Anna’s POV
I smiled to myself. "TIl explain when I see you. I’m heading back now." After all, I still needed to complete the transaction paperwork.
With Skylake District secured, there was no need to keep George driving in circles. I signaled to Daniel to make a call, instructing them to release George.
I imagined George being unceremoniously dumped from the car —perhaps the most undignified mont he’d experienced in decades.
He would imdiately contact his assistant, only to learn that Skylake District had been won by our consortium. The re thought of his apoplectic rage sent a warm satisfaction coursing through .
As my car made a U-turn and passed by, I caught sight of George on the sidewalk, practically vibrating with fury. The scene filled with vindictive pleasure. Though I had no direct evidence, I was certain today’s "accident" was no coincidence, and George Simpson had orchestrated it.
Daniel looked at with concern.
"Ms. Shaw, what if George Simpson goes to the police?"
I scoffed. "Would he dare? If today’s accident is connected to him, hell have to swallow this loss."
The impersonation of police officers wasn’t ideal, I knew that. But in my mind, this was justicean eye for an eye. If he tried to harm , I wouldn’t sit back and take it.
Back at the auction house, I completed the necessary paperwork and made the paynt arrangents. Skylake District was officially Shaw Corp property. The weight that had been pressing on my chest for months finally lifted, replaced by a profound sense of accomplishnt.
Daniel briefly explained what had happened to Catherine and Nora, whose expressions shifted from shock to admiration.
Catherine hugged tightly. "That was so dangerous! If your assistants hadn’t been in that car, it would be you lying in the hospital right now. I need to train so loyal staff too— these people are literally risking their lives to protect you."
Her concern ward my heart and strengthened my resolve to protect everyone around .
Even the usually reserved Samuel nodded his approval. "You certainly know how to choose your staff, Ms. Shaw."
Glancing at my watch, I realized there was sowhere more important I needed to be. "Text the restaurant address. I need to visit the hospital first."
Catherine waved off. "Go, go! We’ll start celebrating, and start dreaming about what to do with such a pri piece of real estate. Even if my ideas aren’t useful, at least let participate in the brainstorming."
Samuel looked at questioningly.
"I’d like to invite a few associates, if you don’t mind, Ms. Shaw?"
"Not at all," I agreed readily. We had every reason to celebrate this hard-won victory.
After saying goodbye to Samuel and the others, I headed straight for the hospital. My assistants had put themselves in harm’s way to protect -the least I could do was visit
them personally to express my gratitude and concern.
The antiseptic sll of hospital wrapped around like a suffocating blanket as I approached Rachel’s room.
My stomach twisted with guilt when I saw her-right arm in a sling, forehead patched with gauze, all injuries that should have been mine.
"I’m fine, Ms. Shaw, barely feel any pain," Rachel said, forcing a smile despite the obvious discomfort etched across her face.
I glanced around the sterile room.
"How’s Sean doing?"
"Worse than ," she admitted, her voice tight with concern. "The truck hit from his side. Broken leg, but the rest are just cuts and bruises."
I knocked gently on Sean’s door before entering. His leg was elevated, fresh from surgery. He attempted to sit up when he saw .
"Don’t move," I urged, then noticed the elderly man sitting beside the bed— well-dressed, thin but alert, with eyes that spoke of wisdom and resilience.
"Ms. Shaw, you’re here," Sean said excitedly. "Dad, this is my boss, Anna Shaw."
Sean’s father stood, eyes glistening with surprise and gratitude. "Ms. Shaw, I’ve wanted to thank you personally. You saved both our lives.
Thank yougood deeds bring good returns."
My chest tightened. I’d helped Sean out of basic human decency, not for future payback. His father’s sincere gratitude made uncomfortable.
"Sir, what I did was insignificant. Sean risked his life for today. I’m the one who should be grateful," I replied honestly.
After Sean cleverly sent his father for drinks, he imdiately asked, "Ms. Shaw, did we secure Skylake District?"
Rachel slapped her forehead. "Right! I forgot to ask. Ms. Shaw, were we successful?"
I nodded, warmth spreading through my chest. "Yes, Skylake District is ours now, thanks to both of you." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "You’ll receive triple salary during your recovery leave, plus an additional twenty thousand each for rehabilitation expenses. Just focus on healing."
It wasn’t enough for what they’d done, but it was what I could offer.
"Rachel can stay with . For you, Sean, I’ll arrange a professional caretaker, all company-paid," I added.
Sean’s face showed gratitude, but he quickly refused. "That’s not necessary, Ms. Shaw. My father can take care of ."
I shook my head firmly. "Your father’s condition isn’t suitable for such strenuous work. Caring for soone with a broken leg requires significant physical strength. Let’s have a professional handle it."
Rachel sprang into action. "TIl handle this. The hospital must have recomnded care providers."
She returned promptly with a caretaker—a kind-faced man in his forties, reportedly the hospital’s highest-rated orthopedic specialist.
After asking several questions, I was satisfied and finalized the arrangent.
———
That evening at Le Ciel restaurant, 1 joined Daniel, Catherine, Samuel, and others for our celebration. Business associates raised their glasses, congratulating on securing the developnt rights to Skylake District.
"Ms. Shaw, congratulations! Skylake District is a gold mine—you’ve really made a splash," a colleague remarked.
I politely declined the toast, giving Daniel a grateful glance as he intercepted drinks on my behalf.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, exhaustion tugged at . The day’s emotional rollercoaster had drained completely.
Mid-celebration, my phone vibrated:
[Tomorrow night?]
It was the man from room 3303. I suddenly realized my period should have started by now. What if..? I certainly didn’t want complications from a mont of passion.
After brief consideration, I replied:
[Busy.]
---
Back at Goldenleaf Manor, freshly showered, I followed the pregnancy test instructions precisely.
Two lines? What did that an?
I checked the instructions again and froze. Positive result.
Securing Skylake District and discovering a pregnancy on the sa day—what were the odds? I forced myself to breathe, took a photo of the test, cleaned the bathroom, and climbed into bed with artificial calmness.
Just that one night—no, several tis that night-and I was already pregnant? I was going to be a mother?
While I’d planned to eventually have a child, to satisfy family expectations before focusing on my career, the reality hit differently. A strange mix of emotions swirled inside -was I happy? Anxious? Both?
At my age, motherhood was appropriate timing, but happening so unexpectedly left feeling untethered. Part of felt genuine excitent, while another part panicked, unsure if I was ready for motherhood or for my life to change so dramatically.
I couldn’t even bring myself to touch my stomach, subconsciously reluctant to acknowledge the seed of life growing inside.
But... this was my child. Mine alone.
Jack Simpson and Logan Porter won’t be chasing anymore with this baby, will they?
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