The Crippled Billionaire's Revenge

Chapter 4

The orphanage doors swung open as I settled deeper into the wheelchair, perfecting my role.

A tiny figure darted toward Lily, small hands clutching her skirt. "Mommy!" Sophia's voice rang out, bright and eager.

Lily's smile froze. Before I could react, she plastered on a practiced expression. "Don't misunderstand," she said too quickly. "I sponsor this place. Sophia here just—she’s attached. Calls all the women 'Mommy.'"

I reached out, brushing my fingers lightly over the child’s cheek. "She has your eyes," I mused. "If you hadn’t explained, I’d have sworn she was yours."

Lily’s grip on Sophia’s shoulder tightened. "Her name’s Sophia. The one I mentioned adopting."

Then the girl twisted, her face crumpling. "Daddy!" she wailed, stretching her arms toward the hallway.

Lily went rigid.

"It’s fine," I said smoothly. "Go comfort her. She’s lovely."

Relief flickered across Lily’s face as she scooped Sophia up and vanished into an office.

Seizing the moment, I excused myself to find the restroom—but lingered near the staff lounge instead. Their whispers carried.

"Ms. Montgomery calling that child an orphan? Look at her dress—designer. No orphan wears couture."

"Shh. It’s the only way to get the kid into the Montgomery estate without questions. Just keep your mouth shut around Mr. Harrison."

A third voice snickered. "Please. Everyone knows about her and Ethan Bennett. They volunteered here together in college. Now? A man and woman living under one roof? You do the math."

My knuckles whitened on the wheelchair handles.

Creeping closer to the ajar office door, I caught Ethan’s low chuckle. "How’s the wife treating you?"

"Tolerable." Lily’s tone was ice. "Always traveling. Clueless. She even wants a baby now." A pause. "Once Sophia’s legally mine, we’re set. Text me if you need… arrangements."

Ethan smirked, producing a velvet box. "Early wedding gift. Rolex."

Lily tsked but took it. "Another? Jack will notice."

He merely grinned, unrepentant, as Sophia launched into his arms. "Daddy!"

The director barreled past me then, flinging the door wide. Lily’s gasp was almost comical.

"Jack! What—"

I kept my smile easy. "Just stretching my legs. Ethan volunteers here, right? Here to discuss Sophia’s adoption, I assume?"

Ethan stood, Sophia perched on his hip. "Harrison. Been a while."

The wheelchair hid how my nails dug into my palms. "Don’t let me interrupt. I’ll wait outside."

I left before Lily could protest. She caught up in the parking lot, breathless. "It’s not what you think. All the kids call Ethan 'Daddy'—"

"Of course." I cut her off. "Finish the paperwork. I’ll be the model husband."

Her shoulders sagged as she turned back.

Alone in the car, I ignored the staff’s stares and pulled out my phone. With three taps, I voided my passport and ID.

That evening, the Montgomery mansion glittered with celebration. I pleaded fatigue and retreated upstairs—but not before catching the scene below: Lily cooing over Sophia, Ethan teasing her for spoiling "their" girl.

"My daughter deserves the world," Lily declared, smoothing Sophia’s hair.

Something in me snapped.

Back in our room, I tore through drawers, hurling Lily’s lies into the trash—jewelry, photos, every hollow promise. As the last item clattered into the bin, the door hinges whined behind me.