<h4>Chapter 69: The Unexpected Intruder</h4>


    Anna’s POV


    I stared at my reflection in the mirror, wincing at the dark circles under my eyes. Last night’s insomnia had left its mark clearly visible on my face.


    "Annie! How’s the preparation going?"


    My mother’s voice floated down the hallway, filled with excitement. I groaned internally. Elizabeth Shaw had been hovering all morning, micromanaging every aspect of my appearance for today’s blind date.


    "Almost done," I called back, applying concealer.


    For the next hour, I surrendered to my mother’s ministrations. When she finished my makeup, I barely recognized myself in the mirror.


    "Now you look like a sweet and lovely Anna Shaw," she said with satisfaction.


    "I agreed to meet him, didn’t I? Can’t we keep it simple?" I sighed.


    "This one is different," Elizabeth insisted. "I have a good feeling about Gabriel Barrett."


    "You had a good feeling about thest two disasters as well," I reminded her.


    Mother waved her hand dismissively.


    "None of them were Gabriel. Leah Barrett is my card-ying friend.


    Gabriel is her nephew. His sister is a university professor, and both his parents are schrs. A proper family."


    I couldn’t resist asking, "Do they know I’m divorced?"


    A sh of pain crossed her features.


    "Of course they know. They also know you’re brilliant and aplished. Your past is just that-the past, nothing more."


    "We should get going," she said, checking her watch. "I told Leah we’d meet at Le Ciel at noon. I want to be there first to make sure everything is perfect."


    Le Ciel was one of Skyview City’s most exclusive restaurants. Mother had reserved a semi-private alcove by the window. She immediately began rearranging the table, ensuring the flowers were perfectly centered and the lighting ttering.


    "’ve already pre-ordered," she informed me as we settled into our seats. "The chef has prepared a special tasting menu-seven courses with wine pairings."


    Twenty minutester, the ma?tre d’ approached our table, escorting a middle-aged woman and a tall, well-dressed man.


    "Elizabeth, darling!" The woman air-kissed my mother on both cheeks. "So sorry we’rete. The traffic was absolutely dreadful."


    "Leah! Notte at all. We’ve only just arrived ourselves," my mother lied smoothly, despite having been here for nearly twenty minutes.


    I rose from my seat, pasting on the practiced smile I reserved for business negotiations. My mother nudged me forward expectantly.


    "Hello, I’m Anna Shaw," I said, extending my hand toward Gabriel Barrett.


    He was taller than I expected, with broad shoulders and a jawline that could cut ss. His suit was impably tailored, navy blue with a subtle pinstripe that spoke of wealth without shouting it. When he smiled, his hazel eyes crinkled at the corners in a way that seemed genuine rather than practiced.


    "Pleasure to meet you, I’m Gabriel Barrett," he replied, his handshake firm but not aggressive.


    "Gabriel, do you already know our Annie?" my mother asked.


    "Yes, ourpany coborated with Shaw Corp about three years ago. I was the liaison. You were very focused during those meetings. I was impressed."


    As one exquisite course after another arrived, I found myself rxing despite my initial reluctance. Gabriel was intelligent without being condescending, sessful without being boastful. He listened when I spoke and asked thoughtful follow-up questions. Most importantly, he seemed to view me as a person rather than a business opportunity or a breeding prospect.


    By the time dessert arrived, I had to admit that Gabriel Barrett was objectively the best blind date my mother had arranged. He checked every box on paper: educated, sessful, from a good family, attractive, and seemingly genuine.


    Yet inside, I felt... nothing. No spark, no flutter, no desire to see him again. My heart remained as unmoved as if I’d spent the afternoon at a particrly pleasant business lunch.


    As coffee was served, I found myself counting the minutes until I could politely excuse myself. Gabriel was perfect on paper, but the thought of a rtionship with him felt like looking at a glossy magazine: beautiful, idealized, and utterly devoid of real emotion.


    Just then, I noticed Rachel entering the restaurant with brisk steps. She came directly to our table and leaned down to whisper in my ear, "Mr. Murphy is here."


    I was about to respond when the restaurant door suddenly opened.


    There he stood.


    Marcus Murphy.


    My blood turned to ice in my veins.


    He filled the doorframe with his imposing height, dressed in a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. His eyes immediately found mine, sending a jolt of electricity down my spine.


    What the hell is he doing here?


    The conversation died instantly. A heavy silence fell over the room as everyone turned to look at the unexpected intruder.


    Elizabeth recovered first. "Marcus?" she asked, her voice pitched higher than normal. "You’re back in America?"


    His prating gaze swept around the room before returning to me. "Yes."


    One syble. That was all he offered.


    My mother smiled uncertainly. "When did you return? We had no idea."


    When Marcus’s eyes locked with mine again, his lips curved into the barest hint of a smile. "Justst night. Annie knows."


    I felt my face heat up as Elizabeth shot me a look that screamed We’ll talk about thister.


    "Uncle Marcus, have you eaten?" I asked, striving for normalcy. "If you haven’t, you’re wee to join us. Or if you have, then perhaps-"


    Before I could politely suggest he leave, Marcus pulled out the empty chair next to me and sat down.


    I was just being courteous. I didn’t actually want him to stay!


    Elizabeth hurriedly made introductions. "Mrs. Barrett, this is Marcus Murphy of the Murphy family.


    Marcus, this is Leah Barrett and her nephew Gabriel Barrett."


    Gabriel immediately stood up, extending his hand across the table. "Mr. Murphy, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Gabriel Barrett. Our firm has coborated with Murphy Global. I look forward to potentially working


    together."


    Marcus barely nced at the offered hand, making no move to take it. "Sit down," he said, his voice carrying a subtle but unmistakable note of


    dismissal.


    I could feel Gabriel’s difort as he slowly lowered himself back into his chair, his hand awkwardly retreating.


    Elizabeth jumped in, clearly trying to salvage the situation. "Gabriel is quite aplished for his age. He’s built his career entirely on merit, wouldn’t you agree, Anna?"


    Really, Mom? Dragging me into this?


    With Marcus’s imposing presence beside me, I felt like I was sitting next to a barely contained storm.


    "Yes, absolutely," I agreed halfheartedly, shing that professional smile again. "Very impressive."


    I quickly gestured to Rachel, who had been standing discreetly by the wall.


    "Could you ask the server to bring another setting? Mr. Murphy will be joining us for dinner."


    "No need." Marcus’s deep voice cut through the tension. "I’m not here to eat."


    A chill ran down my spine. I turned to him, eyes widening in warning. You wouldn’t dare make a scene.


    "Uncle Marcus," I said, my voice deliberately light, "the food here is excellent. Let’s enjoy dinner while we catch up."


    Hepletely ignored me, focusing his razor-sharp attention on Gabriel instead. "I heard Annie was meeting a potential match here tonight. I came to put myself forward as a candidate."


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