Mia's POV I pushed myself up from the sofa and headed to my room to change into something comfortable for an afternoon of architecture appreciation. The navy dress I'd worn to the meeting was lovely but not ideal for wandering around Parisian neighborhoods.I opted for a loose, comfortable sweater dress in soft gray with black leggings and supportive flats. A light jacket, my purse with the precious job offer letter, and I was ready.As promised, Henri was waiting by the side entrance, the black Mercedes gleaming in the autumn sunlight."Good afternoon, Madame," he greeted me with his usual formal politeness. "Where would you like to go today?""The 16th arrondissement," I said, settling into the back seat with relief. "I'd like to see some of the residential architecture there.""Ah, beautiful homes," he nodded approvingly. "Any particular address?"I hesitated. "Not exactly. I'm looking for a specific house but only have a general idea of where it might be. Maybe we could drive thr
Mia's POVThe drive back to the hotel passed in a blur.Carol was Nate's wife.The revelation shouldn't have shocked me as much as it did. Nate had mentioned her death, after all. But somehow, I'd never made the connection that she might have been his wife rather than a girlfriend. The depth of his loss suddenly took on new dimensions.And to build an entire home for her, filled with every detail she might have loved...only to lose her before she could ever step foot inside.Could this be true? Did this really happen to Dr. Pierce? To my friend Nate?"Madame? Are you alright?" Henri's concerned voice broke through my thoughts.I blinked, realizing we'd arrived back at the hotel. "Yes, sorry. Just thinking.""You seem troubled," he observed gently. "Was the architecture not what you hoped?""It was beautiful," I said, gathering my purse as he came around to open my door. "Just...sad."Henri helped me from the car with quiet efficiency. "Many beautiful things in Paris have sad stories b
Mia's POVThe green dress was a good choice, I had to admit as I examined my reflection. The rich emerald tone brought out the green in my eyes, and the cut was flattering to my changing shape. I added simple gold earrings and a touch of makeup, just enough to look polished without feeling overdone.By the time Thomas arrived, precisely at 7:15, I'd managed to lock away my more tumultuous emotions behind a facade of calm. Scarlett had outdone herself, wearing a black cocktail dress that somehow managed to be both elegant and eye-catching."Ladies," Thomas greeted us, looking impeccable as always in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit. "You both look lovely.""You clean up pretty well yourself, Tommy," Scarlett quipped, accepting his obligatory kiss on the cheek. "Did you actually leave the office before 7 PM today? I'm shocked.""Special occasion," he replied easily, his eyes meeting mine. "It's not every day a friend receives an offer from one of the most prestigious architecture firm
Mia's POVThe night air had cooled significantly. Scarlett walked slightly ahead, talking animatedly on her phone with Morton about something involving the auction house and potential legal action.Thomas and I walk side by side. It's a good thing that Thomas and I had everything sorted out a few days ago. So I'm not as nervous now."You've been quiet tonight," Thomas observed, his voice pitched low enough that Scarlett couldn't overhear. "Everything alright?""Just processing a lot," I admitted. “As you can see, my life is always full of surprises. The job offer, this news about Kyle..."He stopped."I'm sorry if that ruined your evening," he said sincerely. "We debated whether to tell you.""No, I'm glad you did. Better to know than be surprised later."This has nothing to do with Scarlett or Thomas. The problem that needs to be solved only occurs between Kyle and me. But I should definitely talk to Scarlett and Morton about the need for some kind of confidentiality agreement between
Mia's POVI sat up so quickly the room spun, grabbing the tablet with suddenly trembling hands. The article was from the New York Times, dated this morning:Richard Williams, founder of Williams Construction Group, was arrested yesterday evening on charges of attempted murder and financial fraud. Williams, 62, is accused of orchestrating the "accident" that left his first wife, Sarah Williams, in a coma for over a decade. The arrest comes after months of investigation prompted by Sarah Williams' miraculous recovery earlier this year.Sources close to the investigation reveal that financial records indicate Williams may have been systematically embezzling from his wife's considerable family holdings during her incapacitation, using the funds to shore up his failing business ventures.Williams' second wife, Helen Porter-Williams, has also been taken in for questioning. Legal experts suggest she may face charges of conspiracy and financial fraud.The Williams Construction Group has issue
