The morning started like any other. Ann woke up feeling calm, even a little happy. She and Richard had shared more quiet moments lately. Their bond had grown stronger. And for the first time in weeks, she didn’t feel like just a guest in the penthouse. She felt like… she belonged.
After breakfast, Richard had left early for a board meeting. Ann promised to stop by the office to hand over a few files she had been helping with from home. She didn’t plan to stay long.
But the moment she stepped through the doors of Knight Industries, she felt something was off. People stared. Some whispered behind their hands. Others quickly looked away when her eyes met theirs. Ann frowned. What was going on?
She made her way to the elevator. As she stepped inside, Victoria stepped in behind her. “Ann,” V
