Mag-log inAnna's POV When I saw my mother's delicate hand completely red and inflamed, my heart clenched painfully. Elizabeth had never even washed a dish in her life-this burn must be severe. "What happened?" I asked with concern, ignoring George Simpson completely to focus on my mother's injury. I carefully placed her hand in the bowl of ice water the housekeeper had brought. "How did you burn yourself?" Elizabeth's eyes were rimmed with tears, but there was a defiance in her expression I rarely saw. "I accidentally burned myself, it's nothing. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to hit his face with it." Her voice dropped to a furious whisper. "I've never met someone so disgusting." I remained silent, focusing on keeping my mother's hand submerged in the ice water, not letting her pull away despite her natural instinct to withdraw from the cold. Normally, Elizabeth was incredibly sensitive, complaining for hours about the smallest bump or bruise, but now she seemed oblivious to the pa
Anna's POV I stared at the two men in identical dark suits standing before me in the hospital waiting area. The fluorescent lights glinted off their perfectly polished shoes, making them look even more ominous. "Excuse me?" I rested my hand on my swollen belly protectively. "I'm waiting for my mother and assistant to return." The taller one stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We already have your mother, Ms. Shaw. Now you need to come with us quietly." My blood turned to ice. "We're in a public place filled with pregnant women and medical staff. You can't possibly think-" "We can and we will," the second man interrupted, moving behind my chair. "And if you cause a scene, we can't guarantee the safety of those babies you're carrying." The casual threat made my skin crawl. I scanned the waiting room desperately. Rachel and Mom should have returned by now. Where were they? "My phone," I demanded, holding out my hand. "Let me call my mother first." The sh
Anna's POV I allowed Elizabeth to guide me into her private tea room, her fingers gripping my wrist with surprising strength. The door clicked shut behind us, and she immediately whirled to face me, her eyes wide with concern. 'Tell me the truth, Annie. Why is Marcus Murphy here? What's going on between you two?" Her voice was hushed but intense, as if she feared the walls might be listening. I took a deep breath, suddenly finding it difficult to meet her gaze. "It's exactly what you think, Mom." Elizabeth's hand flew to her mouth, her already wide eyes growing impossibly wider. "Oh my God. Does this mean I'll become in-laws with William Murphy?" A startled laugh escaped me. "Mom, is that seriously your main concern right now? Nothing else bothers you?" She straightened her shoulders, her expression growing serious. "I've had my suspicions from the very beginning. The way he looked at you that first night he drove you home, calling you 'Annie' in front of us all-l knew the
Marcus looked at me deeply, saying nothing, but his silence was confirmation enough. I was stunned. "Then why didn't you tell me sooner?" I pressed. "It's not too late now," he answered softly, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead before ruffling my hair. "It's okay if you don't remember, and don't overthink it. Just know that I want you and the children. Go to sleep now. TIl still be here tomorrow." Marcus's POV I closed Anna's bedroom door behind me, the warmth of her presence still I closed Anna's bedroom door behind me, the warmth of her presence still lingering on my skin. Grabbing a bottle of ice water from the mini-fridge, I took a long sip and tried to quiet my racing thoughts. Clayton appeared in the hallway just as I was lost in thought. "What's the story with George Simpson?" I asked directly, my voice carrying the weight of authority I rarely displayed in Skyview City. Clayton stood with military precision. "I made some inquiries, sir. George Simpson did ap
Anna's POV I stared at Marcus, unable to process the words that had just left his mouth. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what he'd offered. This powerful man had just volunteered to be the father of my children — children who weren't biologically his. The room seemed to spin around me. I gripped the arm of my chair, steadying myself. During my entire marriage to Jack, I'd questioned my worth daily—was I not good enough to hold his interest, his respect? Now here 1 was, divorced and six months pregnant, with two successful men competing to father my children. Life's ironies could be brutal. I reached out and closed all three jewelry boxes with trembling fingers. The sapphire necklace was exquisite, but it was the jade bracelets for my unborn twins that truly stole my breath. He'd thought of them-not just me. "I love the gifts. Thank you, Uncle Marcus," I managed, my voice steadier than I felt. His knowing look told me he understood my hesitation. "Happy birthday,
I nearly dropped my phone, staring at those three simple words on the screen. My heart slammed against my ribs like it was trying to escape my chest. With trembling fingers, I hastily wrapped myself in my silk robe, not even bothering to call Lily for assistance. My damp hair clung to my neck as I rushed downstairs, leaving wet footprints across the polished hardwood floors. Clayton, Rachel, and Sean sat in the living room, their conversation about today's security arrangements stopping abruptly when they saw me. "Ms. Shaw, is everything alright?" Clayton rose immediately, his brow furrowed with concern. I couldn't form words. My mind was already outside, beyond those heavy oak doors. Without responding, I pushed past them and hurried through the garden, my bare feet padding along the stone pathway. The cool morning air prickled against my skin, but I barely noticed. And then I saw him. Marcus Murphy stood at the edge of my property, wearing black casual clothes instead
Anna's POV I watched Samuel's face carefully as I leaned slightly forward, my voice deliberately casual despite the weight of my words. "Simpson Group wants to secure Skylake District, which isn't particularly difficult for them. But Mr.Griffin, what you may not know is that there's a historic bu
Marcus's POV I watched Anna's retreating figure as she practically fled Rosa Villa, her composed exterior betrayed by the hastiness of her departure. Once her car disappeared down the driveway, I turned to Peter who stood silently nearby, awaiting instructions. "You think she'll be back tomorrow
Anna's POV "No, I haven't," I shook my head in response to Logan's question about the Simpson invitation, then thought for a moment before asking, "Have you received one, Logan?" Logan nodded, his expression as measured as ever. "Yes, just today. From what I understand, not only have families cl
Anna's POV The more he underestimated me, the more determined I became to pursue the Skylake District project. His condescension had only crystallized what I already knew:we were never meant to walk the same path. Back at the office the next morning, I found my mother had forwarded me a flurry of







