Chapter 95

Annie's POV

Howard's question hung between us: "Annie, what are you planning?"

I smiled at him, savoring this rare moment of confusion.Howard Thompson wasn't a man accustomed to being left in the dark.

"Nothning illegal," I assured him. "Just a different kind of revenge."

"Different how?"

"What would hurt Sarah more than physical pain? What would destroy her more thoroughly than any direct atack?"

Understanding dawned in Howard's eyes. "Exposure."

I nodded. "Exactly. Sarah values her reputation above all else. She's crafted this image of a devoted mother and victim. If people saw who she truly is..

"The manipulator who drugged a pregnant woman," Howard finished coldly.

"Her attacks are growing bolder. The photos with Caroline, approaching you directly-she's desperate. And desperate people make mistakes."

Howard looked at me with fresh appreciation. "You've been documenting everything." "Yes. Once Sarah gives birth to Robet's child, I'll reveal the truth to Philip." His lips curved into a slight smile. "I didn't realize you had such a calculating side." "I learned from the best," I replied. "Now I understand that real power lies in patience."

Howard took my hand. "Just promise me one thing. Let me help when the time comes."

I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me at his support."Deal."

After work, we picked up Lucy from her classes. We found her playing happily with Penny, both girls giggling as they practiced gymnastics poses.Under Lucy's pleading gaze, Howard agreed to have Penny over, and we headed home.

Thomas Anderson was already waiting for their daily training. By the end,Lucy had barely broken a sweat, while Penny and her mother Sue Peterson looked exhausted. The girls immediately ran upstairs, leaving the three adults in the living room.

I handed Sue a bottle of water. "Thomas's training sessions are always intense."

After Howard sat down, he asked, "How's your project coming along?"

Sue's expression shifted to professional mode. "I've reached step six already,two weeks ahead of schedule."

"Impressive," Howard remarked. "Most of our best team members would be at step three by now."

Howard nodded. "Take a few days off once it's complete." Sue's eyes brightened. "Penny and I can make weekend plans." I noticed Sue's gaze darting upstairs. "How's Penny doing these days?" Sue's expression softened, though worry soon followed. "Good, exceptfor school... and Dave's been causing trouble again."

"Still harassing you?" I asked with concern.

"Three years divorced, and he still thinks I'm his 'property," Sue's voice carried disgust. "When Penny hides from her own father, I just..." Her voice trembled, "wish he would disappear."

She composed herself before her expression brightened. "But something happened the night before last that's made things much better."

"It was Thomas," Sue said softly, her eyes sparkling. "He helped us tremendously."

Howard and I exchanged a glance. Sue clearly had feelings for Thomas beyond gratitude.

"Would you like to share?" I encouraged.

"Thomas was walking us home when Dave suddenly appeared outside our building," Sue explained. "Penny immediately became frightened and hid behind Thomas."

"What did Thomas do?" I asked, noticing the warmth in her tone. I'd observed how her breathing quickened whenever Thomas came near during training.

"He calmly told me, 'Sue, take Penny inside. I'll handle this.'" She shook her head in wonder. "In that moment, I suddenly felt safe. Like someone was finally on my side."

"Dave was drunk and confrontational," she continued. "He demanded to know who Thomas was. Thomas stood like a wall in front of our door and didn't back down,"

"Dave shouted, 'She had my child, so she belongs to me! She can't date anyone without my permission!'" Sue's voice hardened. "Thomas told him,'The law doesn't recognize your twisted logic. Sue's decisions are her own.and you have no right to control her life.'"

Sue's face brightened as she described the scene. "Thomas warned Dave that he'd escort us home every day from now on, and if Dave showed up again..." she paused, "his knuckles would 'have a conversation' with him.Dave actually backed down."

"How did Penny react?" Howard asked.

"She asked Thomas if her daddy was really gone. He knelt to her level and said,'People like that are cowards. They only bully those they think are weak. If you're strong enough, they'll be afraid of you."

Sue smiled. "Penny declared she would learn gymnastics with Lucy to become super strong and make her daddy afraid of her."

After a moment's hesitation, Sue continued more softly, "I was worried Dave might return for revenge, so I asked Thomas to stay the night."

"When I woke up, Thomas and Penny were in the kitchen making French toast. She was laughing like I haven't seen since before the divorce." Sue's fingers unconsciously stroked the water bottle. "Thomas has given her security and respect. He treats her like a person, not a custody bargaining chip."

I could see how Sue glowed talking about Thomas - a feeling remarkably similar to what I experienced when I met Howard. "Thomas has made quite an impression," I observed.Sue blushed. "He's different. Other men were either intimidated by Dave or too eager to take his place, Thomas just... exists. Confidently, kindly,without demands." "Has he been helping with Lucy's training long?"Howard asked.

"Six months, but we really started talking when Penny joined a few weeks ago."

"And?" I prompted when she hesitated.

"There's something in the way he looks at me," Sue whispered. "Like he's genuinely interested in who I am.".

Her phone chimed. She checked it and smiled. "Thomas is asking about dinner tonight."

"He's coming over again?" I asked.

Sue nodded,blushing. "He's stayed the past two nights. For protection,in case Dave returns." Her averted eyes suggested more than protection.

"Am I moving too fast?" she asked suddenly, vulnerability evident. "After Dave,having someone respectful feels almost too good to be true."

"Only you can decide the right pace," I replied. "But Thomas seems to genuinely care about both of you."

"We talked until dawn last night," Sue said, her face brightening. "He told me things I never knew about Dave after seven years of marriage."

She put her phone away. "I should check on the girls." After Sue went upstairs,Howard turned to me. "Thomas and Sue. I didn't see that coming." "Sue deserves someone good after Dave," I said. Howard nodded. "Thomas is reliable, respectful,excellent with children. If anyone deserves a second chance at happiness, it's her." I leaned against HHoward, feeling contentment wash over me. "Speaking of second chances. I'm grateful for mine."

Howard pulled me closer. His lips found mine in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened with unmistakable hunger. My fingers slid into his hair, pulling him closer as warmth spread through my body. His hand trailed down my spine, sending shivers across my skin.

When we finally broke apart, both slightly breathless. I couldn't help but smile at the desire darkening his eyes. I traced his jawline with my fingertips, enjoying the slight roughness of evening stubble beneath my touch.

"What are you thinking about?" Howard asked, his voice lower than usual.

"That with you, I fear nothing," I whispered, pressing another kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Sarah, Philip, Caroline-none of them matter when I'm in your arms."

Howard's hands tightened possessively around my waist. "They shouldn't matter anyway. They're nothing compared to you."

I shifted to straddle his lap, my dress riding up my thighs. His eyes followed the movement, his hands automatically moving to steady me. I leaned forward until my lips brushed his ear.

"Let Sarah plot and scheme," I breathed, feeling a thrill as his fingers dug slightly into my hips. "When the time comes, we'll handle her together.But right now..."

I pulled back just enough to meet his darkened gaze, a smile playing on my lips. "Right now, I have much more interesting things on my mind."

Howard's answering smile was predatory as he stood suddenly, lifting me with him. My legs instinctively wrapped around his waist as he carried me toward the bedroom, all thoughts of Sarah and her schemes completely forgotten in the heat of his embrace.