Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 69

Sunny looked up, feeling the last of the day's heat swirling around her. She was acutely aware of the hand pressed firmly against the small of her back—even through the thin fabric of her dress, Stellan's palm was searing hot.

Her heartbeat quickened. "Uncle Stellan, what are you doing here?"

She didn't notice the blush blooming across her cheeks, nor the loose strands of hair clinging to her face. Her eyes, bright and mischievous, sparkled with a light that seemed almost otherworldly.

Stellan swallowed, his gaze smoldering—a quiet fire simmering beneath the surface.

Before he could say anything, voices drifted closer from behind.

"Where'd you disappear to just now?"

"I thought I heard someone banging on the front door, so I went to check it out. Damn, turned out to be some stray cat causing a ruckus."

"Forget it, let's get back before something happens."

Hearing their footsteps approach, Sunny instinctively pulled Stellan's hand away from her waist and darted toward the back door of the villa.

"Uncle Stellan, come on—let's go!"

Her pink dress fluttered in the evening breeze as she ran, graceful and frantic all at once. Stellan, tall and composed, followed her without hurrying, matching her pace with effortless ease.

The back door was locked from the inside. Sunny hesitated, eyeing the high wall with apprehension. "Uncle Stellan, maybe you should just toss me over?"

Stellan bent down, patting his shoulder. "Hop on."

Sunny bit her lip. "Are you sure? Isn't this a bit much?" After all, he was technically her client.

Before she could protest any further, the voices behind them grew louder. She threw caution to the wind, stepped onto his shoulder, and with his steady support, scrambled up to perch on the top of the wall.

Stellan grabbed the edge and vaulted over in a single, easy motion. He landed beside her outside the villa, then held out his arms. "Jump."

This time, Sunny didn't hesitate. A rush of adrenaline made her heart race as she leapt into his arms. She was a mess, hair wild and dress askew, but the thrill of the escape made her feel strangely alive.

Stellan wrapped an arm around her waist. "Come on, let's go."

A sleek black Maybach was parked by the curb. By the time the bodyguards burst out the back door, all they saw was a trail of exhaust as the car sped away.

Sunny patted her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. "Uncle Stellan, thank you for saving me tonight."

Inside the car, Stellan's sharp features softened as the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile. "That's all? Just a thank you?"

"In the old days, saving someone's life meant they owed you everything."

Sunny's heart skipped a beat. What did Uncle Lawson mean by that?

Before she could ask, Stellan's phone vibrated. He put it on speaker.

"Hello," he said, his tone edged with impatience.

A nervous voice came through the line, tentative. "Mr. Lawson, your flight to Lincross City leaves in an hour and a half. Are you on your way?"

She hailed a cab and set off.

—

Across town, Grace Quinn had just arrived at the club when her phone rang—it was one of the family's bodyguards.

"What? She got away?"

"Unbelievable! Can't any of you manage to keep an eye on one woman? Useless!"

Fuming, Grace stormed down the hall to the private room. Sean's assistant was standing guard at the door, looking anxious.

"Where's Mr. Carrington?" she demanded, eyes narrowing as she stared at the closed door.

"Oh, ma'am, what brings you here?"

Grace scoffed. "Why, am I not allowed?"

"I'll give you one minute. Go inside and tell him to come out now. Otherwise, I'll kick this door down myself."

The assistant blanched, nerves shot.

Seriously? The boss sneaks off for a secret rendezvous, and now the boss's wife is here for a surprise inspection? What a nightmare.