Chapter 18

Howard's POV

"Meeting adjourned."

The last board members filed out. I remained seated, my mind far from the merger discussions we'd just concluded. Instead, my thoughts drifted to Lucy's behavior last night -specifically, the way she'd suddenly stopped calling Annie "Mom."

The change bothered me more than I wanted to admit. Just days ago,Lucy had been making remarkable progress. I remembered how she'd curl up next to Annie during story time, the way her eyes would light up at Annie's gentle smiles of encouragement. More importantly, I recalled Annie s remarkable ability to understand Lucy's needs without words. Her professional knowledge combined with natural intuition had proven invaluable to Lucy's progress.

I believed she would find a way to work this out,just like before.

Then, the memory of that night sent heat coursing through me-Annie's soft skin under my hands, her gasps against my neck as I moved above her. She'd tried bringing up Lucy between kisses, but I'd silenced her with my mouth, my touch, until she could only whisper my name. The way she'd looked beneath me, hair spread across my pillows, eyes dark with desire... Even now, the memory of her body trembling against mine had my heart racing. It was nearly noon-time for lunch. I could spend it with Annie. The art studio door opened silently. Annie was asleep at her desk, and the sight made my breath catch. Her blouse had slipped, revealing the slightest marks I'd left on her shoulder from our passionate night together. The memory of her pressed against me, skin flushed and hot under my lips,made my body tense with want.

Watching her sleep so peacefully, all I could think about was how she'd felt in my arms, the soft sounds she'd made as I'd claimed her mouth.

I gripped the doorframe, fighting the urge to wake her with kisses.The children's illustrations on the walls just reminded me of how she looks when she's drawing - that unconscious lip bite that drives me wild with desire. Maybe I should make her position here official... though seeing her in meetings,remembering how she tastes, how she trembles when I touch her...

My phone's sudden vibration shattered the peaceful moment. I fumbled frantically for the mute button, my eyes darting to Annie's sleeping form.The screen displayed "Mother" - of course it would be her, at this precise moment.

Confirming Annie hadn't stirred, I backed carefully out of the studio.Leaning against the wall outside, I stared at the still-vibrating phone with a mixture of resignation and amusement. Howard Thompson,CEO of Howard Technologies, sneaking around like a teenager. The irony wasn't lost on me.

"Howard," Mother's voice carried its usual blend of authority and disapproval. "About Lucy and your meeting with Catherine." I str ode toward my office, keeping my voice low. "We've discussed "Catherine would make an excellent wife for you. She comes from an impeccable background, and her family's connections. But she doesn't want to be a mother so soon-"this." "No," I closed my office door firmly behind me, my tone hardening. "Lucy stays with me."

"You're being unreasonable. A child needs proper guidance, not just a busy uncle who can barely manage his own life." Her voice sharpened."Though I hear you've found... alternative arrangements."

I tensed. "What do you mean?"

"That divorced woman you hired. Really, Howard? Do you think the board will approve of such... complications?"

"Annie is a qualified professional who's helping Lucy make significant progress."

"Is that all she is?" Mother's tone dripped with skepticism. "Meet with Catherine. Once. That's all I'm asking."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, calculating the least problematic response."Fine. Once. But my position regarding Lucy won't change."

The afternoon light was fading when an urgenat knock interrupted my work. Before my secretary could intervene, Catherine swept into my office,her designer heels clicking against the hardwood floor.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Thompson," my secretary hurried in after her."Ms.Morgan insisted-" "It's fine." I waved her out, though everything about this situation was far from fine. Catherine settled gracefully onto the visitor's couch,crossing her legs with practiced elegance. "Your mother sent me." Her smile held a predatory edge. "She says I should invite you out in person."

"Yes." I remained standing, maintaining distanace. "But you made your position clear regarding Lucy."

"Oh, that." She waved dismissively. "But I've learned a lot about you from your mother,Howard. I think we could be good together. Perhaps in time,you'll realize I'm more important than Lucy." Her smile widened. "Then we could send her to live with her grandma, where she belongs."

"Impossible." The word came out sharp as steel. "I won't pursue a relationship with anyone who won't accept my daughter."

Her eyes gleamed at my rejection. "Such devotion. It makes you even more attractive." She rose smoothly, moving closer. "I do enjoy a challenge."

I stepped back, my voice dropping to a dangerous register. "This isn't a game, Catherine. Lucy is my niece, but I take her as my daughter. This is not a negotiable condition."

"We'll see." She reached for the door, pausing to glance over her shoulder.