He brushed his hand over the girl''s head. "I''ll have someone find it. Even if Oceaton doesn''t have any, I''ll make sure it''s delivered from somewhere else soon."


    Anneliese nodded, her eyes lifting to his with a smile full of warmth and trust.


    "If you''re not too busy, help me make some. We can make extra and bring a few to Derek and Penelope."


    Derek and Penelope hade all the way to Oceaton because of them, and Anneliese naturally wanted to do something for them.


    Jonathan raised an eyebrow, then leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Okay."


    Anneliese smiled again. "I remember when Mom was in herst trimester, her favorite thing was Grandma''s vegetable pie.


    "Back then, I hated it. I thought it smelled weird. I only liked meat pies. Every time Grandma brought food to Mom, she''d make a separate batch just for me.


    "That day when Mom was taken to the hospital, Grandma was still at home making pies. But Mom never got to eat them again. Grandma must be missing her."


    Jonathan tightened his hold on her. "When this is over, and Melody finally faces justice, we''ll make vegetable pie with Nishay again. Then, we''ll go to Baytree and take some to your parents. You can introduce me to them, alright?"


    Anneliese''s throat tightened. She buried her face against his chest, her voice muffled. "Alright."


    The elevator opened. Hand in hand, they stepped out and walked toward the hospital''s main doors.


    Behind a marble column in the lobby, a figure stood hidden, watching until they disappeared from sight.


    The woman''s eyes followed their backs, cold and intent. The maid beside her spoke in confusion.


    "Ma''am, what''s wrong?"


    The woman, elegant and middle-aged, slowly pulled her gaze away. "Nothing. Let''s go. Make ure you do exactly what I told you."


    The maid nodded quickly. "Yes, ma''am."


    They entered the elevator together and exited on the maternity ward floor.


    The maid walked ahead, leading the way to Jessica''s room.


    She knocked lightly but didn''t wait for an answer before opening the door.


    Jessica sat upright in bed, scrolling through her phone. She looked up, frowning. "Who are you?"


    The maid didn''t reply. She nced at the namete by the bed, then turned to the doorway.


    "Ma''am, this is the right room."


    Jessica''s frown deepened. She looked toward the door and saw a woman step in wearing a tailored dress and a full set of sapphi Jewelry Her presence filled the room, refined yet intimidating.


    The woman''s sharp eyes swept over Jessica from head to toe, assessing her without a hint of restraint.


    "Who are you people?" Jessica straightened, tension creeping into her voice.


    Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, her expression guarded.


    The woman didn''t respond. She walked closer to the bed while the maid hurried to pull a chair into ce.


    The maid quickly pulled a tissue from her bag, wiped the seat clean, and stepped aside. "Please sit, ma''am."


    The woman sat down with effortless grace, her eyes coldly settling on Jessica. "How far along are you?"


    Her gaze lingered on Jessica''s stomach, sharp and unrelenting.


    A chill spread through Jessica''s body. She folded her hands protectively over her belly, but the unease didn''t fade. Her knees drew up, a quiet instinct to shield herself.


    "Ma''am, I have no idea who you are, and how far along I am isn''t your business. If you''ve made it this faran life without learning how to troduce yourself maybe take a right turn out that door and head to the neurology ward on the


    eighteenth floor. They''ll help you."


    The woman''s intentions were hostile, and Jessica wasn''t in the mood to y nice. Her expression stayedposed as her eyes moved over the woman in front of


    her.


    She was beautiful and polished, her makeup soft and refined, but the chill in her gaze stripped away any hint of warmth.


    Zane must have looked like his father.


    Jessica couldn''t see a trace of him in this woman.


    "You''ve got quite the mouth," the woman said tly. "If your child is Zane''s, then as his elder, I have every right to ask."


    Jessica''s fingers clenched around the edge of her hospital gown.


    The woman noticed, her voice softening just enough to sound patronizing.


    "Ms. Sweeting, the Shayman family has its principles. We don''t tolerate an unwed woman bringing an illegitimate child into this world. Zane has had rtionships before.


    "I wouldn''t say he changes


    girlfriends twice a year, but you''re


    certainly not the exception. With his background and looks, it''s no surprise women throw themselves at him."