Page 53 of Merciless Billionaire's Savage Desire

He moved to Griffin’s side, supporting him gently as they turned toward the stairs.

Behind them, Janet raged on. “You’re letting him throw his life away! He doesn’t understand what he’s doing! You’re supposed to guide him, not spoil him! How can you say something so cruel—!”

But neither man looked back.

They disappeared upstairs, leaving Janet alone—shaking with rage.

***

Danny leaned back in his chair, a nostalgic smile on his face. “I can’t even remember the last time Charles and I sat like this. It’s been years.”

He had come home the night before, stayed for dinner, and was still here the next day—spending time not just with Charles, but especially with Anya.

“Anya’s birthday is coming up,” Danny said, glancing warmly around the table. “Brother, what have you planned? I could find a hotel, we’ll host a party!”

“Yeah, this one needs to be big,” Luca added. “Since Anya came back, we haven’t even celebrated her return.”

Charles nodded instantly. “Of course. Anya, whatever you want, you’ll have it. How about we book the Emperor Hotel for the whole day and night? Invite your friends if you have any, and we’ll invite some other guests too.”

“No, dad,” Anya said quickly, cutting into their excited planning. “Please, not this time. I don’t want a big party. I don’t want anyone to know who I really am yet.”

Charles’s face fell. His tone turned solemn. “That’s a hard thing to hear, Anya. You’re my daughter. After all these years, I finally have you back—and I still can’t introduce you to the world?”

“Yeah,” Danny said, his brows drawn together. “Who cares what anyone else thinks? You’re ours—you mean everything to us. And if anyone even tries to hurt you, they’ll regret it. No one lays a finger on you. Ever.”

“I’m sorry, Dad… Uncle,” Anya said softly. “Just give me a little more time. I need to see if the Kingsleys accept me for who I am, without knowing where I come from. If they’re just chasing your money, I don’t want any part of it. I want to be sure they see me as family, not as some business link.”

“But, Anya—” Charles began, concern flashing in his eyes.

“No, Dad,” she interrupted gently. “What if one day the business is gone? What if I’m no longer useful to them? I don’t want to be kicked out of that house because there was never any real love to begin with. I need to be sure Dante wants to marry me because he lovesme—not because of what he might gain.”

“She’s right,” Luca said quietly, his eyes meeting hers with understanding. “Do what feels right. You’re the one who’ll live with him. Your decision matters most.”

Charles exhaled heavily and gave a slow nod. “Alright. I’ve waited so long to have you back. I can wait a little longer.”

“I’m dying to tell everyone, though,” Danny groaned, a helpless smile tugging at his lips. “But how can I say no to my niece?”

Everyone chuckled.

“Alright then,” Danny said, his voice warm with affection. “Tell me what you want for your birthday. I want you to have the best of everything. Anything you ask for—just name it.”

“I don’t want anything, Uncle,” Anya replied with a gentle smile. “I already have you, Dad, and Luca. I’m happier than I’ve been in years. What more could I possibly want?”

“Nope, that’s not going to work,” Danny said with mock sternness. “Let it be. There’s a live auction coming up at the Emperor Hotel. I’ll go and find something special. From next year, you’ll look forward to your uncle’s gifts every year.”

Anya laughed. “Alright then. I’ll look forward to it.”

“Good girl,” Danny grinned, handing her a sweet across the table. Anya took it with a grateful grin.

“Uncle, can I come with you?” Luca asked eagerly.

“Of course,” he nodded. “You and I will go together.”

***

Meanwhile, at the Fox residence, the family was gathered around the dining table.

“Our Zara is going to have the most unforgettable birthday in the city!” Valentina gushed. “I want to host the biggest, most glamorous party and invite the most influential people. Everyone needs to see how beautiful my daughter is. And I’ll make sure to invite a few eligible bachelors too—maybe we’ll find you someone special.”

---