Anna's POV "If you like the first gentleman, you can simply meet the second one briefly," Elizabeth explained with self-satisfaction. "And if you don't like the first one, then you can focus on the second. It won't take too much of your time." I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, maintaining a polite smile that felt plastered to my face. "I'm really busy these days. I'm still young. Is this really necessary right now?" My mother immediately patted my back, her touch gentle but insistent. "We're starting the search now because who knows how long it might take to find the right person? The more people you meet, the higher the probability of finding someone you like." A sense of futility washed over me. "There aren't more than these three, right?" "All of my card-playing friends say they want to introduce you to someone," my mother replied, dashing my last hope of escape. I felt cornered, trapped by these well-intentioned but suffocating expectations. The more they pushed, the mo
Anna's POV "I'll think about it," I promised, the words feeling heavy on my tongue. "Just... give me some time." That evening, I met Catherine Murphy and Jasmine Butler for dinner at a restaurant, needing the distraction of good food and better company. After discussing potential investments and market trends, Jasmine glanced at her watch and began gathering her things. "Can't help it—I have a child at home. That little emperor won't sleep unless I'm there," she apologized, rolling her eyes with the fond exasperation only a mother could manage. "I can't stay and chat today, but once my parents return from their trip, I'll find another opportunity to hang out properly." Catherine waved dismissively, reaching for her wine glass. "Hurry home! No need for formalities with us—your child comes first." As Jasmine departed, Catherine turned her perceptive gaze on me. "What are you thinking about? You've been distracted all evening." "Children," I sighed, pouring myself another glass o
Anna's POV Logan's eyes held mine with that unexpected intensity, and suddenly the garden around us felt too small, the air between us charged with something I hadn't noticed in all our years of friendship. "Annie," he said, my childhood nickname sounding different in his voice now, "I don't want you partnering with someone like Samuel Griffin. Let me help you instead." I studied his expression, the earnestness in his gaze unmistakable. The realization hit me like a bucket of ice water-Logan Porter, my childhood friend and occasional tormentor, had feelings for me. Romantic feelings. "Logan..." I started, unsure how to navigate this sudden shift in our dynamic. He took a step closer, sunlight filtering through the oak leaves dappling his sandy hair with gold. "I've waited years to tell you this. I've always-" "I'm sorry, Logan," I interrupted, looking directly into his eyes with firm resolve. "But I can't return your feelings." He didn't seem surprised by my rejection, just d
Anna's POV "My *mother*?" I nearly jumped from my chair, shock coursing through me. "That's impossible. I've never heard about this-not from my mother, not from anyone." My mind raced. "This can't be true. My mother and Mary Simpson have always despised each other. If George had pursued my mother, Mary would have made our lives even more miserable." Samuel's smile held a hint of satisfaction at my reaction. "Don't believe me? That's fine. I find it rather strange myself. Very few people know about it. Apparently, George's family had business connections with your maternal grandfather's family. Your grandfather's family was quite prestigious in Skyview City, while George came from a small town in the outskirts. In today's terms, he was social climbing. Look at how he eventually married into the Murphy family-clearly seeking powerful connections. Your grandfather likely saw through his intentions and refused, which is why your mother probably never heard about it." I fell silent, pr
Anna's POV Ten days of back-to-back meetings had left me bone-weary, my body desperate for rest but my mind still racing with business strategies and unresolved issues. The familiar gates of Shaw Estate appeared through the car window, and I felt my shoulders relax slightly at the sight of home. "Ms. Shaw, your mother asked to be notified of your arrival," Rachel said, looking up from her tablet. "She mentioned having some matters to discuss with you." I nodded, massaging my temples to ease the tension headache that had been my constant companion for the past three days. "Tell her I'll see her after I've had a bath." The hallway was quiet as I walked in, heels clicking against marble floors that gleamed under soft lighting. I dropped my bags at the foot of the stairs, already unbuttoning my blazer as I headed toward my suite. An hour later, submerged in my oversized bathtub filled with steaming water and essential oils, I finally felt the knots in my muscles begin to loosen. The
Marcus's POV The jet lag hit me harder than expected. Fourteen hours of flying across the Atlantic, and all I could think about was her. I'd barely allowed myself enough time to drop my luggage at the private suite I kept in Skyview City before jumping into the shower. Water cascaded down my back, washing away the travel fatigue but doing nothing for the tension that had been building in me for days. The thought of seeing Anna again made my heart race in a way that felt foreign. Steam filled the bathroom as I stepped out, wrapping a towel around my waist. Droplets of water still clung to my skin as I reached for my phone, typing out a message with uncharacteristic hesitation. [Come over.] Simple, direct-my usual style. I set the phone down and dressed quickly, choosing comfort over formality. No need for the suits I typically wore as armor. Not tonight. The phone vibrated against the glass tabletop. I picked it up, expecting to see her agreement, perhaps with some sarcasti