Chapter 2 This is Me

'My savior's here!'

A glimmer of hope surfaced in my heart, as I summoned all my courage to sit up.

However, Melissa relaxed when she saw who had come. Standing in the doorway were a few unfamiliar faces, and she greeted them with a pleasant smile. My grip on my purse tightened, and I secretly reached out for my phone.

With a mocking glint, Melissa crouched down beside me. "What's up? Judging from your depression, you've bribed some of Grady's employees, right? No wonder you dared to barge into the company."

Her laughter was as frigid as the wintry winds, and she gleamed with satisfaction. "The team of specialists? I brought them back from abroad for the company's sake. Without me, they'd still be struggling with their technological issues."

She pinched my chin, her sharp nails digging deep into my skin. Sighing, she feigned pity. "You know, you have such a pretty face, but is that all you've got? What if I accidentally scald your face? I wonder whether it'll make you look even more pitiful?"

I glanced past her, hoping to catch the gazes of the women behind her. They all avoided me, preferring to remain bystanders instead. Then, Melissa's team began to flatter her.

"Ms. Angeles is talented, while Mr. Winters is young and promising. They are perfect for each other!"

"Unlike those who'd go to any lengths to sabotage others. Be careful of being at the receiving end of divine punishment."

For years, we had dedicated ourselves to charitable works and donating to orphanages. 'The baby might have been our reward for what we've done over the years. It's the blessing both Grady and I have waited for so long, growing inside me,' I thought, choosing to stay silent to protect the child.

Melissa, fixated on my face, was thankfully oblivious to my subtle movements. Bracing against the pain, I discreetly pressed the emergency dial button on my phone.

"She’s using her phone, Ms. Angeles!" came a woman’s voice, shattering my forced calm.

I tried to quickly press the button, but Melissa snatched the phone from my hand. Thankfully, it automatically locked when the screen dimmed, yet my heart raced with anxiety.

Her gaze darkened as she looked at the screen. My lock screen photo was a goofy wedding picture of me and Grady—he wore cat ears and gave a warm smile as I squeezed his cheeks. It was a different side to him than his usual cold, composed demeanor in the office.