Chapter 98: Her Legacy, Not His
Anna’s POV
Deep down, I was certain Marcus Murphy wouldn’t return. My thoughts drifted back to Christmas when I’d traveled all the way to Europe to find him, only to be met with silence and rejection. That memory still stung, a wound I refused to acknowledge but couldn’t quite ignore.
The mysterious development at Nestling Crest Bay was likely just another business decision, I told myself. Whatever connection Marcus Murphy had to it was purely professional—it had nothing to do with any personal feelings toward me.
I needed to focus on what mattered:
Skylake District and my growing child.
The sleek presentation displayed on the wall-to-wall screen showed architectural renderings of our plans— luxury retail, upscale residential spaces, and a central park that would maintain the historic charm while bringing new life to the area.
"As you can see," I concluded, gesturing to the final slide, "Skylake District has the potential to become the crown jewel of Skyview City’s revitalization. With the synergy from the mysterious Nestling Crest Bay development nearby, we’re positioned for unprecedented growth."
As the team filed out, Samuel lingered behind, his expression unreadable as he approached me at the head of the table.
"It’s Marcus Murphy, isn’t it?" he asked without preamble, his eyes searching mine with uncomfortable intensity.
I feigned confusion, my heart suddenly beating faster. "Uncle Marcus? What about him?" Inside, I tensed-how had he seen through me so easily?
Samuel made a dismissive sound.
"We’re in the same boat now, Ms. Shaw. Why so guarded with me?"
I took a deep breath, mentally calculating my response. The last thing I wanted was to discuss Marcus Murphy. Those complicated feelings had been carefully locked away, and I had no desire to resurrect them.
"I’m not being guarded," I replied evenly. "There’s simply nothing to discuss. What we need to focus on is Skylake District and maximizing our investment. Samuel, I’m not interested in anything else right now except making money."
Samuel seemed to sense my resistance and mercifully changed the subject.
"The project needs substantial capital to move forward. Have you mortgaged the properties yet?"
"Daniel’s been working on that," I said, feeling a wave of relief at returning to business matters. "Skylake District is divided into several parcels-we’re using two for collateral initially."
Later in my office, I stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, lost in thought about Skylake District’s potential. This wasn’t just another development project—it was my legacy, a promise to my father’s memory and to my unborn child.
That evening, Catherine, Samuel and I were enjoying dinner in a private room at hotel when my phone rang. Seeing my mother’s name on the screen, I excused myself and stepped into the hallway.
"Annie, don’t forget your prenatal vitamins," Elizabeth’s concerned voice came through the speaker. "And please try to be home earlier tonight— Grandma Margaret wants to discuss nursery colors."
I smiled despite myself. Since learning of my pregnancy, my mother and grandmother had transformed into expectant guardians, their concern both touching and occasionally overwhelming.
"Mom, I’ll be home soon," I promised.
"The baby and I are both fine. Tell Grandma—"
As I turned to re-enter the private dining room, I froze. Jack Simpson stood in the hallway, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.
"You’re pregnant?" Jack’s voice reflected his astonishment, eyes fixed on my still-flat stomach where my hand had unconsciously come to rest.
A wave of unease washed over me. I hadn’t planned on this news reaching the Simpson family so soon, especially not through this accidental encounter.
"Yes," I answered simply, unwilling to elaborate.
"Who’s the father?" he pressed, a strange emotion darkening his features.
"That’s none of your business," I replied coldly, turning to leave. Anger and frustration churned inside me our relationship was over, what right did he have to question me this way?
"Anna!" His voice rose sharply as he moved to intercept me.
As he reached out to grab my arm, Clayton materialized beside me, smoothly inserting himself between us.
The former military man’s presence was commanding even in his perfectly tailored suit.
Jack stopped short, then gave a bitter laugh. "This is the bodyguard your child’s father hired for you? "
The comment ignited my fury. My voice shook slightly as I responded, "What is wrong with you? Can’t you just pretend I don’t exist?"
Clayton spoke calmly, "Ms. Shaw, please go ahead. I’ll handle this."
I gave Jack one last cold look, exhaustion replacing anger. Whatever feelings had once existed between us had long since evaporated. Now he was just a stranger, someone I had no desire to spend another moment acknowledging. Without hesitation, I turned and walked back into the private dining room, not a single glance backward.
Jack’s POV
I stood frozen outside the private dining room, my hand still on the doorknob. Through the small crack in the door, I could see Samuel Griffin and Catherine Murphy laughing over wine glasses, their animated conversation floating out in disconnected fragments.
But I couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.
The words I’d just overheard kept ricocheting inside my skull like stray bullets.
*Anna is pregnant. Anna is pregnant.
Anna is...*
My stomach lurched violently, acid climbing up my throat. I leaned against the doorframe, suddenly grateful for its solid support as the hallway seemed to tilt beneath my feet.
"Who’s the father?" The question had escaped my lips before I could stop it, desperation making my voice crack.
When Anna’s eyes flashed with cold fury, something inside me crumbled.
*It should have been mine. Our child.
Our family.*
I watched her bodyguard - that mountain of a man - step between us with practiced efficiency. His presence only twisted the knife deeper. Someone else was protecting her now. Someone else had claimed what I foolishly thought would always be available to me.
"This is the bodyguard your child’s father hired for you?" The bitter words had spilled out before I could stop them, revealing my pathetic suspicions.
*Marcus Murphy? Has he returned without anyone knowing?*
No. That couldn’t be right. Uncle Marcus hadn’t been back to Skyview City in months. Everyone knew that.
But then who? Someone at Shaw Corp? My chest constricted painfully at the possibilities.
For years, I’d lived in a comfortable delusion. Divorce was just a temporary setback. A rough patch. Just another negotiation in our relationship that would eventually resolve itself when the timing was right. When I was ready.
A hollow laugh escaped me, drawing curious glances from passing hotel staff. How incredibly, stupidly arrogant I’d been. While I’d been waiting for the "right moment" to graciously welcome her back, Anna had rebuilt her entire life without me.