Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 31 - Chapitre 40

Lena's POVI stood in front of the mirror in my office bathroom, trying to adjust my maternity blazer for the third time. At eight months pregnant, nothing fit quite right anymore. The tailored professional image I'd worked so hard to cultivate had given way to empire-waist dresses and elastic waistbands.Not that I was complaining. The baby was healthy, active, and apparently determined to use my ribs as a soccer goal.I rubbed the spot where a particularly strong kick had just landed and took a deep breath. Today was the day I'd officially announce my maternity leave plan to the executive team. We'd been preparing for weeks, but making it official felt... significant.A knock on my office door pulled me from my thoughts."Come in," I called, making my way back to my desk, a journey that now required considerably more effort than it had a few months ago.Sarah entered, carrying a tablet and wearing her usual efficient expression. "The executive team is assembled in the conference ro

Abel's POVThe conference room on the thirty-eighth floor was empty except for me and David Ross, our head legal counsel. I'd specifically chosen this location, far enough from Lena's office that she wouldn't accidentally overhear, soundproofed enough that no one else would either.David spread three folders across the table. "You're not going to like any of this.""I rarely like anything you bring me," I said, pulling the first folder toward me. "That's why I pay you."The first folder contained a dossier on Vanessa Clarke. More detailed than anything we'd compiled before. Bank statements, phone records, email patterns, all legally obtained through discovery requests after her threatening email to the board."She's broke," David said flatly. "Or close to it. The baby's father isn't providing adequate support, and she's burned through what savings she had. She's three months behind on rent.""So this is a shakedown," I said, scanning the financial records."A desperate one." David t

Lena's POVThe boardroom on the forty-fifth floor had never felt smaller. Fifteen pairs of eyes tracked my movement as I settled into my chair at the head of the table, my belly making the simple act of sitting a production."Thank you all for being here," I said, distributing the briefing packets Sarah had prepared. "As you're aware, I'll be starting maternity leave in two weeks. Today we're finalizing the transition protocols."Gerald Whitmore, one of our longest-serving board members, adjusted his glasses. "Ms. Morrison, the transition plan you've outlined is comprehensive. However, some of us have concerns about decision-making timelines during your absence.""What specific concerns?" I asked, keeping my voice level."The Vertex integration is entering a critical phase," another board member, Robert Kaplan, said. "If issues arise that require executive decision-making, will your brothers have the authority to act immediately, or will we need to convene emergency sessions to get yo

Lena's POVThe pain started during the finance briefing.Sharp, sudden tightening across my belly that made me grip the edge of the conference table. I forced myself to breathe through it, keeping my expression neutral as Thomas continued presenting the quarterly projections."and with the Asian market expansion, we're projecting a twelve percent increase in, Ms. Morrison, are you alright?"Everyone was staring at me."Fine," I managed, releasing my grip on the table. "Just uncomfortable. Please continue."The contraction, if that's what it was, faded, leaving a dull ache in its wake. I shifted in my chair, trying to find a position that didn't put pressure on my lower back.False alarm. Probably just Braxton Hicks. Dr. Sarah Chen had warned me about them at my last appointment. Practice contractions, she'd called them. The body's way of preparing for the real thing.Thomas resumed his presentation, but I could feel Henry's eyes on me from across the table. He'd noticed.Twenty minu

Damien's POVThe address Vanessa had been using for her mail forwarding service led to a run-down apartment complex in the south side of the city.Not the kind of place that asked questions or required extensive documentation.Perfect for someone trying to stay under the radar.I parked two blocks away, as did Henry and Abel in their respective cars. We'd coordinated this carefully, no Morrison Corporation vehicles, no drivers, nothing that could be traced back to the company or leave a digital footprint."Third floor, apartment 3C," Abel confirmed, having verified the information through sources I didn't ask about.We met at the building's entrance. The security door had been propped open with a brick, the intercom system hanging loose from its mounting."Charming," Henry muttered as we climbed the stairs.The hallway on the third floor smelled like cigarettes and mildew. Apartment 3C was at the far end, its door slightly warped in the frame.I knocked. Firm, deliberate, the kind of