One of the officers stepped behind Gloria and fastened a pair of handcuffs around her wrists.The metallic click echoed in the quiet compound.Gloria looked down at the handcuffs in disbelief."This is illegal," she protested angrily. "You can't do this to me. I have lawyers. I have connections."The lead investigator remained calm."You'll have every opportunity to speak with your lawyer. For now, you're under arrest on suspicion of multiple financial crimes, conspiracy, forgery, and arranging violent criminal acts.""I've done nothing!" Gloria shouted, struggling against the cuffs.The officers ignored her protests.They escorted her toward the waiting police vehicle parked outside the gate.Neighbors who had noticed the commotion peeked through their windows and gathered cautiously along the street. Some whispered among themselves as they watched the once-confident woman being placed inside the back seat of the police vehicle.Gloria glared through the window.Her eyes found Antoni

Emily slowly lowered her phone onto the table after ending the call. She remained seated for several moments, staring blankly at the screen as she replayed Antonio's words in her mind. The conversation had answered one important question, yet it had left her with countless others. One thing, however, had become painfully clear. Antonio had absolutely no intention of marrying her simply because they now shared a child together. To him, his responsibility was toward the baby alone, not toward her.A wave of disappointment washed over Emily.She had convinced herself that the birth of their son would eventually soften Antonio's heart. She had imagined that, sooner or later, he would realize they belonged together as a family. Instead, he had drawn a clear line between caring for his child and building a future with her.Emily slowly turned her head toward the crib positioned across the room.Their infant son was sleeping peacefully, completely unaware of the complicated situation surro

Mary Gibson finished her work later than usual that Friday evening.She shut down her computer, gathered her handbag, and exchanged a few words with her colleagues before leaving the office. The moment she stepped outside, she pulled out her phone.There were three missed calls.All of them were from the same person.Cynthia.Mary frowned.It wasn't like her cousin to call repeatedly.She immediately returned the call.The line rang several times before Cynthia finally answered."Mary?""Cynthia, what's going on? I've been trying to reach you too.""I'm sorry," Cynthia replied. "I left my phone on silent."Mary could hear the exhaustion in her voice."You don't sound alright."There was a brief silence."I'm... managing."Mary knew her cousin well enough to recognize that answer."No, you're not."Cynthia sighed."I just need some time to think.""Have you decided what you're going to do about Antonio?""I don't know."Mary slowed her pace along the sidewalk."Have you spoken to him?"

The lawyer studied Antonio for several moments after hearing his answer."I want my wife back."There was no hesitation.No uncertainty.Antonio had answered almost instinctively.The lawyer slowly closed the file lying on his desk."Then that gives us somewhere to begin."Antonio leaned forward."What do you mean?""You have two battles in front of you."He held up one finger."The first concerns your responsibilities as the father of Emily's child."Then a second finger."The second concerns your marriage."Antonio nodded quietly."You cannot ignore either one.""I know."The lawyer continued."If your priority is reconciling with Cynthia, honesty will be your greatest ally."Antonio lowered his gaze."I should have told her the truth months ago.""You should have.""I thought I was protecting her."The lawyer shook his head gently."Secrets rarely protect anyone.""They usually become heavier with time."Antonio sighed deeply."I've learned that the hard way."The lawyer slid a not

Adrian forced himself to maintain his pleasant smile.He refused to let the disappointment on his face become obvious.Instead, he picked up his teacup and took a slow sip, buying himself a few moments to compose his thoughts.The Kessington family clearly favored Donald.That much had become undeniable.Margaret had not openly said Donald would become her son-in-law, but every word she had spoken pointed in that direction.Adrian looked at Evelyn.She had laughed when her mother mentioned marriage.She hadn't agreed.But neither had she completely dismissed the possibility.That alone made him uneasy.Setting his cup down gently, Adrian smiled."Mrs. Kessington, I believe every parent wants the best for their child."Margaret nodded."Naturally.""I can understand why you admire Doctor Donald."A faint smile crossed Margaret's face."He's an admirable young man."Adrian continued carefully."Still, marriage shouldn't be decided simply because two people have a child together."Margar