Mia's POV"Catherine," I managed, suddenly self-conscious about my casual attire and still-damp hair. "This is unexpected.""I should have called first," she acknowledged, setting her handbag on the entry table. "But I was in the neighborhood for an early meeting, and I thought..." She hesitated. "I hope I'm not intruding.""Not at all," Mom said smoothly, always the gracious hostess. "Would you like some coffee? Tea?"I knew my mother has a complicated attitude towards Catherine. She had heard all the things I have told her about Catherine. She knew that Catherine is kind to me. But mom also can be uncontrollably angry about everything to do with Kyle."Tea would be lovely," Catherine smiled, moving further into the apartment.Her gaze swept over our modest living room—so different from the palatial spaces she was used to. If she found it lacking, she gave no indication."Sarah, your home is charming," she said, settling onto our couch. "So warm and inviting.""Thank you," Mom replie
Mia's POVCatherine's car was exactly what I expected—a sleek silver Mercedes with butter-soft leather seats and that particular new car smell that spoke of luxury and privilege. She opened the passenger door for me, then waited patiently as I maneuvered my pregnant bulk into the seat."Comfortable?" she asked once I was settled."Very," I confirmed. The seat seemed to mold itself to my body, supporting my back in exactly the right places. "This car is incredible.""One of the perks of getting older," she smiled, sliding into the driver's seat with effortless grace. "You stop feeling guilty about indulging in comforts."She drove with the same precise competence Kyle had inherited, navigating through morning traffic with calm efficiency. I noticed she took a slightly longer route than necessary, avoiding the bumpy section of Riverside Drive that always aggravated my back."You know the area well," I commented as she smoothly changed lanes to avoid a delivery truck."I've lived in this
Mia's POV"I thought Kyle told you," I said, suddenly uncertain. "About what happened that day.""He told me you fell," Catherine said carefully, her voice tight with controlled emotion. "That there were complications, and you lost the babies.""That's what he believed," I clarified, not wanting to paint Kyle as deliberately deceptive. "Taylor convinced him I attacked her, that I fell during the altercation. But she pushed me, Catherine. Deliberately."The look that crossed Catherine's face then was unlike anything I'd seen from her before, her elegant features turned into something almost frightening.Before I could respond, the door opened, and Dr. Matthews swept in with her usual brisk energy. She paused briefly, noticing the charged atmosphere."Everything alright in here?" she asked, glancing between us."Fine," I managed, trying to arrange my features into something resembling normal. "Dr. Matthews, this is Catherine Branson.""Mrs. Branson," Dr. Matthews nodded, professional bu
Mia's POVMrs Chen's text.It was unusual enough to make me check it immediately.I've left a package for you at the service entrance. Some things that might help with your questions about the past. Be careful, Mia.The cryptic message sent a chill through me. I'd almost forgotten about my investigation into the kidnapping, into James and Mrs. Chen's connection to it all."Everything alright?" Catherine asked, noticing my expression."Yes," I said, tucking my phone away. "Just a message from Mrs. Chen.""Kyle's housekeeper?" Catherine raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize you still kept in touch.""She was kind to me during...everything," I explained vaguely. "We check in occasionally."Catherine nodded, not pressing further, though I could sense her curiosity. The silence between us was comfortable as we continued through the city streets, each lost in our own thoughts."What will you tell Kyle?" I asked suddenly. "About today?"Catherine considered this, her expression thoughtful. "W
Mia's POV"Are you absolutely certain you packed your compression socks?" Mom asked, folding another cardigan I definitely hadn't requested and tucking it into the corner of my already overstuffed suitcase."Yes, Mom. They're in my carry-on, along with the medical information Dr. Matthews printed out, extra prenatal vitamins, and the list of approved medications." I stifled a yawn as I zipped my toiletry bag. Six in the morning was cruel, even with the prospect of Paris on the horizon.The twins seemed to agree, unusually quiet this morning after keeping me awake half the night with their gymnastics routine. I rested my hand on my growing bump, now impossible to hide at six months pregnant. "You guys better behave on this flight," I murmured.Mom glanced up, her eyes softening. "Talking to my grandsons already?""Someone needs to establish the ground rules early." I smiled, watching her methodically reorganize my haphazard packing job. She'd been up since four, making me breakfast, dou
Mia's POVNate emerged from the driver's side, casual in jeans and a light sweater, his smile warm as he approached. Behind him, excited barking emanated from his vehicle—Einstein, Schrödinger, and Marie Curie clearly sensing their friend's presence."Morning, everyone," Nate greeted, nodding to the assembled group.Gas could barely contain himself, prancing between my legs and the SUV, his entire body vibrating with excitement. So much for tearful goodbyes—he was clearly ready to abandon me for his canine companions without a backward glance."Traitor," I told him, though I couldn't help smiling at his enthusiasm.Nate laughed. "Don't take it personally. Einstein brought his favorite tennis ball as a welcome gift.""I see where his loyalties lie," I said, crouching awkwardly to give Gas a final scratch. "Be good, okay? No teaching the others your bad habits."In response, Gas licked my face and then promptly trotted over to Nate, looking up expectantly as if to say 'let's go already!
