Chapter 61

Annie's POV

A delicious tingle of excitement ran through me as Howard and I entered the gala. His agreement to my becoming his "girlfriend" for the evening still felt surreal.

It's just pretend. I reminded myself firmly, tryingto temper the unexpected joy bubbling inside me.

This is about strategy, not feelings. Still, I couldn't help the small smile that played at my lips as Howard's hand rested lightly at the small of my back.guiding me through the glittering crowd.

My momentary happiness faltered when I noticed Philip watching us from across the room, his predatory gaze tracking our every movement.

"He's watching," I murmured.

"He's been tracking our movements since we arrived," Howard confirmed coolly.

Philip approached us directly. "I need to speak with you," he said,focusing solely on me.

Howard shifted slightly. "I believe anything concerning my girlfriend would naturally include me in the conversation," he replied smoothly.

Philip's head snapped toward Howard. "*Girlfriend?*" His gaze darted between us with sudden, desperate attention.

I reached for Howard's hand and interlaced our fingers. "Yes, we're seeing each other," I confirmed, my voice steady.

Philip stared at our joined hands. "That's not possible," he stated flatly. "I'm not entirely sure what you wanted to discuss," I redirected, "but I assume it has something to do with Sarah Johnson?"

"Sarah's actions were always in my best interest," Philip insisted defensively. "I hope you both aren't targeting her."

"I don't believe I have any reason to 'target' her," I replied, genuinely amused. "Philip, I let all that go when our divorce was finalized. What matters now is that I've moved forward with my life. And now I have a new relationship..."

"I believe I can state with reasonable certainty that I surpass you in most measurable criteria," Howard observed matter-of-factly. "Therefore, I can confidently assert that I possess the capability to maintain Annie's interest long-term."

"Impossible!" Philip sputtered.

"There's nothing impossible about it," I stated calmly."It wasn't until I began spending time with Howard that I understood what being truly cared for feels like."

Philip's face drained of color as Howard and I moved away.

As we navigated the ballroom, a distinguished gentleman approached us."Howard! Excellent timing."

"Charles," Howard acknowledged with a nod. "Allow me to introduce Annie Baker,my partner."

The word *partner* sent unexpected warmth cascading through me.My eyes darted to Howard's profile, studying the confident set of his jaw, the perfect posture that seemed as natural to him as breathing. Had anyone told me months ago that I'd be standing beside Howard Thompson as his date, I would have laughed at the absurdity. Yet here I was. In the months since joining Howard Technologies, I'd created a successful children's book series, helped develop educational content that children loved, and built a new life for myself. Perhaps I wasn't just the divorced, broken woman anymore. Perhaps I was becoming someone who could stand beside a man like Howard and not feel completely out of place.

*What if this wasn't pretend?* The thought slipped through my defenses before I could stop it. *What if we could be more than this arrangement?*I quickly pushed the dangerous idea away, but not before a flush of warmth colored my cheeks.

"Howard's partner! What a pleasure," Charles exclaimed. "This is quite unexpected."

A small cluster of guests quickly gathered around us. "So you're Howard's lady!" a woman exclaimed. "Let's toast to that!"

I accepted a champagne flute, but Howard smoothly intercepted it. "She doesn't drink," he stateddefinitively. "Anyone encouraging her to do so would be directly contravening my wishes."

The pressure instantly evaporated as guests murmured apologies.

"Baker is quite fortunate," someone commented. "Not many can claim to have won Howard Thompson's affections."

When we were alone, I asked, "Was refusing the champagne really necessary?"

"Absolutely,"Howard confirmed, with a hint of amusement. "What would be the purpose of achieving my current position if I couldn't protect my girlfriend from unwanted social pressure?"

"I didn't expect you to see it that way," I admitted. "You should eat something," he suggested. "I have several business matters to address. I'll rejoin you shortly." At a quiet table. I had barely started eating when Sarah Johnson sat beside me,her pregnancy prominently displayed in her designer gown.

