로그인Elizabeth's POV I paced the hospital corridor, each step more unsteady than the last. The harsh fluorescent lights amplified every shadow on my face as I stared at the imposing doors of the delivery room. Behind those doors, my daughter fought not just for her life, but for the lives of her unborn twins. "Mrs. Shaw?" A nurse emerged, her scrubs spattered with what I desperately hoped wasn't blood. "The twins are in breech position. We need to perform an emergency C-section immediately." My knees nearly buckled beneath me. "Then do it! Whatever it takes!" The nurse's expression darkened. "There's a complication. Ms. Shaw is extremely distressed and uncooperative. We can't proceed safely while she's in this state." Anna's agonized scream pierced through the swinging doors, sending ice through my veins. The sound was primal, raw-the cry of a wounded animal. My hand flew to my throat, which had suddenly constricted so tightly I could barely breathe. William Murphy approa
William Murphy stood there, supported by Catherine and Layla, with Phillip and Jack flanking them. The entire Murphy clan advanced toward us like an approaching storm. Mary's face turned ashen. My heart hammered against my ribs as sweat slicked my palms. I'd only called Jack —I hadn't expected him to bring the entire Murphy family. They must have already been on their way when I called. Jack's POV I stood frozen in the sterile hospital corridor, watching everything unravel before my eyes. The call from Lucy had been frantic—my mother and Elizabeth Shaw physically fighting in the hospital. But nothing prepared me for the scene we walked into. "Who did you say is dead?" Grandfather William's voice boomed down the hallway, silencing everyone instantly. My mother turned, her face a mess of smeared makeup and scratches, her perfect hair disheveled beyond recognition. She tilted her head slightly, avoiding Grandfather's burning gaze. Something about her defiant posture made my
Lucy's POV I stood frozen in the sterile hospital corridor, unable to process the scene unfolding before me. Elizabeth Shaw— the always composed southern lady— had transformed into something feral as she lunged at Mary Simpson, her manicured nails raking across Mary's perfectly made-up face. "You vicious snake!" Elizabeth snarled, her voice barely recognizable. "You deliberately upset my daughter while she's carrying twins!" My fingers trembled as I pulled out my phone and frantically dialed Jack. This situation was spiraling dangerously out of control. "Jack, you need to come immediately. Your mother and Mrs. Shaw are physically fighting—in the hospital!" The words tumbled out in a panicked rush. I needed this call on record; if I didn't alert Jack now, Id inevitably be blamed later. Rachel had Mary pinned in what appeared to be restraint but was clearly designed to leave her vulnerable to Elizabeth's fury. Each time Mary attempted to break free, Rachel would jerk her b
Anna's POV I stood frozen in the hospital corridor, my mind still reeling from Mary Simpson's venomous words. The phone trembled in my hand—Marcus still hadn't answered my video call. Each unanswered ring drove another shard of ice deeper into my heart. Suddenly, Rachel's panicked voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. "Ms. Shaw, your water broke!" I looked down in confusion. A clear liquid was pooling around my feet, soaking through my expensive maternity dress. My body had made the decision while my mind was paralyzed with fear. Rachel shoved Clayton's shoulder, her voice sharp with urgency. "What are you standing there for? Go get the doctor now!" Clayton snapped out of his shock and sprinted down the corridor, his footsteps echoing against the sterile walls. The surreal quality of the moment made everything seem distant, as if I were watching someone else's life unfold. The elevator doors slid open, and Mom rushed out, her face creased with worry. She spotted the
Anna's POV I stared at Marcus's latest message on my phone: "Okay." Just that. One word where normally he'd send paragraphs, asking about my comfort, the twins movements, or detailed instructions for my medical team. The brevity felt wrong, like a jarring note in our carefully established rhythm of communication. I'd sent him my latest prenatal results just an hour ago. His initial response had been slightly more forthcoming: "Looks like the babies are getting impatient. I'm wrapping up my work here and will be back soon." When I'd responded with reassurance that he should focus on work, this strange, abbreviated "Okay" arrived. _Something's not right._ Massaging my aching temples, I set the phone aside. The swelling in my legs had worsened over the past few days. making walking increasingly difficult. The doctors had also noted my occasional breathing difficulties, recommending supplemental oxygen to ensure the twins weren't deprived. Yet that single word bothered me
His eyes darkened dangerously. I should have recognized the warning, but years of resentment had made me reckless. The slap came without warning, the crack of his palm against my cheek echoing in our bedroom. My head snapped sideways, shock momentarily paralyzing me. "You struck me?" I whispered, raising trembling fingers to my burning skin. In these years of marriage, through countless arguments and disappointments, he had never once raised a hand to me. George's lips curved into a cruel smile. "What now? Going to run crying to daddy Murphy? Don't bother. They've got bigger problems than you right now." Something in his tone sent ice through my veins. "What are you talking about?" He watched me with predatory satisfaction. "Marcus is dead. That news will reach the Murphy family soon enough. Let's see if your father, who always favored everyone over you, can withstand this blow." "What did you say?" The room spun around me, gravity suddenly unreliable. "Marcus is... de
Jack's POV The door to my office flew open with unusual urgency. Pax, my assistant, burst in without his typical measured composure. "Mr. Simpson, we've located Mr. Griffin." His voice carried a tension that immediately captured my attention. My heartbeat quickened despite my efforts to remain o
Anna's POV I stared at the converted warehouse before me, its industrial façade illuminated by flickering electric blue neon lights. This was definitely not the upscale venue I had expected Samuel Griffin to choose. "A pool hall?" I asked, unable to keep the surprise from my voice as I adjusted
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







