INICIAR SESIÓN"Some of us have work to do," I replied, checking my watch. I needed to leave before Elizabeth appeared and questioned me about yesterday. The construction site accident was something I preferred to keep from her-her protective instincts had intensified tenfold since my pregnancy, and news of such an incident would only amplify her worry. Too late. Elizabeth approached, concern etched across her elegant features. "Does Shaw Corp stop functioning without you or something? What time did you get home last night?" Her eyes narrowed as they fixed on my belly. "You need to care not just about yourself but also about those babies you're carrying." My heart softened at her furrowed brow. "It's fine, I don't feel tired yet. When I can't handle it anymore, I'll work from home, okay?" The lie slipped out easily-I was exhausted, but work wouldn't wait, especially not now. "Then next month," Elizabeth stated firmly, crossing her arms. "Starting next month, you'll stop going to the office
Marcus's POV My fingers tightened around the tablet's edge until my knuckles blanched white._ As if I needed the reminder._ "I'm well aware of the risks, Peter," I replied, my voice colder than I intended. "With all due respect, sir..." Peter hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "You've made many enemies in Europe. Doyle might be weakened, but others would gladly take his place. They're watching your movements closely." I didn't respond, instead tapping the screen to replay Anna's interview. Each time I watched, I noticed something new—the slight tremble in her fingers when she mentioned legal action, the barely perceptible way she shifted her weight to ease the pressure on her lower back. 'That's enough." I cut Peter off before he could continue his unnecessary warnings. "Have you finished your report?" Relief flickered across his face. "I'm pleased you're maintaining perspective, sir. I was concerned I might need to physically restrain you from boarding a plane."
Anna's POV Catherine peered over my shoulder, her eyebrows arching in surprise. "Dad? What's he calling you for?" I answered, putting the call on speaker. To my surprise, it wasn't Phillip but William Murphy's warm, gravelly voice that came through. "Annie, is there anything your Grandpa William or your Uncle Phillip can help with? You just say the word. Don't worry, don't be afraid. William's here to make everything right for you." The familiar concern in his voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket, easing some of the tension from my shoulders. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't help but gently scold him. "William, why aren't you resting yet? It's so late." Catherine leaned closer to the phone. "Grandpa, I'm here too. Anyone who dares to bully Shaw Corp or hurt Anna will have to answer to me." William grumbled good-naturedly, "You! It would be impressive if you weren't causing Anna more problems." I quickly defended her, "Catherine helped me tremendously to
Sean and I moved aside as Anna emerged, supported by Rachel with Clayton following close behind. Even in her loose coat, her pregnant belly was unmistakable. Her face was pale from exhaustion, but her expression remained resolute. Glasses Guy's jaw dropped. "That's impossible. I was told she left hours ago..." "Who told you our CEO had left?" Sean's voice was ice-cold. "Ms. Shaw has been here since we first received news of the accident. She hasn't even had dinner except for sharing food with the worker's family. Anyone here can verify that." I noticed Glasses Guy trying to slip away through the crowd. I caught Sean's eye and nodded slightly toward the retreating figure. Sean and Rachel immediately moved to follow him. Anna's POV Daniel handed me the microphone with a subtle nod of encouragement. Camera lenses zoomed in on my face, their predatory focus making my skin crawl. I straightened my posture, one hand instinctively shielding my belly as I faced the media vultures
Daniel's POV The moment Sean and I stepped through the hospital doors, we were ambushed by a blinding wall of camera flashes and shouted questions. Despite the late hour—nearly eleven at night—the entrance to hospital was surrounded by reporters and social media personalities, their cameras and phones trained directly on us like weapons. This wasn't random media attention— someone had orchestrated this circus. "Are you in charge of Paradise Valley Estates?" A man with fashionable glasses shoved a microphone in my face, his tone dripping with accusation. "Reports say there's been a serious accident due to Shaw Corp's negligence. Care to comment?" Behind him, livestreamers were already spinning their narratives, painting us as heartless capitalists who cared nothing for worker safety. The comments scrolling across their screens called for boycotts before we'd even spoken a word. I stepped forward, taking the microphone from Glasses Guy. "I'm Daniel Davis, project manager f
Anna's POV "Daniel Davis has been at the site since the moment he was notified," I continued, my voice softening slightly. "He secured the scene, contacted emergency services, made arrangements for the family, and kept me informed every step of the way." I turned my gaze back to Inigo. "That's the standard I expect. Not excuses about dinner meetings." My phone vibrated in my hand—Mom calling again. I declined with a swipe. knowing she was worried but unable to step away right now. "Ms. Shaw," Rachel approached cautiously, "perhaps you should sit down. You've been standing for almost an hour." I appreciated her concern but shook my head. "I'm fine." The twins shifted inside me, a flutter of movement that strengthened my resolve. Even they understood we weren't going anywhere. “Anna," Catherine appeared at my elbow, her voice uncharacteristically gentle, "at least drink some water and eat something. For them." She nodded toward my belly. I accepted the bottle she offered,
Anna's POV Jack's question hung in the air, his face displaying genuine hurt. The hospital room suddenly felt suffocatingly small, the morning light barely filtering through the half-drawn blinds. "I don't think you'd try to kill me," I finally said, my voice hoarse from exhaustion. "But I saw
Anna's POV I stood at the entrance of the Porter mansion, cradling an elegantly wrapped gift box in my arms. We stepped into the mansion's grand foyer, immediately enveloped by the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. "Anna! Catherine!" Doris Porter's voice carried across the room as she approache
Anna's POV "Anna, grab my hand, quickly!" Logan's voice cut through the night air, filled with desperation. My wrist was caught in his grasp. I could see the veins in his forehead bulging as his entire body trembled with exertion. With the last of my strength, I reached out with my other hand
Anna's POV The words hung in the air like a grenade with its pin pulled. I sat frozen, my coffee cup suspended halfway to my lips, as my brain struggled to process what Marcus had just said. The bustling restaurant seemed to fade away, leaving only the thundering of my heart in my ears. Gabriel's







