice a low whisper, he murmured at last, "I didn't know who you were." You kept everything from me hidden.

I laughed—a harsh sound that startled even me. And you believe that supports your treatment of me? That's fine if you discounted me since you didn't realize I was a Kingsley. Treated as though I were nothing?

He stepped forward, closing his fists. "It's not that easy, Eva."

Oh, but it is. I looked squarely at him, not backtracking. You were so engrossed in your own world, your own pride, that you didn't give a damn about who I was, whether I was sufficient personally. And now, abruptly, it counts since you know I come from money?

"It is not about the money!" His voice grew, catching a few inquisitive looks from surrounding visitors. "It never really mattered about that."

What then was it about, Grant? I shot back, my voice tinged with years of hurt, agony I had long thought I had buried. From where I stood, it appeared like you never wanted me unless I fit exactly into your world.

He started to reply, and then his phone buzzed in his pocket. He looked down, his face changing to interpret the message. A shadow slid over his features, his face stiffening.

"Everything OK?" Not sure how to keep the sarcasm from my tone, I questioned.

Grant turned back toward me, his expression austere. "Eva, have you lately got any unusual messages?"

The question turned me off. "Messengers?" Whose are you referring to?

"Someone sent me a text just now," he added, his voice tight. "They are familiar with you and with us. They are not happy as well.

Though I forced myself to remain cool, a chill ran down my spine. "What then?" Grant, I am a public person. People are familiar with me.

"This is unlike." His eyes locked with mine, a rare flash of terror there. "They are aware of our marriage, divorce, everything else. They also seem poised to pursue you.

I stopped as his words sank in. Someone knew our past, including the secrets we had kept. And they came for me, not only watched.

I couldn't let him see my fear, though, nor allow him to believe I required his protection. I could handle his rejection; I had survived hers.

So, what are you implying? My voice firm despite my heart pumping, I said. "That I simply slide back into your arms, let you play the hero?"

His mouth tightened, and for a split second, I could see the fire burning between us. No. I would advise you, for once, not to accomplish everything on your own. Allow me to assist.

Shaking my head, I moved back. Grant, I do not need your assistance. I have led a life apart from you. Just because you've at last realized I'm worth something does not mean you swooping in and acting to show concern.

"Eva, you're being reckless," he replied, his voice tight. "This is not some small threat here. Behind this is someone serious.

Then let them come, I responded, my voice sharp even though my hands were shaking. "I have dealt with more than some anonymous threats. And I refuse to let anyone else, even you, ever again rule me.

He glanced at me, his face a mix of irritation and something else, something softer. But before he could say anything further, across the room, there was a thunderous crash. Heart pounding, I turned to find the front doors thrown open and numerous men in dark suits charging in, masks hiding their features.

"Get down!!" Grant cried, seizing my arm and dragging me behind a pillar just as a gunshot burst the quiet and sent visitors running in panic.

Though my head was whirling, I forced myself to remain concentrated and held Grant's arm as I gasped for air. "What... who are they?"

" Whoever sent that message," he said, his face pallid and eyes darting in the room. "They are here Eva, for you. Furthermore, they won't stop till they have what they desire.

As I watched the anarchy all around us, the men moving ahead in search of someone—searching for me—my heart hammered. Grant's hold on my arm tightened, and his look revealed a will I hadn't seen in years.

Whispering fiercely, he said, "I'm not leaving you." "We are going to leave here. All together.

I glanced at him, stuck between the residual bitterness and the terror. But I came to see that, for now, I had no option as the threat drew near.

"Fine," I murmured back, my voice hardly heard. But never let yourself believe for a moment that this alters anything between us.

Grant nodded, and together we hurried for the exit, dodging the tumult and hearing gunfire all around. But one of the men entered our path as we arrived at the entrance, his rifle pointed squarely at me.

Grant seemed stiff next to me, his body coiled and poised to act. But the man fastened icy, uncompromising attention on me.

"Miss Kingsley," he continued, his voice absolutely quiet. "We still have some unresolved business."

I was caught without any escape.

Dealing with a man familiar with my identity, background, and all the secrets I had painstakingly buried.