Samantha's POV
I thought we were done.
I thought the chaos Henry brought to my doorstep was the last trick in his bag.
I was wrong.
A plain white envelope comes tucked between bills and newsletters—harmless-looking. Until I tear it open and read the header:
PETITION FOR VISITATION RIGHTS: Filed by Henry Manuel
I go still.
It's not even custody. Just "visitation."17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V8TmL2B2z
But to me, it feels like a knife in the back disguised as formality.
After three years of silence—after abandoning us and showing up only when his life collapsed—now he wants a legal right to my child?
I grip the letter, hands shaking.
I don't even realize I've called Ryan until he's already on his way.
He doesn't ask questions when he walks in. Just sets his phone down and listens.
"This isn't about Angelique," I say, voice raw. "It's about control. About making me flinch."
Ryan nods, eyes dark. "We'll shut it down."
I blink. "We?"
"I'm not letting you fight this alone."
It's not just what he says—it's how he says it.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxAYjlCS1g
Not as a man trying to prove something.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp9p49aGSJ
But as someone already standing beside me.
Ryan'sPOV
I don't get involved in personal drama.
I handle contracts, mergers, market strategy.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAmrEBuEJN
Not bitter exes and court filings.
But then again—Samantha Magtalas isn't just anyone.
So when I walk back into the office the next day and find Trina Alfaro perched in my chair like she owns it, I'm already in a bad mood.
"CEO of the Year," she purrs. "No wonder Sam's been glowing lately."
I blink slowly. "Is there a reason you're in my office?"
She stands, one leg crossing the other like a move rehearsed too many times. "I just thought... since Henry's out of the picture, maybe you'd like someone a little more fun in yours."
She runs a finger down my desk edge. "I'm a fast learner. Good company."
I stare at her for a moment.
And then I laugh.
It's not kind.
It's short, dry, and ends with me reaching for the intercom. "Security, please escort Ms. Alfaro out. Unauthorized access."
Her smirk drops.
"You're throwing me out?"
I meet her eyes. "I don't entertain opportunists. Especially the ones who tried to break the woman I admire."
She scoffs. "So it's true. You're falling for the single mom sob story."
"No," I say, cool and certain. "I'm falling for the woman who survived it."
She slams the door on the way out.
And I sit back, heart pounding harder than I expected.
Samantha'sPOV (later that night)
Ryan sends me a voice message before bed.
"She tried to flirt. I shut it down. Not just because of what she did... but because she's not you. Not even close."
I didn't reply.
But I press play twice.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iIPZnOHEc
Because sometimes the things we never thought we deserved... start sounding like truth.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6pc1OFGaB