"You're more ambitious than I gave you credit for," she observed silkily."Landing Howard Thompson so quickly... impressive strategy.Though we both know you're barely in his league."

I immediately stood, creating distance between us, but this time not from fear. For once, Sarah's attempts at intimidation felt hollow. I was no longer the vulnerable woman she had once targeted.

"Why the retreat?" Sarah asked with false concern. "Afraid to hear the truth? That a man like Howard Thompson is simply using you until someone more suitable comes along? Someone with the right background,connections,education..."

"I'm concerned about your baby," I replied evenly, unmoved by her attempt to undermine me. "I'd hate for you to deliberately harm your child and then attempt to blame me for it."

Sarah's expression froze momentarily.

"You haven't answered my question," she pressed, regaining her composure.

I met her gaze directly, feeling a newfound confidence surge through me.Six months ago, Sarah's words would have devastated me, confirming every insecurity. Now, they barely touched me.

"If your implication is that I pursued Howard strategically, what difference would it make? At least both of us were single when our relationship began," I pointed out, my voce steady and assured.

"Unlike some people who deliberately pursue married individuals. And as for not being in his league?" I smiled, surprising myself with how genuinely untroubled I felt. "Perhaps I'm exactly what Howard needs-someone who values honesty, loyalty, and genuine connection over social climbing. I've built a career on my own merits, Sarah. My illustrations are being published internationally now. I don't need to cling to a man for my identity or security anymore."

Sarah shifted tactics, her expression softening. "You keep bringing up the past, Annie. Could it be you're still not over Philip?"

"You've used that line before," I observed with a cold smile. "I have zero interest in Philip Baker. As for why I keep referencing your actions-if you're entitled to *do* those things, why shouldn't I be entitled to *speak*about them?"

I stood. "If you continue attempting to upset me. I'll simply request a microphone and share with everyone exactly what you did. In detail."

Sarah paled and hurried away.

Catherine dropped into the chair Sarah had vacated, complaining about her father's matchmaking attempts.

Before I could respond, Philip appeared, noticeably intoxicated."Ladies!"he announced too loudly. "Annie,we need to talk."

"Philip, you've had too much to drink," I observed quietly.

"No, I'm perfectly coherent," he insisted, slurring. "Those things you said earlier-about you and Howard-they can't be true. You're lying to me,aren't you?"

"I have no reason to lie to you," I replied, stepping back. "You simply aren t important enough in my life to warrant fabricating stories."

"Impossible!" he erupted. "Six years of marriage! You can't possibly have forgotten everything we shared so qulickly. Even if you don't love me anymore, you couldn't possibly have developed genuine feelings for someone else this soon!"

"For me, moving beyond our relationship hasn't been quick at all," I replied softly. "You seem to have forgotten the circumstances under which I met Howard-when you had thrown me out of ourhome,left me with nothing, nowhere to go..."

Philip flinched visibly.

"In six years of marriage, you never truly cared for me," I continued deliberately."Howard is different. He took me in, supported me through the darkest period of my life-when both my husband and son had betrayed me."

"When I think about the past now. I'm only grateful-grateful that I escaped that marriage, grateful that Howard and Lucy welcomed me into their lives."

Howard appeared beside me. "It's time for us to depart," he stated simply.

As we turned to leave, I noticed Catherine remained, facing Philip with newfound intensity.

"You should maintain distance from Annie going forward," she advised him coldly.

"This is between Annie and me. It doesn't concern you," Philip laughed bitterly.

"As Annie's friend, it absolutely concerns me," Catherine,responded,her voice hardening. "Don't mistake her kindness for weakness. She's chosen not to publicly expose your behavior, but I have no such reservations."

She moved closer to him. "Think carefully,Philip Baker. How would Wall Street react to learning about a man who betrayed his wife,conducted an affair with another man's spouse, and encouraged his five-year-old son to mistreat his mother? What would your investors think?"

Catherine smiled dangerously. "For your own sake, stay away from Annie."