The Russian Billionaire's Secret Heir

Chapter 1

"Alright, ladies, have a fantastic evening! You all did an amazing job on the runway today," their manager announced before saying goodbye. One of the women turned to Iris and asked, "Hey, where are you headed now?" Iris glanced back, clearly tired but still looking vibrant.

"I might head back to the hotel or catch a flight to Ibiza," she replied, her tone flat and neutral.

The woman nodded, her expression tinged with disappointment. "Oh, I was going to ask if you wanted to join us in Vegas—we're throwing a party."

Iris smirked and replied, "Sorry, I'd rather rest early. As much as I'd love to join, I have to turn down your offer, but thank you for inviting me."

The woman smiled brightly. "No problem, I understand! It has been a wild night for all of us. Maybe next time." She winked before heading off, just as Iris's assistants arrived to help her get ready to leave the venue after the New York fashion show.

As Iris's team worked to get her ready, she felt her energy waning and her enthusiasm fading. However, after a few minutes of preparation, they finally stepped out to find a crowd of paparazzi and fans waiting backstage.

Iris signed a few autographs, flashing her trademark smile at everyone. As she was escorted to her car, her personal bodyguards kept a protective watch around her.

"We love you, Iris!" shouted one fan. "You nailed that runway!" called another. "I'm such a big fan!"

Iris waved at them, making sure they knew she appreciated their support, even as she climbed into the car. It was important to her not to seem dismissive of the fans who adored her.

*Meanwhile inside the car*

Iris leaned back against the car seat, her eyes drifting closed from exhaustion. Just twenty minutes later, one of her assistants gently shook her awake. "Ms. Iris, Mrs. Larsen is calling. Would you like to answer it, or should I take care of it?" she asked politely, her voice a soft whisper.

Iris grabbed her cellphone and answered the call. "Hi, Mom."

"Hey, baby girl! How was the show?" her mom replied energetically.

"It was fantastic! I had a great show; everything went smoothly," Iris said, but her tone gave away that something was off. Her mother immediately sensed it.

"Hmmm... from the sound of your voice, I can tell you're really tired, am I right?" her mother said calmly.

Iris sighed, unable to hide her fatigue. "Yes, I'm exhausted. This is the first time in my career I've ever felt this way."

As she waited for her mother's response, the Cadillac suddenly made a hard brake, jolting everyone inside and snapping Iris back to full alertness. "Hvad fanden!" she exclaimed in Danish, her shock evident.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am. There was a sudden car crash in front of us, and I had to brake immediately. I didn't have time to warn you. I apologize again," the driver said, her expression shifting from shock to genuine concern for their safety.

Iris slapped her forehead in frustration while still on the phone with her mother, who was increasingly worried. "Mom, I'll call you back, okay? Something urgent came up," she said before hanging up.

Without a moment's hesitation, Iris opened the car door and jumped out to assess the crash. Her bodyguards and assistants followed closely, forming a protective circle around her as they moved to help those involved.

Fortunately, there weren't too many people or paparazzi around the crash site. As Iris approached one of the cars, she noticed a woman getting out who looked a bit dizzy and seemed on the verge of collapsing.

Without hesitation, Iris ran to her side, gently holding her hands. "Ma'am, are you alright? Do you feel any pain?" she asked, concern evident in her voice as she looked into the distressed woman's eyes.

Meanwhile, one of Iris's assistants was already on the phone, calling for an ambulance. Iris glanced back at her companions, grateful for their quick response.

The lady stammered her answer, but Iris couldn't make sense of what she was saying before she suddenly fainted in her arms. Her bodyguards sprang into action. "We have to get her to the hospital now. We can't wait for the ambulance," one of them shouted to the group.

Two assistants and half of her bodyguards quickly joined them, carefully lifting the woman to take her to the hospital, while the rest stayed behind to support the other crash victims and wait for the ambulance to arrive.