Mia's POVNate emerged from the driver's side, casual in jeans and a light sweater, his smile warm as he approached. Behind him, excited barking emanated from his vehicle—Einstein, Schrödinger, and Marie Curie clearly sensing their friend's presence."Morning, everyone," Nate greeted, nodding to the assembled group.Gas could barely contain himself, prancing between my legs and the SUV, his entire body vibrating with excitement. So much for tearful goodbyes—he was clearly ready to abandon me for his canine companions without a backward glance."Traitor," I told him, though I couldn't help smiling at his enthusiasm.Nate laughed. "Don't take it personally. Einstein brought his favorite tennis ball as a welcome gift.""I see where his loyalties lie," I said, crouching awkwardly to give Gas a final scratch. "Be good, okay? No teaching the others your bad habits."In response, Gas licked my face and then promptly trotted over to Nate, looking up expectantly as if to say 'let's go already!
Mia's POVThe interior of the private jet redefined luxury—cream leather seats, polished wood details, and what appeared to be a fully stocked bar at the rear. Scarlett immediately made herself at home, kicking off her heels and curling into one of the oversized chairs."Isn't it fabulous?" she grinned at my wide-eyed expression. "Wait until you see the bedroom in the back.""There's a bedroom?" I couldn't help the disbelief in my voice."Of course there's a bedroom," she laughed. "Where else would we nap during a seven-hour flight?"Morton directed me to what was clearly the most comfortable seat, already equipped with extra pillows, a cashmere blanket, and what appeared to be a specialized pregnancy support belt for long flights."Pressure will stabilize quickly after takeoff," he explained, helping me get settled. "If you experience any discomfort at all, please let us know immediately. We have direct communication with air traffic control and can make an emergency landing if neces
Mia's POV"Me? Nothing!" Her expression of wounded innocence wouldn't have fooled a toddler. "He mentioned needing to check on the Paris office weeks ago. Is it my fault their audit coincides with our trip?""Scarlett," I said slowly, "did you arrange a corporate audit just to send your brother to Paris while we're there?""Don't be ridiculous," she laughed. "I don't have that kind of power.""Your husband does," I pointed out.She shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips. "Morton may have mentioned some accounting irregularities that required personal attention from the finance team. Pure coincidence.""Right," I said flatly. "Pure coincidence that your brother—whom you've been trying to set me up with for months—happens to be going to Paris at the exact same time we are, staying at the exact same hotel.""The universe works in mysterious ways," she said, examining her manicure with sudden interest.I sighed, leaning back against the headrest. "Scarlett, I know you mean well, but
Mia's POV"Thank you, Henri," I said, settling into the buttery leather seat. My back ached from the flight despite the specialized accommodations, and the twins seemed determined to make up for their earlier quiet by performing what felt like synchronized swimming routines."Everything okay?" Scarlett asked quietly, noting my wince as one particularly enthusiastic kick caught me under the ribs."Just my travel companions making their presence known," I assured her, rubbing the spot gently. "I think they're excited about Paris."Henri navigated through evening traffic with the practiced ease of someone who'd been driving these streets for decades. I caught glimpses of the city through the windows—elegant buildings, street cafés, people strolling along tree-lined boulevards. Even in these fleeting snapshots, Paris had an undeniable romance to it.Our hotel—Le Grand Paris—was a magnificent historic building in what Scarle
Mia's POVMorning arrived. For a moment, I lay still, until reality reasserted itself.The twins were already awake. "Good morning to you too," I murmured, rubbing the spot where one of them seemed to be practicing somersaults.A discreet knock sounded at my door just as I was contemplating whether I had the energy to get up. "Yes?" I called, pushing myself into a sitting position."Good morning, Ms. Williams," a woman's voice responded. "I've brought your breakfast, as requested by Mrs. Morton."Scarlett, of course. I should have known she wouldn't leave my morning meal to chance. "Come in, please."A uniformed staff member entered, pushing a cart laden with covered dishes, fresh flowers, and what appeared to be every international newspaper published that morning. "Where would you prefer to dine, madam? The terrace has been prepared, or I can set up here by the window.""The terrace sounds perfect," I said, sliding my feet into the plush slippers that had been thoughtfully placed be
Mia's POVThe short walk from the hotel suite to the elevator felt like a small victory."Settle down, you two," I whispered, rubbing the spot where one of them, probably Twin B, the more active one according to Dr. Matthews. He was particularly insistent with his kicking. "We're just going to the spa. Nothing exciting."But maybe that wasn't entirely true. I tugged at the hem of the "spa transition outfit" Scarlett had laid out for me. It's a flowing maxi dress in soft gray with a light cardigan. Leave it to Scarlett to find maternity wear that didn't make me feel like a walking tent.The elevator doors slid open to reveal the opulent lobby of Le Grand Paris. Thomas was already there, leaning against one of the marble columns with casual elegance, checking something on his phone. He wore the same impeccably tailored suit from brunch, but had removed his tie and unbuttoned his collar slightly.Like Scarlett, he inherited the best of both his parents. They looked like the favored child
