Chapter 20

Howard's POV

I was reviewing the merger documents for the fourth time tonight. The familiar scent of aged whiskey lingered in the air - a habit I'd picked up lately, though I'd been more careful since that night with Annie. The memory of her in my arms still sent heat through my veins, even as I forced my attention back to the financial projections before me.

The door opened without a knock. Only one person would dare.

"Howard, darling." Mother's signature perfume preceded her into the room.She settled gracefully into the chair across from me, every inch the society matron in her perfectly tailored designer suit. "We need to discuss your situation with Catherine."

I continued reviewing the document before mne,letting the silence stretch.Years of boardroom negotiations had taught me the power of calculated indifference.

"You must start dating her properly," she continued, undeterred. "A few business meetings aren't enough."

"We've already met." I signed the bottom of the page, still not looking up.

"In the office." She gave a delicate sniff of disapproval. "The Morgan family's influence could be crucial for the company. You need to cultivate a more...personal connection." Finally, I set down my pen and met her gaze. "Once. That's all." Her face lit up. "Wonderful! Catherine is such an accomplished young woman-Harvard Business School, impeccable family background..." "On one condition," I interrupted. "Lucy stays with me."

The light in her eyes dimmed. "Howard, be reasonable. This merger requires the Morgan family's support. Their connections could make or break the deal."

"Is that a threat, Mother?" My voice dropped dangerously low.

She lifted her chin. "It's reality. The board..."

"Let me be very clear." I rose slowly from my chair, each word precise and measured. "Lucy is non-negotiable. And since you seem to have forgotten who provides your lifestyle..."

I reached for my phone with deliberate calm. "Susan? Please suspend all financial support to the Thompson estate, effective immediately."

Mother's perfect composure cracked. "I'm your mother!"

"Then act like it." My voice remained steady, though my grip on the phone tightened. "If you're going to rely on my financial support, you need to understand who makes the decisions now."

"I'm only thinking of your best interests!" Her voice took on that wounded tone I knew so well. "Lucy needs a proper family structure..."

"Lucy's guardianship is not up for discussion." I rose from my chair.making it clear the conversation was over. "You can either accept that, or find alternative living arrangements." The threat hung in the air between us. Mother's lips trembled slightly before pressing into a thin line. "Fine. You promised one proper meeting with Catherine. And I will talk about Lucy with her." Then, she swept from the room, her heels clicking sharply against the hardwood floors.

I waited until her footsteps faded before allowing my shoulders to slump slightly. The familiar weight of expectations - CEO,son.guardian-pressed down on me. But for once, the choice felt crystal clear. Lucy needed stability, not my mother's manipulations. And Annie...

A commotion in the hallway pulled me from my thoughts. I stepped out of the study to find Mother confronting Annie outside Lucy's room.

"You're far too pretty to be just a caregiver." Mother's voice dripped honey-coated venom. "The Thompson family is very particular about who we trust with our children. Some people have... ulterior motives."

Annie maintained her professional smile, though I could see the tension in her shoulders. "I assure you, Mrs. Thompson, my qualifications are entirely adequate."

Mother ignored her, reaching for Lucy's door. "I simply want to check on my granddaughter."

"Lucy just fell asleep," Annie said firmly, not moving from her position."Disturbing her now would disrupt her sleep schedule..."

"Oh?" Mother's voice sharpened. "So now I need a nanny's permission to see my own granddaughter?" I'd heard enough. "That's sufficient, Mother." I'd heard enough. "That's sufficient, Mother." "Annie is Lucy's special education instructor," I said coldly, "and someone I trust implicitly. If you can't respect that, you can leave."

Mother's expression froze for a moment before her social mask slipped back into place. "Of course, dear. I'm only concerned about Lucy..." Her gaze lingered meaningfully on Annie. "Though I see you've found suitable...help."

We watched her retreat down the hallway, her perfect posture never wavering. Only when she'd disappeared did I notice how close Annie and I were standing, her lilac scent mixing intoxicatingly with my cologne.

"I'm sorry about that," I said softly.

Annie shook her head, though I could see the slight tremor in her hands."Don't be. I understand she's protective of Lucy."

"It's more than that." I gestured toward the window seat at the end of the hall. The moonlight streaming through the glass painted silver highlights in Annie's hair as we sat. "My family has... traditional views. They never approved of Lucy's parents' marriage. My brother married for love, chose his own path. It drove a wedge between him and our parents."

"Is that why Lucy rarely saw her grandparents before...?"I nodded, watching the play of emotions across Annie's face. Even discussing such painful topics, she remained breathtakingly beautiful."They thought he was throwing away his potential. Now Mother sees Lucy as her second chance-a way to mold the next generation of Thompsons properly." "You've sacrificed a lot forLucy." Annie's voice was soft, understanding.Her hand found mine in the darkness, our fingers intertwining naturally." Protecting her from that pressure, giving her space to heal..."

"We've protected her," I corrected, squeezing her hand gently. "Since you came, she's made more progress than I ever dreamed possible."

Annie's eyes met mine, dark and serious in the moonlight. The moonlight caught her hair, reminding me of how she'd looked that night in my bed.her skin glowing as she arched beneath me. The memory of her soft gasps,the way she'd trembled at my touch, sent heat coursing through my veins.

But it was more than just desire. So much more.

"Annie..." I tightened my grip on her hand, trying to focus despite how her proximity made my pulse race.

She turned to face me, and the simple movement brought her scent- that intoxicating blend of lilacs that had caught my attention ouatside her door.Memories flooded back - her body pressed against mine in the kitchen,her lips parting under my kiss, the way she made me lose control in the best possible way.

She was nothing I could lose. Lucy was doing better because of her. And she was the solace I could scarcely find. But mother must set her eyes on her. She would get rid of her no matter what. I had to do something.

"Will you marry me?"