<h4>Chapter 95: The CEO’s Secret Heir</h4>


    Anna’s POV


    I took a deep breath, one hand unconsciously moving to my still-t 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 moment, I thought she might actually lose her bnce.


    "Goodness gracious! Miss Shaw is pregnant? This is wonderful news! I must tell Mrs. Shaw immediately." Her voice rose with each word, excitement 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.


    "Congrattions, 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 time flies. Our little Annie is all grown up now."


    Her words hit me with unexpected force. _ Not just about myself anymore. The reality of impending motherhood washed over me terrifying and beautiful in equal measure.


    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 unppable demeanor reced 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 me, it was the culmination of careful nning.


    To my surprise, Mother burst into tears, shoulders shaking with silent sobs.


    "Why are you crying?" I asked, rmed. "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 melted something inside me. I reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly.


    "I’m going to have this baby sooner orter. If I have it now, you and Grandma can help me look after it, and the baby will keep youpany 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 me. "Grandma, Mom, I’ve made my decision. I’m keeping this baby."


    The words felt right-solid and unshakeable. Whatever challengesy ahead, I would face them for this child.


    - - -


    The hospital confirmed 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 me, one hand resting protectively on my shoulder.


    "You should rest more," Mother insisted as we returned home. "Take time off work. Focus on your health and the baby."


    I couldn’t help butugh. "Mom, Grandma, I forgot to tell you-I’ve secured Skke District, and you want me to stay home 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 rm made me regret my bluntness, but I needed them to understand. This child deserved a mother who was both present and sessful-I wouldn’t sacrifice either role.


    <fnde76> This text is hosted at find[f]ovel</fnde76>


    Later, I texted Catherine: I have news.


    Her response was immediate: 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 something 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 me step out. Mother’s paranoia was apparently contagious.


    The usual morning bustle halted momentarily as employees noticed my arrival. Their eyes lingered a beat too long on my outfit-cashmere turtleneck, designer jeans, and ankle boots instead of my usual power suits.


    The whispers followed me into the elevator.


    *So this is what pregnancy does to your fashion sense already?* I mused, oddly satisfied that even in casual wear, Imanded the same 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 movement to the head of the table, anticipation hanging thick in the air.


    "Skke District," I began without preamble, "represents Shaw Corp’s future. We need someone 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 moment to prove himself.


    After the meeting dispersed, Daniel followed me to my office, closing the door behind him.


    "Ms. Shaw, there’s been no movement 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 ident really was his doing," I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.


    Daniel nodded grimly. "Police say the truck used fake tes. With surveince cameras 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 time." My tone was measured, but fury simmered beneath.


    Finding the hired help wouldn’t necessarily lead to George. Men like him always prepared scapegoats.


    "Let Rachel order me lunch, something light and nutritious—" The words died on my lips as I remembered. Rachel was at home, recovering from injuries meant for me.


    Daniel caught my expression and smoothly intervened. "T’ll take care of your lunch, Ms. Shaw."