Waiting in the shadows

The celebration

The Thoreau penthouse had never looked so alive. Crystal chandeliers reflected golden light across the marble floors, soft music flowed from the hired string quartet, and the entire living area had been transformed into a luxurious celebration hall. Waiters moved through the crowd carrying trays of champagne while executives, investors, and employees mingled excitedly.

Tonight wasn't just a party. It was a victory the launch of the Thoreau Systems medical app had exceeded every expectation. Downloads were skyrocketing. Hospitals were already requesting integration. Medical journals had begun mentioning it online.

And at the centre of it all stood the founders and heirs of the Thoreau empire.

For the first time since Maya started working there, the entire Thoreau family had come to London. Near the balcony, Mr Henri Thoreau, tall and dignified despite his age, raised his glass as he spoke with a group of board members. Beside him stood his elegant wife, Margaret Thoreau, whose warm smile softened the otherwise intimidating presence of the family patriarch.

Lucas stood nearby, half listening to the conversation while his eyes occasionally drifted across the room. And each time they did, they seemed to land on the same person.

Maya.

She stood near one of the long tables, speaking with a group of developers who were praising the clinical features she had helped design. Her dark dress was simple compared to the extravagant gowns around her, but the quiet confidence in her posture made her impossible to overlook.

The small figure of Layrus had somehow become the centre of the evening's unexpected entertainment.

The baby sat comfortably in Margaret Thoreau's arms, giggling as she gently bounced him.

"Oh my goodness," Margaret laughed softly, brushing her fingers against the baby's cheek. "Look at this little prince."

Layrus responded with a delighted squeal.

Henri turned toward them, raising an eyebrow. "You seem quite fond of him."

Margaret smiled warmly. "How could anyone not be?"

She kissed Layrus' tiny hand affectionately.

Across the room, Sophie stood frozen. Her manicured nails dug slightly into the champagne glass she was holding eyes burned with quiet rage. The sight in front of her made her stomach twist violently. Margaret laughing, Henri smiling. Everyone is admiring the baby. That child was supposed to be nothing but just a complication in Maya's life somehow he had become the centre of attention. Even the Thoreau family, her family, was looking at him with warmth.

Her jaw tightened. And Maya...

Maya stood nearby watching them with soft pride in her eyes. That image ignited something dark inside Sophie. This should have been her moment. Her child should have been the heir everyone was celebrating. But instead, her mind flashed back to the hospital room earlier that day Dr Anna's words. The implantation didn't hold.

Her grip on the glass tightened. No. If she couldn't have the future she planned... Then Maya wouldn't have it either. Her eyes slowly shifted toward Layrus again A cold idea formed.

Hours later, the party had grown louder. Music had replaced the string quartet. Laughter filled the room as more guests arrived. Champagne flowed freely. Layrus, however, had reached the end of his patience The baby's tiny head rested against Maya's shoulder as she gently rocked him. He was half asleep already. "You should take him upstairs," Alicia whispered when she noticed Maya struggling to keep him comfortable.

Maya nodded. "That's what I was thinking."

She kissed Layrus's forehead softly before walking toward the staircase that led to the upper floor of the penthouse. The noise of the party faded slightly as she reached the quieter hallway above. Lucas' penthouse had several guest rooms, and one of them had been prepared earlier in case Layrus needed to sleep.

Maya stepped inside the room and gently laid him on the bed. The baby barely stirred. She adjusted the blanket carefully, making sure he was comfortable.

Her heart softened as she watched him. "My little jelly man," she whispered with a smile.

Layrus let out a sleepy sigh. Maya walked to the door and paused for a moment before locking it.

She didn't want party guests wandering inside by accident. Satisfied, she slipped the key into her purse and headed back downstairs. She had barely reached the staircase when Sophie appeared from the other end of the hallway.

Sophie watched Maya disappear below. Then her lips curved slowly Perfect She walked calmly toward one of the housemaids who had been organising empty glasses nearby.

"Excuse me," Sophie said politely.

The maid looked up immediately.

"Yes, madam?"

"I left something important in one of the guest rooms upstairs," Sophie said casually. "Unfortunately, the door is locked."

"Oh."

Sophie sighed softly. "Would there happen to be a spare key?"

The maid nodded. "Yes, of course. We keep them downstairs."

Sophie smiled sweetly. "Would you mind getting it for me?"

"Right away."

A few minutes later the maid returned with a small key ring. "Here it is, madam."

Sophie took it. "Thank you." Just as the maid turned to leave, Sophie spoke again.

"Oh wait."

The girl stopped.

"Could you bring me a bottle of French champagne from the storage room?" Sophie asked.

"The one Mr Thoreau ordered earlier."

The maid nodded again. "I'll get it."

As the girl hurried away, Sophie's sweet smile vanished. She turned slowly toward the guest room door The key slid smoothly into the lock.

Click.

Inside the room, Layrus slept peacefully, unaware of the danger approaching Sophie walked quietly toward the bed For a moment she just looked at him.

His tiny chest was rising and falling.

His small fingers curled around the blanket.

The child who had ruined everything.

Her expression hardened Without hesitation, she lifted him carefully into her arms.

Layrus stirred slightly but didn't wake.

Sophie walked to the door where another woman stood waiting in the hallway The woman wore a catering uniform, blending easily among the party staff But she wasn't staff Sophie handed the baby to her.

"Take him down, be careful, don't let anyone see you " Sophie whispered coldly. "The car will be waiting outside."

The woman nodded quickly. She wrapped the baby in a blanket and turned toward the back staircase that led to the service exit.

At that exact moment, footsteps echoed from the main staircase Maya.

She was walking back upstairs.