LOGINAnna's POV I let Rachel guide me toward Mary Simpson's shrill voice, each step measured and careful despite the fury building in my chest. My hand instinctively cradled my six-month pregnant belly as we rounded the decorative wall separating Harper Watson's baby shower from this unexpected drama. The scene before me stopped me cold. George Simpson stood in an unexpected protective stance near my mother, while Mary looked ready to claw someone's eyes out. What the hell was George doing at a women's baby shower? "You're talking nonsense. Look at yourself," George barked at Mary, his tone uncharacteristically harsh. Mary's face contorted with rage, her perfectly applied makeup doing nothing to mask her fury. "George, you dare defend her?" She shoved her purse into Lucy Taylor's waiting hands and lunged toward my mother. "Elizabeth Shaw, you shameless old whore! I'll kill you!" My heart hammered against my ribs. With my pregnant belly restricting my movement, I couldn't ph
Catherine's POV To me, Jack was worse than an actual jerk. He made me sick. I used to think he was decent, without the common vices of wealthy heirs, which is why I supported Anna when she wanted to marry him. My best friend marrying my cousin-perfect. But look how that turned out. The man was pathetically indecisive. Jack offered a bitter smile. "You think I want this? Do I have any say in that house?" He paused, his eyes filled with resignation. "My father reassigned Pax back to the company. Probably because I couldn't convince Anna to reconsider. He's very disappointed in me." I paused, then let out a derisive laugh. "Ha! You all think Anna is someone you can marry whenever you please? You didn't treasure her before, and now she's out of your league. Don't expect Anna to marry you again with Skylake District as her dowry. Who do you think you are?" Jack shook his head, genuine pain in his eyes. "I never thought that. I know she doesn't love me anymore. I've lost her c
Mary's POV My cheeks burned as Father's words cut through me like a serrated knife. How dare he scold me in front of everyone-especially that insufferable Catherine? I straightened my silk blouse, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity. "I'm only trying to uphold the standards of this family," I said, my voice trembling slightly despite my best efforts to control it. "Someone needs to teach her proper respect." "Mary," Father said, his tone dropping to that familiar warning rumble that had always made me shrink as a child. "Not another word." Lucy appeared at my side like a guardian angel, slipping a crystal tumbler of bourbon into my hand. "Mrs. Simpson, I brought your favorite," she whispered, her fingers briefly squeezing mine in solidarity. I took a long sip, letting the alcohol burn away the humiliation lodged in my throat. The dinner proceeded with excruciating politeness, each bite of perfectly cooked steak turning to ash in my mouth. George sat beside me,
Anna's POV Sunlight streamed through the hospital window, casting a warm glow across Lucius's pale face. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, the beeping monitors confirming what the doctors had told us—he'd survived the critical forty-eight hours. Relief washed over me like a gentle tide. "Rachel, please arrange a private room for Lucius," I said. "Make it convenient for Lucian and the others to visit. And hire a professional nurse for when they return to work." Hours passed before Lucius finally opened his eyes, initially silent and disoriented. The police investigators waited patiently until he was ready to speak. "I... remember clearly," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Someone... pushed me. At that moment... only he and I were on the scaffolding." My jaw tightened. This wasn't an accident—it was attempted murder disguised as workplace negligence. With the victim's testimony, the police finally had what they needed. The next day, they issu
Anna's POV My lips curved into a cold smile. "I doubt I'm wrong. Marcus warned me about this before." The mention of his name sent an unwelcome pang through my chest. "You've been living at the construction site personally overseeing everything, yet this still happened. It's nearly impossible to prevent. Well, we can't guard against thieves forever—since they've made their move, we'll respond accordingly." Looking at Daniel's haggard face, I softened. "I've got the company covered. You should go rest." He shook his head stubbornly. "I think I should make another trip to the police station." The door opened as Sean entered, his gaze briefly dropping to my belly before meeting my eyes. "Let me go instead. Daniel should stay at the company. I’ll handle the police station and construction site." Daniel's relief was palpable as he nodded. "Alright, thank you for taking this on." Rachel chimed in from the doorway. "Then I'll go to the hospital." Hooked at my team organizing
"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
Anna's POV The morning light streamed through Shaw Corp's floor-to-ceiling windows turning the polished conference table into a sheet of liquid gold. I was midway through signing the final paperwork on Nora's contract when Samuel sauntered in, his expression a fascinating blend of amusement and i
Anna's POV Deep down, I was certain Marcus Murphy wouldn't return. My thoughts drifted back to Christmas when I'd traveled all the way to Europe to find him, only to be met with silence and rejection. That memory still stung, a wound I refused to acknowledge but couldn't quite ignore. The myste
Anna's POV I took a deep breath, one hand unconsciously moving to my still-flat stomach. Tomorrow, Id go to the hospital for official confirmation. For now, this would be my secreta fragile, precious thing I needed to protect. "Miss Shaw?" Lily's voice interrupted my thoughts. I spun around, he
Anna's POV The evening at Le Ciel had been surprisingly pleasant, with Samuel and Catherine proving to be excellent dinner companions. As we stepped into the Le Ciel lobby, heading toward the exit, my relaxed mood evaporated instantly. The Simpson family stood near the reception desk-Mary, George







