All Chapters of MINE TO CLAIM : Chapter 111 - Chapter 120

“You’re glowing.”Owen’s voice was stronger than it had been a week ago, though he still looked fragile propped up against the hospital pillows. His bruises had faded from purple-black to yellow-green, and the breathing tube marks on his throat were healing into thin pink lines.Ava settled into the chair beside his bed, her hand automatically moving to rest on her growing belly. At twelve weeks, the pregnancy was becoming more obvious, creating a gentle curve that couldn’t be hidden even under loose clothing.“Rebecca says that’s normal. Something about increased blood flow and hormones.”“Your mother had the same glow when she was carrying you and Camilia. She used to complain that strangers kept commenting on how radiant she looked when she felt like she was dying from morning sickness.”“I’m past the worst of the morning sickness. Now I just get tired at weird times and crave foods that make no sense together.”Owen reached for her hand, his grip still weak but steady. “Tell m

“You’re not wearing that.” Camilia stood in the doorway of Ava’s bedroom, her hands on her hips and her expression carrying the determination of someone who had made an executive decision. She wore a bright yellow sundress and sandals, her hair pulled back in a casual ponytail that made her look younger than her twenty-eight years.Ava looked down at her oversized sweatshirt and leggings. “What’s wrong with this?”“Everything. It’s Saturday, it’s beautiful outside, and we’re going to have fun whether you like it or not.”“I don’t really feel like going out.” “Which is exactly why you need to go out.” Rebecca appeared behind Camilia, carrying a shopping bag from one of the upscale maternity stores downtown. “I brought reinforcements.” She pulled out a soft blue maternity dress with a flowing skirt and comfortable neckline. “This will look beautiful on you, it’s perfect for your stage of pregnancy, and it’s designed for a day of walking around without getting uncomfortable.”“Where

“These quarterly reports need your signature before they go to the board.” Mason Patel stood in the doorway of Riley Martinez’s office, holding a stack of documents that represented months of work keeping NovaSpire Tech operational while its CEO worked through personal demons on the southern coast. His usually crisp appearance showed signs of the extended hours he had been putting in, covering responsibilities that should have belonged to someone making triple his salary. “Set them on the desk. I will get through them this afternoon.” Riley didn’t look up from the computer screen where she was reviewing security protocols for their newest client, a healthcare company that needed their data protection systems updated. The work was routine, methodical, and blessedly free of the emotional complications that had dominated her life for the past few months. Mason approached her desk but didn’t immediately leave the documents. Instead, he lingered in the way that suggested he had

“Your blood pressure is excellent for fourteen weeks.” Dr. Rachel smiled as she removed the cuff from Ava’s arm, making notes on the tablet that contained her medical records. The prenatal appointment had gone smoothly so far - weight gain on target, baby’s heartbeat strong and regular, all the routine measurements falling within normal ranges.“How have you been feeling? Any unusual symptoms or concerns since our last visit?”“The morning sickness is almost gone, which is nice. I’m sleeping better, and my energy levels are improving.” Ava adjusted her position on the examination table, her hand moving automatically to rest on her growing belly. “The baby’s been moving more frequently, especially when I play music.”“That’s normal and healthy. Baby is responding to external stimuli now, which is a sign of good neurological development.”Dr. Rachel consulted her notes, then looked up with the kind of expression that suggested she was approaching a sensitive topic. “Ava, I want to

“Thank you all for gathering on short notice.” Rohan stood at the front of Santos Parallax Corp’s main conference room, which had been expanded to accommodate the company’s entire staff. Faces looked back at him from every level of the organization - executives in tailored suits, administrative staff in business casual, maintenance workers who had been pulled from their afternoon duties to attend this unprecedented all-hands meeting. He had spent forty minutes that morning reviewing quarterly reports and operational metrics, ensuring that every detail of the company’s performance was at his fingertips before facing questions he might not be able to answer completely. “I know there have been concerns about Mr. Santos’s extended absence from daily operations. The media speculation, the questions from clients, the uncertainty about leadership continuity.” Rohan’s voice carried clearly through the room’s sound system, reaching employees in the back rows who had never been this clos