Mia's POVThe interior of the private jet redefined luxury—cream leather seats, polished wood details, and what appeared to be a fully stocked bar at the rear. Scarlett immediately made herself at home, kicking off her heels and curling into one of the oversized chairs."Isn't it fabulous?" she grinned at my wide-eyed expression. "Wait until you see the bedroom in the back.""There's a bedroom?" I couldn't help the disbelief in my voice."Of course there's a bedroom," she laughed. "Where else would we nap during a seven-hour flight?"Morton directed me to what was clearly the most comfortable seat, already equipped with extra pillows, a cashmere blanket, and what appeared to be a specialized pregnancy support belt for long flights."Pressure will stabilize quickly after takeoff," he explained, helping me get settled. "If you experience any discomfort at all, please let us know immediately. We have direct communication with air traffic control and can make an emergency landing if neces
Mia's POV"Me? Nothing!" Her expression of wounded innocence wouldn't have fooled a toddler. "He mentioned needing to check on the Paris office weeks ago. Is it my fault their audit coincides with our trip?""Scarlett," I said slowly, "did you arrange a corporate audit just to send your brother to Paris while we're there?""Don't be ridiculous," she laughed. "I don't have that kind of power.""Your husband does," I pointed out.She shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips. "Morton may have mentioned some accounting irregularities that required personal attention from the finance team. Pure coincidence.""Right," I said flatly. "Pure coincidence that your brother—whom you've been trying to set me up with for months—happens to be going to Paris at the exact same time we are, staying at the exact same hotel.""The universe works in mysterious ways," she said, examining her manicure with sudden interest.I sighed, leaning back against the headrest. "Scarlett, I know you mean well, but
Mia's POVI was finally strong enough to be wheeled to the NICU. The actual sight of my sons—not through a screen—overwhelmed me completely. They were impossibly small. Baby A seemed more active, his little fists waving. Baby B was quieter, more still."Can I touch them?" I asked the nurse."Yes, through the ports. But hygiene is crucial."I reached through the isolette opening for Baby A. His skin was warm, softer than anything I'd ever felt. When I touched his palm, his fingers curled around mine."Hi, baby," I whispered. "I'm your mama."The tears came then, pouring out."Careful," the nurse reminded gently. "We can't let any fluids inside the isolette. Premature babies have extremely compromised immune systems."I nodded, wiping my face with my other hand before reaching for Baby B. He was equally tiny, equally perfect."Have you thought about names?" the nurse asked."Not
Mia's POV"Mia?" The voice was far away. Familiar but distorted.I tried to respond, but my throat was sandpaper. Where was I? What happened?"Mia, sweetie. Can you hear me?" Closer now. Mom's voice. But different. Strained.Slowly, I forced my eyes open. The fluorescent lights above were too bright. I blinked rapidly, tears forming as my vision adjusted."Oh, thank God." That was Scarlett. "She's awake."The room came into focus gradually. Hospital room. Machines everywhere. Tubes running from my arms. A catheter. The smell of antiseptic was overwhelming."What..." My voice came out as a rasp. "What happened?""Shhh." Mom's cool hand on my forehead. "Don't try to talk yet.""Kyle," I managed to croak. "Where's Kyle?"Mom and Scarlett exchanged a glance."Mia, honey, you need to stay calm," Mom said."My babies." Panic rose in my chest. "The twins. Where are they?""They're fine," Scarlett said quickly. "Both of them. Healthy and perfect.""How long have I been...""Three days," Mom s
Kyle's POVPain. My eyelids felt like lead weights, but I forced them open anyway.Hospital room. Stark white. The antiseptic smell burned my nostrils. A heart monitor beeped steadily beside my bed, its rhythm matching the throbbing in my chest. I tried to move, but tubes and wires restrained me. My throat was sandpaper dry when I swallowed."Mr. Branson?" A voice. Female. Sharp. "Sir, can you hear me?""Mia," I croaked. God, my voice sounded like gravel. "Where is she? Is she—""Please don't try to sit up, sir." The nurse—young, efficient-looking—pressed her hand gently on my shoulder. "You've had major surgery.""Answer me.""I'll get the doctor immediately."A doctor bustled in. Older man, silver at his temples. Professional mask in place. "Mr. Branson, I'm Dr. Harrison. You've been through extensive surgery. The bullet—""I don't care about the bullet. I want to know what happen to my wife"Dr. Harrison exchanged a look with the nurses. My stomach dropped. No."Your wife..." He pa
Mia's POVPain unlike anything I'd ever known tore through my body, a white-hot blade slicing from my spine to my abdomen. The contractions were relentless now, coming one after another without respite, each one stronger than the last. I could feel myself slipping, the edges of my consciousness growing dim."Her blood pressure is dropping again—80/40," a nurse called out, her voice tight with tension. "Heart rate 135.""She's hemorrhaging," Dr. Levine's voice cut through the haze. "Looks like a partial placental abruption. We need to get these babies out now."A mask was placed over my face, the rush of oxygen cool against my skin. The room swam before my eyes, faces blurring into indistinct shapes as blood loss pulled me closer to unconsciousness."Type and cross for four units of packed cells, two units of fresh frozen plasma, and one unit of platelets," Dr. Levine ordered. "And get me an OR. We're doing an emergency C-section."My body felt foreign to me now—heavy and light simulta
