Chapter 30

Sarah's POV

From behind the tinted windows of our Mercedes SUV, I watched the aftermath of Brian's conversation with Annie. The boy had clearly not expected her response to be so distant. Now Philip leaned against the car door, his gaze fixed on our crying son near the school entrance. Despite Brian's obvious attempt to maintain composure in front of his classmates,tears streamed down his face. Each sob made Philip's expression tighten in a way that fascinated me.

"Are you feeling sorry for Brian?" I studied Philip's reaction carefully.noting the slight clench of his jaw. When he remained silent. I pressed further. my voice deliberately casual. "Or perhaps... you're thinking about getting back together with Annie?"

Instead of answering, Philip yanked open the back door and slid inside.My heart skipped a beat. Why wasn't he responding? Had I accidentally stumbled onto something?

I took a deep breath, fighting to maintain my composure while my mind raced through possible ways to redirect his thoughts. Finally, he spoke:"No."

I lounged against the door, adopting a playful tone that masked my inner tension. "I didn't think so. After all, Annie's hardly wife material, is she?” "She didn't even wait until your divorce was final before sleeping with Robert," I continued, watching his reflection in the rearview mirror. "He even had video evidenace. And now she's already cozying up to Howard Thompson."

I knew Philip's feelings for Annie better than anyone. That's why I had to systematically poison his perception of her, make him believe his lingering attachment was meaningless. More importantly. I needed him to believe I was the one he truly loved.

"You're being crude." Philip's voice carried an edge of displeasure as he fastened his seatbelt. "Sarah, we both know exactly why she ended up with Robert that night."

He paused, then added that he wasn't sure about Annie and Howard's relationship, but insisted there couldn't be anything romantic between them. He claimed he'd seen enough couples to know that Annie and Howard's interactions were too formal,too distant.

My fingers instinctively tightened on the hem of my designer blouse. Was he actually defending her?

"I'd prefer if you acted like none of this ever happened," Philip said firmly.

I turned away, struggling to keep my expression neutral. The mention of Robert's video had actually calmed my nerves somewhat. As long as that evidence existed, Philip and Annie could never reconcile. The thought was oddly comforting.

"Did you hear me?" Philip's tone sharpened at my silence.

"Mm-hmm," I murmured noncommittally, already plotting my next move. Eager to shift away from Annie-related topics, I brightened my voice. "Oh,don't forget about tonight's party." The mention of his friend's gathering finally brought a smile to Philip's face."Are you coming?" I shook my head, letting my hand drift to my stomach in a practiced gesture. "Not tonight. In my condition, I shouldn't party too hard. It might harm the baby. You go ahead, darling."

"Take care of yourself while I'm gone." His voice softened with concern.

I laughed lightly. "You're worrying about me after just a short outing?"Even though my relationship with Philip was purely transactional -his money for my carefully crafted perfect wife act-his genuine concern still sent a pleasant warmth through my chest. "Don't worry, I'Il be fine."

The unexpected call from Caroline interrupted my peaceful evening at home. I was curled up on my imported Italian leather sofa when her name flashed across my phone screen.

"What made you think of calling me?" I asked,curiosity piqued.

"Guess whose work I'm editíng at Howard Technologies?" Her voice dripped with smug satisfaction.

I sat up straight. "Annie?"

"Exactly!" Caroline confirmed. "I've reviewed her work - it's all warm and fuzzy family stuff. Not likely to be a hit. But the company's throwing so many resources at it..." "And me?" I continued, warming to my plan. "I'll be the loving mother who saved Brian, the devoted wife Philip deserves." "Perfect!" Caroline exclaimed. "Once your work is ready, I'll tell management that Annie's stories aren't connecting with readers. For the company's future, we'll need to pivot to promoting your series instead."turned serious,"I could ensure most of those resources go to your project instead."

When I didn't immediately respond, she pressed on. "Think about it-if your manga takes off. you could make more than whatever you're getting from Philip. It could be your safety net, just in case things go south with him."

"What exactly is Annie drawing?"I asked, my mind already spinning with possibilities.

"Aside from the project, she would draw some stories about her life with a child."

My eyes narrowed as an idea took shape. "That does sound boring.Caroline, what if I drew something based on my experiences? We could portray Annie as a gold-digger who abandoned her child to climb the social ladder. Once readers figure out who inspired the character,they'll despise her."

Philip might want to keep Annie's scandal with Robert private, but I intended to make it public knowledge. Even if Philip still harbored feelings for Annie, he'd never choose her once her reputation was destroyed. Then I could rightfully maintain my position as his wife.

"They absolutely would!" Caroline's enthusiasm was palpable. We shared a laugh, reveling in our scheme. They thought they were setting up a new project for Annie? In the end, it would serve our purposes instead.

As I ended the call, satisfaction settled over me like an expensive cashmere throw.Everything was falling into place. Annie might have her little fantasy with Howard Thompson for now, but soon enough, she'd learn what happens to people who try to take what's mine.