Chapter 157

Annie's POV

I had just finished updating my comic for the day and was lying on the leather sofa in Howard's office when my phone rang. It was Susan Moore.

After our last event, Susan had asked for my direct contact information,saying she didn't want to go through Howard every time she needed to reach me. I answered the call.

"Annie, hello!" Susan's voice came through the phone. "The publisher just contacted me. They hope you can sign copies of your newly published comic."

"Sign? How many copies need to be signed?" I asked.

"Quite a substantial number," Susan answered. "That's why the publisher suggests you go directly to the printing factory in Queens to complete the signing work. This way, they can immediately pack and ship the signed editions, which would be much more efficient."

"I understand," I nodded, though she couldn't see me.

"So, when would you have time to go?" Susan asked.

I checked the time-I needed to pick up Lucy soon. "Would tomorrow work? Today I need to pick up Lucy."

"Of course, no problem," Susan readily agreed, which was a relief.

Howard had been handling documents and meetings all day,and just now looked up. "Going to the printing factory tomorrow?" "Yes," I nodded, suddenly feeling a twinge of unease. Since moving into Howard's Long Island mansion, we had been practically inseparable. The thought of being apart for a day left me feeling strangely emnpty.

Howard set down his files and came to sit beside me. His hand gently covered mine, the warm touch making my heart beat faster.

"Will youmiss me?" he asked softly, his gray eyes carrying that familiar tender smile.

"It's only one day," I replied casually, but couldn't help leaning closer to him. "Though... maybe I'll miss you a little bit."

Howard put his arm around my shoulders and placed a gentle kisson my forehead. "Just a little bit?"

I laughed and pushed him playfully. "Okay, maybe more than a little."

His fingers lightly caressed my cheek. "Once we both get busy, we might not have time to miss each other."

"You're right," I agreed. "So who will take me tomorrow? Brian's personal driver Mitchell?"

"No," Howard shook his head. "Mitchell is only responsible for Brian's arrangements. I'll have a company car take you."

He lifted my chin, making me look directly into his eyes. "Tomorrow we'll have much less time together, so we should cherish every minute today."

His words sent a warm current through me. I rested gently against his shoulder. "We'll still see each other when we get home tonight."

We soon gathered our things and headed to the Upper East Side Private Preschool to pick up Lucy. Most of the children had already been picked up. In the distance. Lucy spotted us immediately and ran over happily.

"Mom. we're having our spring performance the day after tomorrow! You must come see me perform!" Her blue eyes sparkled with anticipation.This was the first important performance she would participate in since I became her mother.

"Of course, I'll definitely be there," I promised without hesitation, though I was quickly calculating my schedule. Tomorrow I needed to go to the printing factory for signing, the day after was Lucy's performance, plus I had comic updates and new children's book concepts to work on... these next few days would indeed be busy, but I would never miss Lucy's first performance.

Lucy hugged me happily. "I knew Mom wouldn't refuse me!" She then turned to Howard. "Dad must come too!"

Howard looked at her tenderly. "No problem, I'll adjust my schedule."

Lucy nodded with satisfaction. At that moment, I noticed Pennystanding not far away, looking hesitant, as if she wanted to come over but didn't quite dare. She occasionally glanced at Lucy, then bit her lip and looked down,as if something was troubling her.

I smiled at her, and she quickly averted her gaze, pretending to organize her little backpack. What was wrong with this child? Usually so lively,today she seemed unusually reserved. I was about to go over and ask when her mother, Sue Peterson, walked up looking exhausted.

Howard glanced at Sue and took the initiative to say, "You can take a day off to accompany your daughter to the performance." "Really?" Sue asked, surprised.

"Of course," Howard replied calmly. "We work to earn money to provide our children with better lives, don't we? If we're too busy to spend time with them, what's the point of all our efforts?"

His words made me glance at his profile. This man, so decisive and efficient in business, always had his eyes soften when talking about children. I used to think that elites like him always put their careers first,but now I understand that some people's strength lies precisely in knowing what truly matters.

Sue nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson."

On the way home. Lucy and Pennyexcitedly discussed the upcoming performance in the back seat.

"I've memorized all the poetry I need to recite!" Lucy announced proudly."Ms. Taylor says I have the most precise pronunciation in the class."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Penny applauded. "I'm playing a bunny in the play, and I have to dance and sing."

"Are your bunny ears ready?" Lucy asked.

"Mom made them for me. They're pink with shiny little stars!" Penny described excitedly. "What are you wearing for your recitation?"

"Just my blue dress. Ms. Taylor says it matches my eyes." Lucy turned to me."Mom,what do you think?"

"It suits you perfectly," I smiled, suddenly feeling a wave of happiness wash over me. Listening to their innocent conversation. I couldn't help exchanging a glance with Howard through the rearview mirror. His gaze was also filled with warmth.

After arrivig home,we went for our usual jog with Thomas, then did some basic training in the home gym. As Lucy went upstairs to shower.Penny tugged at the hem of my shirt.

"Auntie, I have something to tell you," she said softly. "It's about Lucy."

I bent down. "What is it.Penny?"

She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before saying. "Some kids in class have been bullying Lucy lately. I tried to stop them, told them it was wrong, but no one would listen to me." She hung her head,looking guilty,as if she felt bad about not being able to protect her friend.

Hearing this, I immediately crouched down and held her small hands."Penny, you're amazing. You stood up when you saw something unfair happening."

"You're not mad that I couldn't protect Lucy better?" she asked, surprised.

I gently shook my head. "But you're just a little girl yourself."

Penny tilted her head, seeming not to understand my meaning.

"It's completely normal that you didn't know how to handle this situation,"I continued. "But I'm very grateful that you were willing to tell me aboub it. If it weren't for you, I might still not know about the problems Lucy is facing at school."

Penny's eyes brightened, her face showing a relieved smile. Watching her walk away, I stood there, a wave of complex emotions rising in my heart.

Lucy was being bullied... yet she didn't act like someone who was being at all.

I tooka deep breath to calm myself. Past wounds had taught me that sometimes the most effective protection isn't impulsive confrontation, but a wise response. I needed to first understand the entire situation clearly, to know exactly what was happening, who was bullying her, and why. The first step to solving a problem is to fully understand the problem itself,not to rush in blindly.

This time. I have the power to change things.