I Fled With His Secret Child

"Senator Davis," I offered a polite nod, sliding my hand down to rest on Corinne’s waist.

"Lucian, you've outdone yourself tonight," the senator chuckled, raising his champagne flute. "And Miss Mercer looks radiant. The two of you make quite the pair."

"Thank you, Senator," Corinne murmured. She leaned into my side.

"The eastern seaboard expansion goes through tomorrow," Davis noted. "You'll be untouchable."

"That was always the plan," I replied.

Corinne adjusted her grip on my bicep. "Lucian works too hard, Senator. I keep telling him he needs a vacation. Paris, perhaps."

"Paris sounds lovely, Corinne," Davis laughed. "Make sure he actually unplugs."

I offered a noncommittal hum. The ballroom of the Grand Azure Hotel buzzed with idle chatter, the clinking of crystal, and the scent of expensive perfume. Tonight was a victory lap. I had everything I wanted. My empire was expanding, and Corinne—my first love, the woman I had waited years for—was right by my side.

"I need to speak with the investors from Tokyo," I told Corinne.

"Don't be long," she smiled, tapping my chest lightly. "You promised me a dance."

"I haven't forgotten."

I turned away from Davis. My eyes scanned the crowded floor, searching for the Japanese delegation.

Instead, my gaze snagged on a woman standing near the terrace doors.

I stopped walking.

A waiter bumped my shoulder, muttering an apology, but I barely registered the impact.

Opal.

She stood bathed in the soft glow of the chandeliers. She wore a backless, silver gown that molded to her curves, the fabric shimmering like crushed diamonds. Her dark