<h4>Chapter 94: Two Lines</h4>


    Anna’s POV


    I smiled to myself. "I’ll exin when I see you. I’m heading back now." After all, I still needed toplete the transaction paperwork.


    With Skke 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 moment he’d experienced in decades.


    He would immediately contact his assistant, only to learn that Skke District had been won by our consortium. The mere thought of his apoplectic rage sent a warm satisfaction coursing through me.


    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 me with vindictive pleasure. Though I had no direct evidence, I was certain today’s "ident" was no coincidence, and George Simpson had orchestrated it.


    Daniel looked at me with concern.


    "Ms. Shaw, what if George Simpson goes to the police?"


    I scoffed. "Would he dare? If today’s ident is connected to him, he’ll have to swallow this loss."


    The impersonation of police officers wasn’t ideal, I knew that. But in my mind, this was justice-an eye for an eye. If he tried to harm me, I wouldn’t sit back and take it.


    Back at the auction house, Ipleted the necessary paperwork and made the payment arrangements. Skke District was officially Shaw Corp property. The weight that had been pressing on my chest for months finally lifted, reced by a profound sense of aplishment.


    Daniel briefly exined what had happened to Catherine and Nora, whose expressions shifted from shock to admiration.


    Catherine hugged me 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 some loyal staff too-these people are literally risking their lives to protect you."


    Her concern warmed my heart and strengthened my resolve to protect everyone around me.


    Even the usually reserved Samuel nodded his approval. "You certainly know how to choose your staff, Ms. Shaw."


    ncing at my watch, I realized there was somewhere more important I needed to be. "Text me the restaurant address. I need to visit the hospital first."


    Catherine waved me off. "Go, go! We’ll start celebrating, and start dreaming about what to do with such a prime piece of real estate. Even it my ideas aren’t useful, at least let me participate in the brainstorming."


    Samuel looked at me 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 me the least I could do was visit them personally to express my gratitude and concern.


    The antiseptic smell of hospital wrapped around me like a suffocating nket 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 difort etched across her face.


    I nced around the sterile room.


    "How’s Sean doing?"


    "Worse than me," 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 me.


    "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 you-good 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 me ufortable.


    "Sir, what I did was insignificant. Sean risked his life for me today. I’m the one who should be grateful," I replied honestly.


    After Sean cleverly sent his father for drinks, he immediately asked, "Ms. Shaw, did we secure Skke District?"


    Rachel pped her forehead. "Right! I forgot to ask. Ms. Shaw, were we sessful?"


    I nodded, warmth spreading through my chest. "Yes, Skke District is ours now, thanks to both of you." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "You’ll receive triple sry 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 me. For you, Sean, I’ll arrange a professional caretaker, allpany-paid," I added.


    Sean’s face showed gratitude, but he quickly refused. "That’s not necessary, Ms. Shaw. My father can take care of me."


    I shook my head firmly. "Your father’s condition isn’t suitable for such strenuous work. Caring for someone with a broken leg requires significant physical strength. Let’s have a professional handle it."


    Rachel sprang into action. "I’ll handle this. The hospital must have rmended 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 arrangement.


    ---


    That evening at Le Ciel restaurant, I joined Daniel, Catherine, Samuel, and others for our celebration. Business associates raised their sses, congratting me on securing the development rights to Skke District.


    "Ms. Shaw, congrattions! Skke District is a gold mine—you’ve really made a ssh," a colleague remarked.


    I politely declined the toast, giving Daniel a grateful nce as he intercepted drinks on my behalf.


    Despite the celebratory atmosphere, exhaustion tugged at me. The day’s emotional rollercoaster had drained mepletely.


    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 wantplications from a moment 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 mean?


    I checked the instructions again and froze. Positive result.


    <fn5148> This text is hosted at find?novel</fn5148>


    Securing Skke District and discovering a pregnancy on the same 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 times that night-and I was already pregnant? I was going to be a mother?


    While I’d nned 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 mewas I happy? Anxious? Both?


    At my age, motherhood was appropriate timing, but happening so unexpectedly left me feeling untethered. Part of me felt genuine excitement, 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 me anymore with this baby, will they?