LOGINAnna's POV I allowed Elizabeth to guide me into her private tea room, her fingers gripping my wrist with surprising strength. The door clicked shut behind us, and she immediately whirled to face me, her eyes wide with concern. 'Tell me the truth, Annie. Why is Marcus Murphy here? What's going on between you two?" Her voice was hushed but intense, as if she feared the walls might be listening. I took a deep breath, suddenly finding it difficult to meet her gaze. "It's exactly what you think, Mom." Elizabeth's hand flew to her mouth, her already wide eyes growing impossibly wider. "Oh my God. Does this mean I'll become in-laws with William Murphy?" A startled laugh escaped me. "Mom, is that seriously your main concern right now? Nothing else bothers you?" She straightened her shoulders, her expression growing serious. "I've had my suspicions from the very beginning. The way he looked at you that first night he drove you home, calling you 'Annie' in front of us all-l knew the
Marcus looked at me deeply, saying nothing, but his silence was confirmation enough. I was stunned. "Then why didn't you tell me sooner?" I pressed. "It's not too late now," he answered softly, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead before ruffling my hair. "It's okay if you don't remember, and don't overthink it. Just know that I want you and the children. Go to sleep now. TIl still be here tomorrow." Marcus's POV I closed Anna's bedroom door behind me, the warmth of her presence still I closed Anna's bedroom door behind me, the warmth of her presence still lingering on my skin. Grabbing a bottle of ice water from the mini-fridge, I took a long sip and tried to quiet my racing thoughts. Clayton appeared in the hallway just as I was lost in thought. "What's the story with George Simpson?" I asked directly, my voice carrying the weight of authority I rarely displayed in Skyview City. Clayton stood with military precision. "I made some inquiries, sir. George Simpson did ap
Anna's POV I stared at Marcus, unable to process the words that had just left his mouth. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what he'd offered. This powerful man had just volunteered to be the father of my children — children who weren't biologically his. The room seemed to spin around me. I gripped the arm of my chair, steadying myself. During my entire marriage to Jack, I'd questioned my worth daily—was I not good enough to hold his interest, his respect? Now here 1 was, divorced and six months pregnant, with two successful men competing to father my children. Life's ironies could be brutal. I reached out and closed all three jewelry boxes with trembling fingers. The sapphire necklace was exquisite, but it was the jade bracelets for my unborn twins that truly stole my breath. He'd thought of them-not just me. "I love the gifts. Thank you, Uncle Marcus," I managed, my voice steadier than I felt. His knowing look told me he understood my hesitation. "Happy birthday,
I nearly dropped my phone, staring at those three simple words on the screen. My heart slammed against my ribs like it was trying to escape my chest. With trembling fingers, I hastily wrapped myself in my silk robe, not even bothering to call Lily for assistance. My damp hair clung to my neck as I rushed downstairs, leaving wet footprints across the polished hardwood floors. Clayton, Rachel, and Sean sat in the living room, their conversation about today's security arrangements stopping abruptly when they saw me. "Ms. Shaw, is everything alright?" Clayton rose immediately, his brow furrowed with concern. I couldn't form words. My mind was already outside, beyond those heavy oak doors. Without responding, I pushed past them and hurried through the garden, my bare feet padding along the stone pathway. The cool morning air prickled against my skin, but I barely noticed. And then I saw him. Marcus Murphy stood at the edge of my property, wearing black casual clothes instead
I directed my final words at Mary, making sure each syllable carried the weight of my threat. "Beautiful women being harassed by men is never the woman's fault. And Mary-I suggest you control your tongue, unless you want someone to slap you in public." "Rachel, release her," I commanded coldly, watching as Mary Simpson was finally freed from Rachel's grip. Though she no longer hurled insults, her eyes burned with enough hatred to incinerate both Elizabeth and me on the spot. I couldn't care less about her glare as I gently took my mother's arm, feeling the slight tension in her body. "Let's say goodbye to Harper and leave," I said softly to Elizabeth, vanting to remove her from this unpleasant situation. Elizabeth hesitated, her brow furrowing with concern. "Wouldn't it be impolite to leave so soon? People might think..." Her voice trailed off, clearly worried about Skyview City's inevitable gossip. I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "It doesn't matter. Why stay somewhere tha
Anna'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 Where the hell is Anna? My fingers drummed against the auction paddle I hadn't yet needed to raise. The Skylake District lot would be up soon-the crown jewel of today's offerings. Without Anna here to lead our consortium's bidding strategy, everything we'd worked for hung in jeo
Anna's POV My spine stiffened instantly. "I'd rather not discuss Marcus Murphy." The mention of his name felt like salt in a wound that refused to heal. After his rejection in Europe, I'd locked away any lingering feelings, determined never to be that vulnerable again. Catherine quickly drew an
Anna's POV I took a deep breath, one hand unconsciously moving to my still-flat stomach. Tomorrow, I'd go to the hospital for official confirmation. For now, this would be my secret—a fragile, precious thing I needed to protect. "Miss Shaw?" Lily's voice interrupted my thoughts. I spun around,
Catherine's POV I sprawled across my desk, chin propped on my palm, staring at the delivery tracking app on my phone. Twenty-three minutes and counting My stomach growled in protest, but food wasn't what had me fidgeting in my ergonomic chair all day. The pregnancy test photo Anna sent me glo







