Anna’s POV
The evening at Le Ciel had been surprisingly pleasant, with Samuel and Catherine proving to be excellent dinner companions. As we stepped into the Le Ciel lobby, heading toward the exit, my relaxed mood evaporated instantly. The Simpson family stood near the reception desk-Mary, George, Lucy, and Jack. My stomach tightened, a reflexive response I couldn’t quite control.
Catherine, never one to shy away from confrontation, imdiately took charge.
"Aunt Mary, Uncle George! Weren’t you having dinner with my parents?
Where are they?" Her voice carried that perfect blend of innocence and challenge that only Catherine could master.
Mary’s eyes swept over our little group, lingering uncomfortably on before fixing Catherine with a disapproving stare. "Running around town this late, always surrounded by n. Catherine, I’m not criticizing you, but as a Murphy daughter, you should be more mindful of your reputation."
I remained silent, jaw clenched. The comnt was clearly aid at , but Mary didn’t have the courage to address directly.
To my surprise, Catherine fired back without hesitation. "You’re absolutely right, Aunt Mary. Mom always says girls should be more like Anna.
Without our own abilities, we’d have to grovel to our in-laws and still lose our position."
_Damn, Catherine_. A warmth spread through my chest at her loyalty, even as I worried about escalating tensions with the Simpsons. I noticed Lucy biting her lip, eyes downcast.
Throughout the exchange, Jack’s gaze never left , his eyes burning with that unsettling intensity that made my skin crawl. I kept my expression carefully neutral, refusing to give him the satistaction of seeing any reaction.
Samuel smoothly intervened, dropping a casual hand on Jack’s shoulder.
"Jack, it’s still early. Care for another drink?"
Jack shrugged off the contact. "Another ti, Samuel. I’ll owe you one."
After the Simpsons finally departed, I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. "I should have known you had motives for being so proactive tonight," I teased Catherine. "Clever girl. Besides, with this crowd around, your uncle wouldn’t dare make a scene."
---
Walking into Shaw Estate, I was surprised to find my mother still awake, waiting for in the softly lit kitchen.
"I really didn’t drink anything," I assured her, sliding onto a barstool.
"I’ve been sober since I started trying to conceive, and honestly, I never liked the taste anyway." I gratefully accepted the warm herbal tea she offered. "Is Grandma Margaret already asleep?"
"Yes, she turned in early." Elizabeth’s eyes traced my face with that particular brand of maternal scrutiny.
"Annie, are you certain you’re not pushing yourself too hard? In your condition..."
"Mom, I’m fine," I smiled, touched by her concern. "With Rachel and Clayton watching over , there’s nothing to worry about."
Clayton shifted uncomfortably in his position by the door, clearly not used to being included in family conversations. Rachel, on the other hand, seamlessly joined in.
"Mrs. Shaw, this al is absolutely delicious. Thank you for including us."
My heart swelled as I watched my mother fuss over Rachel’s plate, ensuring she had enough of the specially prepared nutrient-rich food.
In these quiet monts, away from boardrooms and business rivals, I could simply be a daughter again.
---
The next afternoon, I stared at my reflection in bewildernt. The sweet blue velvet dress my mother had selected made look like I’d stepped out of a fairy tale.
"Mom, this makes look about eighteen," I protested half-heartedly.
"Your daughter’s transford into a princess."
Elizabeth’s fingers were gentle as she fastened pearl earrings to my lobes.
"You’ll always be my little girl, Annie.
No matter how many empires you build, in my eyes, you’re still that precious child who needs my protection."
As I studied my transford appearance, a thought bubbled up unexpectedly. "If my baby is a girl, will you dress her up like this too?"
Mother’s eyes glistened with sudden moisture. "Of course. I’ll have the most beautiful outfits ready for my granddaughter, just as I did for you."
The cashre cardigan she draped around my shoulders was both practical and perfect for the outfit. Her thoughtfulness never failed to amaze .
