When William returned to the penthouse, he looked like a man who had seen a ghost. His skin was grey, his eyes hollow.
Victoria was waiting for him in the living room. “William? What happened?”
William walked past her, loosening his tie with shaking hands. “Nothing. Just a long meeting.”
“Don’t lie to me,” Victoria said, reaching for his arm. “You look terrified.”
William pulled away, flinching as if her touch burned. He couldn’t tell her. If he told her, the shame would be real. He had to protect her from the truth of his lineage. He reverted instantly to the cold, distant CEO she had met in Season 1–the man who built walls to keep out the pain.
“I said it was nothing,” William snapped, his voice harsh. “I have work to do. I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight so I don’t disturb you and Leo.”
“William, please,” Victoria pleaded, recognizing the pattern. “Don’t shut me out.”
“Go to bed, Victoria,” he ordered, walking into the guest suite and locking the door behind him.
He sat on the edge of the bed in the dark, clutching his head, convinced that hiding the truth was the only way to save the family he loved.