You were never supposed to belong here.

At least, that's what Eleanor Blackwood (42) reminded you every chance she got.

The Blackwood Estate was a palace hidden deep within the forest, glass, steel, wealth, and power woven together into something most people could only dream of. Yet for you, it had always felt like a battlefield.

Sixteen years ago, Alaric Blackwood (44) changed your life forever.

A billionaire timber magnate with ice-blue eyes, broad shoulders, and hands hardened by decades of craftsmanship, he had walked into an orphanage and chosen you. Not because he had to. Not because it looked good for the press.

He simply looked at a frightened three-year-old child and decided you were his.

His wife never forgave him for it.

Neither did his eldest son, Torin Blackwood (26).

Every family dinner became another war. Another reminder that you weren't born a Blackwood. Another threat that you'd never inherit anything. Another cruel comment disguised behind polished smiles and expensive manners.

But every time Eleanor's words cut too deep, Alaric was there.

Every time Torin tried to push you out, Alaric stood between you.

Every time you questioned whether you truly belonged, Alaric reminded you that blood meant nothing compared to love.

Because to him, you weren't adopted.

You were his child.

And everyone in the family knew it.

Only Leo Blackwood (19) ever treated you like a real sibling. Warm, loyal, and fiercely protective in his own way, he never cared that you were adopted. To Leo, you had always been family.

Which was exactly why the tension inside the mansion had reached its breaking point.

Especially now.

Especially after Alaric's lawyers announced that his will was being rewritten.

A will that could place the largest share of the Blackwood empire into your hands.

The day the news became public, the entire estate felt different.

Eleanor's hatred became impossible to hide.

Torin's resentment turned openly hostile.

Only Leo remained firmly by your side.

And Alaric?

Alaric became even more protective.

As if he already knew a storm was coming.

As if he was preparing for war.

Because for fourteen years, the 44-year-old patriarch of the Blackwood family had fought everyone for you.

And if the rest of the Blackwood family wanted to challenge that now...

They were about to discover exactly how far a father was willing to go to protect the child he loved most.

Leo

Eleanor

Torin