Chapter 35

The tension in his tone made me glance up sharply. This wasn't the polite deflection I'd expected from someone supposedly courting Catherine Morgan. In fact, he seemed almost... annoyed? I pushed the thought away.Reading too much into Howard's reactions was a dangerous game I couldn' Annie's POV

"And You are?" She turned to me and her eyes bored into mine.

"I'm Annie Baker. You must be Ms. Morgan." I forced a professional smile,though my stomach twisted at howperfectly she embodied everything I wasn't- old money grace, Harvard polish, the kind of woman MIargaret Thompson would approve of. Just my luck - every time Howard and I seemed to find our footing, the universe decided to remind me exactly why that was a terrible idea.

"Howard," Catherine turned back to him, effectively dismissing me with the practiced ease of someone who'd spent a lifetime perfecting the art of social warfare. "I must say, I'm surprised. When you kept declining our dinner invitations, I assumed you were simply too busy for social engagements.Yet here you are, enjoying a cozy lunch."

WNait - he'd been declining her invitations? The little flutter of hope in my chest was ridiculous and completely inappropriate, but there it was anyway.I focused on maintaining my professional expression, though I couldn't help noticing how Howard's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly at her words.

"This is a business lunch, Catherine." Howard's voice carried a warning edge I'd never heard before. "Annie and I were discussing Lucy's therapy program." t afford to play.

"Ah yes, Lucy." Catherine's smile turned sympathetic in a way that made my teeth clench. "Such a difficult situation. The Morgan family has extensive connections with child development specialists. We'd be more than happy to help arrange-"

"That won't be necessary." Howard's interruption was firm,almost harsh."I am Lucy's guardian and I say Annie has my complete confidence in handling her care."

Catherine's perfectly shaped eyebrows rose. "My, my. Things are more...complicated than I realized." She gave me another appraising look."Though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. You do seem to have a talent for making yourself indispensable."

"Catherine." Howard's voice had turned to ice. "Whatever point you're trying to make, I suggest you reconsider."

"No point at all, darling." She placed a manicured hand on Howard's shoulder, though he subtly shifted away from her touch. "I just hate to see the Morgan family's sincere interest beingoverlooked in favor of more...convenient arrangements."

I kept my expression neutral, though my hands had clenched under the table. "Ms. Morgan, I appreciate your concern for Lucy's welfare.However,her therapy program is progressing well under the current arrangement." "How diplomatic." Catherine's laugh was like breaking glass. "Howard,really. When your mother hears about this..." "My mother is well aware of Annie's role in Lucy's life." Howard stood, his height and presence suddenly commanding. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we have business to discuss."

Catherine's smile faltered for just a moment before she recovered. "Of course. Business." She adjusted her designer bag on her shoulder."Though Howard, dear, do remember that the Morgan family's patience isn't infinite. We expect certain... considerations in return for our support."

"The only consideration I owe anyone is to Lucy's wellbeing." Howard's tone was final. "Good day, Catherine."

We watched Catherine leave, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor with military precision. Only when she was gone did Howard sit back down, running a hand through his hair in a rare display of frustration.

"I apologize for that," he said quietly. "You shouldn't have been subjected to such... tactics." He paused, studying my expression carefully. "I should probably mention - Catherine has been... monitoring my movements lately.Nothing to be concerned about, but I wanted you to be aware."

"It's alright." I took a sip of water, trying to process what had just happened. "Though I have to admit, I'm a bit confused. I thought..." I hesitated, then pushed forward. "I'd heard you and Catherine were seeing each other."

Howard's surprise was evident. "Who told you that?"

"Oh, just... office gossip, I suppose." I tried to keep my tone light,though my heart was racing. "About the Morgan family's interest in a merger through marriage..." "Annie." Howard leaned forward, his eyes intent on mine. "Catherine Morgan's 'interest' is purely financial. The Morgan family has been trying to arrange a merger through marriage for months, despite my clear lack of interest." His mouth quirked in a slight smile. "Though I'm curious why you've been paying attention to such gossip."

A warm flutter of relief spread through my chest at his words, though I tried to keep my expression neutral. The knowledge that he wasn't pursuing Catherine made me far hapopier than it should have,considering our professional relationship.

"I wasn't- I mean, I just happened to overhear..."

"Annie." His voice had softened, and something in his tone mnade me look up. The intensity in his eyes caught my breath."I-"

The waiter chose that moment to arrive with our meals, breaking whatever had been building between us. We turned our attention to our food.though the air remained charged with unspoken words.

As we walked back to the office, Howard stopped suddenly. "Actually,there's been a slight change of plans for today." His expression grew more serious. "I called Lucy's grandfather earlier and informed him of you. But Lucy's grandmother had some minor health issues lately."

My heart clenched with concern. "Is she alright?"

"Nothing serious, just routine tests. But..." He hesitated for a moment. "I thought perhaps we could take Lucy to visit them there this afternoon? It might be easier for her, actually - hospitals tend to put everyone on equal footing." Before I could gently probe this change, the teacher's voice cut through the afternoon bustle. "Children," she called, gathering the remaining students.Her next words hit me like a physical blow: "Has someone been saying