Page 247 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

“We have an account there, so I can handle it directly.”

“Good. Send me the confirmation when it’s done.”

“I will.”

I am about to end the call when Tamara says my name.

“Julian?”

“Yes?”

“Whatever this is, make sure you’re actually taking the time you’re clearing.”

I look through the windshield toward the line of palms across the road.

“I am.”

We end the call, and a few minutes later the hotel confirmation appears in my inbox. I barely look at it before opening Sophie’s contact instead.

For several seconds, I stare at the blank message field, trying to decide how much to say. Nothing I type feels adequate, and I refuse to have this conversation through text anyway.

Finally, I write:

Julian: I need to speak with you privately. I’m staying in Los Angeles for the rest of the week. Can you meet me tomorrow at Shutters in Santa Monica?

I read the message once before sending it. The screen shows that it has been delivered. I set the phone on the passenger seat and remain behind the wheel, still unable to bring myself to start the car.

For once, there is nothing I can organize, direct, negotiate, or solve. All I can do is wait for Sophie to answer and hope that when she does, I am prepared to hear the truth.

My phone vibrates one minute later. I read the message:

Sophie: Yes.

***

The next afternoon, I am already sitting on a bench overlooking the hotel gardens when Sophie walks toward me.

She sees me before I stand, and for a moment her pace slows. She is dressed simply in dark trousers and a pale blouse, her hair loose around her shoulders, but there is nothing relaxed about her. I can see the tension in the way she holds herself before she reaches me.

“Julian, I just—”

“Stop,” I tell her.

She does.

I stand and face her fully. My chest is already tight, and I can hear my own breathing in the space between us.

“I need you to answer one question before anything else.”

Sophie’s eyes fill almost immediately as I hold her gaze.

“Is Theo my son?”

Her lips part, but no sound comes out at first.

Then she nods.

“Yes.”