Chapter 18: Hidden Truths"You've got to be kidding me." Emma's voice echoed through the phone as I packed an overnight bag, Marcus moving around my apartment with restless energy, checking windows and pulling blinds."I wish I was," I replied, tucking the envelope with Rachel's evidence into my ba
"Um, guys? Still on the phone here." Emma's awkward voice broke the moment. "And while your prenatal foreplay is fascinating, we have about eighteen hours before the board meeting."Marcus's lips quirked in that half-smile that made my heart flip. "Your sister has terrible timing.""Always has," I a
Chapter 19: Family TiesMy heart plummeted as I stared at the photo of Emma's ransacked office. "We need to go. Now." Marcus's voice was taut with controlled panic as he grabbed my overnight bag."I need to call Emma," I said, fingers already dialing her number. Each unanswered ring sent my anxiety
The lake house emerged from the darkness, a modern structure of glass and stone perched on the water's edge. Marcus pulled into the garage, the door sliding closed behind us with mechanical finality."Stay in the car until I check the house," he instructed, retrieving a gun from the glove compartmen
Chapter 20: Medical CrisisThe headlights swept closer, illuminating the lake house in harsh, accusatory light."Back door," Marcus ordered, already pulling me from the bed. "Now."I grabbed my phone and purse while Marcus snatched up the gun, both of us moving with the desperate urgency of prey. My
Despite everything, warmth bloomed in my chest. "The baby?""Stable," she assured me. "But the doctor wants you on bed rest for at least a week. Your blood pressure is through the roof."Before I could respond, the door burst open. Marcus stood there, disheveled in a way I'd never seen him—tie loose
Chapter 21: Public ExposureI woke to the sharp tap of Emma's nails against her phone screen, the sound punctuating the steady beep of hospital monitors. Early morning light filtered through half-drawn blinds, painting stripes across the sterile white sheets."How bad is it?" I asked, my voice still
"My child's future includes their father," I replied firmly. "Goodbye, Victoria."I ended the call, my hand shaking."She's scared," Emma said, eyes wide. "You rattled her.""Not enough." I pushed back the covers. "Help me get dressed.""Whoa." Emma blocked my path. "Dr. Patel said bed rest. Mandato
Chapter 29: Sophia's DepartureI stared at the hospital ceiling, counting the water stains for the twentieth time. Four irregular blotches, like misshapen continents on a blank map. The doctor had been clear: no travel for at least another day. But every hour I spent in Boston meant another hour of
Chapter 28: AfterMy fingers hovered over my phone, trembling slightly as I stared at the two messages—each representing a path I couldn't bear to take. The elegant hotel lobby bustled around me, oblivious to my internal crisis. I needed space to think.I grabbed my coat and hurried outside, the bit
I bit back a retort. Antagonizing him wouldn't help Sophia."My sister fell in love with Marcus after James betrayed her. It wasn't planned or calculated. Can you say the same about Victoria's actions?"My phone buzzed with a text. Nathan: *Victoria called. She's offering me SVP if I confirm you acc
Chapter 27: Emma's MissionI sat in Lawrence Chen's waiting room, clutching a manila folder containing everything we had on Victoria. The Henderson Tower's executive floor buzzed with barely contained chaos—assistants rushing between offices, phones ringing constantly, security personnel stationed a
Chapter 27: AftermathI awoke to hospital monitors beeping and morning light filtering through the blinds. Reality crashed back instantly—the gala, the public humiliation, Marcus's impossible choice."You're awake." Emma looked up from her phone, dark circles under her eyes. "How are you feeling?""
"What strategy?" Emma and James asked simultaneously.Marcus met my eyes, a question in his gaze. Whatever he was planning, he wanted my approval first. I nodded slightly, and he turned to face James."I'm going to announce my engagement to Sophia at the gala," he stated. "Then I'm resigning as CEO—
Understanding dawned in his eyes. "This is about your daughter's legacy.""Everything is about her now." My hand pressed against the curve where she rested. "I want her to grow up proud of both her parents, not ashamed of how we began."He nodded, closing his bag. "One hour," he repeated firmly. "I'
Chapter 25: The Gala PreparationI stood before the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the woman who stared back at me. The midnight blue gown—custom-made to accommodate my five-month baby bump—draped elegantly over my curves, the empire waist creating a silhouette that somehow managed to look b
"I'm a big girl, James." I gestured to my hospital room. "Not exactly going anywhere."He pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen. "I'm calling in a security team I trust. Not Henderson security—independent contractors.""You don't have to—""Yes, I do." His expression hardened. "Look