Page 210 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

“She also said he asked Tom if he could build something in our garage this weekend.”

I rub a hand over my forehead.

“That also sounds right.”

Maya laughs again. The sound steadies me more than I expect.

“I will call him later and catch him before he goes to bed,” I say.

“You should.”

“I will.”

Maya’s voice softens.

“And Sophie?”

“Yes?”

“Do not make this breakup mean something before you know what it means.”

I look toward the stack of Blackwell notes on the counter.

“I am not.”

“I know.”

We say goodbye a minute later. The apartment goes quiet again. I sit there for several seconds before opening my laptop and typing Julian’s name into the search bar.

Scene 2 — The California Research Leg

By late afternoon, I have read enough versions of the breakup story to know none of them actually say much.

The headlines are louder than the reporting. Camille and Julian ended the engagement. Blackwell Communications confirmed it. No reason was given. No public statement from either of them beyond a request for privacy.

I close the browser and return to my notes.

My phone rings a few minutes later.

Claire.

I answer. “Hi.”

“Sophie, I need to update you on the West Coast leg.”

I sit back slightly. “What changed?”

“The schedule.”

I look toward the printed itinerary on the table.

“It was supposed to be next week.”

“It was.”

Claire pauses long enough that I already know I am not going to like the next sentence.

“Blackwell moved it up.”