Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 112

Chapter 112

Vivian sat beside her mother, scrolling through the news that had unfolded while Brianna was in the hospital. And inevitably, her scrolling stopped at the coverage of Emma's grand reveal at the Aurora Honors.

Vivian hesitated before clicking the article because she knows it would stir emotions in her mother. But there it was now: Emma Black, radiant and confident, smiling at the cameras.

Brianna's breath caught in her throat as her gaze landed on the screen. Emma looked even more stunning than she remembered. Time hadn't just been kind to Emma; it had transformed her. The once shy housewife had grown into one of the most influential women in the world, but to Brianna, she was still the young woman she had loved like a daughter.

That love has grown stronger now, tinged with a yearning to see Emma back as her daughter-in-law.

"Emma," Brianna whispered, her voice husky with emotion. Her heart ached at the memories of the past.

"She's extraordinary, isn't she?" Vivian murmured, looking at her mother.

Since Emma's reveal as the CEO of W2 Holdings, Vivian's respect for her had skyrocketed. She had only hated Emma in the past because her brother had hated her but now, seeing the strength and power Emma poses, her admiration had began to grow uncontrollably. Brianna's voice broke through her thoughts. "I want to see her," she said firmly.

Vivian was taken aback, unsure of exactly how to respond. "Mom, she has so much on her plate now, business, her life... and her kids." Her voice softened and was laced with sadness she couldn't hide.

Since the night of Emma's reveal, Vivian had hoped silently that her brother would find his way back to happiness, even if that wasn't with Emma.

"Kids?" Brianna's expression changed, her brow furrowing. "Emma has children?"

"Yes," Vivian said gently. She had prepared for this, knowing how all this would hit her mom. "She didn't come back alone, Mom. She came back with twins."

Brianna's heart sank as her mind conjured numerous questions. Had Emma really moved on? Her heart bled as she considered Emma having children with anyone else.

"Is she married?" Brianna cautiously asked, her voice breaking down ready to snap into a million pieces.

"I don't know," Vivian replied. "But... the twins are hers, and she's devoted to them." She paused, watching her mother process the information.

Although Brianna's had met Ethan before, she couldn't remember it.

AAAAA

Annie stood at the window, watching Alexander as he stormed out of the house coldly. His shoulders squared arrogantly. Not once did he glance in her direction.

He hadn't spoken to her that morning, let alone shared breakfast and the silence was suffocating. The tension between them had only deepened since the night before, and Annie knew she had to act fast. If she didn't find a way to mend things on time, she risked losing the hold she had on him.

Her mind replayed the events of the previous night with regret.

Alexander had walked out of their bedroom and chosen to sleep in a separate room. The memory stung, cutting deeper than she cared to admit. He had never done that before, and the realization filled her with panic.

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10:18 Mon, Dec 23 GY

Chapter 112

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She couldn't let this continue. If Alexander started distancing himself further, the fragile threads of their relationship might unravel completely.

Annie sat down, her hands slightly trembling as she stared into the mirror at her reflection. Her usually flawless composure was cracked, desperation rising in the darting of her eyes. As her gaze dropped to her stomach, an idea began to form. It was crazy, but it was the only card she had left to play.

Her hand hovered over her flat stomach, and she whispered softly to herself, "This will work."

The plan wasn't perfect, it was hazardous and could expose her Hes if things went wrong. But Annie had always thrived on manipulation, and now wasn't the time to hesitate. If this was what it will take her to keep Alexander by her side, she was willing to gamble everything.

She grabbed her bag and headed out of the house towards her car, her heart racing with fear and determination. She sped into the hospital where she had been admitted after fainting during the Aurora Honors event.

Since her pregnancy was a lie, that hospital was the only hospital she could go to, and if Alexander asked her why, her response was hot and ready.

AAAAA

Kevin had hesitated for a moment, holding the phone, unsure how to proceed. Although he has no idea what the fight was about but he had noticed a big change in his boss that morning. Without a word, Kevin approached Alexander, holding out the phone. "It's Miss. Annie," Kevin said carefully.

Alexander barely looked at the phone and pushed it back toward him. "Answer it yourself," he said coldly. "I have nothing to say to her."

Kevin hesitated but did so, putting the phone up to his ear.

At the other end, an urgent but calm voice came on. "Am I speaking with Mr. Black?"

"No, but I can pass along a message. How may I be of assistance? Kevin returned professionally.

"This is Dr. Todd's. Miss Annie is currently at our hospital experiencing complications with her pregnancy. We'd like Mr. Black to come to the hospital as soon as possible."

Kevin's breath caught for a moment, and his gaze flicked toward Alexander with worries. "Understood, I'll inform him right away."

He ended the call and turned to his boss. He explained what was going on to his boss.

Alexander froze, his hand tightening around the pen he'd been holding.

For a brief moment, his emotions wavered between concern and frustration.

He had told himself time and time again that Annie's last night action was unforgivable, and he meant it.

But the mention of a complication with the baby, their baby, left him in a tight spot.

Drive me to the hospital," Alexander said finally, his voice clipped and unreadable.

Kevin nodded and quickly grabbed the keys.

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