The Russian Billionaire's Secret Heir

Chapter 33

After Sebastian left, Iris focused on keeping Inigo entertained, hoping to distract him from the void his absence created.

They explored the city, visiting parks and iconic sights, and for a while, it seemed to be working. Inigo laughed and pointed out everything that caught his eye, his energy infectious.

But as the day wore on, the hours slipped by, and soon it was time to head back to the hotel. "Did you enjoy our little trip, baby?" Iris asked, her voice warm and hopeful.

"Absolutely, but it's just sad that Dad isn't here with us," Inigo replied, his expression clouded with disappointment. Iris could see the sadness linger in his eyes, a stark reminder of the family dynamic they were missing.

"Don't worry, baby. He'll be back soon, and next time we'll all go on an adventure together," Iris reassured him, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. The promise of future fun seemed to brighten his spirits a little.

Inigo managed a small smile, but the lingering sadness was still evident. Iris then decided to shift the focus. "Is there anything else you want to do before we head back to the hotel?" she asked, eager to keep his spirits up.

Inigo's face lit up as he shouted, "Lad os spise, mor!"—his excitement bubbling over in Danish.

"Perfekt, vi skal spise," Iris responded with a smile, relieved to see him animated again. They made their way to a cozy restaurant nearby, the delicious aromas wafting through the air as they approached.

As they walked, Iris felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing she was doing her best to create joyful moments for her son. They chatted and laughed, ready to enjoy a meal together, savoring the little moments and making more happy memories, even without Sebastian by their side.

**********

The meeting dragged on, a monotonous blur of numbers and projections that felt like they were going in circles. I struggled to focus, my mind wandering far from the agenda.

The usual drive I had for our investments seemed to evaporate, leaving a heavy sense of indifference in its wake.

Even the thought of losing a million dollars didn't faze me anymore; it felt almost trivial in the grand scheme of things. My priorities had shifted, and the urgency I once felt about business decisions now felt weightless.

I glanced around the room, noting the tension in my colleagues' expressions, but all I could think about was how much I longed for something more meaningful beyond these sterile conference walls.

Chase sat in the plush back seat of his sleek Rolls Royce, his thoughts a swirling mix of nostalgia and impatience.

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the bustling streets of New York, a city that had shaped him but also haunted him. Next to him, Charles was lost in his phone, oblivious to the world outside.

As their car slowed in a brief moment of traffic, Chase turned his gaze toward the vibrant life unfolding beyond the tinted windows. The familiar sights tugged at his heartstrings—each corner a memory, each block a reminder of who he once was. Then, something caught his eye.

He squinted, trying to discern the figures moving along the sidewalk, but his breath hitched in his throat when he spotted her. There she was, sitting outside a fancy coffee shop, bathed in the soft glow of the evening light.

It felt surreal, as if the world had slowed down just for him. Her laughter mingled with the sounds of the city, and the way she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear sent a rush of emotions surging through him.

He turned to Charles, his voice barely a whisper. "Do you see her?" But Charles was too preoccupied, and Chase didn't want to take his eyes off her for even a second.