Chapter 89

Howard's POV

I hung up the phone, feeling a wave of disgust wash over me. This marked the third time Philip had called regarding Sarah's complaints about Annie. I've encountered countless adversaries in the business world,but rarely someone as lacking in judgment yet so self-assured as Philip Baker. An involuntary smirk crossed my lips as my fingers drummed lightly against the polished surface of my desk. The man was utterly foolish.

Annie emerged from a nearby room, immediately reading my expression.

"Philip again?" she asked, leaning against the doorframe.

I nodded, making no effort to conceal thecontempt in my eyes."Mr.Baker seems to believe his ex-wife is bullying his poor pregnant girlfriend online." I deliberately lowered my voice, infusing it with unmistakable sarcasm. "What an absurd accusation."

Annie walked over and settled onto the sofa. "I figured as much. Sarah faces resistance online and runs straight to him crying." I moved to join her, pulling her gently ontomy lap. I couldn't keep the disgust from my voice. "This so-called top-tier investor jumps to conclusions without performing even the most basic fact-checking." I ran my thumb over her knuckles, feeling the softness of her skin."What's more ridiculous is that he claims to love you while consistently defending someone who hurts you.""He never truly loved me," Annie stated calmly. "He just wants me back to play nursemaid when Sarah gives birth." A surge of anger rose within me. "What did he do to you?" Annie averted her gaze. "When I was still in the hospital after my miscarriage, he brought Sarah home and let her sleep in our master bedroom while arranging for me to stay in the guest room."

My body tensed instantly, a fierce protective instinet burning in my chest.If Philip had been standing before me at that moment, I couldn't guarantee I would maintain my composure. Imagining Annie lying alone in a hospital bed while her husband welcomed another woman into their marital bed-such behavior was utterly repulsive.

After taking a deep breath, I managed to say with forced calm,"Aman without principles." But I knew my voice was cold enough to freeze theair between us.

"Sarah's been causing you trouble lately. Would you like me to intervene?"I asked, already mentally listing three potential strategies to silence Sarah permanently.

Annie shook her head with a slight smile. "That won't be necessary. Her antics have actually brought me more readers and increased sales." She looked up at me, her eyes shining with determination. "I can handle this."

I gazed at her confident, composed demeanor, feeling genuine admiration sweep through me. To remain so resilient in the face of such challenges,transforming obstacles into opportunities-Annie's strength and intelligence never ceased to amaze me. This was one of the many reasons I found myself so deeply captivated by her. I squeezed her hand gently. "Ifyou need anything, juast tell me." I heard my own voice soften. Annie leaned against my shoulder, and I could feel her body relaxing. It occurred to me that during her time with her ex-husband,she had never received this kind of support. This strong woman in my arms had once been forced to face every storm alone. "It's noon already. Shall we have lunch together?" I asked quietly.

"Yes," Annie nodded in agreement.

I took Annie to a small restaurant hidden in a narrow alley in Midtown Manhattan.

"Susan recommended it," I explained simply. "The chef is supposedly quite skilled."

When the food arrived, Annie took a bite and her eyes brightened. "This is really excellent."

I watched her expression with a sense of satisfaction.

Suddenly,a young woman bounded up to our table, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Mr. Thompson! You really came!" she exclaimed. "I'm Molly from the marketing department. This is my family's restaurant!"

Before I could respond, she dashed toward the kitchen. "I'll have Dad prepare some special dishes!"

Annie raised an eyebrow at me. "A friend?"

I shook my head. "I'm not even sure who recommended this place." I took out my phone and called Susan to inquire about the situation. After a brief conversation, I hung up, feeling slightly puzzled. Just then,Molly returned with a plate of bright red food and was about to sit down beside me. "Do you mind if I sit here?" she asked Annie."Actually, I do mínd," Annie replied frankly. Molly blinked. "Then can I sit next to you instead?"

Annie nodded in agreement, and Molly immediately began enthusiastically serving her food. "My father's spicy stir-fried pork is our signature dish!"

I noticed that all the newly arrived dishes were unusually red and spicy,and more strangely, Molly's attention had completely shifted from me to Annie.Something didn't feel right.

Annie took a bite, and I could telI the food was extremely spicy, but she maintained a composed expression. "A very unique flavor."

"Right?!" Molly's face lit up with excitement.

After finishing our meal, Molly mentioned she needed to stay behind to help,so I escorted Annie back to the office.

Back in my office, I led Annie to my private lounge area.

"I noticed something interesting earlier," I leaned closer to her, lowering my voice. "You seem particularly adept at charming women who are initially interested in me."

Annie laughed. "What are you talking about?"

"First Catherine Morgan, now Molly," I gently caressed her cheek. "The moment they see you, they can't take their eyes off you."

"Are you jealous?" Annie moved closer, wrapping her arms around my neck. I shook my head, feeling an unusual sense of humor. "Just observing an interesting phenomenon." My voice unconsciously deepened. "But I can hardly blame them..." I leaned in to kiss her lips. The kiss started gently, then gradually deepened. I felt her close her eyes, grip my shirt tightly, and instinctively move closer. Her body heat radiated through the thin fabric of her blouse,making my heart race.

My hand slid from her waist to the small of her back, savoring the softness and curves I found there. Images of last night flashed through my mind-her naked beneath me, her skin glowing enticingly in the moonlight,her lips parted, the sounds she made driving me to the edge of reason. I wanted to feel all of her again, to press her down onto the office sofa,unbutton her blouse, and taste every inch of her skin with my tongue.

Just as I was about to take things further, an intense burning sensation suddenly spread from my lips, forcing me to pull back abruptly. My expression must have been quite distorted.

"What's wrong?" Annie looked at me, confused.

"Too spicy," I frowned, my lips stinging painfully.

Annie finally realized that the spice from lunch had lingered on her lips.Seeing my expression, she couldn't help but smile. "Should I get you something to drink?"

"There's a vending machine downstairs," I nodded, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

On our way out of the office, my keen eyes caught two figures hastily ducking around the corner of the hallway-Catherine's blonde hair and Molly's distinctive jacket. I immediately understoodeverything. Molly had deliberately served the spiciest dishes to Annie but not to me-this was a carefully designed prank. Catherine and Molly must have conspired together, aiming to make me burn when kissing Annie. Watching them hiding in the corner,giggling,I maintained my composure externally while internally beginning to contemplate how to respond to this "amusing" challenge. Howard Technologies never lacks creativity, and as CEO, I have a responsibility to demonstrate the company's innovative capabilities, even when it comes to pranks. Catherine and Molly had clearly forgotten one important fact: in this building, the true master of strategic planning is me.

I glanced at Annie following behind me and decided not to tell her the truth just yet. The opportunity to respond to this prank would come,and the method would need to be memorable enough.