Chapter 342
Anna’s POV:
I took a deep breath, shoulders tensing as Blake’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
Blake’s mouth quirked into a slight smile, curiosity flickering across his face. “With me?”
1 nodded, fingers fidgeting with my blouse hem. “Yes.” The word hung heavy between us.
Blake leaned forward. “I’m listening.”
My heart pounded as I gathered my courage. This wasn’t just any conversation–it would change lives, including mine. I met his gaze “I want to adopt a child.”
The words dropped like stones into still water. Blake’s face registered shock–eyes widening, body stiffening. I could see questions multiplying behind his
eyes.
“Anna,” he said, voice low and serious, a furrow forming between his brows. “We’ve been through a lot. Your physical and emotional state… I don’t think this is the right time for such a decision.”
“Adopting a child means taking responsibility for a life. It’s not a decision to make impulsively after trauma-
“Blake, no,” I interrupted, holding up a hand. “That’s not it. You misunderstand. Please listen.”
I met his gaze, hands clenched on my knees. “I’m not adopting because I can’t have children. This isn’t about that.”
My voice dropped, fingers trembling as pain shadowed my eyes. “During the Secret Space incident… someone sacrificed themselves for me.”
Blake softened. “I’ve contacted his family. We’re arranging financial support.”
My eyes brightened as I sat straighter. “Does he have family?”
Blake leaned back. “A relative said he would care for his child. The child is young and needs proper care…”
His gaze turned penetrating. “You want to adopt his child, don’t you?”
Tears pricked my eyes as I nodded, throat tight. “Michael told me about him. He couldn’t die, was afraid to, because he had a child to raise.”
I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. “He died because I wasn’t there. His child… I want to raise his child.”
Wiping a tear, I steadied my voice. “I’ll treat him like my own. I have the means to give him a good life!”
I looked at Blake, needing him to understand. “This isn’t about Nora. I just want to stand in for his father and watch him grow.”
Blake’s voice softened, warmth in his eyes. “I’ve met the boy. He’s five or six, well–behaved, with resilient eyes. If he has better arrangements now, I respect your decision.”
My eyes lit up. “You really support me?”
Blake studied me, leaning forward. “We are not a married couple now, Anna. Why ask for my consent?”
My heart skipped. My cheeks warmed as I fumbled, “You’re Nora’s father. The child would interact with her, so I thought I should inform you…
Blake caught my wrist, warmth spreading up my arm as he pulled me closer. “Is that really the reason?”
His intense eyes bore into mine. “Anna, look at me. Is that all there is? Are you as indifferent as you claim?”
I pulled away, his touch lingering. “You’re overthinking this,” I said, telling myself to calm down inside.
Chapter 342
Ay we exited the car, Blake walked ahead, his rigid hack showing frustration.
Watching him, I admitted to myself he was my safety net–knowing he’d be there made this possible.
We entered the police station, silence heavy between us. Michael looked up, grief still marking his face over losing his teammare
I placed a hand on Michael’s shoulder. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Looking at the folded uniform on his desk, my voice caught. “It’s all because of me. If it weren’t for
Michael shook his head. “Steven’s assignment was my order, Anna. Don’t blame yourself.”
He placed the uniform in a box, eyes red. “He didn’t leave much behind.”
I accepted the box reverently, expression solemn. Michael said, “Mr. Wright discussed arrangements for Oliver, Steven’s son.”
Then he turned to Blake, “I thank you on Steven’s behalf!”
I touched the box gently. “Michael, I’m planning to visit the child. If he’s willing, I want to adopt him…”
Michael’s eyes brightened, a genuine smile breaking through. “Really? That’s wonderful!”
He grabbed his jacket. “I have time–I can take you there!”
“No need,” Blake said calmly, brow furrowing. “I know the address. Anna and I can go.”
I turned to Blake, resolute. “Wait outside. I need to speak with Michael privately.”
Blake’s face darkened, suspicion flashing. “What can’t I hear? Do you have secrets?”
He stepped closer, whispering, “I’m not allowed to stay?”
I met his gaze. “Blake, please.”
He clenched his jaw. “Fine!” Before leaving, he shot Michael a cold, warning glance.
After the door closed, I lowered my voice. “The photo wall in Secret Space’s backstage–did you see it?”
Michael nodded gravely. “I did, but the photos can’t be returned yet. Everything inside is evidence of criminal activity.”
I gripped my phone, knuckles white. “When exactly is ‘eventually‘?”
Michael shook his head. “This case has huge implications. I can’t say–maybe six months, a year, or several years…”
I steeled myself, voice intense. “If the evidence isn’t enough to implicate Frank, let me testify against him…”
Michael sighed, concerned. “Anna, let it go. For your sake.”
“I can’t,” I said firmly, shifting topics. “Once I’ve settled things with the child, let’s coordinate on Caroline’s case. I want Claire to face consequences–I want everything back in place.”
Michael’s eyes widened, sweat on his forehead. “How?”
I leaned closer, voice coded. “Police can’t investigate without a report. Once someone files, you step in. I’ll work on Caroline–make her send Claire to prison.”
Blake’s POV:
When Anna finally emerged after nearly an hour with Michael, I had just ended a troubling phone call.
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Chapter 342
My brow remained furrowed as she slipped into the passenger seat, casting cautious glances at my expression.
I set my phone down, tapping my fingers against the steering wheel as I processed what I’d just learned.
Whatever Anna and Michael had discussed would have to wait–I had more immediate concerns to address.
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