Chapter 74

Annie's POV

My hands shook as I read the numbers on my tablet. Social medía followers doubled in days. Plush toy sales through the roof. Merchandise orders piling up. Just months ago I was Philip Baker's shadow-a divorced housewife who'd lost her son. Now I had my own office at Howard Technologies, watching my small business grow by the minute.

I couldn't breathe right. These numbers meant something I hadn't had in years-freedom. Real,financial freedom. No more bending to Philip's will.No more compromises just to survive.

"I did it," I whispered, surprised when a tear rolled down my cheek.

I thought about my mother in Brooklyn. She never approved of my divorce, thought I was crazy to leave my "perfect" marriage. She didn't know what happened behind closed doors, or why I'd been willing to lose Brian rather than stay with Philip.

Now I could finally show her I'd made the right choice. I could help with her bills, get her better healthcare. Before I could overthink it, I grabbed my phone and called her.

"Mom, it's me." My voice was still shaky. "Could I visit you this weekend?"She sounded surprised but didn't say no. It was something.

My phone rang while I was reviewing designs. Unknown number.

"Hello?"

"Ms, Baker," a professional male voice said. "I'm calling from Philip Investment Group's copyright department. We're interested in acquiring the rights to your illustrations."Philip. It had to be him. My stomach tightened into a knot.

"My copyrights are managed by Howard Technologies," I said,gripping the phone so hard my knuckles turned white. "Contact their legal department."

"Ms. Baker, we're prepared to be very generous." The man sounded taken aback by my response. "Our CEO, Mr. Philip Baker, has specifically requested to oversee this project personally. He admires your work and wants to arrange a private meeting to discuss details."

My face burned with anger. The nerve of that man! Using business as an excuse to force his way back into my life after cheating and taking my son?

"Tell Mr. Baker that I have zero interest in any 'privae meeting' with my ex-husband," I said, my voice ice-cold. "If he keeps harassing me, I'll get a lawyer involved."

I hung up, my hand trembling with rage. *Don't let him get to you,Annie.*

I got up from my desk. I needed to talk to Howard right away. This wasn't just business - this was Philip invading my life again.

I pushed into Howard's office without knocking. He was at the windows and turned when he heard me come in.

"Annie?"

"Philip Investment Group wants to buy my copyrights," I blurted out."Philip wants to be 'personally involved' and is asking for a 'private meeting."

Howard's face hardened instantly. He walked toward me with quick,deliberate steps that made my heart beat faster.

"Tell me exactly what they said," he said quietly. I repeated the call word for word, watching Howard's jaw tighten as I spoke.

"This has nothing to do with copyrights," he said, anger clear in his voice."He's trying to interfere with your life. With us."

Us. The word made my pulse jump. Howard never talked about our relationship so directly, even though it was supposed to be pretend.

"What should I do?" I asked, realizing I'd moved closer to him without thinking.

Howard's eyes locked with mine. "Let me handle it." He stepped forward and touched my cheek. His hand was warm against my skin,gentle despite the hardness in his voice. "No one threatens what's mine."

What's mine. My heart hammered in my chest. I knew he was just keeping up our act, but it sounded so real. Why did his touch affect me like this?

"You have better options," he said more softly. "Let Howard Technologies develop your copyrights. We'll give you a good percentage, and I'll make sure everything works out."

For a second, I forgot this was just business between us. "What if it doesn't sell well?" I asked.

"Do you trust me, Annie?" he asked simply.

"Yes," I said without thinking. It was probably the most honest thing I'd said in weeks.

Howard's mouth curved slightly, "Then I'll protect your interests.Philip Baker needs to learn he can't manipulate you anymore."

Something shifted inside me - safety, belonging, and something else I was afraid to name.

Someone knocked on the door.

Howard pulled back immediately, his face cooling to a professional mask."Come in."

Margaret Thompson walked in carrying a container. She ignored Howard and came straight to me with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"I hear you're dating my son, is that right?" she asked.

Howard moved behind me, his hand resting on my waist. His fingers pressed slightly, a silent message I couldn't quite read.

"Yes," I said simply.

"Then you'll be my daughter-in-law soon." Margaret's smile widened as she put the container in front of me. "You're too thin. You need to take better care of yourself."

Her sudden interest caught me off guard. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Margaret leaned closer and lowered her voice like she was sharing a secret. "Could you help me with Howard?"

I raised an eyebrow."Help how?"

She fidgeted with her purse strap. "I did some things I shouldn't have..."She glanced nervously at Howard, "He cut off my living expenses. I'm too old to work now..." She sighed dramatically. "I have no money.".

She looked at me with pleading eyes. "Could you ask him to give me my allowance back?"

I shifted uncomfortably. This wasn't my business. I wasn't really Howard's girlfriend - I had no right to get involved in their financial matters. "I'msorry."

"You should talk to me directly about these things," Howard said coldly from behind me. "Don't involve Annie."

Margaret hung her head and shuffled over to Howard. "I was afraid you'd say no..."

"I'll agree," Howard said, surprising me. His voice turned stern. "But promise you won't make the same mistake again. Next time I cut you off,it will be permanent."

Margaret's eyes widened. She obviously hadn't expected him to give in."I promise! I'll change!"

When she didn't leave, Howard frowned."Is there something else?"

"Your sister's company has problems..." Margaret mumbled, barely audible.

"Tell her to come see me herself," Howard said flatly.

"Good!" Margaret replied, practically running for the door.