Mia's POVI'd been staring at my laptop screen for nearly an hour, cursor blinking at the end of an email I'd drafted, rewritten, and edited at least a dozen times. My acceptance letter to Bernard Leblanc.A sharp kick near my ribs made me wince. "Easy there," I murmured, rubbing the spot. "Mom's trying to make a life decision here."I glanced at the clock. 7:42 AM. Scarlett was probably still asleep after our late night discussion about my father's arrest. I was happy for my mother. But I woke up earlier than usual anyway.My phone buzzed with an incoming text from Mom.Are you okay, sweetheart? I know it's early there, but I figured you might be awake processing everything.Mom probably sensed my slight tension. Her intuition is second to none. My thumbs hovered over the screen as I considered how to respond. Finally, I typed:I'm okay. Working on my acceptance email to Bernard Leblanc right now.Her response came quickly: That's wonderful! Trust your instincts, Mia. You've always k
Mia's POVKyle has spared no effort to show his generosity.I downloaded the attached documents, giving them a quick review. I sent a brief acknowledgment:Kyle,Thank you for the documents. I'll review them with my attorney when we return to New York and get back to you with any questions or concerns.MiaI kept my professionalism. I wanted to teach Kyle about boundaries. He wanted to spill the money, but I still wanted to maintain my dignity.With my inbox cleared, I turned my attention to preparing for our last night in Paris. Scarlett had left a garment bag hanging on my closet door with a note attached: "Wear this tonight. Trust me."Inside was a beautiful emerald green dress I'd admired during our shopping expedition but had deemed too extravagant. The cut was perfect for my pregnancy—elegant without trying to hide my bump, comfortable without looking matronly.Another note fluttered from the fabric: "Consider it an early push present. From your eternally stylish best friend who
Mia's POVI stared at the message. I took a screenshot and forwarded it to my lawyer with a brief message:Received this just now from unknown number. Likely Taylor or associate. Please document for potential restraining order.Then I blocked the number, set my phone aside, and crawled into bed.I sat on the bed, thinking about the moment Taylor sent this message. Although I'm not 100% sure it's her. But undoubtedly, she is the likeliest person. Threatening and manipulating are her favorite tricks. The only difference is that I'm no longer afraid. I figured something out. I don't need Taylor to realize that she's done wrong. I don't need her to apologize. I just need to make the people who hurt me pay the price they deserve. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.I need to sleep. Tomorrow, after discussing work with Bernard Leblanc, I can go home. Although I have only been gone for less than two weeks, I miss my mother and Gas. A lot.I close my eyes, letting the city's magic seep in
Mia's POV"What?" The news caught me completely off guard. "Since when?""About two weeks ago," she replied, labeling the vial of blood. "It was quite sudden."Two weeks ago—right around the time I returned from Paris. Were the timing coincidental? Nate had left without a word, without even a goodbye text."Are you okay?" the nurse asked, noticing my distress. "Your pulse just jumped.""I'm fine," I assured her, though my mind was racing. "Just surprised. He was my mother's doctor for years."The nurse nodded sympathetically. "A lot of patients were upset when he left. He was very popular here." She applied a bandage to my arm. "All done. The doctor should have these results soon."After she left, Kyle studied my face. "You seem to care a lot about Nate.""He is my friend," I said, not wanting to explain anything. " He has three dogs that Gas loves to play with." I added.Kyle's expression was unreadable. "I see."Mom returned before the conversation could continue, carrying a bag fro
Mia's POVI didn't ask him why he was here. Apparently, Kyle Branson had his own ways."She's resting," Mom was saying, her voice low. "Dr. Matthews says it's not labor, but they're monitoring her for preeclampsia."Kyle's face was taut. "Is there anything I can do?""Not at the moment," Mom replied. "They're running tests and giving her medication to stop the contractions."I shifted slightly, the movement catching their attention. Kyle's eyes immediately found mine."Hey," he said, moving into the room. "How are you feeling?""Groggy," I admitted. "But the contractions are less intense now."He nodded, glancing at the monitor displaying the twins' heart rates. "They look good?""Strong and steady," I confirmed. "Dr. Matthews isn't concerned about them, just about my blood pressure and the contractions."Kyle looked like he wanted to say more but was restraining himself. He settled for a simple, "Good. That's good."Mom checked her watch. "I should call Mrs. Patel and see how Gas is
Mia's POV"It's just Braxton Hicks," I insisted, trying to breathe through another uncomfortable wave of tightness across my abdomen. The pain wasn't unbearable, but the increasing frequency had even me worried now.Mom's expression made it clear she wasn't buying my dismissal. "That's the third one in twenty minutes, Mia. I'm calling Dr. Matthews."Before I could protest further, Mom was already on the phone, her voice crisp and authoritative as she explained the situation to Dr. Matthews's office. I caught fragments of the conversation—"Seven months with twins," "Contractions about six minutes apart," "History of pregnancy complications."The last part made my stomach clench with anxiety. My first pregnancy had ended traumatically on those marble stairs. The memory of Taylor's smug face as I lost consciousness, bleeding and terrified, flashed unbidden through my mind.I think my body is still terrified of all that."Dr. Matthews wants us to come in right away," Mom said, ending the
