The Billionaire's Heir I Never Knew Was Mine

Sienna wondered whether Riley’s sudden silence was related to Sterling Tech.

”Did something happen with Riley’s tender project?” Sienna asked worriedly.

”I’m not sure,” Zachary admitted. ”Dad didn’t explain much over the phone. I’ll find out when I get there.”

”When are you leaving?”

”I’m already on the way. I’ll arrive soon.”

Sienna sighed quietly. Her fingers tightened slightly around her phone as she thought about everything that had happened within the last few hours. Riley could simply be busy with work, especially considering how important the tender announcement was today.

But now that Zachary had mentioned a sudden family meeting, she could not completely dismiss the feeling that something else might be going on.

”I hope nothing terrible happened,” she said.

”Hope so,” Zachary replied. His voice was still calm, but Sienna could hear the uncertainty underneath it.

She tried to smile, even though he couldn’t see her. ”Call me as soon as you know what’s going on.”

”I will. And don’t worry too much, okay?”

”I’ll try.”

”You always say that, and then you worry anyway.”

Sienna laughed softly. ”Because someone has to worry in this relationship.”

Zachary can’t help but laugh. ”Then I guess I married the right person.”

She shook her head, remembering that her husband always said that. ”Honey, you certainly did.”

Zachary laughed again, and the small exchange eased some of the tension between them. Sienna appreciated how easily he could make her smile.

”Take care, my love,” he said.

”You too. Call me later.”

”I will.”

After a few more affectionate words, Sienna finally ended the call. She lowered her phone and stared at the blank screen for a moment, her earlier smile slowly fading.

...

The Sterling Family’s Main Residence.

Zachary stepped out of the car and was about to enter the house when another car pulled into the driveway behind him.

He turned around and recognized Zoey’s car approaching. A moment later, she quickly stepped out, looking just as confused as he felt.

”Huh! Brother...” Zoey called as she walked toward him. ”You also came? Wow. Why did Dad suddenly summon us here? Did something happen?”

”I don’t know,” Zachary replied, turning back toward the house as he started walking again. ”Geoffrey didn’t exactly explain anything over the phone.”

Zoey hurriedly added, ”That makes it even more suspicious. Dad usually tells us why he wants us all coming home at the same time. He doesn’t just call everyone to come at the precise same time without saying anything.”

”Maybe he wants to surprise us,” Zachary said casually.

Zoey gave him an unimpressed look. ”If Dad wanted to surprise us, I doubt he would sound like he was calling a family emergency.”

Zachary glanced at her and almost smiled. ”You’re the one making it sound like an emergency, Zoey!”

”Because you’re acting like this is completely normal.”

”Maybe it is,” Zachary answered calmly.

”Then why are you walking so fast?”

Zachary looked down at his steps and realized she was right. He slowed slightly, but before he could answer, they reached the entrance of the house.

As soon as they entered the living room, a familiar butler quickly approached them. Geoffrey had served the Sterling family for years. He knew better than anyone when the atmosphere inside the house felt unusual. He greeted them politely before informing them that Kennedy was already waiting for them in his study.

”Geoffrey, do you know why Dad called us here?” Zoey asked curiously.

”Miss Zoey, pardon my answer,” Geoffrey replied politely. ”But I really don’t have the slightest clue about the reason either. He simply asked me to contact all of you and tell you to return home and gather together.”

”What’s also weird is that Dad rarely calls us back on weekdays,” Zoey said, her expression becoming more serious. She looked toward the hallway leading to the study before turning back to Geoffrey. ”Oh, did Brother Will come too?”

”Yes, young lady. All of you were called,” Geoffrey answered with a small nod. ”Including young master Riley.”

Zoey suddenly stopped walking, and Geoffrey stopped too.

”Oh, this is new,” she muttered, loud enough for both men to hear.

Zachary looked at her. ”Stop guessing. Be patient. We eventually will know why Dad called us.”

Zoey raised an eyebrow. ”I’m not guessing. I’m observing.”

”Your observations usually turn into theories.”

”And your theories usually turn into excuses.”

Geoffrey quietly looked between the twins, trying not to smile. Even in an uncertain situation, they somehow found time to argue like they were still children.

Zachary shook his head and gestured toward the study. ”Geoffrey, please open the door.”

”Of course, young master.”

Geoffrey approached the study and knocked twice before announcing their arrival. After Kennedy gave permission, he opened the door and stepped aside, letting Zachary and Zoey enter. Once they were inside, Geoffrey closed the door behind them and quietly left.

The moment Zachary entered the study, he immediately noticed that this was far more serious than he had expected.

His two older brothers, William and Samuel Sterling, were already seated inside with their father, Kennedy. But they were not alone. Riley was there too.

Zachary’s eyes moved toward his nephew, and he immediately noticed the gloomy expression on Riley’s face.

Riley sat by himself, staring blankly in their direction. His usual confidence was nowhere to be seen, and something about his posture made it clear that he was not there by choice.

Zachary’s concern grew, but he didn’t let it show. He simply walked casually.

Kennedy looked toward the twins as they approached. His expression softened slightly, although the anger behind his eyes remained impossible to miss.

”There you are,” Kennedy said. His voice was calm, but firmness lay beneath it. ”Come in and sit down. I’ve been waiting for both of you.”

”Sorry, Dad,” Zachary replied. ”I came as soon as I got your call.”

”So did I,” Zoey added as she followed him. ”Although I’m still trying to understand why you suddenly called everyone home.”

Kennedy gave her a brief look. ”You’ll understand soon enough.”