Chapter 152
Anna’s POV:
Claire finally quieted down. She’d been standing behind me for what felt like forever, her rapid breathing gradually slowing as she composed herself.
red to sit at the makeup table. Our eyes met in the reflection, and I had to suppress
I watched her in the mirror as she moved to
a shiver.
The look she gave me was sharp enough to cut through the fake sweetness she usually wore.
“Anna, even though I’ll be performing in Paris for a while, I’ll be back soon,” she said, her voice light and airy. “How much longer do you think William will last? After that, Blakey will be in charge of everything, and he’ll bring me back home. Just think about all the time we’ll spend together! Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”
She tilted her head and looked at me with that sickeningly sweet smile. “Don’t you think so, Anna?”
“Yes, it’ll be a long time indeed,” I replied coolly. “But Blake and will be looking for a suitable wealthy bachelor for you. The sooner we get you married off, the sooner he con stop worrying about you.”
Claire’s face went white instantly. She slammed her palm on the table and started to say, “You” but was interrupted by a Stall member telling us the press conference was about to begin.
We walked down the long corridor.
Staff trailed behind us at a respectful distance, their clipboards clutched tightly to their chests.
Claire was
was visibly tense, her shoulders hunched and fingers fidgeting with the hem of her blouse, while I maintained my icy composure. The air between us crackled with unspoken hostility.
“Claire, did you ever wonder why
by Blake asked you to look after me today? Or why he mentioned I wasn’t feeling well?”
She looked confused. “What do you mean?”
I made a subtle gagging motion, hinting at morning sickness.
Claire’s eyes widened as she pointed at my stomach. “You’re pregnant?! You’re having Blakey’s baby?!”
“Sorry about that,” I told the startled staff member. “My sister–in–law is just overwhelmed with excitement?
Claire slapped my hand away and leaned in. “Don’t touch me, Anna. Have you lost your mind, or have I? Whatever happens to you is none of my concern. In fact, I’d be thrilled if something unfortunate happened to you!”
“You’re the reason Scarlett can’t have children,” I said quietly. “William threw you out of the family for that, and if Blake hadn’t begged on your behalf, you’d be completely disgraced. Try to harm my baby, and we’ll see if this press conference happens at all. Who do you think Blake will choose–you or the child I’m carrying?”
We stood at the entrance to the hall, the polished wooden doors partially open.
Through the gap, I could see Blake standing on stage, bathed in spotlight. His tailored suit made him look powerful,
untouchable.
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Chapter 152
The murmur of the crowd liide created a gentle hum that seemed to pulse with anticipation.
In a way, we were the same–women who had built our lives and looking up to the same man, orbiting him with different intentions but equal levation. The Irony wasn’t lost on me.
Think about it, Claire. Do you really want to risk never seeing Him again?” I asked. “I’m curious… do you actually have the guts to come after the?”
“Anna! You think this baby is your golden ticket, don’t you? Care snarled, her rage barely contained. That kid has to be from some other guy! It’s probably not even Blake’s! There’s no way you could be pregnant! You were just-
“Claire!” I cut her off, feigging heartbreak. I’ve treated you like family! How could you say such horrible things about my
child?”
I
ther
My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat.
My hand instinctively moved to my abdomen, feeling the flat surface beneath my dress.
Thinking about the baby – the fictional baby that existed only in my desperate plan – I could barely hold back tears. They weren’t entirely fake.
My baby… my sweet baby… will you ever forgive me for what I’m about to do? The thought was a whisper in my The guilt was surprisingly sharp.
The staff opened the doors, signaling us to enter. Blake stond center stage, immediately noticing something was wrong. Cameras adjusted, lenses pointing at our entrance.
“Claire, whatever grievances you have with me, let’s put them aside,” I said, pretending to be in pain. “We need to get through this press conference first.”
“Stop with the innocent act! It’s pathetic!” she snapped.
I deliberately walked slowly, knowing Claire would push ahead in her impatience. She did exactly as I expected, shoving past me with her shoulder. I didn’t resist, letting myself fall down the steps.
“Anna!” Blake shouted, ignoring Claire and rushing toward me. He looked almost stupid with panic–I’d never seen him like
that before.
Everything happened in slow motion, like a scene from one of those films.
I hit the ground hard, my palms scraping against the rough carpet,
“Anna!”
Blake tried to help me up, but then saw the blood pooling beneath me.
His hand trembled on my shoulder as he spoke in a low, reassuring voice. “It’s okay. You’re going to be okay.”
The camera flashes blinded me, making it impossible to keep my eyes open. Tears finally streamed down my face–tears | could now justify. I couldn’t move; every inch of my body felt worse than being cut by knives.
Blake lifted me in his arms, his uncertain footsteps betraying him
Chapter 152
He must have felt as helpless as I did.
He held me, turning in circles twice before shouting at the reporters blocking our path, “Get the fuck out of my way! All of you!”
I clutched his sleeve desperately, a painful cry escaping my throat. “Blake… the baby… our baby…”
My tears fell, pouring endlessly down my face,
With tear–filled eyes, I looked directly at Claire and used every ounce of strength I had left to scream, “Claire, why did you do this to me? You knew I’m pregnant!”
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