An 8-Year-Old Asked for Employment to Feed Her Brother—Until a Ruthless CEO Stepped In and Altered Their Fate

By late evening, the IV fluids had worked a miracle. Leo’s skin had lost its terrifying translucent hue, replacing it with a healthy, warm pink. He was sleeping peacefully in the center of Julian’s massive king-sized bed, surrounded by pillows so he couldn't roll off.

Maya was asleep on the floor right next to the bed, having refused the guest room. She had curled up on a blanket, her hand resting against the mattress to ensure she would feel it if anyone moved the baby.

Julian stood in the doorway, holding a glass of scotch he hadn't taken a sip of.

His phone buzzed. It was a message from his private investigator, Miller.

Found him. Marcus Thorne. Long rap sheet—assault, petty theft, fraud. He's currently drinking at a dive bar on the South Side. He filed a police report two hours ago claiming his niece ran away and stole his cash. He's spinning a story to the cops to cover his tracks.

Julian’s grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles cracked. Marcus was trying to play the victim. If the police found Maya here, it would look like a billionaire had abducted two runaway children. It would be a PR nightmare, but more importantly, it would give the state the right to rip the children away.

Julian made a call.

"Miller," Julian whispered into the phone, stepping out onto the balcony overlooking the glittering city. "I want you to buy the debt of every loan Marcus Thorne has. Buy his landlord's building. Buy the bar he's currently sitting in. By sunrise, I want to own the very ground that man walks on."