h4Chapter 86: The Birthday Secret/h4

    Anna’s POV

    I stared at the six-digit number on that small note card, my brain racing through possiblebinations until everything suddenly clicked. Wait a minute—that was my birthday.

    Catherine’s eyes widened with recognition. "Hold on, isn’t that your birthday?" She examined the card more closely, her perfectly manicured nail tapping against the paper.

    Catherine leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

    "Interesting that my uncle would send me apany opening gift with your birthday as the passcode." Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "He probably doesn’t even remember his own niece’s birthday, but somehow remembers yours perfectly."

    Her implication hung in the air between us. I shifted ufortably, desperate to change the subject before others noticed my reaction.

    "The property is right across from the Financial District," I said quickly.

    "Marcus is really looking out for your business interests."

    ---

    Phillip Murphy finished his speech to enthusiastic apuse, hismanding presence leaving asting impression on the assembled business elite.

    Catherine stepped forward to take the microphone, her confident stride carrying her across the stage.

    I stood in the corner, contemting Marcus’s unexpected gesture, when I heard Catherine call my name. She was waving me over, a brilliant smile lighting up her face.

    In an instant, every eye in the room turned toward me. My heart skipped a beat as confusion washed over me.

    What was she doing?

    Maintaining what I hoped was aposed expression, I walked toward the stage, my heels clicking against the floor with each step.

    "What’s going on?" I whispered as I reached Catherine’s side, maintaining my public smile despite my internal panic.

    Catherine raised the microphone, her voice ringing clear through the venue.

    "I’ve always said that my first contract would go to Shaw Corp. Today, as mypany officially opens, that contract is ready to be signed."

    I froze, shock coursing through my system. This waspletely unexpected—a public deration of alliance with me in front of Skyview City’s most influential figures. The weight of the moment wasn’t lost on me; this wasn’t just business—it was Catherine’s way of telling everyone that the Murphy family stood with Anna Shaw.

    Her assistant approached with the contract. My hands trembled slightly as I signed my name, acutely aware of the significance of this moment.

    In the distance, I caught sight of Mary Simpson’s face contorting with fury before she stormed toward the exit.

    The Simpson matriarch couldn’t bear to witness her niece siding with an "outsider" over family.

    After the signing, Catherine gave me a gentle hug, mindful of my healing shoulders. The simple gesture felt like a lifeline in the shark-infested waters of Skyview City’s business elite.

    "Your aunt left," I murmured quietly.

    Catherine shrugged, entirely unconcerned. "Grandpa’s going to get an earful tonight. Not that I care." Her casual dismissal of family drama

    somehow made me feel less alone. For once, I had someone firmly in my corner.

    ーーー

    During thepany tour, I noticed a distinguished businessman admiring the disy cabs lining Catherine’s conference room walls.

    "Exquisite craftsmanship," he remarked, studying an ornate sculpture. "Quite elegant."

    Catherine immediately seized the opportunity. "Anna selected all these pieces for me. Actually," she added with a meaningful nce my way, "you two might have business to discuss."

    I stepped forward, offering my most professional smile. "You might not be aware, but these piecese from the traditional crafts division my grandfather Gregory Shaw left me. If you’re interested, perhaps we could discuss this further over lunch sometime?"

    My voice projected confidence, but inside, I was thrilled at this unexpected opportunity to expand my businesswork and gather support for the Skke District project.

    The businessman’s eyes lit up with interest. "Gregory Shaw’s enterprise? I should definitely learn more about this."

    ---

    Jack’s POV

    I pushed open the door to Father’s office and walked into a storm. Mother stood rigid, jabbing her finger at Father’s assistant. The woman’s face was pale, her eyes darting to me with relief.

    I nodded at her. She rushed past me, clutching her tablet.

    _Mother’s terrorizing the staff again._ Through the windows behind Father’s desk, Skyview City’s financial district stretched out—a kingdom the Simpson family had helped build. Father red at Mother, jaw tight.

    "You have enough power at home," he said. "Tantrums in my office are uneptable."

    I stepped forward. "Mom? I thought you were at Catherine’spany opening. You’re back early."

    Mother turned to me, eyes shing.

    "They didn’t need our support."

    Father sank into his chair. "What happened, Mary?"

    Her lips curled as she paced across the floor. "That Shaw girl. Catherine signed a partnership with her. Right there, in front of everyone!"

    My stomach clenched at Anna’s name.

    I’d avoided thinking about her since ourst meeting, when she’d looked at me like I might be a murderer.

    "Phillip," Mother continued, "ims no interest in animation industry, then sends Catherine to get a foothold. The nerve!"

    Father’s cold gaze shifted to me. "Have you met with Anna Shaw recently?"

    My throat tightened. "No."

    Father’s fist crashed onto his desk.

    "THEN WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?"

    I dropped my gaze. How could I exin what kept me from seeing Anna? The guilt, the feelings, the memory of her distrust. Father wouldn’t understand-business came before emotions in his world.

    "Samuel Griffin has left Skyview City," Father said, voice icy. "Before leaving, he visited Shaw Corp. If Anna has Samuel and Catherine both, she bes our mainpetitor."

    Mother scoffed. "Impossible. Samuel wouldn’t choose Shaw Corp over us.

    Besides, where would Anna get that kind of money? She’s just ying at business."

