The man was panicking, ncing at the ringleader with desperate eyes. “It wasn’t…”


    The leader was urgently gesturing to his cronies to vouch for him. But in this situation, the best they


    could muster was feigned ignorance. “I didn’t get a clear look…”


    The police showed up swiftly, and I was helped onto the ambnce by Eric.


    “We suspect this guy named Connor of taking a bribe,” Eric announced to everyone within earshot, his


    voice stern yet audible to all. “His wife tipped us off that Connor’s been keeping a mistress on the side,


    and we found a million in cash at her ce. Now he’s gone as far as assaulting someone, trying to


    harm our CEO’s wife and her unborn child. Looks like a case of a hit gone wrong.”


    The faces around him turned ghostly white. Clearly, only the leader had pocketed the million windfall.


    Regardless of the oue, their little gang had crumbled.


    Sitting in the ambnce, I nced at Eric. I had merely mentioned to him on the way over, “Cut off the


    head of the snake,” and he had already seized the leader’s weaknesses.


    I had this eerie feeling that Eric had anticipated everything I could think of, and his silence was just


    ying into my charade. I felt pretty sharp for figuring that out, but something didn’t sit right.


    Was it really me protecting and aiding Colin? Without me, could Eric not have handled it?


    “Ma’am, everything has been taken care of as per your instructions,” Eric said.


    The police had escorted Connor away.


    I was taken aback. He was giving me too much credit; I had only hinted at a n, and he executed it to


    perfection. This kind of ttery sent shivers down my spine. “Ah… You didn’t tell Colin, did you? I don’t


    want him to worry. It’s nothing serious.”


    “Sir’s unaware. Once things are settled here, he’s nning to join you at the hospital for the check–up.


    I told him you had gone ahead,” Eric exined, covering all bases.


    I nodded in agreement. “Alright.”


    Before following the ambnce, I looked out the window onest time. Maybe it was just my


    imagination, but I felt like Colin was watching from the building above.


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    Not long after the ambnce arrived at the hospital, Colin showed up.


    “Phoebe, you didn’t wait for me,” Colin said, his eyes drooping slightly, projecting a hint of hurt.


    I looked around; the ambnce ride had been smooth.


    12:41


    Didn’t wait for him? I was practically making him wait on me.


    “Well, I was worried that you might be too busy with work,” I murmured reassuringly.


    Colin gripped my hand, visibly anxious. “Phoebe, I’m going to be a dad, right?”


    I paused for a moment; the child was indeed his. “What else? Should I go find another dad for this


    baby?”


    Colin’s gaze instantly deepened, his grip tightening. “That’s not allowed.”


    1 chuckled. “Did you sort out everything at thepany?”


    “Eric filled me in,” Colin’s face lit up in a mix of happiness and excitement, as if he relied heavily on me.


    “It was your idea that solved the problem with those guys. You’re so smart.”


    I felt a bit guilty but couldn’t quite pinpoint what was off. “Next time there’s trouble, let me know in


    advance.”


    That emerging protective instinct made


    e confident. After all, I had a second chance at life, and these jerks didn’t stand a chance. With me


    around, no one would dare bully the people I care about again.


    “Phoebe, you’re the best. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Colin continued his yful whining,


    holding me close.


    I felt I might have spoiled him, but what could I do? Other than dote on him, what else was there?