CHAPTER ELEVEN

Penelope's POV

The moment Julien's car crossed past the iron-wrought gates of the Laurent family estate, my chest tightened. A wave of unease settled in my stomach, squeezing tighter with every breath I took. The estate loomed ahead like a ghost from a past I had no claim to, its grandeur both awe-inspiring and suffocating. I had never been here before, but Madison had. This was her world, not mine.

The estate was large and ornate with a canal and walkways showcase elegant architecture and landscaping.

The estate's architecture is prominent, with multiple levels and arched windows. A canal runs through the centre while the walkways are paved, palm trees, and landscaping added to the scene.

I kept my expression unreadable, but inside, anxiety clawed at my insides. The estate was more than just a home—it was a fortress, a symbol of the Laurent family's power. If I slipped up, if I so much as hesitated in the wrong moment, I would be signing my own death sentence.

Julien drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on his thigh. The car purred beneath us like a beast tamed by his command, gliding smoothly over the pristine road leading to the main house. He had been talking about his plans to buy the estate back from his family, something about securing his legacy. I had barely been listening, my thoughts too tangled in the fact that I was heading straight into the lion's den.

When he pulled into a lavishly decorated interior parking lot displaying a collection of luxurious cars, I swallowed hard. The wealth here was almost absurd—gleaming black Mercedes-Benzes, sleek Lamborghinis, and Rolls-Royces that probably cost more than an entire neighbourhood. Julien's own Lamborghini blended in like just another expensive toy in a collection of many.

The moment he cut the engine and we climbed out, his sharp gaze flicked to me. "You're pale," he noted, his voice laced with something that almost sounded like concern. "Are you okay? I've asked you this quite a million times, but I'm hoping it's not your health that's got you ghosting me."

He voice sounded so soft and genuine. I feel so horrible doing this to this man. He doesn't deserve this.

I opened my mouth to answer, to force out some dismissive reply, but before I could, something—or rather, someone—slammed into me from behind.

I gasped, my body jolting forward as two slender arms wrapped around my shoulders in an enthusiastic embrace. A bright voice chirped, "Aunt Maddie!"

I froze. Aunt?

My mind spun as I twisted around, my gaze locking onto a young girl—no, a young woman, probably eighteen - with striking brown eyes and a mischievous smile. Her dark curls bounced as she grinned at me, seemingly oblivious to my moment of panic.

Madison would have known her. Madison did know her. Which meant I needed to act fast.

I forced a breathless laugh, steadying myself. "God, you scared me," I murmured, praying my voice didn't waver.

The young woman beamed, clearly pleased with herself. But then, her expression shifted as she took in my face. "Whoa, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's wrong?" She tilted her head, then gasped dramatically. "Wait… are you pregnant?"

Pregnant?

Before I could even form a response, Julien's hand landed lightly on my lower back, a silent warning. His voice was cool, edged with irritation. "Don't spew that shit in front of our mother. You know she never takes a joke lightly."

The girl rolled her eyes, clearly enjoying whatever game this was. "Oh, I definitely will," she teased. "You know how much I love messing with her."

Their mother. God, their mother was inside that house.

My vision swayed slightly. The heat of the afternoon, the stress, the suffocating weight of deception pressing down on me—it all merged in one dizzying moment. The parking lot blurred, the sunlight too harsh against my eyes. I heard the girl's voice, distant now, laced with confusion.

"Maddie?"

A ringing sound filled my ears. My knees buckled. The world tilted.

Then, strong arms caught me just before I hit the ground. Julien.

His grip was firm, his voice sharp with concern. "Maddie—shit."

I tried to focus, to hold onto consciousness, but my body had other plans. The last thing I saw before the darkness swallowed me whole was Julien's face. His normally guarded expression cracked open with something I almost believed was genuine worry.

Then, everything went black.