Mia's POVThomas looked at me. So sincere. "Of course," he said, his tone controlled."Scarlett seems to have some... ideas about us," I continued, choosing my words . "About you and me. I just want to make sure we're on the same page.""Ah." The single syllable revealed nothing of his thoughts. "Scarlett's matchmaking efforts haven't gone unnoticed, then."I laughed softly, relieved he wasn't pretending ignorance. "They're about as subtle as a billboard in Times Square."He took a sip of coffee. "My sister has many talents. Subtlety has never been among them.""No, it hasn't." I took a sip of water, gathering my thoughts. I'm afraid I'm imagining things. But I have to talk to Thomas. I sighed."I just wanted to say that I appreciate your friendship, especially now when everything's so..." I gestured vaguely at my pregnant belly, "complicated. But I'm not in a place where I can think about anything more than that."Thomas's expression softened. "Mia. I understand completely. And I hop
Mia's POVI looked at Thomas. But I immediately realized that he wanted to help me.His eyes met mine briefly. A silent message passing between us: Play along. It's easier this way.One voice told me: This is not a good idea. Making things more complicated will not help. I should have corrected Thomas. I should have clarified that Thomas and I were just friends, that there was nothing romantic between us.But seeing Kyle's expression changed. A flash of raw pain quickly passed his face. It unlocked something petty and vindictive in me that I wasn't proud of.So I said nothing. Just moved closer to Thomas, even allowing him to place a protective hand at the small of my back.Kyle's eyes tracked the movement, his expression shuttering completely. When he spoke again, his voice held none of the emotion that had colored it moments before."I see." The two words were clipped, professional. "Then I won't waste any more of your time." He nodded once, a businessman concluding an unsuccessful
Mia's POVA knock at the door interrupted our banter. Morton poked his head in, looking slightly apologetic."Dinner's almost ready," he announced. "Nothing fancy, but there's roast beef, potatoes, and some vegetables. Mia, I assumed you'd stay? There's plenty."Gas perked up at the mention of food, his tail wagging hopefully."Don't worry, buddy," Morton assured him. "I've got something for you too."By the time we finished eating, however, Scarlett was visibly flagging, the brief burst of energy from leaving her sickbed rapidly depleting."You should get back to bed," I said gently, noting the renewed flush in her cheeks. "Your fever's coming back."She nodded, too tired to argue. "I hate being sick. It's so boring.""It's your body telling you to slow down," Morton advised, already moving to help her up. "Even Scarlett Wallace-Morton needs rest occasionally.""Wallace-Morton," she repeated, leaning heavily against his arm. "That still
Chapter 178Mia's POVI took her hand, squeezing gently. "Mom sent chicken soup. The magical cure-all kind that she used to make when we were kids.""Your mom is a saint," Scarlett sighed, sinking back into her pillows. "Morton's been amazing, but he's clueless about the whole sick day thing. Keeps asking if I need a specialist or if we should go to the emergency room.""He's worried about you," I observed.Something soft flickered across her fever-flushed face. "Yeah. It's... nice."This was new territory for Scarlett, who had always fiercely maintained her independence."When did you start feeling sick?" I asked, changing the subject before she could retreat behind her usual sardonic defenses."Yesterday afternoon," she admitted. "Just a headache at first. I thought it was from staring at spreadsheets too long. Then around dinner time, I started feeling achy all over. By bedtime, Morton said I was burning up.""And you didn't call
Mia's POV"Scarlett's sick?" I sat up straighter, worry immediately replacing my fatigue."She came down with something last night. Started with a headache, then progressed to a fever this morning." There was genuine concern in Morton's voice."Is she okay? Did you call a doctor?" The questions tumbled out of me in rapid succession."Dr. Klein saw her this morning. Nothing serious. But you know Scarlett—she's not exactly a model patient."I could almost see her, red hair wild against her pillows, indignantly refusing medicine and insisting she was perfectly fine while burning up with fever. That was Scarlett, stubborn to the core."I want to talk to her," I said, already calculating how quickly I could get to their place."She's resting now," Morton replied. "Finally convinced her to take something for the fever and she dozed off about twenty minutes ago.""Tell her to call me when she wakes up, please?""Of course. She actually asked me to call you earlier, then changed her mind. Sai