    Father’s eyes narrowed. "Anna may not have liquid assets, but both families have deep reserves. If she wants Skke District, she’ll find funding."

    He pressed his inte: "Find out which banks Anna Shaw has been meeting with."

    Anna’s POV

    Fifteen days of physical therapy had finally paid off. My shoulders no longer screamed in protest with every movement, and I could button my own blouse without wincing.

    I checked my watch—7:45 PM. Kieran Green was already forty-five minuteste to our dinner meeting. The luxurious private dining room felt increasingly ustrophobic with each passing minute. My fingers drummed against the table, the rhythm matching my growing irritation.

    "Ms. Shaw, would you like to order first?" the server asked, hovering uncertainly by the door.

    "Give Mr. Green another fifteen minutes," I replied, forcing a polite smile.

    When my phone finally rang, I snatched it up immediately. "Mr.Green, I assume you’re on your way?"

    "Ms. Shaw, I deeply apologize," his voice oozed with fake remorse. "My father-inw has taken ill suddenly.

    I’m at the hospital now and won’t be able to make our dinner."

    I might have believed him if not for the distinct sound of sses clinking and a woman’s muffled giggle in the background. My jaw tightened painfully.

    "I understandpletely," I replied, my voice cool as winter frost. "Family emergencies take precedence. Perhaps another time."

    Daniel Davis approached as I ended the call. "Ms. Shaw, could someone be deliberately sabotaging your meetings?"

    "What else could it be?" Heat rose to my face. "We weremunicating well before, and suddenly he’s unavable or standing me up. Something’s clearly wrong."

    I gathered my belongings, ready to leave this monument to wasted time, when amotion erupted in the hallway. A woman stumbled past our doorway, her hair disheveled and mascara streaking down her flushed cheeks. I recognized her immediately —Nora Price.

    A clearly intoxicated man lurched after her, grabbing her wrist with such force that she winced.

    "Where are you running to? Is Griffin paying you more than I am?" he sneered, alcohol slurring his words.

    "Let go of me! Don’t touch me!" Nora’s voice cracked with fear and humiliation.

    Through the adjacent door left slightly ajar, I caught a glimpse of Sawyer Walker lounging casually on a sofa, watching the scene unfold with detached amusement. He made no move to intervene as his associate continued harassing Nora.

    "Don’t y the innocent with me.

    Everyone in Skyview City knows your reputation. Just name your price."

    Something inside me snapped. I’d been stood up, manipted, and now I was witnessing this disgusting disy of male entitlement. My blood boiled with a fury that demanded release.

    I nodded subtly to Sean Smith, who immediately understood. In three swift strides, he reached the drunk man and twisted his arm behind his back with practiced efficiency.

    Nora trembled violently, her expensive dress soaked with red wine stains— clearly intentionally thrown on her.

    Her vulnerability in that moment broke through any remaining restraint I had.

    Without a word, I strode into the adjacent private room where Sawyer Walker and his business associates were dining. Their heads turned in surprise as I approached the center of their gathering.

    I surveyed their shocked faces for exactly two seconds before flipping their entire dining table.

    The crash was magnificent. Crystal shattered, wine sprayed, and gourmet food sttered across custom suits.

    Sawyer Walker barely leapt back in time to avoid being drenched.

    Without uttering a single word, I turned and walked out, catching Nora’s wide-eyed stare.

    "Ms. Shaw, you didn’t need to do this for me," she whispered, mascara-stained tears still tracking down her cheeks.

    "Stay away from that man in the future. He clearly has no real feelings for you."

    "Thank you for today," she replied, her voice breaking. "I won’t forget this."

    "Don’t mention it. I was stood up and needed to vent my frustration anyway." I handed her my coat. "Get home safely before you catch cold."

    I instructed Daniel to drive her home —she was in no condition to operate a vehicle. As we exited the hotel, Sawyer Walker was waiting, his expensive shoes sttered with what appeared to be lobster bisque.

    "So who’s backing you, Ms. Shaw?

    Marcus Murphy?" His voice carried an

    unmistakable threat.

    I met his gaze directly before sliding into my car. "Think whatever you want." The door closed with a satisfying thud.

    ーーー

    Back home, I discovered my period had arrived. A strange mixture of relief and disappointment washed over me. No pregnancy.

    In many ways, this was the perfect arrangement. Physical release without emotional entanglement. No messy feelings, no expectations, no disappointments. Just two adults satistying mutual desires on their own terms.

    ---

    Year-end was approaching rapidly, and I still hadn’t managed to meet with Kieran Green. The Skke District auction loomed just after the New Year. Even with Catherine and Samuel’s investments, we remained woefully underfunded.

    "Ms. Shaw, Kieran Green will be attending his daughter’s art exhibition tomorrow," Sean informed me. "I’ve secured two tickets."

    "Good. You’ll apany me tomorrow."

    Rachel entered with a folder. "Ms. Shaw, our investigation shows the Simpson family is almost certainly behind this. Kieran had dinner with George Simpsonst week."

    I wasn’t surprised, but confirmation still sent a spike of anger through me.

    The Simpsons were systematically undermining my efforts, cutting off potential investors one by one.

    "Let’s visit William Murphy," I decided, rising from my desk. "I haven’t seen him in a while."

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