Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Connor had definitely heard of the Grevenberg family.

Back before the Sartori family took over the city's social scene, the Grevenbergs were one of the four most powerful families in Eldridge City-untouchable,

respected, and feared by everyone who mattered.

Then, almost overnight, the entire Grevenberg family was wiped out.

The first time Connor ever heard the name "Shangguan" was from Grant. That set off a spark in his memory. Suddenly, a wild theory took shape in his mind.

He turned to Grant and asked, "Wait... are you from the Grevenberg family?"

But immediately, he second-guessed himself. The Grevenberg family-thirty-eight people had all been killed in one night, not a single survivor. It was a tragedy Connor had only ever read about.

He remembered stumbling across the story as a kid, sneaking into his grandfather's study. He'd been messing around and managed to unlock one of his grandfather's old, locked boxes. Inside, he found a yellowed newspaper and the Sartori family's treasured pink emerald pendant.

Connor had been just old enough to read the headlines and understand the story. But back then, it felt like just another piece of family gossip, nothing more.

Now, with Grant mentioning the name "Shangguan," those old memories came flooding back.

Grant didn't answer his question. Instead, he just said, "Since you're already here, relax. I'll make sure you're both well taken care of."

Elsewhere, Kash had spent the entire night searching the mansion. But no matter how hard he looked, there wasn't a single clue-nothing strange, nothing out of place. Two people had simply vanished, as if swallowed by the earth.

Grant had only been at the house for a short while before leaving again, taking the butler with him. Now, the entire estate was quiet and empty, almost eerily so. Kash had a sinking suspicion. He was pretty sure Chloe and Connor were somewhere nearby-probably locked up in an underground cell. But no matter how hard they searched, he and his team couldn't find any secret entrance.

It was almost as if Grant wanted them to keep looking, as if he was sure they'd never find it.

Kash knew this couldn't go on. There was no phone signal anywhere inside the estate-no way to reach the outside world. He needed help from someone who specialized in hidden passages and secret doors.

He left part of his team behind to keep searching, then drove off on his own.

As soon as he left the area and his phone picked up a signal, it started ringing.

Kash frowned, but answered. "Commander, what can I do for you?"

The military district commander tore into him immediately, cursing him out before he could even say hello. Apparently Grant had already reported what happened.

"Kash, are you trying to lose your job? You broke into private property! Pull your

people out, now. Get back to base this instant!"

Kash's voice was icy. "I'm sorry, sir but I can't do that. My sister and brother-in-law are missing in

need an expert in secret pas vere. I

and a full team of scouts."

“Kash, I've let you get away with too much already. Do you have any idea who you're messing with? The Ballard family has friends in high

places. Even I won't be able to protect you."

"Sir... please. I'm begging you."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line.

Finally, the commander let out a frustrated sigh. "You stubborn fool. Fine. Wait there I'll see what I can do."

Meanwhile, Chloe had gotten her memories back. But she hadn't told Connor. She knew Grant was watching them, and she wasn't ready for him to know just

yet.

The two of them leaned against the cold stone wall.

Connor held her hand, his fingers moving gently in her palm, tracing letters-D-I- A-N-A.

Chloe caught on quickly. He was writing something.

Their eyes met. Chloe focused, trying to make out what he was spelling.

Connor traced, "I have a way out."noveldrama