ABANDONED WITH TRIPLETS: CLAIMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE

One year later.

The private garden of the Sterling Estate in the Hamptons was alive with golden afternoon sunshine and the sweet scent of blooming hydrangeas. Soft laughter echoed across the manicured green lawn.

"Lucas, no! Don't eat the grass!" I laughed, running across the soft lawn in a light floral sundress.

Little Lucas, now fourteen months old with chubby cheeks and bright curious eyes, giggled delightfully as he stood on his sturdy legs and wobbled into my open arms. Nearby, Leo was happily stacking colorful wooden blocks on a picnic blanket, while sweet Maya, wearing a lace sunhat, clutched Nicholas’s hand as she took her first bold, unsteady steps across the grass.

"Look at her, Claire," Nicholas said softly, his rugged face glowing with an expression of pure, unadulterated pride. "She's walking."

Nicholas swept Maya up into his arms, tossing her gently into the air, making her burst into joyful peals of toddler laughter. The ruthless titan of Wall Street had transformed into the most devoted, protective father any mother could ever dream of.

Under Nicholas's guidance, the Hayes Foundation had funded fifty new specialized neonatal wards across the country, saving thousands of premature infants born to mothers in financial distress. Ethan Mercer was currently serving an eight-year sentence in federal prison, while Sabrina had vanished into obscurity.

Nicholas set Maya down on the blanket next to her brothers, who instantly offered her a wooden block.

He walked over to where I stood under the shade of a white rose arbor. He looked at me with those piercing gray eyes that had once commanded an empire, but now held nothing but endless adoration.

"Claire," Nicholas said, reaching into his pocket.

He dropped to one knee on the soft green grass.

My breath caught. My hands flew to my lips as tears of pure happiness filled my eyes.

Nicholas opened a velvet box, revealing a breathtaking sapphire ring encircled by three brilliant diamonds—symbolizing Leo, Maya, and Lucas.

"When I pulled you off that bus in the storm, I thought I was just fulfilling a promise to your father," Nicholas spoke, his voice deep with emotion. "I didn't know you would become my purpose, my strength, and the beat of my own heart. You and our three little miracles gave this cold house a soul."

He looked up into my eyes, his soul laid bare. "Claire Hayes, will you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife, my partner, and the queen of my heart forever?"

I didn't hesitate for a single second.

"Yes," I sobbed with joy, throwing my arms around his neck. "Yes, Nicholas! A thousand times, yes!"