Chapter 322 I'm Home, Anna
Chapter 322 I'm Home, Anna
Anna's POV:
My hands shook as I gripped my phone, searching for Blake Wright’s name. My heart pounded as the results loaded, confirming Emily’s words—Blake had been taken by the police, and the press conference was trending.
The headlines flashed before my eyes in bold text:
"Wright Group CEO Taken in for Questioning by Police"
"Former Wright Group CEO's Death Under New Scrutiny"
"Wright Group CEO Publicly Disowns Sister Claire Wright"
Sweat beaded on my forehead as I clicked the top link. What was Blake thinking? Worry for Nora and Oliver gnawed at me—what if something happened to him?
I opened the video, breath catching as Blake appeared on screen, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, posture rigid, jaw tense. Camera shutters clicked in the background as his deep voice filled my hotel room.
"First, I announce that I, and the Wright Group, sever all ties with Claire Wright. Our sibling relationship is terminated," he said, eyes unflinching. "Second, regarding my father’s death four years ago, I believe suspicious circumstances warrant reinvestigation. I will personally reopen this case."
I gasped, hand over my mouth. What was he doing?
Blake continued, gaze piercing. "I previously believed Caroline Wright was solely responsible, but I’ve learned Claire was also involved..." His expression softened, seeming to look right at me. My heart skipped.
"Four years ago, when Anna left, it wasn't her choice. I forced her to leave. She endured so much pain for my sake." His voice quivered slightly with emotion. "I wrongly trusted Claire, which created a rift between myself and the woman I love most."
Tears blurred my vision. Blake took a deep breath, voice sincere. "Anna, you weren’t wrong. You loved a fool who couldn’t distinguish right from wrong." He straightened, resolute. "All mistakes began with me, so today, I end them. I’ll cooperate fully with police investigations and donate part of my personal assets to the Autism Children’s Care Foundation."
I covered my mouth with my hand, tears freely flowing down my cheeks now. My heart hammered in my chest. Why would he take on everything like this?
Then, unexpectedly, a tender smile touched Blake's lips. "Anna once joked that I should 'propose to her on my knees in front of all of Boston.'" His eyes sparkled with affection. "I've always ignored her wishes, disappointing her time and again."
Blake's voice suddenly rose, filled with passion and conviction. "Anna, I want you to know that you are the woman I love most... Whether you still love me or not, I will always love you. I love you so deeply! I'll save the proposal for when you come home!"
With that, Blake stood tall, his expression resolute as police officers approached. The video ended with him walking away from the podium, escorted by the officers.
I sat frozen, my phone clutched tightly in my hands, tears streaming down my face. My mind was a chaotic whirlwind of emotions.
Collapsing onto the sofa, I buried my face in my hands. Blake's words—"I love you so deeply"—echoed in my mind, making my breathing shallow and rapid.
My body felt numb as I stared blankly out the window. "Is this worth it?" I whispered to the empty room, tears continuing to fall. "What about Wright Group? What about your future?"
---
The next day, I rushed to the police station in Boston, desperate to see Blake. The officer at the front desk looked at me sympathetically but firmly.
"Please, I need to see him, just for a moment," I pleaded, my voice hoarse from lack of sleep. My eyes were puffy and red-rimmed.
"Ms. Anderson, please wait," the officer responded politely. "Mr. Wright is still being questioned."
I sat in the waiting area, hands clasped tightly together, heart racing. I kept glancing down the hallway toward the interrogation rooms, hoping to catch a glimpse of Blake.
After several hours, Claire was brought into another interrogation room. As she passed by me, she paused momentarily.
"I'll tell them the truth," she said in a low voice. "But Anna, I'm doing this for Blake, not for you. Don't get too smug."
I watched in confusion as she was led into an interrogation room, wondering what her presence here meant.
That afternoon, Blake was finally released, while Claire remained for further questioning. When the interrogation room door opened and Blake emerged, he looked exhausted but calm. His eyes lit up with surprise when he saw me.
I stood up but hesitated to approach him, my hands clenched nervously at my sides.
Blake walked toward me with purposeful strides. "I was going to tell the police that I altered Caroline's testimony," he explained quietly. "That way you wouldn't be involved. But Claire came and told the police she was the one who persuaded Caroline to alter her testimony. She said this was her way of making amends."
"What does that mean?" I asked, my brow furrowed in confusion.
Blake took a deep breath. "Claire is trying to protect me. She said... she's caused me too much trouble, and she indirectly caused William's death. This is her debt to me."
I glanced toward the interrogation room. "What will happen to her?"
Blake shook his head. "She'll face legal consequences." He reached out, lightly touching my arm.
I asked hopefully, "So you won't face legal charges?"
Blake nodded. "That's right, but Wright Group's stock will take a hit. I have a lot to deal with." He reached for my hand but stopped midway, uncertainty in his eyes.
"Anna, I didn't choose Claire over you back then. I was afraid she would hurt you again, so I kept her close to monitor her. If I had known you misunderstood everything, I would have paid any price to find you and explain. I've only ever loved you, Anna. Would you give me a chance to start over once I've sorted everything out?"
Looking into his sincere eyes, I felt a lump in my throat.
Deep down, I already knew my answer, though I'd been reluctant to admit it. After everything we'd been through, I'd grown stronger. Why not love him again?
"Yes, I'll wait for you," I nodded firmly.
---
A week later, I found myself at a book signing event. The marine case studies I'd written during my work had been published to critical acclaim, and I'd been invited to give a lecture.
The audience was enthusiastic, asking numerous questions. I smiled and engaged with each person who approached, nodding gratefully at their kind words.
As I bent my head to sign another book, a familiar hand extended a copy toward me. Those long fingers were unmistakable, and my heart immediately began racing.
Slowly raising my head, I saw Blake standing before me, dressed in a simple white shirt, his gaze tender and focused entirely on me.
My nose tingled with emotion, my vision blurred, and my lips trembled. I nearly dropped my pen. "Blake... ?" I managed to say.
Blake's mouth curved into a gentle smile. "It's been a while..." he said softly, then gracefully dropped to one knee before me, his movement elegant and determined.
The room fell silent for a moment before erupting into excited murmurs and applause. Someone exclaimed, "Oh my God, it's the Wright CEO!"
Blake's eyes never left mine, as if we were the only two people in the world. "Mrs. Wright, would you sign this for me?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness and anticipation.
With shaking hands, I took the book he offered. Opening it, I discovered it wasn't a book at all, but a "Marriage Reorganization Agreement" that clearly stated all of Blake's real estate properties and Wright Group shares were now in my name.
I looked directly into his eyes, seeing the love and determination there, and softly said, "Yes." Though quiet, my voice was unwavering.
Blake's eyes lit up with joy. He stood and gently embraced me, whispering in my ear, "I'm home, Anna."