Anna glanced at Kyle and Shawn.
Despite their different clothes, if you only looked at their faces, they really did look like brothers.
Not knowing how to explain, Anna awkwardly smiled and quickly made up an excuse. "He's a friend's son."
Grandma seemed a little doubtful, but she didn't press.
Instead, she laughed and said, "These two kids look so alike, at least sixty percent like Kyle. So adorable! Come on, little ones, the food's ready. Come eat."
Shawn's eyes lit up. He wiped his face with his small hands, clearing away the tear stains, and eagerly trotted over.
Grandma called the two boys to the table, while Natalie kept her eyes on Shawn. After a while, she finally spoke up:
"Mommy, this little guy really looks like my brother."
"…" Maybe it was because she and Tina shared the same father but had different mothers?
Thinking about it, the young master of the Luke family did have some blood relation to Kyle.
Back then, her mother had been set up by Grace Rodriguez and then kicked out of the house by George Ives with nothing.
Her grandmother had always held a grudge about it. If this little guy's identity was revealed, it would probably stir up anger.
Anna sighed softly and said, "There are plenty of people who look alike. Don't jump to conclusions."
"Mom, this soup is really good. Can I have more?" Shawn asked, his big eyes full of hope as he stared at his empty bowl.
He was genuinely hungry, not having eaten properly for two days. One bowl of chicken soup was far from enough.
Kyle, hearing Shawn call Anna "Mom," felt a surge of annoyance. "She's my mom, not yours. You can't just call her that."
Shawn blinked, his little head drooping as he clutched his hands tightly. His voice trembled as he whispered, "I don't have a mom."
That single sentence instantly softened Grandma's heart. She gently patted Kyle and said, "Now, Kyle, he's a guest in our home. Be polite."
Kyle glanced at Shawn but chose not to say anything more.
Anna frowned slightly, puzzled.
Tina had become the young mistress of the Luke family because she gave birth to Harry's son.
But judging by the relationship between them, it didn't seem very good.
This child was supposed to be her golden ticket.
With Tina's personality, it didn't make sense for her to treat him poorly.
Strange.
—
Shawn had been at her house for two days now, and Anna was beginning to wonder if Harry had forgotten about his own son.
How could he be fine with leaving his child in a stranger's home?
Especially when he had just warned her to stay away from his son, yet here the little guy was.
But today was Monday, and the press conference was in the afternoon. She didn't have time to dwell on it.
Once the press conference was over, she would have Harry come and pick up his son.
With Grandma at home to take care of him, there wasn't much for her to worry about.
After giving a few instructions, Anna headed out the door.
She had just gotten into her car when her boss, Neil Walker, called.
"Anna, guess where I am?" Neil's voice carried a teasing tone.
Anna raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. "If I'm not mistaken, you should be in the country by now?"
"My Anna is always so smart. I wrapped up my loose ends and came over. Isn't today your press conference? I thought I'd come by and see you in action," Neil said with a laugh.
Anna felt a little helpless.
Neil had liked her for four years, and she had always known. But deep down, she believed she wasn't good enough for him.
Neil Walker, the CEO of International Fashion, came from an extraordinary family.
With his flawless physique, striking looks, and natural charisma, how could someone like her, a woman with children, raising two on her own, ever compare to him?
"Yeah, the press conference is in two hours. Just come straight over," Anna said quietly.
"Alright, I just landed. It'll take about an hour and a half to get there from the airport, so I'll make it in time. See you at the venue," Neil replied.
Anna hung up the phone, a faint helplessness flickering in her eyes. He was always so accommodating to her, but unfortunately…
By the time she left her house, it was nearly noon.
She drove to the press conference venue. Although it hadn't officially started yet, the lobby was already packed with reporters.
This wasn't just a small event for fashion companies in Ocean City; nearly every notable brand from across the country had gathered.
International Fashion was a major brand, and even if collaboration wasn't possible, the chance to network was still invaluable.
Anna didn't linger in the lobby.
She turned a corner and headed backstage. With over twenty minutes left before the conference began, she needed to prepare.
As soon as she sat down, her phone buzzed with several messages.
Ruby: Miss Marie, I waited for you at the coffee shop yesterday, but you seemed too busy.
Ruby: Miss Marie, can we talk before today's press conference?
Anna glanced at her phone, a cold smile tugging at her lips. Her fingers danced leisurely across the screen as she replied:
No need.
Just as she looked up from her phone, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Anna, you actually dared to show up!"
Anna lifted her gaze to see Tina strutting in, dressed in a tight black mini dress with a slit nearly up to her hip.
Her voluminous curls spilled over her shoulders, and her face was painted heavily, as if she were auditioning for a reality show.
Anna ignored her, turning her head as if she hadn't heard a thing.
But Tina wasn't about to let it go.
Clicking her high heels against the floor, she strode up to Anna, her voice dripping with arrogance. "Anna, what are you doing here? Aren't you embarrassed?"
Her voice was deliberately loud, loud enough for everyone backstage to hear. Curious glances immediately turned toward them.
Seeing this, Tina's smile widened.
She tilted her chin, casting a sidelong glance at Anna. "Today is the launch event for the international fashion chief designer. What are you doing backstage? Don't tell me you actually think you're the chief designer?"
Anna looked at the haughty woman before her and let out a soft laugh. She didn't bother to explain, simply smiling faintly.
Tina, enraged by Anna's calmness, suddenly felt like a clown in her eyes.
Grinding her teeth, she pressed further. "Anna, stop pretending to be Miss Marie. You're ruining her reputation!"
Anna finally lifted her head. Her dark eyes sparkled with amusement, but her tone was firm. "I am Marie."
Tina burst into wild laughter, as though she had just heard the funniest joke in the world.
Her face twisted with mockery as she sneered, "Anna, what right do you have to pretend to be Miss Marie? Marie is the chief designer of International Fashion, worth millions. And you? What do you have? Oh, right, a stillborn child! Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"