Page 99 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

Julian turns toward me.

“Sophie Callahan, this is Clive Bennett, the estate manager.”

Clive offers his hand.

“Ms. Callahan, welcome. We’re very pleased to have you.”

“Thank you,” I say. “It’s beautiful.”

Clive smiles. “You’ve only seen the outside.”

The other man takes my suitcase while Clive begins updating Julian on something involving the grounds and a delivery expected later in the afternoon. Their conversation becomes specific almost immediately, and I take the opportunity to look toward the house again.

Julian catches my eye before walking away with Clive.

“Lucia will get you settled,” he says.

“Take your time. Meet me downstairs in the main living room in about an hour.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll come find you if you get lost.”

“I’m a journalist. We’re trained to find exits.”

His eyes warm briefly. “An hour, Sophie.”

He turns back toward Clive, and the two men continue toward another side of the property. A woman in her fifties appears at the top of the stone steps, dressed in a cream blouse and dark trousers.

“Ms. Callahan?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“I’m Lucia. I’ll be looking after you while you’re here.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

She smiles and gestures toward the house.

“Come. You’ve had a long trip.”

The entrance opens into a soaring central hall where sunlight pours through tall windows facing the lake. Pale stone floors reflect the light beneath a sweeping staircase, while old paintings and carved furniture sit comfortably beside newer pieces that keep the house from feeling preserved rather than lived in. Fresh flowers fill a massive ceramic vase near the stairs, and somewhere deeper inside, I hear the muted movement of staff.

Lucia leads me through an arched corridor lined with artwork and family photographs, then into a quieter wing of the house.

“How has your trip been?” she asks.

“Busy,” I tell her.

“I think I’ve forgotten what time zone I’m supposed to be in.”

Lucia laughs softly.

“Then you should rest whenever Mr. Blackwell gives you the opportunity.”

“I’m beginning to suspect he doesn’t understand the concept.”

“Oh, he understands it,” she says.