Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 17

Chapter 17

Kevin phone rang as Alexander and Annie were about to step into the car at the airport. One glance at Kevin's face told Alexander that something was terribly wrong.

Kevin rushed over, shaking. "Sir... there's... We've got a problem

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Alexander fixed him with a cold gaze, his patience already thinning Kevin had been know

to panic without cause in the

past, so Alexander wasn't moved.

"Just say it. I don't have time for drama." Alexander said.

"It's... it's from Mrs. Todd, sir."

At the mention of his mother's assistant, Alexander's expression suddenly changed. Considering, Kevin's panicking state, Alex was already aware that what ever he wanted to say wouldn't be good. "What happened" Alexander demanded, his voice worried but cold.

"Your mother slipped in the bathroom. She was wounded. They're on their way to the hospital as we speak... sir"

"Damn it!" Alexander swore, taking the car key from Kevin's hand. He turned to Annie, his expression filled with worry and hurry. "Annie, go with Kevin for now. "I will call you later"

Annie took a step forward, her expression full of worry. "No, Ales. I will like to go with you,' she replied adamantly.

"Annie... please. This is my family matter."

"Anything that affects you, affects me," she interrupted firmly, her voice trembling, "I want to be there for you, Alex. I love

And I want to support you... Let me be there for you. Please"

Alex hesitated, taken off guard by her speech and their intensity. For a brief moment, he saw a side of her that he hadn't seen before.

"Fine," he finally replied after thinking it over. He returned his car keys to Kevin and said commandingly. "Drive us there and go as fast can."

you

The ride to the hospital was a blur. When they eventually arrived, Alexander and Annie headed straight to the VIP area with a dozen of the hospital top officials trailing after them. Vivian rushed into Alexander's arms. She was crying vigorously. She held to him firmly, her face damp with tears.

"Alex.. I don't want to lose Mom. She wept. "What if... what if something happens?"

Alexander held her close, swallowing the fear rising in his own throat. "She's strong, Viv. The doctors are doing everything they can. She'll pull through. She has to" He did not know if he was reassuring her or himself.

Annie approached Vivian and she wiped the girl's tears off before gently pulling her into a warm embrace. "I'm here for you. sis. I'm here," she murmured, her hand patting on her back.

But then her phone vibrated in her pocket. And the second her eyes fell on the caller ID, a chill run down her spine, and she felt frozen on the spot. She glanced hastily around the hallway to make sure no one had noticed the sudden change in her demeanor. Fortunately, everyone was paying attention to Alexander and the doctor who'd just arrived to update them on his mother's condition.

She quietly muted the call and motioned for Vivian to have a seat next to her while placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, but her mind was miles away.

"That call if it means what I think it does she thought. She needed an excuse to leave,

e, one that wouldn't raise suspicion.

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12:49 Tue, Dec 17 Chapter 17

And the second Alexander pulled the doctor away, Annie knew it was time. She made her way out and to the hospital, far enough away from prying eyes and cameras. She took a deep breath and dialed the number. A low, ragged voice answered. The operation failed. The guys we hired... they've been apprehended."

Annie's face screwed up in anger, her hands fisting as she struggled to contain the scream..

How could this happen? She'd given it her all, moving with calculated precise.

She had spotted Emma at the Wings of Hope event the moment she stepped inside, despite her heavy makeup. She had quickly slipped out to gather information regarding her and had immediately arranged for men to move Emma's things out of her apartment, just in case Alexander noticed her too. She had even went as far as hiting one of the men to pose as Emma's supposed fiance and father of her child, all in the name of keeping Alexander's attention solely to herself. And yet... Emma was still alive, breathing heavily.

Who the hell got in my way?" she spat, her mind racing. She would give anything to

Lake care of the aftermath to clean up her mess.

get that person. But for now, she had to

"Destroy all the evidence. Lay low until you hear from me again she instructed, her voice barely concealing the

anger.

She hung up the call, and she quickly removed the SIM card from the phone, breaking it in half before grinding it under her heel. She took a moment to readjust her expression, erasing all traces of the anger that was flowing through her veins. She wasn't done yet. If Emma thinks she's won, she has no idea who she's dealing with.

With a deep breath, Annie steeled herself and walked back into the hospital hallway; her face calmed as she rejoined Alexander and his family.

They all held their breaths as Brianna was wheeled out of the operating room. Vivian's face streaked with tears. She clutched Brianna's hand as she walked beside her bed, sobbing like a child They all followed silently, hearts heavy with worry, and watched as she was settled into the VIP room.

That night, no one left the hospital. They watched as the doctors worked tirelessly. By dawn, thankfully, Brianna opened her

eyes.

Vivian rushed to her mother, her eyes were filled with tears of relief. "Mom!" she choked out, voice trembling.

Alexander stood back, his expression unreadable. Brianna's gaze flickered at him, noticing he wasn't alone. Her face hardened as she looked past him, seeing Annie by his side. She let go of Vivian's hand, her voice laced with anger. "What is she doing here?"

Annie, tear stained and hesitant, took a step forward. "Mother," she whispered.

Brianna's eyes turned really cold. "How could you bring her here, Alex she demanded, looking at her sou with a mix-of disappointment and anger. "How could you insult me like this?"

"She is the woman I love... Mother Alexander replied, his tone unapologetic, a hint of arrogance in his voice.

Annie moved closer to Brianna's bed. Desperation was clear in her voice. "Please give me a chance, Mother, Alexander is the love of my life," she pleaded, tears rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Brianna's voice vibrated with hurt and anger. "You destroyed my son's marriage, and you think you can come here and play daughter in-law to me!? Get her out! The only woman I know, the only woman who I'm in support of is none other than Emma. Emma is your true and only wife."

With a cold expression, Alexander grabbed Annie's hand, pulling her toward the door. Annie broke into silent, defeated sobs.

her fists clenched.

Tue, Dec 1/

Chapter 18