Mia's POV"So we'd be each other's beards? Hiding from your mother and my ex-husband?"His lips quirked into a small smile. "Something like that, yes."I considered it for a moment. There was a certain appeal to the idea.There was a small part of me that liked the idea of Kyle seeing me move on with my life. Realizing that his romantic grand gestures wouldn't automatically win me back, that I had other options, and that I wouldn't just sit around waiting for him."What about when the twins are born? We couldn't maintain this charade indefinitely. And what if you meet someone you actually want to date?""We'll cross those bridges when we come to them," Thomas said with a casual confidence I envied. "For now, it would just be a few weeks of strategic public appearances to establish a counter-narrative."I looked at him intently for the first time. Thomas had always presented himself as a classic, clean-cut, handsome man. He was tall and fit, with strong features that were at the same t
**Mia's POV**Thomas is really here.My goodness, we haven't seen each other since we got back from Paris.He's dressed casually but expensively in dark jeans and a charcoal sweater that highlights his athletic build. His dark blonde hair is slightly windblown, and he's wearing sunglasses despite the overcast day—probably an attempt at discretion."I told you," Javier murmurs, gesturing toward Thomas. "Your security detail verified his identity but wouldn't let him enter the site without your permission."I sigh, unsure whether to be touched by Thomas's unexpected appearance or annoyed at yet another complication in an already chaotic day."Thank you for everything, Javier," I say, handing him the annotated plans I've been marking up during our inspection. "Make these adjustments and send the revised specifications to my office by tomorrow.""Of course, Ms. Williams." He accepts the documents with a professional nod. "I'll have someone escort
**Mia's POV**His expression darkens. "I'm not sure. Let me check." He speaks rapidly into his walkie-talkie, listening to the response with a deepening frown."Reporters," he says finally, turning back to me. "Three or four of them, trying to get onto the site. They're claiming they're doing a piece on innovative architectural design, but..."He doesn't need to finish the sentence. We both know they're not here for the architecture."My apologies, Ms. Williams," he continues. "This is a closed site. They shouldn't be able to get in, but perhaps we should continue our inspection indoors."I consider the suggestion. Part of me wants to retreat, to avoid the confrontation. But another part—the part that's increasingly tired of being pushed around—rebels against the idea."No," I decide firmly. "This is my project, my site visit. I won't be chased away."Javier looks surprised but nods. "As you wish. I'll have security reinfo
**Mia's POV**The next morning I wake feeling more refreshed than I expected, the long sleep having restored some of my depleted energy reserves.Gas greets me with his usual enthusiasm, his entire body wiggling with joy as if he hasn't seen me in weeks rather than hours. The simple, uncomplicated love of a dog is exactly what I need this morning."Gas baby," I murmur, scratching behind his ears, "Mommy loves you too."In the kitchen, Mom is already preparing breakfast, the scent of coffee and toast filling the air. "You're up early," she comments, eyeing me with mild surprise. "Feeling better?""Much," I confirm, accepting the glass of orange juice she offers. "And I've been thinking. I need to get out of this apartment."She frowns."I can't hide forever, Mom," I point out. "Besides, I have a site inspection scheduled at the children's center today. It's important.""I could call and reschedule," Mom suggests. "I'm sure they'd understand."
**Mia's POV**Kyle stands in the hallway, looking simultaneously immaculate and disheveled. His gray eyes are intense, almost feverish as they lock onto mine."Mia," he says, my name a breath of relief on his lips."Come," I inform him coolly, stepping back to allow him entry. "I'm not feeling well, and I need to rest. So spit it out."He enters cautiously, his gaze sweeping over me with an assessment that's both professional and intimately familiar. "You look pale. Have you eaten today?"The question irritates me more than it should. "My eating habits aren't your concern, Kyle," I reply, closing the door behind him. He moves into the living room but remains standing. "You've seen the press conference," he says. "The entire world has seen the press conference," I counter. A muscle ticks in his jaw. "It wasn't a publicity stunt, Mia.""Oh?" I raise an eyebrow. "Then what would you call it? A spontaneous declaration of undying love? In front of cameras, reporters, the entire busine
**Mia's POV**Fury doesn't begin to describe what I'm feeling. The media is going to be all over this. They're going to be all over me.Thanks for Kyle Branson's grand gesture, apparently.I tries to calm myself down , taking a deep breath. Getting worked up isn't good for the twins. Dr. Matthews would have my head if my blood pressure skyrocketed again."I need to call him," I decide suddenly. "Right now.""Mia—" Scarlett begins, but I've already ended our call.My fingers move on autopilot, pulling up Kyle's contact information. His newest number, the "secure" one he texted me after his previous phone was compromised. I hit dial before I can talk myself out of it.The line rings once, twice, and I rehearse the blistering tirade I'm about to unleash. How dare he hijack our carefully worded statement with this self-indulgent performance? Three rings, four. Maybe he's still in the press conference. Maybe he's being mobbed by journalists demanding more details.I hang up before the ca