The Billionaire’s Secret: What Was Hidden Behind the Broken Watch

Victor Vance, the arrogant nephew of Richard Vance, adjusted his gold cufflinks with a smirk. "Step aside, Mercer. This doesn't concern you. The woman has something that belongs to my family, and we’re here to collect."

"She doesn't have anything of yours," Grant replied, his tone icy. "And even if she did, you won't touch her."

Victor chuckled, taking a step closer. His two goons shifted their weight, their eyes locking onto Grant. "You think because you wear a nice suit and own a few hotels you can stand in our way? Dayton belongs to the Vances. This whole state belongs to us. Hand over the boy and the woman, and we might let you keep your company."

Ethan cowered behind Leah, who was trembling violently. Grant didn't flinch. Instead, he calmly reached into his jacket, pulled out his phone, and tapped the screen once.

"You have five seconds to leave this hotel," Grant said softly.

"Or what?" Victor sneered. "You'll call the cops? Half the chief deputies in this district are on my uncle's payroll."

"I don't need the police," Grant said.

At that moment, the heavy oak doors of the lounge were shoved open, and six towering men in tactical black suits flooded the room. They were Grant’s private security detail—former special forces operatives who moved with terrifying efficiency. Within two seconds, Victor’s thugs were pinned against the polished wall, their arms twisted behind their backs.

Victor’s face drained of color as a firearm was smoothly unholstered and aimed at his chest. "Mercer! Are you insane? You can't do this!"

Grant walked up to Victor until their faces were inches apart. "I built an empire out of nothing, Victor. Do you really think I’m afraid of a trust-fund parasite like you? Tell your uncle that Scott Reed’s debt is settled, and if I see you or any of your dogs near Leah and Ethan again, I won't just stop your business—I will ruin your entire bloodline."

Grant nodded to his team. "Throw them out. On the curb."

The security guards dragged Victor and his men out of the lounge, Victor yelling threats until the heavy doors shut behind them.

Silence returned to the room. Leah stood frozen, staring at Grant as if he were a ghost.

"They won't stop," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Victor’s uncle… Richard Vance is a monster."

"Then let him come," Grant said, turning back to her with unwavering eyes. "Tonight, you and Ethan are coming with me to my estate. It’s fortified, safe, and away from the city. Tomorrow, we start fighting back."

Ethan peeked out from behind his mother, looking at Grant's wrist. "Mr. Grant... are you really like my dad?"