Anna’s POV
I took a deep breath, one hand unconsciously moving to my still-flat stomach. Tomorrow, I’d go to the hospital for official confirmation. For now, this would be my secret—a fragile, precious thing I needed to protect.
"Miss Shaw?" Lily’s voice interrupted my thoughts. I spun around, heart racing, to find her standing in the bathroom doorway, eyes fixed on the pregnancy test in my hand.
"Yes?" I kept my tone steady despite the adrenaline surging through my veins.
Lily’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. For a mont, I thought she might actually lose her balance.
"Goodness gracious! Miss Shaw is pregnant? This is wonderful news! I must tell Mrs. Shaw imdiately." Her voice rose with each word, excitent overtaking professional restraint.
I considered stopping her, then reconsidered. This child was a decision I’d made with clear-headed determination. My family would know eventually—perhaps sooner was better.
"Congratulations, Miss Shaw. You’re going to be a mother!" Lily’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Oh, this is so wonderful."
She reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. "Once a woman has a child, it’s not just about herself anymore. My goodness, how ti flies. Our little Annie is all grown up now."
Her words hit with unexpected force. _ Not just about myself anymore. The reality of impending motherhood washed over terrifying and beautiful in equal asure.
Within the hour, both my mother and grandmother had descended upon Goldenleaf Manor, faces etched with concern and curiosity. We gathered in the living room, sunlight streaming through the bay windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air.
"Annie, the baby’s father..." Grandma Margaret began, her normally unflappable deanor replaced with cautious concern.
"It was unexpected," I replied, avoiding her gaze. "The father isn’t important."
As I spoke, I thought of him-the man who had unknowingly helped create this life. For him, this would be truly "unexpected," but for , it was the culmination of careful planning.
To my surprise, Mother burst into tears, shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
"Why are you crying?" I asked, alard. "Don’t you want this baby?"
She wiped her eyes, mascara smudging slightly beneath her fingertips. "No, no, it’s not that. I just... I worry about you, sweetheart. It’s going to be so hard. If your father were still here, you’d still be our little girl, and now you’re having a baby of your own. Annie, I feel like I’ve failed you."
Her vulnerability lted sothing inside . I reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly.
"I’m going to have this baby sooner or later. If I have it now, you and Grandma can help look after it, and the baby will keep you company too. What’s wrong with that? Don’t you want to be a grandmother?"
Mother hesitated, drying her tears.
"People will talk, Anna. Being a single mother-especially in our circles..."
A surge of determination rose within . "Grandma, Mom, I’ve made my decision. I’m keeping this baby."
The words felt right-solid and unshakeable. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I would face them for this child.
- - -
The hospital confird what I already knew. As the doctor delivered the news officially, my grandmother closed her eyes briefly, lips moving in a silent prayer. My mother hovered beside , one hand resting protectively on my shoulder.
"You should rest more," Mother insisted as we returned ho. "Take ti off work. Focus on your health and the baby."
I couldn’t help but laugh. "Mom, Grandma, I forgot to tell you-I’ve secured Skylake District, and you want to stay ho now? If this project fails, how am I going to support my baby? I’ve taken out huge loans. I could go bankrupt."
Their expressions of alarm made regret my bluntness, but I needed them to understand. This child deserved a mother who was both present and successful-I wouldn’t sacrifice either role.
Later, I texted Catherine: I have news.
Her response was imdiate: What’s up?
_I’m pregnant._
Three dots appeared, disappeared, then reappeared. _I!!!!] [That was fast!
I’m impressed! Godmother is going shopping for baby gifts right now. 1
I smiled despite myself. _Nothing cheap, please. You know better._
_Absolutely not! I’m digging through my jewelry box for sothing with diamonds. Happy now?
_That’s more like it._
The car pulled smoothly into Shaw Corp’s private parking garage. My new driver opened my door with practiced efficiency.
"Thank you," I said, noting how he scanned the garage before letting step out. Mother’s paranoia was apparently contagious.
The usual morning bustle halted montarily as employees noticed my arrival. Their eyes lingered a beat too long on my outfit-cashre turtleneck, designer jeans, and ankle boots instead of my usual power suits.
The whispers followed into the elevator.
*So this is what pregnancy does to your fashion sense already?* I mused, oddly satisfied that even in casual wear, I commanded the sa respect.
Perhaps it wasn’t the clothes that made the CEO after all.
The boardroom fell silent as I entered.
Eight pairs of eyes tracked my movent to the head of the table, anticipation hanging thick in the air.
"Skylake District," I began without preamble, "represents Shaw Corp’s future. We need soone leading this project who understands its significance." I paused, letting the tension build. "Daniel, the responsibility is yours."
Daniel’s eyes widened slightly before determination settled in his features.
"Ms. Shaw, I won’t let you down," he replied, voice steady despite the visible pulse jumping at his throat.
I nodded, feeling a rush of pride. I’d been grooming him for years, watching him grow from an eager assistant to a capable executive. Now was his mont to prove himself.
After the eting dispersed, Daniel followed to my office, closing the door behind him.
"Ms. Shaw, there’s been no movent from the Simpson family. George hasn’t filed any police report about yesterday’s... incident."
Ice crystallized in my veins. My suspicions solidified into certainty. "So the accident really was his doing," I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
Daniel nodded grimly. "Police say the truck used fake plates. With surveillance caras everywhere, they should find the vehicle soon, though tracking down the driver will be more challenging."
I settled into my chair, fingers steepled beneath my chin. "Thank the officers for their work. I’m not in a rush-let them take their ti." My tone was asured, but fury simred beneath.
Finding the hired help wouldn’t necessarily lead to George. n like him always prepared scapegoats.
"Let Rachel order lunch, sothing light and nutritious—" The words died on my lips as I rembered. Rachel was at ho, recovering from injuries ant for .
Daniel caught my expression and smoothly intervened. "T’ll take care of your lunch, Ms. Shaw."
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