The Hidden Children

Isabella’s heels clicked nervously against the marble floors as she stepped into Blackwood Enterprises, a building more massive than any she had ever seen. Glass walls reflected sunlight in dazzling patterns, and the lobby was alive with the hum of assistants, actors, and singers bustling to their next appointments.

Her breath caught. “I’ve… never seen a company like this,” she whispered to herself, clutching her portfolio tighter. It wasn’t just a company—it was a world of fame, ambition, and celebrity.

A receptionist greeted her with a polite smile, and then a voice—cold, commanding, and sharp—cut through the hum of the office.

“Miss Hart?”

She looked up to see a tall man standing behind a large desk—Richard Blackwood. His gaze was piercing, assessing, almost surgical in its precision. He wore the kind of crisp suit that demanded obedience, and his presence alone seemed to make the room shrink around her.

“Yes… yes, I’m Isabella Hart, here for the interview,” she stammered, trying to steady her voice.

Richard’s eyes narrowed. “Do you even know what this company does?” he asked bluntly, no smile, no softness in his tone.

“I… I do, sir. I’ve researched extensively,” Isabella replied, trying to sound confident.

He raised an eyebrow. “Extensively, you say? Then tell me—why should I hire someone with no experience in a studio of this magnitude?”

Isabella swallowed her nerves. “Because I am willing to learn, work hard, and dedicate myself fully to this position, sir.”

Richard’s expression softened just slightly—but only for a fraction of a second—before he returned to his stern glare. “We shall see.”

Before he could ask another question, a commotion erupted near the entrance. Daniel Cross appeared, holding a tote bag in one hand, the triplets trailing behind him, each more energetic than the last.

“Good morning, tiny terrors!” Daniel announced cheerfully, dropping the bag of toys onto the floor.

“Uncle Danny!” The triplets squealed, running in every direction. Adrian grabbed a pen and started marking the walls. Aiden opened a drawer and pulled out a stack of scripts, tossing them across the room. Ashton quietly hid under the desk, peeking out with wide eyes.

Isabella’s eyes widened. “Oh my—what is happening here?”

Richard’s jaw tightened. “Daniel! Must you bring them here?”

“They need a change of scenery, Richard! And this is part of their… um, education!” Daniel said with a wink, though it was obvious he thrived on the chaos as much as the kids did.

Isabella ducked a flying pencil, her heart racing. “I… I don’t understand. Who—who are these children?”

Richard’s expression didn’t change, but there was a hint of tension in his jaw. “You’ll… see later.”

While Daniel chased after Aiden, who had crawled onto a low table, Isabella’s curiosity got the better of her. She wandered down the hallway, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor, until she reached a heavy, ornate door tucked into a corner of Richard’s office.

It was slightly ajar, and from inside came tiny giggles and the sound of toys clattering. Her heart skipped a beat.

She leaned closer, peering inside the hidden room. There, amidst a jungle of colorful toys and scattered storybooks, were three identical little boys, laughing, playing, and completely unaware of her presence.

Isabella gasped softly, stepping back. “What… who are they?” she whispered to herself, a mixture of shock, amusement, and instant affection coursing through her.

Richard’s voice echoed from behind, calm but firm. “They are… very important. And you… will get to know them eventually.”

Isabella’s eyes lingered on the three little figures. Something about them—their energy, their laughter, the unmistakable bond between them—tugged at her heart. For the first time that morning, she forgot about the intimidating CEO, the grandeur of the studio, and the fear of making a mistake.

Her curiosity burned hotter than ever. She had to know more about these children.

And with that, she silently promised herself that she would find out who they were.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***