Adopted by the Billionaire✔️

[19]

Antonio's POV
I retreated to my bedroom and turned the shower on, letting the water heat while I stripped out of my jeans and dropped my jacket into the hamper. My thoughts lingered—unwelcome—on the events from earlier.
The couch would need to be cleaned.
"Alexa, call Mary," I said as I stepped under the water, scrubbing shampoo through my hair.
"Calling Mary," the device replied.
"Mr. Smith?" Mary answered.
"I know it's late," I said evenly, "but I need the living‑room couch professionally cleaned. Thoroughly."
"Of course. I'll take care of it."
"I'll triple the pay."
A pause—then gratitude. I ended the call and finished my shower.
Once dressed in loose pants, I made my way down the hall. Ellie's door creaked softly as I opened it. She was sprawled sideways across the bed, blankets twisted in every direction. I had to bite back a quiet laugh.
She was sleeping deeply.
I adjusted the covers and paused when I noticed the faint smile on her face. Whatever she was dreaming about, it wasn't fear—and that mattered more than anything else tonight.
I brushed my thumb gently along her cheek and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. She murmured something unintelligible, words tangled in sleep. I lingered a moment longer before stepping away and closing the door.

---

I woke at five, as always.
Exercise came first—thirty minutes, relentless and familiar. Afterward, I showered again. By the time I dressed, the penthouse smelled pristine, like the day I'd first signed the papers.
Mary had done excellent work.
I sat on the edge of my bed and checked my phone. A message from my mother blinked on the screen.
Son, we should have dinner together soon. Did you see what I did there?
I shook my head, amused despite myself.
Mom, good to hear from you. Dinner sounds nice—maybe next month. Things are busy right now.
I set the phone aside. I still didn't understand how she mourned my father so openly. I hadn't shed a tear.
By seven, I knocked on Jenna's door.
"I have to head out," I told her. "Tell Ellie I had urgent business."
She nodded sleepily. I didn't trust that it would stick, so I wrote a note and left it taped to Ellie's door.
Then I was gone.

---

"Julian," I said as the elevator descended, "Henry Locks isn't Ellie's biological father."
He laughed lightly. "Mat already told me. He showed up at my clinic in... considerable discomfort."
I exhaled. "Ellie may have accidentally caused that."
"She's remarkable," Julian said. "Her next appointment is June 24th."
"I'll remember."
I reached my car and continued the call through Bluetooth.
"Mat and I will look into Henry," Julian continued. "And Julia Locks as well, per your request."
"DNA screening," I added.
"Already assumed," he replied.
We ended the call, and I dialed Mat.
"Apology accepted," Mat said. "I get why you're attached."
"There's... something about her," I admitted. "Like gravity."
"About Julia Locks," Mat said. "She was barren."
I slowed at a red light. "Then Ellie wasn't biologically hers."
"That's the problem," Mat replied. "This adoption is airtight. Closed. No trace of Ellie's biological parents."
I parked outside the café. "I'm meeting the social worker now. Maybe she has more answers."
"I'll keep digging."

---

Inside, the smell of coffee and baked goods filled the air. A woman in a dark blazer approached.
"Good morning."
"I believe you're Florence," I said as I sat.
She nodded.
"I have reason to believe Henry Locks is not Ellie's biological father," I said, sliding the documents across the table.
She reviewed them calmly. "That's correct. Henry and Julia Locks adopted Ellie at eight months old. Closed adoption. No biological contact."
I leaned back slightly. "Thank you for confirming."
Florence met my gaze. "And now?"
Now, I thought, everything changes