En route to the charity gala, I leaned into my mother’s shoulder like I used to as a child. "Today I’m just Mommy’s good girl, following your lead completely."
At the event, I was imdiately surrounded by Skyview City’s elite, many of whom had previously snubbed following my divorce but were now eager to curry favor after Skylake District’s acquisition.
"Anna, you must et Jonathan’s son,"
Harper Watson insisted. "He’s just returned from Europe, brilliant young man with excellent prospects."
I smiled politely. "Thank you for thinking of , but I already have soone I care for."
"When will we et this lucky gentleman?" Daisy Sanders asked, curiosity dripping from every word.
My mother smoothly intervened. "In a few months, everyone will understand." Her aningful tone effectively ended the conversation, subtly hinting at my pregnancy without explicitly revealing it.
I adjusted my posture on the velvet settee, forcing a polite smile as Doris Porter approached.
"Anna, have you been busy lately?"
Her voice carried the unmistakable weight of regret.
"Sowhat," I replied simply, the word tasting bitter on my tongue.
The air between us thickened with unspoken history. Ever since Logan had orchestrated that "accident," our families relationship had withered into this awkward dance of forced pleasantries. Doris’s eyes reflected genuine sadness, but so betrayals cut too deep for forgiveness.
My salvation arrived in the form of a collective gasp rippling through the crowd. William Murphy had made an unexpected appearance. His imposing figure commanded attention despite his advanced age, silencing conversations throughout the room.
"Don’t fuss over ," he waved off people’s effusive greeting. "I just ca to see my friend. It’s been too long since I’ve visited an old friend."
Then his eyes found across the room. "Anna, co here. Stay by my side."
My heart swelled with unexpected warmth as I imdiately moved to join him. On the surface, I was simply being respectful to an elder, but we both knew what his public request signified.
I took my place beside him, helping with small courtesiesoffering tea, adjusting his cushion-while acutely aware of how our tableau appeared to the gathered elite. William Murphy had just elevated my social standing with a simple gesture.
"William Murphy certainly favors Anna Shaw. Strange, considering they’re not related," a woman’s voice carried from nearby.
"Haven’t you heard? There’s sothing between Marcus Murphy and Anna.
Catherine’s already investing with her in Skylake District. I bet Anna will join the Murphy family soon enough."
"No wonder Mary Simpson looks so sour. Imagine your forr daughter-in-law becoming your ex-husband’s aunt. Who could accept that?"
I maintained my composed smile despite the vicious whispers prickling my skin. In Skyview City’s social battlefield, showing reaction was admitting defeat.
Unexpectedly, Catherine materialized beside the gossiping won, sliding gracefully into their circle with the precision of a shark scenting blood.
"What fascinating conversation are we having, ladies?" Her smile was dazzling and deadly. "Oh, Mrs. Miller, my mother wanted to tell you she can’t help with your inquiry about my uncle’s marriage prospects. It’s not her decision to make." She paused deliberately. "And Mrs. Parker, did you receive the health supplents my grandfather returned? About my uncle’s marriage—even my grandfather can’t influence his choice."
The won’s faces flushed crimson as Catherine delivered her final blow:
"Your daughters might want to look elsewhere."
I bit back a smile as they hastily excused themselves. Catherine had always defended with a directness I sotis envied.
Throughout the evening, I noticed William systematically introducing to Skyview City’s most influential figures-construction magnates, renowned architects, interior design visionaries. Each handshake ca with a subtle nod from William, a silent endorsent that carried imasurable weight.
The realization hit with unexpected force-he wasn’t just making casual introductions. He was deliberately connecting with everyone essential to Skylake District’s success. And he was doing this for , not Catherine.
My throat tightened with emotion. I gently placed my hand on his arm, my voice soft but clear enough for those nearby.
"I’m still young and have much to learn. I’ll be counting on everyone’s guidance in the future."
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