Chapter 148

Evelyn Sinclair crossed the busy intersection.

Margaret Whitmore observed Evelyn from a distance of about fifteen meters. The older woman chose a different crosswalk to traverse the street.

Evelyn wasn't heading to her office. Instead, she found herself secretly trailing Margaret.

Her job responsibilities, her projects - none of it mattered right now.

"Evelyn, what are you doing?" she muttered under her breath as she walked.

No clear answer came to mind.

She wouldn't admit the truth even to herself - that she desperately wanted to catch a glimpse of the child she'd given birth to five years ago. Just one look. That's why she'd instinctively followed Margaret, hoping to uncover more about the child.

Margaret reached the other side and strode purposefully toward the Blackwood Enterprises building.

Evelyn's gaze lifted to the corporate logo, her brow furrowing.

"Why would Margaret be going there?"

The answer eluded her.

Before she could reconsider, Evelyn followed Margaret inside. She maneuvered carefully through the revolving doors, keeping out of Margaret's line of sight.

The moment she stepped into the lobby, Sebastian Whitmore emerged from the elevator.

Margaret walked directly toward him.

Their easy familiarity was unmistakable. They clearly knew each other well.

Evelyn's grip tightened on her laptop bag.

At the elevator bank, Sebastian greeted Margaret warmly. "Mrs. Whitmore, what a pleasant surprise."

They entered the elevator together. "It's been too long," Margaret replied. "Walter and I have heard wonderful things about your work here."

Sebastian pressed the elevator button. "I owe everything to Mr. Harrison's mentorship. Though I must ask - what brings you here today? Is Mr. Harrison with you?"

"He's occupied elsewhere," Margaret deflected.

When the doors opened, Sebastian gestured for Margaret to enter first. "Next time you visit, please let me know in advance. I'll arrange transportation."

Margaret nodded politely.

But internally, she was troubled.

Five years ago, Dominic Blackwood had gained a son and daughter. Since retiring early with Walter to enjoy their golden years, they'd rarely appeared in public.

She'd only shown her face during that fateful transaction years ago.

If that young woman saw her now and made the connection... The truth about the Blackwood children could unravel.

Fortunately, Evelyn had seemed naive back then. A more calculating woman would have been disastrous.

The Blackwood family could handle financial demands. Their resources were vast.

But Margaret feared insatiable greed - demands beyond money. Unrealistic expectations.

If negotiations failed, the children would suffer most.

The worst-case scenario? Public scandal labeling Dominic's children as products of a shady surrogacy deal.

These concerns had kept Margaret and Walter in seclusion.

They rarely left home. When they did, private transportation was mandatory.

Yet today, Dominic had called with strange instructions: Take the subway. Arrive at 8:30 sharp.

Margaret hadn't questioned the order, though she could have taken a taxi or called a driver.

The morning subway commute had been brutal after years of avoiding public transit.

The girl who bore Dominic's children would be twenty-four now. Probably working, whether abroad or locally.

With countless subway lines and stations, the odds of an accidental encounter were astronomical.

Margaret straightened her posture as she exited the station, walking confidently toward Blackwood Enterprises.

On the top floor...

Margaret followed Sebastian into the CEO's office.

"Mr. Blackwood-"

Before she could finish, two small figures launched themselves at her from the sofa.

"Grandma Margaret!" they cried in unison.

"My darlings!" Margaret embraced them warmly. "Let me look at you both - so grown up and beautiful!"

Childless herself, Margaret had watched these twins grow. They visited her and Walter annually for holiday stays.

Dominic signed a document before looking up, his usual stern expression softening. "If you love Grandma Margaret so much, perhaps you should stay with her for a few days."

Margaret was still basking in the children's affection when Dominic's words registered.

Had she heard correctly?

Dominic reviewed another file without glancing up. "Didn't you two always want to ride the subway?"

Many things confused Margaret today. But one thing was clear: she'd be taking Dominic's children on the subway later.

Alexander looked at his father. "Really?"

Dominic met his son's gaze, something unreadable in his eyes. "Behave for Grandma Margaret."

"Thank you, Daddy!" the children chorused.

Dominic returned to his paperwork.

Alexander took Isabella's hand as they left with Margaret.

Outside the office...

Sebastian hesitated. "Shouldn't I arrange a car?"

"No need," Margaret said. "These two should experience the subway." She herded the children toward the elevator.

"Mr. Blackwood approved this?" Sebastian held the elevator door.

"Yes." Margaret had no time for questions. She needed to get the children moving.

Once outside, she'd call Walter about their unexpected houseguests.

Margaret pinched Isabella's cheek. "Grandpa Walter will be thrilled to see you both."

"I miss Grandpa," Isabella said sweetly.

Sebastian released the elevator button. The doors closed.

"Mr. Blackwood is letting them take the subway?" he muttered. "How strange."

Twenty minutes later, a meeting commenced in the conference room.

After the senior officer's presentation, he reported to the president's office.

Typically, Dominic showed little interest in project details.

But this project was different - a development in a small town that seemed personal. Dominic had insisted on reviewing certain elements himself. If necessary, he'd handle the design personally.