Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 167

Alexander closed his eyes, running a hand through his hair as he let out a heavy sigh. He leaned back into his chair, the weight of the situation weighing heavy upon him. His stomach churned with regret. He never should have handed her the keys to his car. He’d only done it to de–escalate the situation, to prevent her from causing more of a scene. But now, that decision may prove rather costly.

His mind was racing with the possible outcomes of this. Annie was putting her life in danger, and so was that of his unborn child.

As much as he had emotionally shut himself off from Annie, this was a serious issue he couldn’t ignore.

Of course, there was also the media to contend with: one word concerning Annie’s disappearance, and chaos would ensue. Speculation would be off, and those fingers would point directly at him and Emma..

Their names with their twins would be dragged in the mud. The world would portray them as villains.

The world he was building for his family could get ruined, the legacy of his forefathers destroyed.

Alexander leaned forward, his hands gripping the edges of the desk as if trying to control himself. “This doesn’t leave this room,” he said firmly, his voice low but charged with authority. “Make sure the press doesn’t get a whisper of this. Do whatever it takes to keep this quiet.”

Kevin nodded, his expression resolute. “Understood, sir. I’ll double the resources on the search team. We’ll find her

“Great,” Alexander said, but little conviction was in his voice.

the office, Alexander fell back in

What if she was but too late for the baby? And what about the aftermath that

Annie, to

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been recovering from a health issue and had been so quiet since her return from the hospital. But here she was, standing tall, speaking with unwavering strength, and openly

so protective and ready for a fight on behalf of whatever she believed was right. The depth of Brianna’s love and loyalty finally broke through the barriers Emma had built around her heart, filling her both

the direction of the twins playing: Ethan building a tower, working with his blocks, and Emily giggling at every wobbly move her brother’s creation was making. They had no idea how surrounded with love they were, how privileged they were to have people like Brianna around them,

she finally found out that the grandkids she had often asked Emma about were right here, growing and flourishing. Emma could almost picture Brianna’s face lighting up with joy, the tears that would spill when she held

Jan

Chapter 167

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now it replayed in her mind with detail. For the first time, she was able to allow herself to believe that such a moment could really be possible and

unshakeable support, she had the strength to carry on, to stand amidst a thousand hate comments and false accusations without crumbling. The insults and curses hurt, but with Alexander, they sounded like whispers in the wind. With him by her side, together they were strong against the verdict of the world. For the first time in

back into the present. He stood before her with big, inquiring eyes. “Why didn’t I go to daycare

Mommy’s been busy lately, sweetie,” she

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