Page 99 of Billionaire’s Heartbreak

“Like how they figured out the elevator,” Kai added.

Dannie nodded. “Exactly. No one would expect an old elevator like that to require a code. But it wasn't a coincidence that they figured it out.”

“Who knew about the elevator?”

“Laura, of course.” He paused. “And a few other people I trusted.”

“Why my birthday?” Kai asked before I could.

Dannie looked at him. “Because you're my brother.”

I frowned. “That doesn't make sense. You already had the security system in place before you knew he was your brother.”

Dannie sighed. “You've always been my brother in my heart. DNA doesn't change that.” He looked down at his hands for a moment before continuing. “Besides, I've always regretted not coming back for you when we were taken as children. That has been a chip on my shoulder for most of my life.”

Then his gaze returned to me.

“But how did you figure out the code?”

“Dumb luck.” I shrugged. “Honestly.” I looked at him. “What was the backup plan if we couldn't get out?”

Dannie didn't answer. The silence was enough to make my stomach tighten.

“We were ready for the worst,” Beng said.

I turned toward him. “What does that mean?”

He glanced over his shoulder, a mischievous smile appearing on his face. “Bang.” He made a little gesture with his hands. “Ka-poom.” Then he laughed as though he'd just told the funniest joke in the world.

No one else laughed. The van fell silent.

I reached for Dannie's hand. His fingers closed around mine immediately, holding tight.

I hadn't known there was a plan for us if we failed. For a building that old, I'd assumed they could simply bring the whole thing down if they were careful enough. Instead, they'd been prepared to risk their own lives getting us out.

The thought left me strangely quiet. There were so many things I wanted to ask. About Maru. About Siti. About Lucy. About Andy. About everyone who had been caught in this mess while I'd been trapped inside that apartment.

But before I could ask any of them, the van slowed. Then stopped.

We had arrived at Grandma's house. The familiar driveway curved toward the main building, surrounded by greenery that suddenly looked impossibly peaceful after everything we'd just survived.

The front entrance came into view, and standing there was Liam, waiting for us. The moment I saw him, something inside me broke. I pushed the door open before anyone could stop me and practically threw myself out of the van.

“Liam!” I wrapped my arms around his neck like I had when we were children. “I thought I was never going to see you again.” My voice cracked. “I love you so much. I know I don't say it enough, but I really do.”

His arms came around me. “I love you too, little sister.” I finally let go, wiping quickly at my face. “What are you doing here?”

He looked over my shoulder. His eyes landed on Dannie as he climbed out of the van. “I had to come, didn't I?” There was no hesitation in his voice. “You would never forgive me if I let him travel on his own.” He paused. “And I wouldn't forgive myself either.”

My throat tightened. “Thank you.”

“Come on.” Liam took both my hands, just like he used to when we were children. “The others are here.”

I followed him toward the house, then glanced back. Dannie was already speaking to the staff gathered near the entrance, giving quiet instructions as if he'd never been away.

Kai had just stepped out of the van. He stood there for a moment, looking slightly lost. Overwhelmed, perhaps. My instinct was to go back to him, make sure he was all right.

But then another part of me almost laughed at my own thought.