Harry grabbed Shawn and looked intently at Anna. Narrowing his eyes, he spoke in a cold tone, "There's no need for you to worry about Shawn, Ms. Ives."
Anna frowned slightly.
Tina really had a knack for spreading rumors, but seeing Shawn cry, she couldn't bring herself to tarnish his mother's image. "No need to thank me," Anna replied coolly.
Before turning and leaving, Anna paused, taking a deep breath.
Two days later.
This was the last chance Zach had given her. Anna hadn't planned on going, but Tina's words kept nagging at her, causing her to frown.
Six years ago, that night was a blur because of the alcohol. She hadn't seen the man's face clearly. Now, Tina claimed it was Zach. Could she be trusted?
But since it involved the father of her two children, she had to find out the truth!
To get to the bottom of it, she needed a hair sample for a DNA test.
With that thought, Anna didn't hesitate any longer and headed to the International Hotel, as Zach had mentioned.
Anna arrived at the hotel right on time. Urged by George, she entered the private room.
Inside were four people: George, Tina, Zach, and a well-off-looking middle-aged woman.
George frowned slightly as Anna entered, urging her, "Since you're here, come over. Why are you dawdling?"
Anna glanced at George but said nothing, obediently taking a seat.
Her compliance made George suspicious, and he gave her a curious look.
But it was only for a moment before George continued smiling and discussing the marriage with Mrs. White.
"Mrs. White, we shouldn't delay this matter too long. How about this, let's have the engagement next week. They can get the marriage certificate soon after, which will put both our minds at ease. What do you think?"
"Alright, let's do it next Tuesday. The chief designer of International Fashion has a press conference on Monday, and Zach has to attend. Once that's done, we'll proceed with the engagement. Don't worry, the order the Ives family wants will be handled. After the engagement, I'll have my secretary bring the signed contract directly to you."
Hearing about the order, George's face lit up with a broad smile, and he quickly agreed, "Great, great, whatever Mrs. White says."
Sitting nearby, Zach suddenly stood up.
With his hands in his pockets, he glanced at Anna, then reached out and grabbed her hand, saying quickly, "Come with me, I need to talk to you."
Zach's grip was strong, giving Anna no chance to resist as he pulled her outside.
George didn't stop them, smiling as he said, "Yes, yes, young people should communicate well."
Zach led Anna outside, his narrow eyes scrutinizing the woman before him.
She wore a blue and white dress, her waist-length hair cascading down her back.
Her face was adorned with just the right amount of makeup, and her eyes were like clear, spirited lakes.
Unfortunately, no matter how beautiful she was, she had already had a child. With that thought, Zach's face twisted into a mocking smile.
"Looks, figure, and poise are all fine, but it's a pity you're just damaged goods."
Anna looked at him calmly, her expression unreadable.
Her voice was cool and indifferent. "Well, it's nothing compared to a guy who's got no looks, no manners, and a reputation as a playboy."
Zach's face darkened at her provocative tone, his fists clenching at his sides, ready to strike.
But Anna quickly grabbed his wrist, stopping him mid-swing.
Zach froze, shocked at the strength of this seemingly small woman. He couldn't break free from her grip.
Frustrated, he spat out, "Anna, you're nothing but a disgrace. I'm marrying you just to have you as a trophy wife in the White family!"
Anna's eyes darkened as she gave a contemptuous smile. She stepped forward and yanked a handful of his hair.
Zach yelped in pain, his eyes widening and his face flushing with anger. "Anna! Are you crazy?!"
Anna released his hand, stepped back, and tucked the hair into her bag with a growing smile. "Mr. White, I noticed something dirty on your head and helped you remove it. You're welcome."
As she watched his expression darken further, she added, "I have some matters to attend to at home. If you have any issues, feel free to discuss them with George. Goodbye!"
"You…" Zach's face turned beet red as he clutched his scalp and cursed.
"Anna, don't push your luck! You're lucky I even considered marrying you. You should just stay put and be a good little wife in the White family!"
But Anna had already turned on her heel and left, leaving him fuming and powerless in his rage.
Anna glanced at the small tuft of hair in her bag, it would be enough for a DNA test.
But thinking about Zach's despicable deeds made her frown.
If Kyle and Natalie's father really was Zach, she didn't want them to acknowledge him at all.
Lost in thought, Anna didn't notice the man suddenly appearing in front of her and bumped straight into him.
She clutched her forehead and quickly apologized. "Sorry, I'm really sorry."
"Do you often use this method to start conversations?" came a deep, raspy voice from above her.
The voice sounded familiar. Anna looked up and met Harry's gaze. Harry Luke? It was him again.
How was it that every time she bumped into someone, it was him?
Anna pressed her lips together. "I was just thinking about something else, Mr. Luke. I'm sorry."
Harry glanced down at his suit, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.
He reached for the buttons of his jacket, his long fingers twisting them, then with a look of disdain, he took it off and tossed it onto Anna.
Anna looked down and noticed a distinct lipstick mark on the lower part of the collar. Was it from when she accidentally bumped into him?
She gave an awkward smile. "Mr. Luke, I'll clean it and return it to you."
"No need. I don't like others touching my things," Harry replied softly, his dark eyes carrying a hint of curiosity.
Airports. Hospitals. Hotels.
Could it all just be a coincidence?