Mia's POVI considered showing the message to my mother but decided against it. She had enough to worry about without adding Taylor's threats to her burden. Instead, I blocked the unknown number and tried once more to sleep, Gas's warm presence beside me providing some comfort.Morning came too quickly, pale November sunlight filtering through my blinds.I went out of the room."You look terrible," mom said bluntly. "Did you sleep at all?""Not really." I eased myself onto a kitchen stool, wincing as my back protested. "Taylor texted me last night."Mom's face hardened. "What? How did she get your number?""I don't know. But I forwarded it to Robert. He's contacting the DA this morning.""What did she say?" Mom asked, already reaching for her phone as if ready to make calls of her own.I hesitated, not wanting to repeat Taylor's exact words. "Just threats. Nothing specific. But it's a clear viol
Mia's POV"We should get ready," Mom said, already moving toward her room. "Whatever Robert's found, it sounds important."The journey to Robert's office in Midtown was slowed by unusually heavy traffic. By the time we arrived, my back was aching from sitting in the taxi, and my anxiety had reached a fever pitch.Robert's assistant showed us immediately into his corner office, where he waited with a stack of documents spread across his desk. He looked up as we entered, his expression both triumphant and troubled."Thank you for coming," he said, rising to greet us. "Please, sit down. This might take some time to explain."Once we were settled, Robert pulled out a folder and placed it in front of us. "We've been tracking the money that's been funding Taylor's defense—the bail payment, Whitfield's retainer, everything. It's been carefully concealed, routed through multiple shell companies and offshore accounts."
Mia's POVKyle complied, his posture perfectly straight, hands resting lightly on his knees. I studied him for a moment, searching for any sign of deception, any hint that he might be playing both sides."Did you pay Taylor's bail?" I asked directly, seeing no point in dancing around the issue.His expression shifted. "What?""Taylor's bail," I repeated. "Did you pay it? Are you funding her defense?""No," he said, frowning. "Of course not. Why would you think that?""Because someone with significant resources is helping her," I replied, watching his face carefully. "She appeared in court yesterday with Carson Whitfield—one of the most expensive defense attorneys in the city—and posted a million-dollar bail without hesitation."Kyle's frown deepened. "Carson Whitfield? He doesn't typically handle cases like Taylor's.""Exactly. Which means someone with connections arranged it. Someone with
Mia's POVImmediately? My eyes widened as I looked at Robert, who appeared equally surprised."Where is she getting this kind of money?" I whispered.Robert shook his head slightly. "I don't know, but I intend to find out."As the proceedings concluded, I watched Taylor being escorted out to process her release. She'd gotten exactly what she wanted.Outside the courtroom, reporters had gathered despite the court's attempts to keep the proceedings low-profile. Camera flashes erupted as we emerged, voices calling out questions."Mrs. Branson, how do you feel about the court's decision today?""Ms. Williams, were you surprised by the bail amount?""Are you concerned about Taylor Matthews being released?"Robert stepped in front of us, blocking the reporters. "No comments at this time. Please respect my clients' privacy."He guided us toward a side exit where a car was waiting, Mom keeping a
Mia's POVThe courtroom felt impossibly small that morning, every sound amplified in the tense atmosphere. I shifted uncomfortably on the hard wooden bench, trying to find a position that didn't make my back ache. At almost seven months pregnant with twins, comfort was becoming a distant memory."You okay?" Mom whispered, her hand finding mine.I nodded. The truth was, I wasn't okay.I had a feeling that today would not be very easy. Especially after I saw that possible “Taylor”.Robert, our attorney, leaned over from my other side. "Remember, this is just a formality. With the evidence we have, the judge should deny bail."The courtroom doors opened, and the bailiff called for everyone to rise as Judge Harriet Monroe entered. She was a severe-looking woman with steel-gray hair pulled back in a tight bun and rectangular glasses that seemed to magnify her already piercing gaze."Please be seated," she inst
Mia's POV"Ms. Williams? Are you alright?"I turned to find our building's doorman, Eduardo, watching me with concern."Yes," I managed, forcing a smile. "Just a little tired.""Let me help you with the door," he said, moving to hold it open."Thank you," I said, stepping into the building's lobby. "Eduardo, did you notice a blonde woman watching the building just now? Across the street?"He frowned, peering outside. "No, ma'am, I didn't see anyone suspicious. Would you like me to check?""No, that's alright." I didn't want to alarm him unnecessarily. "Probably just my imagination."But it wasn't my imagination, and we both knew it. Eduardo had been briefed on the security concerns regarding Taylor. His careful neutrality told me he was taking my question seriously."I'll keep an eye out," he promised, escorting me to the elevator. "And I'll alert the security team about possible suspicious activity."