Kyle's POVPain. Unimaginable pain.My consciousness came in waves, each one bringing a fresh torrent of agony. The bullet had torn through me like fire, leaving devastation in its wake. I could hear voices around me, urgent and clinical, but they seemed to be coming from underwater, distorted and distant."BP dropping again!""More blood, now!""We're losing him!"I felt myself slipping. The pain began to recede, replaced by a strange weightlessness that should have alarmed me but instead felt oddly peaceful. Was this what dying felt like?The operating room faded around me. The harsh lights, the metallic clink of instruments, the desperate commands of the surgical team. All of it dissolved into a soft darkness.And then, unexpectedly, light.I was small again. Six years old, terrified, huddled in the corner of a damp warehouse. The ropes had cut into my wrists, leaving them raw and bleeding. I could still feel the ache of hunger, the desperate thirst that had made my tongue stick to
Mia's POV"KYLE!" My scream echoed through the hospital corridor as they wheeled him away, his blood leaving a horrifying trail on the white floor. The medical team moved with terrifying urgency, their faces grim."BP critical at 70/30!" "He's tachycardic, pulse 140!" "Blood loss approximately two liters!" "Move, people! We're losing him!"I lunged forward, desperate to reach him, my hands outstretched toward his motionless form. His face had turned an ashen gray, lips tinged blue, eyelids still. So still. Not like Kyle at all."Ma'am, STOP!" A nurse blocked my path as they rushed Kyle through swinging doors marked AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY. "You can't go in there.""He's dying!" I sobbed, my voice breaking. "He took that bullet for me!""If you want him to live, you need to let the surgical team work," she said firmly, gripping my shoulders. "And you—" her eyes dropped to my blood-spattered belly, "—need immedia
Kyle's POVMia.She was alive.The maintenance door opened into a utility closet adjacent to the main room. Through a narrow ventilation grille, I could see part of the penthouse interior—plush furnishings, expensive artwork. A man's voice continued speaking, the tone cultured and cold."...the Branson bloodline ends today."I'd heard enough.The door burst open under my shoulder, splinters flying as the reinforced wood gave way. The scene unfolded before me with crystal clarity—Mia, bound and terrified. Charles Porter, gun raised. Nate Pierce, lunging forward too late.My first shot took Porter in the shoulder, spinning him away from Mia. The second caught him in the upper chest, not immediately fatal but debilitating.Our eyes locked across the room—his filled with shock and hatred, mine with the cold certainty of a man protecting what was his."Kyle," Mia gasped, her voice breaking through the ringing in my ears.Porter recovered with surprising speed, raising his weapon toward me
Kyle's POVTime became a physical entity, something I could feel slipping through my fingers as I raced across the Atlantic. Seven hours had never felt so eternal.As soon as the plane touched down in New York, I was already on my phone. "Status update," I demanded, not bothering with pleasantries."No response from Ms. Williams," Matthew replied, his usual professional detachment wavering slightly. "Her phone appears to be turned off. We've checked her apartment—she's not there. Her mother hasn't seen her since this morning.""And Nate Pierce?""Still tracking. His digital footprint is... unusual. Almost professionally scrubbed.""What about the surveillance feeds? I know you have access."Matthew hesitated. "We've been searching traffic cameras near her building, sir. Nothing conclusive yet.""Keep looking," I said, already striding toward the waiting car. "And tell the security team at her apartment to stay alert. I want to know the instant she returns."But she hadn't returned. Fo
Mia's POVThrough my tears, I recognized the man—it was Nate.I hadn't seen him in so long, and he seemed different from the Nate I remembered. Seemed thiner, taller. His usually compassionate features were hardened.My heart surged with relief and confusion. Had he come to save me?"Uncle Charles, don't kill her," Nate said, his voice steady but urgent.Uncle Charles? I blinked in confusion, my mind struggling to process this new information as it tried to fit the pieces together.The man named Charles turned to face me, sizing me up through the rim of his glass. "Wasn't that your decision? You lost Carol, and now you want Alexander Branson and Kyle Branson to lose their wives too. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."My head was about to explode. The fragments suddenly aligned, and I finally understood the truth.Diana's daughter was Carol.Carol was Nate's wife.Nate's expression was filled with sorrow. He looked at me, then back at Charles, his posture tense with indecision.C