Chapter 45

**Angela’s POV**

I calmly inhaled and opted for politeness. I was not about to allow her the pleasure of my discomfort.

“Rose, what a...surprise.” I drawled monotonously. “Emilia, Jaclyn, and Anne are inside, I am sure they will be delighted to have your company.” I smiled and my muscles hurt. Scott was looking on attentively, his expression hard.

Rose seemed taken aback by my acknowledgment of her. Then she commanded a leisurely smile that only brightened her features and I grew sullen. How could such evil be so beautiful?

“I assure you, Angela, I am not here to see the girls.” She drawled, her teeth bearing in a vindictive smile.

I clenched my hand at my sides and calmed myself. It was no mystery who she was here to see. I saw Scott move to approach her or perhaps scold her, I reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him from any rash behavior.

“Well, whoever your object of coming here is, I hope you find time to indulge in their company.” Her smile faltered slightly at my remark and she tried to comprehend my motives. I smiled sweetly and led her and Scott inside.

They walked ahead of me and I couldn’t help but throw daggers at the back of Rose’s head. If only they were real!

**Brad’s POV**

Angela was gone for decades. I tuned out all of the conversations around me and searched for her. I needed to have her beside me, to feel her presence.

I finally saw her in the sea of people. Her expression was sullen. She spotted me and her gaze hardened as she continued her lingering stare. She averted her eyes and made her way over to a group of people. I was utterly confused.

But now was not the time to question her, we had an announcement to make.

“Everyone.” I rose my voice to a thunderous nature, the room quieted and all attention was on me.

“If I could beg your indulgence for just a moment, I would desperately like to share some fascinating news.” I continued as everyone now seemed eager to hear what I was about to say.

“If I could just locate my lovely wife, we can get started.” I drawled, looking about the room. “Angela,” I called as I caught her gaze. Some attention turned on her and I saw the tension warding her, she smiled subtly and made her way to my side.

Once next to me, I was soothed. My body relaxed and I inhaled deeply. I entwined my fingers with hers and looked down at her with a smile. She eased her lips upward in a tight smile. She was still annoyed and I would find out why after this was over.

“Now, I find it imperative to thank you all for your presence here tonight.” I looked out at the crowd and locked gazes with specific members.

“I am pleased to announce that Angela and I have been gifted with an heir.” I heard the gasps and ignored them, “Please allow me to introduce our adoptive son, Harvey.”

Harvey emerged and stood at my side. He stared straight into the crowd and looked aghast. This was not something they had expected when I mentioned an heir.

“And I hope that tonight you will share in our happiness,” I concluded and they began to return to their conversations. Angela was about to realize my grip and walk off but I tightened my grip and she glared at me.

What in the devil was happening?

I held her more firmly and dragged her towards me until our lips meshed. Faintly, I heard the surprised and cheerful murmurs floating about the room but I blocked it out, I coaxed her until she finally submitted and moved her lips against mine.

She pulled herself away from me and for an instant I saw desire darkening her eyes but it was immediately replaced with shyness and then anger once more. We turned her attention back to the room and some were openly gawking at us.

My gaze fell on Angela’s friends, I hadn’t known they were here. Jaclyn and Anne were astonished while Emilia had an expression that usually mirrored Scott’s. One that told that this was no surprise. I saw Angela catch their gazes and they stared at her questioningly.

Then her gaze switched and her entire body tensed. She walked away from me and disappeared into the kitchen. I followed where her eyes were...

What the fuck was Rose doing here?

I could almost taste the tension boiling in my veins but I was beginning to borderline on aggression. She had no right to be here and yet she had the audacity to seem angry. She didn’t know angry!