Jack’s POVMusic and laughter spilled from the magnificent garden behind the mansion. I followed the stone path around the side of the house, my footsteps measured and deliberate. Each step stirred memories of when I’d walked these grounds as family not as an uninvited ghost haunting the periphery.The garden had been transformed into an enchanted paradise. Round tables draped in cream silk dotted the manicured lawn, each adorned with elaborate floral arrangements. Waiters in crisp white jackets wove through the crowd with practiced grace, balancing silver trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.I recognized most of the guests immediately Sky-view City’s elite mingling in their finest attire, air kissing and trading gossip beneath the twinkling lights. My gaze swept across the garden, searching for one face in particular.I found her near the center of the gathering. Anna Shaw my ex-wife, the woman I’d once believed would be mine forever. The sight of her still had the power to make my
Anna's POVI watched Marcus's car disappear down the driveway, a curious warmth blooming in my chest. The truckload of supplies he’d delivered for my grandmother’s birthday was more than generous it was overwhelming. I stood there for a moment, letting the quiet hum of gratitude settle over me before turning back toward the house, questions swirling in my mind.Inside, Grandmother was still smiling, her eyes gleaming with a light I hadn’t seen since before my father passed. The sight made my heart ache with bittersweet joy.“Grandmother,” I said, easing down beside her on the sofa, “all these gifts... are they really from William? Did he ask Marcus to deliver them?”She patted my hand gently, her voice soft but certain. “Of course, they’re from William. He called me just this morning.” Her expression grew thoughtful. “He said you’re recently divorced and that your grandmother’s birthday party must be nothing short of perfect. He doesn’t want anyone whispering behind your back or looki
Anna's POVLucy's downfall had been swift exactly as she deserved. I hadn't just reclaimed my project; I’d secured better terms than ever before."Everything's in order, Ms. Shaw," Rachel confirmed, handing over the finalized paperwork."Excellent. Cancel my afternoon meetings. I’m taking the rest of the day off."Rachel blinked, surprised. Time off wasn’t my usual style. But today was different. Today, I wanted to indulge.“Call Catherine Murphy. Tell her to clear her schedule. We’re going shopping.”The private shopping suite was exquisite, decorated in soft creams and golds, with chilled champagne already waiting.Catherine burst through the doors, her designer sunglasses pushed up into her honey blonde waves.“Well, well,” she drawled. “If it isn’t Anna Shaw, Conqueror of the Phoenix Project.”I laughed, accepting a crystal flute of champagne. “You heard already?”“Darling, the family party was a bore without you. Mary brought Lucy. You should’ve seen Grandfather’s face positively
Jack’s POV I drove away from Phoenix Project headquarters, my knuckles white against the steering wheel. The decision to drop Lucy off at her place before heading back to the Simpson mansion was automatic. The atmosphere inside the car was suffocating. Even the air conditioning seemed to struggle against the weight of tension filling the space between us. I stared straight ahead at the road, refusing to glance at the woman beside me. “Jack, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” Lucy's voice cracked as she continued crying. The sound grated against my already frayed nerves. “This is all my fault. I embarrassed you. It’s all because of me. Please don’t be angry, don’t be mad at me, okay?” My temples throbbed with each word she spoke. A headache built behind my eyes as I gripped the steering wheel tighter, the veins in my forearms standing out prominently. I remained silent, my jaw clenched so tight I could feel the pressure in my teeth. Once, I had found her emotional vulnerability charmi
Anna's POV “Do you know why the money wasn’t enough to start over, Mr. Fisher?” I asked softly, my voice slicing through the tension like a blade. I didn’t even glance at Lucy I didn’t need to. I could feel the panic radiating off her in waves. Jack and Lucy were both staring at me now, their expressions tight with suspicion. “Because you were supposed to receive three hundred thousand dollars,” I continued, eyes locked on John Fisher. “But it seems two hundred thousand of that went toward someone's shiny new car.” Jack’s chair scraped sharply against the floor as he shot to his feet. “Jared, is this true?” His voice was low too low the kind of quiet that comes before a storm. Jared’s face drained of color. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Then, like a coward, he turned to Lucy for help. That single look was all Jack needed. His gaze snapped back to Lucy. “Lucy,” he said, his tone like a warning shot. “Jack, you can’t honestly believe this,” she whispered, reaching
Anna’s POV The tension at Phoenix Project headquarters was thick enough to cut with a knife. Lucy stood near the conference table, eyes already rimmed red the perfect picture of a woman wrongfully accused. Almost convincing. Sean wasted no time. “Ms. Shaw, Mr. Simpson, we’ve uncovered significant financial irregularities in Simpson Group’s accounts. More alarming, during procurement reviews, we found serious quality issues with raw materials Simpson Group purchased while managing the production line.” I caught Jack’s expression shift from irritation to genuine surprise. He hadn’t expected this. “Clear the room,” I ordered Rachel and Daniel. Only the key players could stay. Lucy’s confident mask faltered. Jack turned sharply to her. “What’s going on?” “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she stammered, her composure cracking. I watched her unravel, cold certainty settling in my veins. Phoenix was my passion project Shaw Corp’s future. Someone had deliberately poisoned