Chapter 62

Philip's POV

I stood in the corner of the grand ballroom,watching Annie and Howard preparing to leave. They were positioned just far enough that I could overhear their conversation without being noticed. The crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over the remaining guests, many still engaged in animated discussions about donations and networking opportunities.

"Tired?" Howard asked Annie, his voice carrying a gentleness I'd never heard in our business meetings. The transformation was jarring-this was the same man whose ruthless negotiation tactics had become legendary on Wall Street.

"A little," Annie replied with natural ease, "but it's been a lovely evening."

Howard nodded slightly. "I've had the driver prepare the car."

His hand rested lightly on the small of her back as he guided her toward the exit. That casual intimacy sent a sharp pain through my chest. That had once been my privilege. The simple gesture spoke volumes about their relationship-there was a comfort between them that felt alarmingly established.

"Lucy's probably asleep by now," Annie remarked, a soft smile illuminating her features. "She drew a picture at school today that she can't wait to show us."

"About the butterfly expedition?" Howard inquired, genuine interest evident in his tone.

Annie nodded, her expression brightening. "Who would have thought a child whe barely spoke could have so many stories to tell now."

"That's your doing," Howard responded with unmistakable admiration." You gave her security."

I clenched my fist involuntarily. Months ago, Annie had been my wife,with Brian as her only child. Now she spoke of another child as if that were her real family. The easy way they discussed Lucy felt like a deliberate erasure of our history together.

They reached the doorway, where Howard attentivelyadjusted Annie's shawl around her shoulders. "Warm enough?" he asked.

"Perfectly, thank you," Annie answered, looking up at him with warmth radiating from her eyes.

In that moment, I witnessed something I never thought possible-Howard Thompson's perpetually stern business expression softening into tenderness. I'd encountered him at several executive functions over the years,where he was consistently cold and calculating. But the smile he now directed at Annie left me thoroughly shaken.

"If anyone gives you trouble, remember my promise," Howard said softly. "I'll be right beside you."

"I know," Annie responded with complete certainty. "That means everything to me."

Hearing those words, I couldn't help but recall the final months of our marriage. Annie's face had always carried traces of exhaustion and tension then. Now she appeared thoroughly reassured by a simple promise from Howard. The realization stung like a physical wound.

They walked toward the exit, Howard's hand maintaining that protective position against her back. The possessiveness of the gesture was unmistakable yet somehow not overbearing-it communicated both care and respect.

I found myself remembering our early marriage. Annie's expectations had been remarkably simple: respect, affection, and fidelity. I had failed her on all counts.

As they disappeared through the doorway, I drew a deep breath. Annie had never been one to enter relationships carelessly. She'd taken nearly six months to fully open up to me when we first dated. Yet somehow she had accepted Howard this quickly...

A sudden thought struck me: Howard must be manipulating her. That cold-blooded businessman must have given her false promises. I'd heard rumors about his business practices-the dark transactions kept from public view. If Annie knew about those...

I needed to expose Howard's true nature. For Annie's sake, even if she currently despised me.

"Your ex-wife seems to have completely forgotten you," Sarah's voice suddenly came from behind me. interrupting my thoughts.

I turned to face her but didn't respond to her thinly veiled mockery. My mood was already foul, and I had no desire for conversation with anyone,especially her.

"Don't you think you're being presumptuous?" I confronted Sarah directly,my voice laden with barely contained irritation. She appeared entirely unsurprised by my hostility, maintaining perfect composure. This only fueled my annoyance further. "What gives you the right to interfere in matters between Annie and me?"I pressed, feeling deeply violated by her actions. Sarah's eyes darted quickly around us, ensuring no one was eavesdropping,before she leaned closer and lowered her voice. "I'm only thinking about our future."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I stared into her eyes,trying to decipher her true intentions.

After a moment of silence, Sarah suddenly straightened her posture,her expression becoming unusually serious. "Philip, we both know you're still in love with Annie, not me."

Her directness momentarily stunned me. Though I had previously confessed my feelings for Annie to her, hearing her acknowledge it so bluntly still made me uncomfortable.

"I've always known." Sarah continued, her eyes flickering with an emotion I couldn't quite identify. "Yet I chose to stay with you because..." her voice caught slightly.

I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. While I harbored no romantic feelings for Sarah,seeing her apparent vulnerability made me waver.

"Actually. I have a plan," she said after composing herself."I could approach Howard."

"What?" I furrowed my brow in confusion.

"Think about it," Sarah whispered conspiratorially. "If I could attract Howard's attention, make him leave Annie, wouldn't that give you another chance with her?" I studied Sarah's eyes carefully, searching for any sign of deception,but her gaze remained surprisingly sincere. "You would... do that for me?" I asked cautiously. Sarah managed a strained smile. "It benefits us both. You could reclaim Annie's love, while I... I could secure better financial stability." Hearing her explanation, I had to admit it presented a potentially winning strategy for both of us. Though I still questioned her motives, it seemed like our most viable option.

"It seems I misjudged your intentions," I admitted. "I apologize."

"No need," Sarah responded, relief crossing her features. "As long as you understand what I'm trying to do, I'mn satisfied."

Looking at her forced smile, I felt a new respect forming for her. Perhaps she genuinely was trying to help in her own way.

"After your child is born," I said seriously, "I'll provide not only child support but also cover some of your personal expenses."

Sarah's eyes widened slightly, seemingly surprised by my generosity.Her reaction appeared genuine, which made me feel better about our arrangement. I noticed a flash of something cross her eyes before they returned to their usual composed state.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Allen Stark, one of my most reliable connections on Wall Street. I walked to the terrace to ensure privacy for our conversation, the cool evening air providing welcome relief from the stuffy ballroom. "Allen, I need you to investigate Howard Thompson," I said in a hushed tone. "I want everything you can find. The more detailed, the better." Sarah had somehow followed me and now stood by my side. She suddenly leaned in and added, "Also find out what kind of women Howard prefers." I gave her a puzzled look, not understanding why she would focus on such a specific detail. Noticing my confusion, Sarah moved closer to whisper in my ear."Understanding his preferences will help me approach him more effectively.It increases my chances of distracting him, giving you more opportunities to reconnect with Annie."

Her explanation made logical sense. Indeed, if Sarah could capture Howard's attention, Annie would see his true colors.

"Allen, please also include the information Sarah mentioned," I added. "It's important."

"No problem," Allen replied efficiently. "I'll have preliminary results for you tomorrow. I'll put people on investigating his business background.personal life,and preferences."

"Thank you," I responded. "This means a great deal to me."

As I ended the call,I noticed a fleeting smile cross Sarah's lips before her expression returned to one of concern. Perhaps I had imagined it. After all,her willingness to help had already demonstrated her sincerity.I should trust her.

Whatever the cost. I was determined to uncover that man's true nature and bring Annie back to where she belonged.

I believed time would reveal everything. When the investigation concluded,when Annie saw the truth about Howard, she would understand that I was the one she should choose.